USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 57
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In 1840, he built a distillery and flouring-mill in the eastern part of the city. He was regarded by the early settlers of the city and county as, one of our most active and energetic business men ; pleasant and agreeable in his manners, and while yet in the prime of life, and in successful business, he was ealled hence, and departed this life on the 20th day of February, 1845.
HENRY COOPER.
But few men in the United States bad less claim to recent European blood than Mr. Cooper. His maternal ancestors were Irish Protestants, and were among the first followers of Lord Baltimore to Maryland, where they settled near Cambry. His paternal progenitors, who were English Protestants, arrived in Maryland at a later period. He had a maternal uncle who served under the unfortunate Admiral Byng at Minorca, and in the English West India fleet during the French war. His maternal grandfather was an Ensign in the Maryland Vol- unteers during the Revolutionary war. One of his paternal uncles was taken prisoner by the Hessians in New Jersey, and was detained a long time on board of one of the prison ships at New York.
Henry Cooper, son of James and Leah Cooper, was born at Havre de Grace, Md., June 8, 1793, and was left fatherless in his tenth year ; but at that early age he had learned from his fatber the rules of morals and mathematics, both of which were of great service to him in his subsequent journey through life. Influ- fluenced by the slender state of his resources, he commenced a seafaring life in 1810, but, finding there was no chance of preferment without a knowledge of navigation, he entered himself as a student of that science under the tuition of Mr. Ackworth, in Baltimore. While attending this course, muathematies, in theory and practice, engrossed his entire attention, and while engaged in taking the alti- tude of church steeples and other elevated objects, within the eity, the bearings and distance of Fort MeHenry, and places of similar notoriety without, he became such an enthusiastic disciple of Euclid, that he has been heard to say he thought that was tho most interesting portion of his education.
Determining to follow the sea, he did so until 1818, and by perseverance and good conduct, rose to the command of a vessel. Ahout the year 1918, his natu- ral sagacity led him to perceive that the treaty made in that year, with the Euro- pean powers, would have a tendeney to materially lessen the American carrying trade, and give a considerable portion of it to foreign vessels. Under this convic- tion, lie abandoned the sea and came to the West. When he visited Baltimore, in 1822, 1835 and 1836, the number of foreign flags floating to the breeze in the harbor-where formerly the stars and stripes alone were seen-convinced him that his previous opinion on the subject was correct.
After coming to the West, the small amount he had saved of his hard earn- ings on the ocean was sunk in the Mississippi River during a storm. Finding his designs again thwarted, he made a fresh effort in a new profession, and, in 1832, commenced the study of law under the direction of a lawyer, a scholar and a gen- tleman-the late Mr. Wing, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The beautiful and elaborate Commentaries of Chancellor Kent, and many other eminent writers on American law, had not been published when Mr. Cooper commenced the study of the law; but, knowing that he would have to compete with learning and talent, backed with wealth and influence, he determined to read dili- gently and methodically the most useful books on legal science procurable. After a diligent study of Blackstone's Commentaries, he devoted much attention to the Feudal laws. For this purpose, he read those great works, Sullivan's " Lectures on Feudal Law," Hume's "History of England," Robertson's " Charles V," and Montesquieu's "Spirit of the Law," rightly judging that the fullest understanding of modern authors was based on an intimate acquaintance with those authors who had preceded them.
Blackstone's Commentaries was his chief favorite and so often and so thor- oughly had he analyzed them that it might be said he had their contents iudelibly impressed on his memory. Coke on Littleton came in for no small share of his admiration, and he esteemed the author as one of the brightest ornaments of the profession. For twenty years preceding his death, he strenuously opposed all tinkering with the Constitution aud fundamental laws of the land, and often
publicly deelared "that a provision in the Constitution of Maryland which guaranteed to the inhabitants of that State the common law of England and trial by jury secording to the course of that law, was the best inheritance he ever received."
Having completed his courso of elementary reading, Mr. Cooper applied him- self to the study of pleading and praetiee. His previous knowledge of mathe- matics and the elements of the law much facilitated his acquisition of special pleading. He fully conourred in the opinion of Judge Story, " that no one can become a good special pleader without therehy becoming a profound lawyer." About the year 1825, he removed to Fort Wayne, and, after three years of unre- mitting study, was admitted to the bar of the Cireuit Courts of this State, and in May, 1829, to practice iu the Supreme Court of the State. About this time, the mooted question wbethier the jury, in oriminal eases, is judge of both law and facts, camo hefore the Supreme Court for adjudication-on which question the beneh was divided. The matter was zealously contested for some time by each side. Mr. Cooper, influeneed hy the remembrance of the arbitrary use of power he had witnessed in foreign countries, as well as by his own foelings, strenuously contended for the independence of juries. His opinion was strengthened by reading Judge Chase's view of the aubjcet, the opinion of Mr. Leigh, pub- lished in the American Jurist, and Lord Erskine's speech on the " Rights of Juries."
