USA > Indiana > Henry County > Hazzard's history of Henry county, Indiana, 1822-1906, Volume II > Part 82
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The fact is so well known that it is hardly necessary to state that politically Mr. Powell was an aggressive member of the Republican party. He was, however, first a Whig and regarded Henry Clay as the first of American citizens. In 1868 he was a dele- gate to the Republican National Convention, which met at Chicago; he was also a dele- gate to the Philadelphia convention of his party in 1872, and again to the convention at Cincinnati in 1876, where he strenuously advocated the nomination of Governor Mor- ton for President. He was also a delegate to the Chicago convention of 1880 and was one of the stalwart "306," who, under the leadership of Senator Roscoe Conkling, of New York, voted to secure the nomination of Grant for a third term, as President of the United States.
The last official position held by Mr. Powell was that of supervisor of internal reve- nue for the district composed of the States of Ohio and Indiana, with headquarters at Indianapolis. He received his appointment from President Grant and was commissioned December 14, 1872, and served for a period covering ahout five years, being succeeded by the late General Thomas W. Brady. Mr. Powell discharged the duties of this office with his accustomed zeal and fidelity to the interests of the government and was one of the coterie of internal revenue officers who were most instrumental in bringing to light and subsequently breaking up the great whisky ring, which had its headquarters at St. Louis, Missouri, and which resulted also in the punishment by fine, imprisonment and discharge from the service of many of those who were guilty participants in that great conspiracy against the government.
On April 5, 1842, Simon Titus Powell was united in marriage with Elizabeth Thorn- burgh, widow ot Jacob Thornburgb. She was a daughter of David Hoover, of near Rich- mond, Wayne County, Indiana, and came with her husband, Jacob Thornburgh, to New Castle in 1825. By her first husband she was the mother of eight children, only one of whom, John Thornburgh, of New Castle, survives. By her second husband she was the mother of four children, namely: Henry L., Orlistes W., Catharine, afterwards wife of William H. Elliott, and Elizabeth. Of these four children Henry L. Powell alone sur- vives. Elizabeth (Hoover-Thornburgh) Powell died October 8, 1881. She was a noble woman, a devoted wife and a loving mother; she was a great reader, had a retentive memory and was possessed of vivid descriptive powers, which made her recollections of the days of the early pioneers peculiarly interesting.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Powell was married on April 4, 1883, to Melvina, a daughter of William and Eliza (Robertson) Conway, of near Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana. Mr. Powell died at his handsome home in New Castle October 5, 1901. He was during the greater part of his life a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was also a prominent member of New Castle Lodge, number 59, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was for many years identified with the old settlers' organization, of which he was uniformly the treasurer. He was also a member of the Henry County His- torical Society, to which he gave during his life a great deal of his attention and on the walls of that institution hangs an excellent portrait of himself, presented to the society by his son, Henry L. Powell.
The will of Simon Titus Powell gave to his surviving widow and to his surviving son, Henry L. Powell, his entire estate, the whole bearing an estimated value of more than $100,000. Since his death his widow, Mrs. Melvina Powell, has placed in the new Methodist Episcopal Church of New Castle a handsome memorial window in honor and out of reverence to his memory. His remains, together with those of his first wife and his deceased children, are buried in South Mound Cemetery, New Castle.
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HAZZARD'S HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
ANCESTRY OF MRS. SIMON T. (CONWAY) POWELL.
Melvina (Conway) Powell, widow of Simon T. Powell, was the daughter of the late William and Eliza (Robertson) Conway, and was reared at her parents' home, two miles and a half east of Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana.
Her father, William Conway, was a native of Kentucky, where he was born January 22, 1817. His parents, Miles and Catharine Conway, were also natives of that State, but removed to Henry County, Indiana, where they settled on a farm. William Conway was of an aspiring and versatile mind, and when a young man undertook, in his usual ardent manner the study of the law and became so well versed in its principles that his friends and neighbors relied upon him as a trusted adviser in legal matters.
