USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 54
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Indiana, to act with like commissioners on the part of Illinois, in locating the boundary line between the two States. The work was expeditiously and satisfactorily accomplished the succeed- ing summer, and ratified by the Legislatures of the two States at the session of 1822-23. He was appointed in March, 1823, by President Monroe, general agent for the Pottawattomie and Miami Indians, on the upper Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers, and imme- diately removed to Fort Wayne, the seat of the agency. His suc- cess in this field was no less marked than in the execution of other trusts before reposed in him. At his instance, the agency was re- moved from Fort Wayne to Logansport, in the spring of 1828, where he continued to discharge the functions of his trust with fidel- ity and success. Anterior to his removal of the agency, under ap- pointment of President J. Q. Adams, in the fall of 1826, he was chiefly instrumental in securing the important provisions of several treaties with those tribes over which he had jurisdiction, whereby valuable land interests were opened to the public. At the session of the Legislature in December, 1831, he was elected United States Senator from Indiana to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. James Noble. Again, at the session of 1832-33, he was elected for a full term of six years. While there, he was distinguished for his sound judgment and independent action upon all questions in- volving the interest of his State or the General Government. His views in reference to the re-charter of a United States Bank were strictly opposed to those of Gen. Jackson, favoring, in a most ex- haustive speech on that question, the continuance of that institution as the best means of securing a standard currency of uniform value everywhere. He recognized no party in determining the line of duty, always acting from motives of public right, his unbiased judgment controlling the effort. As a civilian and citizen, he was alike suc- cessful in directing and executing, to the extent of his power, what- ever purpose his conscience approved or his judgment dictated. Having determined to make Logansport his home, and moved his family here, he directed his energies toward securing all advantages incident to cultivated society and the development of natural re- sources. One of his first steps was to effect the organization of the Eel River Seminary Society; the erection of a suitable building for school purposes ; the employment and support of teachers. This was accomplished in the fall and winter of 1828-29. For this purpose, also, he contributed largely of his means and influence. In after years his numerous business cares did not detract from his efforts to secure the permanent prosperity of the schools. Under his direction, the settlement was supplied with grist and saw-mills, simultaneously with the other enterprises inaugurated by him. In short, he was the instigator and motive power that gave form and imparted energy to every enterprise calculated to improve society, and induce
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progress toward the unfoldment and utilization of all the natural ad- vantages with which Cass County has been so bountifully supplied. He was the proprietor, also, of four separate additions to the town of Logansport, and was interested with Mr. Carter in the plan and location of the original plat thereof. During the summer or fall of 1838, he was delegated with the discretionary powers necessary to the successful removal of the disaffected Indians, who, having dis- posed of their lands, were yet unwilling to remove peacefully to their home beyond the Mississippi. The decisive measures adopted by him permitted no delay. Difficulties, seemingly unsurmountable, were promptly overcome by his superior tact and courage, and the ' work accomplished with satisfactory dispatch. Mr. Tipton was twice married; the first time, about 1818, to Miss"2 MARI Shields, who died less than two years after their marriage. The second time was in April, 1825, to Matilda, daughter of Capt. Spier Spencer, who was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe. The second Mrs. Tipton died in the spring of 1839, about the close of her husband's sena- torial career. The prestige of his name as a civilian and statesman, added to his fame as a military leader, did not completely fill his measure of honor; he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and occupied a distinguished position in the order. He received the first degree in Pisgah Lodge, No. 5, at Corydon, Ind., in 1817. He was soon after elected master, and, as such, represented that lodge at the first session of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, at which he was elected Senior Grand Warden, holding that position until 1820, when he be- came Grand Master. Having served one term, he was re-elected Grand Master in 1828. In 1822, he received the chapter degrees at Louisville, Ky., at the hands of Companion Snow, of Ohio. He subsequently filled many important positions in the Grand Lodge, and was chiefly instrumental in the institution of Tipton Lodge, No. 33, in 1828, and Logan Chapter, No. 2, in 1837, in both of which he achieved the highest honors. On the morning of April 5, 1839, after a few hours of unconcious suffering, he died, in the meridian of life, and received the last sad honors of his Masonic brethren on Sunday, April 7, 1839.