Mr. Cooper had a very extensive practice in the Cireuit and Supreme Courts in Indiana, and in the United States Courts in the State. A few of the many interesting cases in which he was engaged havo been reported, either by Judges McLean, Blackford or Smith. At the January term, 1833, he was licensed in the Supreme Court of the United States. In one of his eases before that tribunal, the lessees of Gantley et al. vs. Ewing, certilicd from the Circuit Court of the United States for this district, a case in which the Judges of the United States Court were divided in opinion on a motion for a new trial, several points were made in arguments, both in the Circuit and Supreme Courts, on one of which the Supreme Court of the United States decided in favor of Mr. Cooper, but gave no opinion on the other. The ease is reported in Howard's S. C. Reports, Vol. III, page 707.
In the important case of Harris vs. Doe, (4th Blackford, page 396,) Mr. C. prosecuted and obtained a verdict and judgment in the Allen Circuit Court. On an appeal the Supreme Court eoneurred with him, "that an Indian treaty is a contract to be construed like otber contracts, and that the admission of possess- ion in the consent rule estopped the defendant from denying possession in him at the time of the commenement of the suit."
In the case of Rubottom vs. McClure, the question for the first time came before the Supreme Court: "Does the law as then constituted authorize the tak- ing of private property for public benefit, and leave the assessment of damages to commissioners without a jury having first valued the same?" Mr. C. appeared for the plaintiff in error and the Supreme Court austained his construction of the law.
In February, 1833, Mr. C. married Miss Mary C. Silvers, of Hamilton County, Ohio, who bore him seven children, five of whom have long since died. The two survivors are now engaged in mercantile business on the Pacific Slope. In April, 1875, it was his misfortune to lose his amiable wifc.
In July, 1850, he married Mrs. Ellanor Munson, of Fort Wayne, widow of James P. Munson, Esq. She continued to reside in Fort Wayne with her children. one of whom, Charles A. Munson, is now serving bis second term as Sheriff of Allen County, and another, the sole issue of the last marriage, William P. Cooper, is acting as a deputy.
Mr. C. was never a caudidate for any political office. In 1824 and 1828, he supported Mr. Adams for the Presidency ; in 1832 and 1844, Henry Clay, and in 1836 and 1840, his old personal friend Gen. Harrison. During this latter campaign, he was chairman of the committee which organized such a successful campaign in Allen County. Mr. Cooper adopted the opinions of Messrs. Hamil- ton, Madison, Jay and Dr. Paley, on the theory of free government, and was never backward in freely expressing it as his firm opinion " that the Constitution of the United States gives full power to the General Government to charter a National bank and establish a tariff for the protection of American industry, when eitber or botb shall be required for the public good."
Mr. C. had an extensive practice in the courts of Indiana, and frequently of Ohio, and, during the period from 1835 to the time of his death, few lawyers had presented the result of more labor and research to the Supreme Court than he.
As a speaker, Mr. C. made no effort at flowery declamation, but in a methodieal and logical argument, brought his case before the court, and, in his address to the jury, andyzed the testimony and concentrated it on the point at issue. He paid constant attention to the adage that "method and preparation are the true causes of a lawyer's success," and he never came into court without having his authorities carefully selected beforehand.
His memory was wonderful, a decision once read became indelibly impressed on his mind, and he could repeat not only the substance, but give the page and volume with astonishing aceuraey. Many lawyers, now practicing in our courts, will remember the kind assistance he always tendered, and the great pains be ever took to thoroughly explain or apply a point of law.
Mr. Cooper died, very suddenly, on Friday, March 25, 1853. He was seized with a congestive chill, and, on the following morning, with his family gathered around bim, he passed quietly away. Ou Sunday, March 27, the funeral service was held at the First Presbyterian Church, wbere an eloquent and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. Reibeldaffen. His remains were followed to the grave by a great number of citizens, preceded by the members of the bar. Thus passed away a good citizen, a profound lawyer, and an honest man.