He always had a natural love of horses, and became in later years known over the whole State as an expert horseman. He was one of the kindest of men and his heart was of that large mold which is only found in company with a broad mind. He was especially fond of children and young people and his doors were always open to the needy and friendless. His unspoken deeds of charity are almost without number, and many a young person has found his way to success through his assistance.
He was a member of the Newlight or Christian Church, and his religion reached be- yond the mere orthodox type. It came directly from the heart. For a number of years he resided at Walnut Level, near Hagerstown, Wayne County, where his wife died May 2, 1901. His last days were spent at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Simon T. Powell, in New Castle, where he died Saturday, March 14, 1903, aged eighty-six years. He was the father of a large family, of whom one son and three daughters survive. Mr. Conway and his wife are buried in the Hagerstown cemetery.
Eliza (Robertson) Conway, the mother of Mrs. Powell, was the daughter of Moses and Polly Robertson. Her father, Moses Robertson, came from Wayne to Henry County in company with Jesse and Isaac Forkner about 1822, and entered land in Liberty Town- ship at the first land sale, August 16, 1822. In addition to filling the office of sheriff for two terms, from August 5, 1833, to August 21, 1837, he was county collector, 1830-1833, and an early justice of the peace and a member of the board of justices governing the county, from 1824 to 1827. He was a public-spirited citizen, who had the confidence of the people to an unusual degree. He was one of the original promoters of the railroad from Richmond to New Castle, now a part of the Panhandle Railroad. Late in life he moved to Hagerstown, Wayne County, where he died and is buried in the cemetery on Symons Creek, near old Chicago. Mrs. Powell thus has as much reason to be proud of her an. cestry as any lady living in Henry County, for her grandfather Robertson was certainly. one of the county's grand old pioneers.
Mrs. Simon T. Powell was educated in the schools of Hagerstown and resided at home with her parents until her marriage. She was a most excellent and congenial companion to her husband and with rare devotedness made his last days pleasant and happy. She is a lady who is held in high esteen among her friends and acquaintances. Since the death of her husband the considerable property interests which have come into her care have demonstrated that she has busines qualities of a high order. The large property has not only been maintained intact, but has been so administered as to greatly increase it.
John Real
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HAZZARD'S HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JOHN REA, M. D.
A PAPER READ BEFORE THE HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY BY HIS DAUGHTER, MRS. ELIZA- BETH REA GILLIES, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1902.
If I were vain of my own poor power to interest and entertain, I should probably find in your request to prepare a memoir of my father and read it here to-day, a sugges- tion that, as his daughter, I should speak from my own knowledge of his life and work as duty and affection prompt. But I know it is not so and that it is the pioneer and physician you would honor and not myself, his child. Knowing this, I have chosen to quote from my father's autobiography, which he began writing in 1878, as follows:
"1 have intended for some little time to occupy my spare moments in jotting down the events of my life, thinking they might be of some interest to those of my family who will survive me and perchance give encouragement to some who may have their way in life to make. Or, even beter, if there be any suggestions in these pages that follow that shall be worthy of emulation, or shall tend to making those who read them better and happier citizens, my time has been well spent.
"I was born February 10, 1819, in Rockbridge County, Virginia, near the city of Lexington, a section of country distinguished for that great wonder of nature, the Natu- ral Bridge. There are many points in my early life that I do not remember, for my parents died before I became anxious to preserve such information. My parents were poor, but well-to-do; they were both hard-working and it was necessary, as they had a large family, and the land not very fertile or productive, that the strictest economy be used to enable us to live upon what could be thus made. But my father had good credit and he never abused the trust reposed in him. As has been said, there was a large fam- ily and it was necessary that, at an early age, each one should bear his part of the work on the farm and in the house. My parents were of Scotch-Irish descent and possessed the intellect and physical characteristics of that ancestry. In religious belief they were firm and reared the family in the faith of the Presbyterians; indeed, the county in which we lived was settled almost entirely by this denomination. We attended meeting mostly at a church called Timber Ridge, about two miles from our home. It was built of solid stone one hundred and fifty years ago, and at the present day stands as a monument to the fidelity and loyalty of the early settlers of this country to their religion.