DANIEL W. TOMLINSON was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 26, 1833, and is the eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth ( McDowell) Tomlinson, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Thomas Tomlinson came to Cass County in 1846, and for a number of years thereafter carried on the grain and commis- sion business in Logansport. He was in the employ of the Govern- ment during the war, and died in the year 1864. D. W. Tomlin- son accompanied his parents to Logansport, and received a good practical education in the city schools. In 1853 he engaged in the dry goods business with James D. Spear, and carried on that branch of industry until 1858, at which time he became deputy county
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auditor under John F. Dodds. He was appointed to the office of auditor in 1860, to fill out the unexpired term of Mr. Dodds, and in October, 1861, was regularly elected to the position, the duties of which he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner until 1865. At the expiration of his term of offce he embarked in the agricult- ural implement business with L. G. Patterson, and the firm thus formed continued until November, 1884. Mr. Tomlinson has al- ways taken an active interest in politics, and is one the Republican leaders in Cass County. He was chairman of the central commit- tee in 1876, and in 1880 was member of the State Central Commit- . tee, representing the Tenth Congressional District. Mr. Tomlinson is a shrewd politician, and the success of his party in several hotly contested campaigns is largely due to his advice and skillful man- agement. He is chairman of the County Central Committee at the present time, having been appointed to the position in 1886. He deserves special mention for his untiring efforts in behalf of the city's interest as member of the common council, to which he was elected in 1874, and in which he has shown his wisdom and administrative ability until the present time. He was member of the city school board in 1872, and is now holding the office of sec- retary of the Cass County Agricultural Society, of which he has been one of the chief promoters. Mr. Tomlinson was married, No- vember 18, 1860, to Miss Harriet Covault, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Douglass) Covault, of Logansport. The following are the names of tlfe children of Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson: living, Joseph T., Thomas W., Harry, Frederick; deceased, Mary, Geneva, Anna, Dot, Pink and John.
HENRY S. TOUSLEY, train dispatcher, Pan Handle Rail- road, is a native of Logansport, and the son of Isaac and Julia (Murdock ) Tousley; parents born in Michigan. Isaac Tousley came to Logausport about the year 1851, and was a painter by trade. He was a skillful workman, and did a good business for a number of years. He abandoned painting late in life, and engaged in merchandising, which he followed until his death in 1870. Henry Tousley was educated in the city schools, and at the age of nineteen began learning telegraphy, in which he soon became quite proficient. In 1870 he engaged with the Pan Handle Railroad Company as operator, and, by his proficiency and strict attention to business, was in 1883 made chief train dispatcher, which responsible position he still holds. Mr. Tousley is one of the most skillful op- erators in Indiana, and has the confidence of the large corporation by which he is employed. He was married, April, 1874, to Laura E. Nicol, daughter of Hiram Nicol, a union which has been blessed with two children: Gertie, born February 19, 1875, and Harry, born April 8, 1877.
CHARLES UHL was born in Alleghany County, Md., October
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
20, 1841, and is the second son of Joseph and Caroline ( Miller) Uhl, natives of Pennsylvania and Germany, respectively. Joseph Uhl came to Cass County in 1851, and settled in Washington Town- ship. He subsequently moved to Logansport, and engaged in the milling business. He is a resident of the city at the present time, and one of its most successful business men. Charles Uhl was ed- ucated in the common schools, and spent the. years of his youth partly upon a farm and partly in his father's mill in Logansport. He came to the city in 1859, and worked in the Empire Mills until 1865, at which time, in partnership with his brother, Dennis Uhl, he took an interest in the enterprise, with which he has since been ' connected. The Empire Mills is one of the most successful mills in northern Indiana, and the firm of Uhl Bros. has much more than a local reputation in business circles. The mill manufactures a superior grade of flour, made by the roller process, and has a ca- pacity of 200 barrels per day. Mr. Uhl was married, September 20, 1865, to Miss Evaline Kistler, of Boone Township, this county. The following children have been born to this marriage: Etta M., Emma, George and Jesse. Mr. Uhl is a Democrat in politics.
MILLER UHL, manufacturer of carriages, buggies, etc., fourth son of Joseph and Caroline ( Miller) Uhl, was born in the city of Logansport July 6, 1860. His education was acquired in the city schools supplemented by a thorough commercial course in Hall's Business College, and he early learned milling, which he followed until 1880, having had charge of the Empire Mills for a period of three years. In 1880 he abandoned milling, and engaged with Charles Holbruner in the manufacture of carriages and buggies which he still carries on. The firm do a wholesale and retail busi- ness, have a large and constantly increasing trade, and their manu- facturing establishment is rapidly coming to the front among the important industries of the city. Mr. Uhl was married, in August, 1883, to Miss Jessie, daughter of W. E. Haney, of Logansport. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. having " passed all the chairs " in that order, and in politics votes the principles of the Democratic party.