132
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
CAPT. JAMES HARPER.
Capt. James Harper was horn November 26, 1852, in Jefferson Township, Allen Co., Ind., and was reared at home with the ordinary advantages common to the sons of farmers of that day. His father, William Harper, ia one of the old settlers of the county, and is highly respected.
In August, 1861, at the age of nineteen, his patriotism impelled him to answer his country's call, and he enlisted as a private in Company D, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteers, heing mustered into the service of the United States Septem- her 24, 1861, at Camp Allen, Fort Wayne, Ind. He was in the battle of Shiloh, April 7, 1862; was with his regiment in the seige of Corinthi, Miss., and par- tieipated in the famous retrograde movement of Gen. Buell through Tennessee to Louisville, Ky., where he was discharged from the service December 27, 1862, ou account of disability superinduced by typhoid pneumonia, exposure and fatigue. During his term of service of nearly seventeen months, he was promoted from the ranks to the grade of Sergeant. He was the first volunteer from Jefferson Township for the three-years service.
When the call for 300,000 more men was made in the summer of 1863, having regained his health, he again volunteered, this time as a private in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry in October, and was mustered in December 17 of that year. On the 25th day of January, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant, and, on the 26th of March, was
promoted to a captainey. While with this gallant regiment, he was engaged iu the battle of Resaea, Ga., participated in the Atlanta campaign, the battles of Franklin and Nashville, November 30 and December 15 and 16, 1864, after which the regiment was ordered to Washington, D. C., and thence to Wilming- ton, Fort Fisher and Newbern, N. C. Was at the battle of Kingston, N. C .; was at Raleigh when the rebel General, Joe Johnston, surrendered to Sberman. The regiment was afterward stationed at Charlotte, N. C., where Captain Harper was in command on account of the Colonel's absence on leave, and, on being relieved, he was appointed Post Commander at Charlotte, in which capacity he served until mustered out of service August 29, 1865. His accounts with the Quartermaster's and Ordnance Departments were found correct in every par- tieular. During this term of service, he was examined by a board selected to pa's upon the qualifications of officers, passing the examination with credit, and the report of the Board, on file in the War Department at Washington, certifies him to be competent to command a regiment.
On being mustered out, he returned to Fort Wayne, where he has since been engaged in the business of hat and cap dealer on Callioun street.
He was married, January 10, 1872, to Miss Anna L. Jones, of Ravenna, Ohio.
Few men are better known, and few have a larger circle of warm friends, especially among the old soldiers of Allen County, who know him as a true, warm-hearted comrade.
THE BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING-LEFT WING-THE WOODS ON FIRE DURING THE ENGAGEMENT OF SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1862. 44TH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS ENGAGED, COL. HUGH B. REED COMMANDING .- Harper's Weekly, 1862.
COL. HUGH B. REED.
A native of Ohio; was, in 1841-42, engaged in the study of medicine and in attendance on lectures at the Ohio Medical College. In 1843, he engaged in the drug business in Cincinnati, and, in 1845, removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he was an energetic and successful merchant up to the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion. He took a very active part in support of the Government from the outset. and was appointed by Gov. Morton Commandant of the Post, with camp at Fort Wayne; aided in raising and organizing the Twelfth, Thirtieth and Forty-fourth Regiments of Indiana Volunteers, and was commissioned Colonel of the latter regiment, wbich gained by gallant conduct the sobriquet of " Iron
Men of the Forty-fourth." He participated, with his regiment, in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, and in driving Bragg out of Kentucky. In Sunday's battle of Sbilob, the Forty-fourth lost more than half its number in killed and wounded. Col. Reed was struck four times by rebel shot and shell, and had two horses shot under him. The regiment was publicly complimented by bothi brigade and division commanders, and Col. Reed was nominated Brigadier General by President Lincoln ; but, his health having failed, he resigned his com- mission and returned to his home in Fort Wayne. He removed to the East after the close of the war, in search of health, and now resides in New Jersey, in the vicinity of New York City.
High Kb. Beck
133
WAYNE TOWNSHIP.
JOHN H. BASS.
John H. Bass, the subject of this sketch, was born in Salem, Livingston Co., Ky., on the 9th of November, 1835. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers and pioneers of the Carolinas, his father, Sion Bass, coming from " The Old North State," and his mother from Charleston, S. C.