"Our educational advantages at that day were very imperfect, having school not more than six months of any year and sometimes only from one to three months. My younger brother and 1 attended school during the winter months and in the spring we were put to work on the farm. While our opportunities for attending school were limited, yet in these years was laid the foundation for future work and a determination for an educa- tion was implanted that has continued through my entire life. A part of the road that led to this school was about one-half mile through a dense forest which was so dark 1 could scarcely see at times, and even at this late day I recall with a shudder the many times I had to pass this way either to school or going to mill.
"Thus time passed until 1833 when my father sold his farm of one hundred and forty acres for $550, and after selling all our possessions that we could not take with us, we left the State of Virginia in a four-horse wagon for Indiana on October 1, 1833. We were just thirty days making the trip. While most of the journey was pleasant, yet we encountered some difficulties but they were easily overcome. On the 30th of October, we reached my uncle James Rea's place, who lived near Connersville, and who had moved to Indiana about fifteen years before. After spending some little time at his home, we secured a farm near Harrisburg, and moved to it. While living here I attended school in the village and my first teacher in Indiana was Waterman Clift, who had lately come to that vicinity from New York. The desire for an education grew with my years and so determined was I to obtain one that I worked at odd times, when not assisting with the work at home, to get money enough to clothe myself and buy books. In 1836, for one dol- lar a year, I had access to the county library at Connersville. I read and studied all my leisure time and at nights. It was customary in those days to sit by a large fireplace and in the evenings I would use the light from this place to save the expense of a candle that I
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might use what was thus saved towards my one object. About this time the way was not clear as to how I should pursue my studies, for there was no one near from whom I could obtain assistance, or advice, and all I learned had to be studied out alone. One day my father and I went into a store in Connersville and I saw a Natural Philosophy and upon looking into the hook I felt I could master it. My father gave his consent for me to purchase it, and I was so delighted that I read and reread it many times, and in this same way I gained a knowledge of chemistry and astronomy.
"In 1838, when nineteen years of age, I was overwhelmed with surprise and aston- ishment, when the trustees from the adjoining district solicited me to teach their school. I objected for I knew my limited knowledge, but they insisted and I was elected teacher for the winter term of three months. I went to Connersville the day after this and passed a creditable examination. Dr. Ryland T. Brown, who was considered one of the finest scholars in the State, was the examiner and you can imagine my embarrassment. The following Monday I began my first school, receiving sixteen dollars per month and board. Nothing unusual occurred during the term. I had to study to keep in advance of my pupils and had no trouble until an arithmetic problem toward the last of the book pre- sented itself. The class was approaching this lesson and I worked and puzzled over it for several days. It was my first and last thought, but to my joy, one morning when I arose, I solved the problem at the first trial and it seemed as clear as day. The patrons of the school were pleased with my work for I was employed the second Winter. I then taught and went to school alternately for several years.
"In 1840 the political excitement ran very high and while I had my own opinions and held to them tenaciously, yet I talked very little upon the subject. It was this year that I cast my first vote for Van Buren.
"In 1842 I was desirous of attending the high school conducted by Samuel K. Hoshour at Cambridge City, Wayne County. My greatest incentive to attend school here was that I might take up the study of Calculus and Conic sections, as I had advanced thus far alone. But to my dismay when I intimated my intention to Mr. Hoshour, he frankly admitted that he could not teach either of the branches mentioned. In their place I took Geometry and the French language. In Mr. Hoshour I found the person whom I needed. Besides being a fine teacher, he was easily approached and gave such advice as a young man needed, and he seemed to anticipate their needs. The following Winter I taught east of Milton securing sixteen dollars a month and paid one dollar and a quarter a week for my board. According to contract I had to take part of my pay in State script, which at that time was below par, but I had to take it at par.
