USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 50
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HON. WILLIAM D. OWEN was born in Bloomington, Mon- roe County, this State, September 6, 1846. He is the oldest son of William D. and Priscilla (Rawlings) Owen, natives of Kentucky and Maryland, respectively, the former of German and the latter of English descent. His boyhood was spent at the home of his parents, in his native place. While the public school was in session he pursued his studies diligently, and by the time he had reached his twelfth year his education would have been a credit to a youth of eighteen. At the age of twelve years he left home and placed himself at the mercy of an unfriendly world. Believing that the achievements of this life rest in self and not in resource, he had
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determined to make the most of his pecuniarily embarrassed condi- tion and to enter the contest bravely. Having made his way to Oxford, Benton County, he was there employed as clerk in a store, with wages at $6 per month. He also found employment a portion of the time upon a farm and brick-yard. While working upon the latter he boarded himself and received for his labor 40 cents per . day. He was thus variously employed for six years. During this time he devoted his leisure hours and spare moments improving his mind and storing it with useful knowledge. He absented himself from the social dance and game, preferring to spend the time with some favorite author. His book accompanied him to the store and to the corn-field. Whenever an opportunity presented itself he embraced it. He studied so diligently that, on returning to Bloom- ington, at the age of eighteen, he was permitted to enter the sopho- more class of the State University. In that institution he completed the sophomore, junior and about one-half of the senior years. On leaving college he returned to Oxford and resumed clerking in a store. While thus employed, his leisure time was devoted to the study of the law. Some months later he went to Lafayette and entered the law office of Col. R. P. DeHart, whose partner he was to become at the expiration of one year. A few days before its .completion, however, an attack of the heart disease compelled him to abandon this notion, and during the two years which followed he was confined to his room, remaining during this time at the home of his uncle, Dr. Rawlings, of Oxford. Finding it difficult to culti- vate a taste for the law, as soon as he was restored to a moderate degree of health he yielded to an inclination of long standing, and entered the ministry of the Christian Church. It is noteworthy that his first preparation for this new field of labor was to gather the material for a sermon. His first pastorate was in Oxford, where he preached one year. In 1871, in the hope of securing a complete recovery of his health, he went to Salem, Oregon. Here he remained two years, in the meantime having accepted a pastorate in the First Christian Church, of that city. His health, however, steadily grew worse, and anticipating a fatal result he returned to Oxford. This latter move seemed to produce a more favorable effect upon his physical condition, and he again entered the ministry. After preaching at Oxford another year he went to Tallula, Ill., where he preached three years. In 1877 he went to Chicago, and for two years was the pastor of South Park Avenue Church, at the end of which time, owing to the serious condition of his health, he followed the advice of his physician and friends and decided to abandon the pulpit as a regular pastor, but not until his parishioners had exacted from him a promise to return to them if he ever resumed the duties of a pastor. He returned to Benton County and formed a partner-
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ship in the law practice with Mahlon Smith. He came to Logan- sport in 1881, and engaged in the practice of law with D. C. Justice. In 1880 Mr. Owen served as a presidential elector. He was elected to Congress by the Tenth Indiana District in 1884, and at present he has the unanimous nomination of his party for re-election. He was married, in 1871, to Mary Ross, a native of Cincinnati, who died in Washington City December 23, 1885. To them were born two children, both of whom died in infancy. As an author, Mr. Owen has gained considerable reputation, as the popularity of his publications plainly testifies. His book entitled "The Genius of Industry," published in 1883, is a masterpiece in thought and expression, in which the way to success is set forth in an able and eloquent manner.
EZRA T. PARKER, member of the manufacturing firm of Hagenbuck, Parker & Co., is a native of St. Johnsbury, Vt., and the son of Quincy and Electa ( McJaffey) Parker; parents both born in the town of Lyndon, Vt., and of English and Scotch lineage, respectively. Mr. Parker was born June 19, 1837, and grew to manhood upon a farm, with the rugged duties of which he early became familiar. Some time prior to the war he engaged with the Fairbanks Scale Company, and continued with the same until 1863, at which time he entered the army, enlisting in the Twelfth Vermont. Infantry, with which he remained one year, the limit of the regi- ment's period of service. On leaving the army he returned to his native State, and after four years came to Logansport, Ind., of ' which city he has since been an honored resident. In 1869, in partnership with William Hagenbuck, he engaged in the manufact- ure of bent carriage work, moldings, etc .; and from a small beginning has grown the large manufacturing establishment of to-day, one of the leading business enterprises of the city. Mr. Parker is a wide-awake energetic man, always alive to the interest of his business and the general prosperity of the community. He is a Republican in politics, and stands high in the F. & A. M., being a Scottish Rite Mason and Knight Templar. He was married, December 15, 1871, to Miss Laura M. Wade, of New York. The children of this marriage are Frank, Lillie M. and Bertha L. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are members of the Presbyterian Church, and belong to the Broadway congregation of Logansport.