After receiving a thorough academic and business education, he removed to and became a resident of Fort Wayne, in the year 1852. His brother, Col. Sion S. Bass, who was killed in the late war while bravely fighting at the head of his regiment, the gallant Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, had preceded him and was already engaged in business and regarded as one of the leading business men of Fort Wayne, as a member of the firm of Jones, Bass & Co., and, soon after he arrived here, he entered the employment of that firm, with which he remained until it discontinued business, in 1858. Here he mastered all the details of that business, and laid the foundation for his future success in manu- facturing.
In 1859, he became interested in the Fort Wayne Machine Works, a com- pany which succeeded Jones, Bass & Co., although engaged in a somewhat different branch of manufacturing.
The stock of this company eventually coming into the possession of Hon. Samuel Hanna and Mr. Bass, the business was by them changed, in 1863, into a pri- vate copartnership, under the name of Bass & Hanna, Judge Hanna having transferred lis interest to Horace H. Hanna, his son. This firm continued in business until 1869, when it was terminated by the death of the junior partner, and Mr. Bass sueceeded by purchase to the entire ownership and control of the business.
The business, under his management, largely increased, and, for greater con- venience in its management, he caused it to be incorporated, in 1873, under the name of " Bass Foundry and Machine Works," a history of which establishment will be found elsewhere in this volume.
In the year 1865, he married Laura, only daugliter of Judge Lightfoot, of Falmouth, Ky.
Enterprise, integrity and business sagacity, have marked the career of Mr. Bass, from his earliest manhood. His energy and foresight induced him to found the St. Louis Car Wheel Company, of St. Louis, Mo., in 1869. He has been President of this company since its organization in 1869, and owns a controlling interest therein.
Again in 1873, in the midst of the financial panic, which scemed enough to deter even the most daring and confident from embarking in a uew enterprise, lie established an extensive foundry in the city of Chicago, for the manufacture of car wheels and railroad work generally, which he still owns and operates with pro- nounced success. These three establishments, being the largest and most pros- perous of their kind in the United States, speak well for the business capacity and energy of Mr. Bass; but it is not alone in the management of his own affairs that these qualities are exhibited.
For years, he has been the chief promoter of all the best interests of his adopted city, his name being prominently connected with every enterprise calcu- lated to increase its prosperity and afford labor for its rapidly increasing popula- tion. To these objects he has devoted his time, means and energy, ungrudgingly, and no man in this or any other community can truthfully be said better to deserve, or more fully to enjoy the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.
In applying to him the title of a " self-made man " it may well be added that the result shows skilled workmanship on the part of the maker.
CHARLES A. MUNSON. BY COL. R. S. ROBERTSON.
Charles A. Munson, present Sheriff of Allen County, the subject of this biography, was born in the city of Fort Wayne, Ind., March 27, 1843. His father, James P. Munson, was born in Wolcottville, Conn., March 11, 1816, and in 1840, came to Fort Wayne and engaged in the mercantile business, in which lie continued until 1848. During the latter year, his health failing him, he went East, and soon afterward died at his mother's residence in Bristol, Conn. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in the county of' Tyrone, Irelaud, July 1, 1813. When six years of age, she came to America with her parents, and for many years resided in Western New York, afterward removing to Hamilton, Ohio. At this place, in 1830, she was married to J. P. Munson, two years afterward removing to Fort Wayne, where she still resides. Mr. M. died in 1848. In 1849, Mrs. Munson was married to Henry Cooper, Esq., an eminent and able lawyer of Fort Wayne, by whom she had one child-William P. Cooper, Esq., at present Deputy Sheriff. Mr. Henry Cooper died March 26, 1853. Mr. Munsou's mother was again left a widow, with her little family to be supported by her needle. Young Munson's opportunities for obtaining an education were limited. During the winter months of the first four years after Mr. Cooper's death, he attended school, after which time he determined to do something to assist his mother and her family. Few young men in this country have passed a busier life than this dutiful son. From the fourtenth to the eighteenth year nf his age, his occupations were varied, but few idle days intervened. For a short time, he was employed as messenger in the telegraph office, afterward as a elerk in Hamilton's boot and shoe store, and respectively at Kurtz' and Heller's grocery and provision stores. During two or three winters, failing to find other employ- ment, he sawed and split wood for the merchants and other citizens of Fort Wayne. His industry attracted the attention of George L. Little, Esq., of the commission firm of Little & McCullooli, and by them he was engaged to pur- ehase grain, pork, etc. So well did he perform his duties, though but a boy in years, that his employers deeined his serviees worth as much as those of the
oldest buyers. Desirous of taking part in the war, he relinquished his position, and August 13, 1862, enlisted in the United States Navy, under Capt. Robert Getty, at Cincinnati, Ohio. Devoting himself to his new calling, he was soon passed from the grade of a "landsman " to that of an "able-bodied" seaman. In December, 1862, he was ordered to the iron clad "Chillicothe," then defending Louisville, Ky., from an expected attack of the rebel Gen. Bragg. Shortly afterward, his vessel was ordered to Vicksburg, then besieged by the land ,and naval forces, under Gen. Grant and Admiral Porter. Here for a time he served on the U. S. steamer " Red Rover." Promotion following fast, he passed rapidly through the petty grades, and after a thorough examination hy Capt. K. Randolphi Breeze, upon the recommendation of Capt. St. Clair, of the "Chillicothe," and Capt. Wells, of the " Red Rover," he was on the morning of his twentieth hirthday commissioned Master Mate, and made third officer in command of liis vessel. After the fall of Vicksburg, and the opening of the Mississippi River, Munson gave up his commission and returned home.