"My next term of school was taught in Milton, where I made many and valuable friends. While here I became acquainted with Robert Murphey and family, several of his children coming to my school. A son, Benjamin F. Murphey, was clerking in New Castle in his uncle Miles Murphey's store. Through him I learned that the schools of New Castle would soon be without a teacher, and he thought that upon application I might secure the position. This position at Milton has always seemed to have been the stepping stone to my greater success. The school in New Castle was a county seminary and, ac- cording to the constitution, was under the control of trustees specially appointed. Eli Murphey was one of the trustees and he sent me word to come to New Castle, which I did at once. I made the journey on horseback and the first person I met in the town was Winford W. Shelley, who was acting as hostler at the hotel. After dinner I called on Benjamin F. Murphey and there became acquainted with Simon T. Powell, who was the former teacher. After meeting the trustees and making my application, at their next meeting I was chosen to fill the place, the term to begin April 7. When I came to New Castle, aside from a few personal effects, such as clothing and books, I had just twenty dollars in canal scrip and it was only worth fifty cents on the dollar. It was at this time that my parents moved from Fayette to Cass County, near Logansport, where they resided till their death.
"I had now arrived at an age when I felt that I must make some choice of a pro- fession or business calling for my life's work, and hecoming acquainted with Dr. Thomas B. Woodward, a young physician here, he suggested I study medicine, which suggestion I followed and began the study of medicine at once. I did this in connection with my
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school work, and put in five hours a day in reading and study outside of my duties in the school, for I was determined to not slight my obligations there. In May, 1847, after three years' study I presented myself to the Thirteenth Medical District Society for examination and a license to practise medicine. This was a regularly organized, society and comprised several counties. The president was Dr. Joel Reed and the censors Drs. Thomas Jones, George W. Riddle and Thomas B. Wooward. They issued me a license signed by the president and the censors with the seal of the society and admitted me as a member of said society. I first located in Middletown, on May 9, 1847, and formed a part- nership with Dr. Luther W. Hess. I only remained here till November 1st and then removed to Lewisville. 1 was advised by friends to make the change and it proved a good move. These were dark days to me, for I had but little means and had left a few bills, all of which amounted to something like ten dollars, but it was always a source of great worry to me to be in debt. I did not become discouraged but persevered and took advantage of everything that came my way. About this time the Henry County Turn- pike Company was organized and I was made secretary, which was a financial boon to me. With the amount received from this and the little revenue from my business, I was. enabled to liquidate my little bills and live well but economically. In 1848 a division of the "Sons of Temperance" was founded in Lewisville. The place had been rather _disposed to intemperance, but the work of this society made such an impression upon public opinion in regard to the use of spirituous liquors as a beverage, that one hesitated to carry a jug through the streets for fear of being suspected of going for whisky. The educational side of the question for the town was now agitated and it was not long before a stock company was formed, a building erected and we had a good school and a fine teacher. The second teacher was a Miss Remby from Salem, Massachusetts. I now had a lucrative practise and felt I could support a home of my own and on October 9, 1851, I was married to Miss Remby. We started out to live within our means and my wife was a great comfort to me, encouraging me in my dark hours and being a true helpmeet during all our lives. Our oldest child was born on July 28, 1852, which was a source of great joy to us and we now seemed to have everything that made life enjoyable and a new incentive to lay up for the future. In the Fall of 1854, I had my home paid for and money enough laid by to enable me to attend a course of medical lectures in the Ohio Medical College, from which college I graduated in March, 1855. In July of the same year Jacob Mowrer and Dr. Thomas B. Woodward, my preceptor in medicine, wrote me asking that I should move to New Castle. They assured me a good practise, for Dr. Woodward wanted to retire and there was no physician there at that time, who would ride at night. On the 24th of the same month I moved to New Castle. This was an ad- vantageous move in many respects, and I was glad to make my future home in this town. The schools were better here and we could educate our family and give them facilities that we did not have in a smaller place. I very soon purchased my present home on Elm Street and have lived continuously in the one place. My business from the time I moved here was very heavy and in the main lucrative. It was this year I joined the Masonic order, of which I have continued to be a member.