AMOS PALMER, retired farmer, son of Cornelius and Deboralı (Evans) Palmer, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, September 30, 1818. His parents were natives of Loudoun County, Va., but early immigrated to Ohio, having been among the pioneers of that State. The father was a blacksmith by occupation and worked at the trade for a number of years at Sinking Springs, at which place the subject passed his youth and early manhood. Mr. Palmer en- joyed the advantages of a common school education, and at the age
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of twenty engaged to learn the saddler's trade, which he soon abandoned for the more congenial pursuit of agriculture, an occupa- tion he has since followed, with the exception of a few years spent in the iron works in Lawrence County, Ohio. He came to Cass County, Ind., in 1855, and purchased a farm in Clinton Township, upon which he lived a short time, selling the same and moving to Logansport, where he resided until 1856. In the latter year he purchased a beautiful tract of land in Washington Township, a short distance south of the city, which he improved and upon which he lived until his retirement from active life, May, 1883. Mr. Palmer's farm consists of 240 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Palmer was married July 20, 1841, to Miss Fenetta Hays, of Lawrence County, Ohio. They have seven children, namely: John, Dennis H., Louisa, George W., Rosa J., Peter and Demetrius. Mr. Palmer has been an energetic business man all his life, but is now spending his declining years in quiet and content, owning a handsome home in South Logan. He is a Democrat in politics and takes an active interest in the deliberations of his party in Cass County.
GEORGE W. PALMER, deputy sheriff and third son of Amos and Fenetta (Hays) Palmer, was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, on the Sth of March, 1849. He was reared to manhood on a farm, received a good practical education in the common schools, and since year 1855 has been a resident of Cass County. He followed agricultural pursuits until his twentieth year, at which time (1869) he began working at the carpenter's trade under John F. Daly, and after becoming proficient in the same commenced the vocation of contracting and building, which he followed with good success until 1885. In September of the latter year he was appointed deputy sheriff under James M. Stanley, the duties of which position he is still discharging. Mr. Palmer is an earnest supporter of the prin- ciples of Democracy, and as such rendered valuable services to his party in both municipal and county politics. He is a member of the city council at the present time and takes an active interest in the deliberations of that body. On the 14th of December, 1873, he was united in marriage with Catherine Barron, daughter of John Barron (deceased), who was one of the pioneers of Cass County. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have had seven children, viz .: Lizzie, Amos, Fanetta, Dudley and Earl (living), and Frankie and George (deceased ).
THEODORE PARVIN, druggist, was born at Washington C. H., Fayette Co., Ohio, February 18, 1850, and is the son of Clarence and Amelia ( Webster) Parvin, natives of New Jersey and Ohio, respectively. Subject's paternal ancestors were natives of New Jer- sey, his grandfather working at the tailor's trade in that State for many years. Clarence Parvin was born at the town of Bridgeton,
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N. J., but early immigrated to Ohio, locating at Washington C. H. about the year 1835. He was a tailor by trade, and departed this life in 1876. Amelia Parvin was the daughter of Hon. James B. Webster, a prominent citizen and physician of Washington C. H. He was for a number of years treasurer of Fayette County, and also served as probate judge of the same. Mrs. Parvin was born in Fay- ette County, Ohio, and is still living, making her home at the pres- ent time in Logansport. Theodore Parvin grew to manhood in . Washington C. H., and received a good education in the public schools of that city, attending the same at intervals until his twen- tieth year. He came to Logansport in 1870, and shortly thereafter engaged as clerk in the drug store of R. Strain & Co. In 1876 he took charge of the branch store of Strain & Shultz, on Twelfth Street, purchased the same in 1881, and has since operated the store, doing a very successful business. Mr. Parvin has a large stock of of drugs, fancy goods, etc., and is one of the energetic business men of the city. He is a member of the Knights of Maccabees, and a Republican in politics, although taking but little interest in political affairs.