In the latter part of 1863, he went to Stevenson, Ala., and was employed by Capt. P. P. Baily and Nellis Borden, Esq., sutlers in the Army of the Cumber- land. Returning to Fort Wayne, after the close of the war, he engaged in the retail grocery business until 1868, at which time he was employed by Huestis & Hamilton, wholesale grocers, as a "commercial tourist." Ile operated in this capacity for eight years.
This, we may say, was the beginning of his future successful eareer. By dint of energy, accompanied by a pleasant address, he won the estecm and confi- denee of his numerous patrons, for which he was rewarded hy a salary of 82,500 per annum, including expeuses. At the expiration of four years, he was admitted as a partner into the firm. His yearly sales exceeded $200,000, which were con- fined to a portion of the States of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. In 1875, he was elected Alderman on the Democratic ticket; was Chairman of the Courmittee ou Finance and Public Printing. In December. 1875, lie determined to relinquish the grocery business and enter the lists as a candidate for the office of Sheriff. For six months, Mr. M. was the busiest man in the county, the result of whiel was that, at the Democratie Convention in June, 1876, he obtained the nomina- tion for Sheriff, on the ninth ballot, over eight opponents. The campaign was warmly contested, but he was successful. In 1878, he was nominated by acela- mation, and again elected by a majority of 4,370 over his highest evmpetitor; this was 593 votes over the State ticket, and the largest majority ever given a Sheriff in Indiana.
Sheriff Munson is of a genial nature, frank and outspoken, indefatigable, courageous and discrect in the apprehension of criminals, and has done much to rid the country of horse-thieves and other violators of the law, as his public record abundantly shows. Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Odd Fellows and Encampment, and is a bachelor. He resides with his mother, sister and brother, at the Sheriff's residence adjoining the jail. Affability, indomitable perse- verance, untiring industry, a strict regard to business, houor and punctuality, and an adherence to the axiom that " what is worth doing. is worth doing well," are the chief characteristics that have guided him through life.
MARTIN VAN BUREN SPENCER.
BY COL. R. S. ROBERTSON.
M. V. B. Spencer, present Clerk of Allen County, was the seventh son of James and Sarah Spencer, and was born October 15, 1840 in Knox Township, Jay County, Ind. After obtaining such education as was afforded by the public schools of that day, he entered the Fort Wayne Methodist College, and there obtained as many educational advantages as his time and means would permit. From early life, his aspiration had heen to become a lawyer, and in 1861 he entered the office of Hon. David Studebaker, at Decatur, Adams Co. Ind., as a law studeut, where he remained until August, 1862, except a short time, when he was engaged in teaching a school. While thus engaged, he felt the call of his country, and leaving the school term and his law studies unfinished, enlisted as a private in Company H., Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, serv- ing one year, during which he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant. He was also offered a position on the staff of Gen. Smith, of the Western Army, in which position he would have ranked as Colonel, but his health failing, he was obliged to abandon the military service, and returned home to resume his professional studies, entering the office of Moses Jeukinson, Esq., at Fort Wayne, where lie completed his studies, and afterward commenced his professional career as a part- ner of Mr. Jenkinson, to whose business he succeeded upon Mr. Jenkinson's death.
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