"The years from 1855 to 1860 were among the most pleasant years of my life. Dur- ing that time I had gained a competence and felt confident that my youthful ambition would be fully realized; that is, I should live to the average age of man and that my de- cline of life would be comfortable and that I might be able to give my family the pleas- ures and advantages I had not been able to have; and that together we might enjoy life and its happiness.
"But at this time a dark cloud was arising which threatened to disturb the peace of our nation. War was no longer a conjecture, but a certainty. In January, 1863, there was a call for volunteer surgeons and I was one of a number to respond to the call. We were sent to Nashville, Tennessee, but after a little time they changed our appointments and it was found necessary to take the wounded to Cincinnati, that they might receive better care. I was given full charge of the hoat and we reached our destination after many difficulties. I came home sick and lay seriously ill for a long time, hut finally recovered and resumed my business, and for many years had uninterrupted health and vigor of constitution. For a number of years I had felt I should identify myself with a
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HAZZARD'S HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
Christian church and had considerable exercise of mind and convictions upon the sub- ject. In 1865 I united with the Baptist Church near Springport, Indiana. Within the next few years death entered our home a number of times, taking away from our midst several children.
"The only business venture, aside from my profession that I engaged in, was the dry goods business. In 1873 I formed a partnership with Lee Harvey, and later pur- chased his interest. This was not a success financially as it was the year of the demone- tization of silver which affected business generally. In 1875 I traded the store for a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wayne County.
"Our daughter, Ollie, was taken from us by death in 1882 and in 1885 our oldest son, George. These deaths were severe afflictions for they were grown and gave much promise of usefulness.
"I became a member of the examining board of pensions in 1885 and held this place for twelve consecutive years. I had a serious illness in the Winter of 1898 and my recov- ery was a matter of doubt. For the kind and skillful treatment of my brother physicians, Drs. Ferris and Boor, I can never express to them my deep sense of gratitude and also to my fellow Masons who so kindly furnished me with a competent and efficient nurse, Daniel Harvey, my heart goes out in untold appreciation."
Thus briefly have we traced through my father's notes, the principal events of the active period of his life and have now arrived at the point in his history where he was so soon to lay down his pen for the last time. On the day of January 28, 1899, he writes briefly of my mother's illness and the final entry in his journal is dated, Sunday p. m., February 12, 1899, just two days before the beginning of his own last sickness. He was ill hut ten days and his chief concern, although suffering greatly, seemed to be his inabil- ity to care for "mother," as he had always before done throughout the long period of their married life. He died on February 24, 1899 .- Elizabeth Rea Gillies.
The parents of Dr. John Rea were David and Elizabeth (Adams) Rea, who were both natives of Virginia. They moved with their children from Virginia to Indiana and settled on a farm near Connersville, Fayette County, in 1833, hut a few years later sold their possessions there and went to Cass County, Indiana, locating not far from Logans- port, where both father and mother died in 1855.
It is difficult to add to or strengthen what Dr. John Rea has himself said touching his life history. The author of this work knew him as one of Henry County's foremost citizens, one who had the respect and esteem of the whole community, a man who fol- lowed the strict path of duty and who was keenly alive to the betterment of the civil, social and political conditions of his time. He was devoted to his profession and during his whole life was a student who kept abreast of the advances in the medical art and who received the merited respect of his fellow practitioners.
As a teacher in the old New Castle or Henry County Seminary, in the 'forties, he was eminently successful. He was strict in his government of the school but gained and held the respect and confidence of his scholars. His punctuality in the discharge of his duties was so well known that it is said the people of the town set their watches and clocks by the ringing of teacher Rea's school bell. He was a member of the New Castle school board for over a quarter of a century and no man took greater interest in the cause of education.
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