LEMUEL G. PATTERSON. The subject of this biographical sketch is a native of Jackson County, Ala., and the son of James M. and Narcissus ( Russell) Patterson, the father born in Kentucky and the mother in Alabama. Mr. Patterson's paternal ancestors came from Scotland many years ago and were among the early settlers of Kentucky. Maternally he is descended from English ancestry. He was born on the 10th of December, 1826, and at the age of four years came with his parents to Montgomery County, Ind., where the family remained until about the year 1832. In the latter year they removed to Carroll County, and it was there that the subject passed his youth and early manhood, attending such schools as the country afforded in the meantime. At the age of sixteen he began working at the shoe-maker's trade at the town of Camden, which branch of industry he continued for a period of ten years, and at the end of that time engaged as salesman in a dry goods house at the same place, continuing in the latter capacity about five or six years. He then began merchandising at Camden with G. R. Thomas, and the firm thus formed continued until 1862, at which time Mr. Patterson disposed of his interest and came to Logansport and opened out in the agricultural implement business, in partnership with George Kuns, which lasted until 1865. In the year 1866 he entered into partnership in the agricultural implement business with D. W. Tom- linson, and the well-known firm of Patterson & Tomlinson continued until 1884. In the latter year Mr. Patterson retired from the im- plement business. and subsequently was largely instrumental in bringing about the organization and incorporation of the King Drill Company, of which he is one of the principal stock-holders and gen-
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eral manager. This enterprise is being conducted with success and financial profit, and is destined to become one of the important industries of the city at no distant day. Mr. Patterson is a wide awake, energetic business man, and takes an active interest in the general prosperity of the city and county. He is a Republican in polities and a member of the Masonie fraternity. February 26, 1849. he was united in marriage with Miss Malinda Bell, of Giles County. W. Va. To this marriage tive children have been born, only one whom, Lilian, is now living.
JASPER A. PAUGH, carpenter and builder and second son of Avers and Maria J. ( Westcott) Paugh, was born in Fountain County, Ind .. February 28, 1841. The parents were natives of Butler and Hamilton Counties, Ohio, and of German and English descent, respectively. Ayers Paugh moved to Fountain County in 1×37. and was a farmer by occupation. J. A. Paugh was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received such educational training as the common schools afforded. He early manifested decided tastes for mechanical pursuits, and at the age of seventeen began the car- penter's trade, in which he soon became quite skillful. He entered the army in 1862, joining Company H. Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. He shared the vicissitudes and fortunes of his command through all their va- ried experiences, including some of the bloodiest battles of the war, among which were Rocky Face. Resaca. Allatoona Pass, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Columbia (Tenn. ), Franklin, Nash- ville and others, in all of which he bore a gallant part. At the close of the war Mr. Paugh resumed his trade, at which he has since worked. He came to Logansport in 1874, and since that time has been an honored resident of the same place. He was married, Feb- ruary 26, 1874, to Miss Martha J. Wade, of Logansport, daughter of Elam Wade. The following are the children of this marriage: Ed- win L., born February 12, 1976; Junie O., born March 28, 1878: Fred A .. born July 23, 1880; Albert W., born September 9, 1883. Mr. Paugh is a member of the G. A. R. and Royal Arcanum, and in politics is a Republican.
CHARLES S. PECKHAM, city treasurer, was born near the town of St. Albans, Vt., June 16, 1835, and is the son of Eleazer and Eliza ( Ganson ) Peckham; parents natives of Vermont and of Scotch descent. Mr. Peckham's early life was passed on a farm and his educational training obtained from the common schools. When he was but four years old his father died, and the death of his mother, ten years later, threw him upon his own resources ; conse- quently what success he has achieved in life is the result of his unaided exertions. He came West in 1867, locating in Indiana, and one year later accepted a position as traveling salesman for George W. Axel, wholesale notion dealer, with whom he remained until 1869.
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In the latter year he engaged with the Fairbanks Scale Company, as general salesman, and during the succeeding eleven years did a suc- cessful business for said company in Indiana and other States, with Logansport as his principal stopping place. He severed his con- nections with the company in 1880, and three years later was elect- ed city treasurer, the duties of which position he has since dis- charged, having been re-elected in 1885. Mr. Peckham has proved a prompt and efficient officer, and it is safe to say that the position has never been filled by a more competent or popular person. He wields a political influence for the Democratic party and is an act- ive member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Peckham was married, December 20, 1876, to Miss Jennie Brown, of Crawfordsville, Ind.
HON. D. D. PRATT, Logansport. Among the many illus- trious men of Indiana, none, perhaps, are entitled to more promi- nence than the name and memory of D. D. Pratt. In the hearts of his fellow-citizens, this name will ever be dear, and, for generations to come, his record will be handed down, from parent to child, as the exemplification of what is good, pure and noble-an example worthy of emulation. Daniel Darwin Pratt was born at Palermo, Me., October 24, 1813, and died at Logansport, on Sunday, June 17, 1877. His father was a physician, and the son of David Pratt, a Revolutionary soldier, of Berkshire County, Mass. His mother, Sallie Rodgers Hill, was a remarkable woman, a Baptist of the deepest piety, and early taught her son the principles of Christian- ity-principles which marked and governed his after life. While Mr. Pratt was an infant, the family moved to Fenner, Madison Co., N. Y. The venerable old farm house is still standing, where, many years ago, Dr. Pratt began life. With six children to care for and only sixty acres of stony ground and a small country practice to depend upon, Dr. Pratt sent three boys to college, and provided handsomely for his four daughters, two of whom were step-children. Mr. Pratt's early years were years of severe toil, necessitated by the circumstances of his father's family. During his attendance at the district school, he manifested an extraordinary interest in his studies, and exhibited powers of intellect which caused his father to resolve upon an education for his son, by which those powers should be developed. In 1825, he entered the Seminary at Cazenovia, New York, then under the charge of Dr. Porter, and two years later entered the freshman class of Hamilton College, from which insti- tution he graduated in 1831. Among the graduates on that occa- sion were Rev. Dr. Kendrick (now president of Rochester Univer- sity), John Cochrane and Thomas T. Davis, of New York (both hon- ored Congressmen ), and Judge O. S. Williams, of Clinton, N. Y. To Mr. Pratt was awarded the honor of delivering the valedictory address. He was a natural orator, and as a classical scholar was rarely excelled. Immediately after graduating he accepted a pro-
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fessorship in Madison University. Among his preserved papers is a scrap-musty and brown with years-signed by half a dozen who were then students, but who have since become eminent Baptist Doctors of Divinity, signifying their entire satisfaction with his labors as a teacher. With the means accumulated during his term as professor, he began the study of law, at Cazenovia, N. Y., in the winter of 1831, and in the following spring decided to move west- ward. A family council was held, which resulted in raising $30 and a silver watch to fit him out for his journey. After the neces- sary arrangements had been completed, he took an affectionate leave of his mother, and started on his way. The details of this journey, his trip to Cincinnati, part of which was on foot; the school he taught at Rising Sun, Ind .; his subsequent location in Calvin Fletcher's law office at Indianapolis; his arrival, in 1836, in Lo- gansport, then a mere opening in the wilderness; his early practice as an attorney in Cass County-all these have been so graphically described by himself through the columns of the Logansport Star, that a repetition would be superfluous. His fidelity to duty while in the office of Mr. Fletcher gained the entire confidence of that gen- tleman, and not him alone, but all who became acquainted with the young student. Mr. Fletcher's business consisted largely in col- lecting money. In those days there was no postal money-order sys- tem; no safe and speedy express transportation, or, in short, any of the facilities which characterize these latter days, and render the shipment of large sums an easy and safe matter; and in view of this fact, it was necessary to transport them by trustworthy individuals. Late in the fall of 1835, Mr. Fletcher, having collected a sum of $2,000 for several firms in Cincinnati, intrusted the funds to Mr. Pratt, to be delivered to their several owners. He started on horse- back over the Lawrenceburg road, with the money stored safely in his saddle-bags. As he was passing the Branch Bank-then re- cently established-he was stopped by the cashier, who brought out some bundles of bank-bills, folded up, which he placed in the sad- bags, at the same time handing him letters addressed to the several banks to which the money was consigned. He startled Mr. Pratt by announcing that the packages contained $20,000! Surprise, however, was succeeded by a feeling nearly akin to fear, as he thought of the danger and responsibility connected with such a mis- sion; but notwithstanding the danger which might arise, he reached his destination safely, and delivered the packages to their several consignees. This incident is only one of many which illustrate his trustworthy character, and the confidence reposed in him. Once only was he tempted to depart from the path of rectitude; it was on this occasion, when, with $22,000 in his custody, he reached the summit of a hill overlooking the beautiful Ohio, dotted with its rafts and flat-boats bearing their stores of merchandise toward the
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great southern outlet-the Gulf of Mexico. He had but to sell his horse and go aboard one of these! The world was before him; he was a young man of twenty-one, and fortune was within his grasp! No telegraphic communication then existed to intercept his flight. There was then no foreign extradition treaty by which he would have been returned to his native land -- a felon! We quote from an article prepared by himself, for the Star: "I recall the fact that this thought was a tenant of my mind for a moment, and for a mo- ment only. Bless God, it found no hospitable lodgement there any longer! And what think you, gentle reader, were the associate thoughts that came to my rescue? Away over rivers and moun- tains, a thousand miles distant, in an humble farm house, on a bench, an aged mother reading to her boy from the oracles of God!" These were the last words ever uttered by Mr. Pratt; at these words his head dropped back on his chair, and his pure spirit winged its flight to its heavenly abode. His daughter, who was writing as he dictated, became alarmed and called assistance, but too late; the action of the heart, excited by the emotion at the memory of his mother, caused his death! And so the Christian principles, so early inculcated by that pious mother, and his tender affection for her, became the guarding angels which saved her son from the commis- sion of a great crime, at a time when the voice of the tempter was strong in his heart. But to return to his earlier history ; his time in Mr. Fletcher's law office was characterized by great industry and rapid progress, and he was soon admitted to practice. The bright promises of his youth were realized. In a few years the fame of the eloquent young advocate resounded throughout northern Indi- ana. He was one who never courted notoriety. He made himself a necessity in his field of action, and it was often a race between liti- gants, to see who should reach his office first. At the time of his election to the United States Senate, in 1869, he was recognized as the ablest lawyer in northern Indiana. Of him the late Hon. W.
Z. Stuart frequently remarked " that Mr. Pratt would develop more original views in a case which he had studied, and maintain them with more authorities, than any man he ever knew." For twenty- five years he was without a rival in Northern Indiana before a jury. Gov. Hendricks and Secretary Thompson divided the palm with him in the south and west. His eminent merits were recognized by the public, and in 1847-then a young man of thirty-three-he was nom- inated for Congress, but was defeated by Charles Cathcart. In 1848 he was one of the presidential electors. In 1851-53, he was elected to the Legislature, and became the leader in the House. In 1860 he was secretary of the National Convention at Chicago-which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency-and attracted great attention by his eloquence and commanding appearance. Dur- ing the war Mr. Pratt was a zealous and patriotic advocate of the
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Union cause. His first-born son fell at Cold Harbor, pierced by the enemy's bullets. To a soldier boy he was ever generous and open-hearted. When, in 1861, upon three days' notice, Logansport and Cass County sent forth two companies of volunteers, he ad- vanced hundreds of dollars to needy and poor men who were called away from their families hastily, and without the ability to make provisions for their support; requiring no security, and not even demanding the return of the amounts. In 1863, while engaged in the complications of a law case in Logansport, he received the unanimous nomination of his party-then in the minority-for United States Senator. He was first advised of this fact, through the columns of the Cincinnati Gazette, and the next day tried his case before a justice with characteristic coolness. In 1868 he was electeil to Congress by a handsome majority, and the Legislature, in 1869. without solicitation on his part, promoted him to the United States Senate. It was unfortunate that he entered that body so late in life. He was then fifty-six years of age, and, with exception of two terms in the State Legislature, sixteen years before, was with- out publie training. The artificial restraints thrown around him in the National Capital disgusted him and interfered with his splen- did oratorical powers. Had his race for Congress in 1847 been successful, he would have gained a reputation as one of the most brilliant statesmen who ever sat in the halls of Congress. He was recognized as one of the ablest men of that body during his service in that capacity, and although he made but few speeches, those he delivered were sound, logical and comprehensive. For six years he was a member of both the Claim and Pension Committees, and for two years of that time was chairman of the Pension Committee. Millions of dollars were allowed or disallowed, on his recommenda- tion. Had dishonesty been a trait of his character, he might, in this position, have added thousands of dollars to his own purse unsuspected. So conscientious was he, that Wendell Phillips once remarked, "Pratt is the most absolutely honest man I ever knew." Upon the expiration of his term as senator, in 1875, at the solicita- tion of President Grant, he took charge of the Internal Revenue Department, at a time when the war against the whisky ring was beginning. The history of this movement has never been written; a partial account appeared in the North American Review, fully justifying Secretary Bristow and Mr. Pratt, but the real history of that warfare is known only to Gen. Bristow. In 1876 the Re- publicans urged Mr. Pratt to become the candidate of that party for governor of the State, but he declined. He was one of the most cheerful and genial of men, and in his social life, and in all his as- sociations, shed an influence around him which was like sunshine. It was a pleasure to be in his company. He had a good word for every one, and never descended to gossip. He was patient, mild
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