CAPT. CYRUS VIGUS is a native of New Glasgow, Amherst Co., Va., and was born on the 4th of September, 1793, the son of James and Elizabeth B. (Tate) Vigus, natives, respectively, of the city of London, Eng., and of the State of Virginia. His father was educated in London, and, subsequently, upon his arrival in this country, was engaged in preaching and teaching in Virginia, his adopted liome. Cyrus, at the age of twelve years, left Virginia, and went to Lexington, Ky. His educational privileges, though not the best, were equal to those accorded to youths of that age and local- ity. When at the age of about thirteen years, he commenced the trade of saddle-tree making at Lexington, but abandoning that he
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soon after engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and con- tinued in that business until 1818, when he came to Corydon, Ind., and opened a hotel there, and did a good business as long as the State capitol was located at that place. He did not leave there. however, until 1829, when he came to and settled in Logansport, at that time but little more than one year old. Becoming acquainted with Gen. John Tipton, while that gentleman was sheriff of Harri- son County, in 1818, and at this time agent for the Indian tribes of the locality, with headquarters at Logansport, he availed himself of the opportunity thus presented, and was soon after appointed the General's assistant in the management of Indian affairs, continuing in the position until 1831, when Mr. Tipton was elected to the Sen- ate of the United States, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of James Noble, late senator from Indiana. In the meantime he had opened a hotel in Logansport, at the southwest corner of Market and Third Streets, known then, and for years afterward, as the "Washington Hall," more recently the "Old Barnett House," con- tinning in business here until 1849, when he moved to his farm, south of the city. Among his early boarders was "Tom" Marshall, Gen. Tipton's successor in the Indian agency. He resided on his farm until 1881, when he again returned to Logansport, making this place his permanent home. In October, 1820, he was married, at Corydon, Ind., to Miss Alazana Cook Heth, a native of Pennsylvania, whence she had come to Harrison County at an early age. As the issue of this marriage they had nine children, of whom four are now living. Of these children, four sons (Thomas P., Henry W., James M. and Carter L. Vigus) served in the war with Mexico, in 1846-47, during which war Carter L. was severely wounded in the battle of Cerro Gordo. In the late Rebellion he was represented by six sons: Henry W., James M., Carter . L., Cyrus J., Jabez D. and John H., all of them excellent soldiers. His wife died at their home in Washing- ton Township, on the 3d of January, 1872. In his political affilia- tions, Capt. Vigus was originally a Whig, and cast his first vote for James Madison for President of the United States, and saw that dis- tinguished gentleman at Washington City in 1814, but since the organization of the Republican party he uniformly acted with and supported its principles and measures. Possessed of a desire for military life, he became a member of the regiment commanded by Col. Trotter, of Lexington, Ky., in the war of 1812, and belonged also to the regiment of Mounted Riflemen that defeated Proctor and killed Tecumseh, the great Shawanoe warrior, remaining in the field until the close of the war on Canada ground. It is but just to say that in his whole military experience he displayed the characteris- ties of a brave and true soldier. When the call was made for sol- diers to serve in the Mexican war he sent four sons to represent him in that service and was himself appointed regimental commissary.
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
From 1534 to 1838 he was interested in and ran the first line of mail stages from Indianapolis, Ind., to Niles, Mich., a distance of about 150 miles, carrying the mail from home both ways over the whole route. In 1858 he was elected a member of the board of commissioners of Cass County, and served his constituents faith- fully through one full term of three years. At this time he is the oldest Mason in the State, if not in the United States, having re- ceived the degrees in Baltimore in 1814, but a short time after at- taining his majority, and with that order participated in the cere- monies incident to laying the corner-stone of the Washington Mon- ument at Baltimore in 1816. Capt. Vigus now resides with his widowed daughter in this city, and notwithstanding he is now past ninety-three years old, to one not personally acquainted with him he would readily pass for sixty. His general health is good and he lives quietly in the enjoyment of hosts of friends.
JAMES W. VINEY was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., July 28, 1850, and is the second son of George and Rachel (Lewis) Viney;'parents natives of the same State. George Viney came to Indiana in 1864, and from that time until his death, August, 1870, was a resident of Cass County. The subject received a fair English education in the Logansport schools, which he attended at intervals until his eighteenth year, at which time he engaged as clerk in the mercantile house of John Lux, for whom and others he worked un- til twenty-two years of age. He then learned the candy-maker's trade, and manufactured confectionery for two years, working for Jolin D. Ferguson and others during that time. In 1881 he was made captain of the Fifteenth Street Engine-House (fire depart- ment), and in December, 1883, was promoted chief of the depart- ment, in which capacity he served until May, 1886. He now has charge of the Fifteenth Street house, and is considered one of the most skillful firemen in the city. Mr. Viney was married, Novem- ber 15, 1871, to Miss Sarah Sweet, of Rochester, Ind., who has borne him four children, viz .: Bertrand, Harold, Floyd and Nellie. Mr. Viney is a member of the K. of P., and in politics votes the Democratic ticket.
HENRY WEIRICK (deceased). Mr. Weirick, one of the early residents of Logansport, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in the year 1789. He remained in his native city until twelve years of age, at which time (1801) he went to Kentucky, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed with good success until 1830. In the latter year he came to Cass County and engaged in farming in Eel Township, near Logansport. He followed agricult- ural pursuits for a number of years, and subsequently engaged in the grocery and provision trade, which he carried on until his death, November, 1852. Mr. Weirick was a substantial business man and prominent citizen. He was a member of the Masonic frater-
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nity, and took an active interest in all measures and movements hav- ing for their object the public good. In the year 1836 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Patterson, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, near the city of Chillicothe. The following children were born to this marriage: Anna, Sophia and Edward. Mrs. Wei- rick is still living, having reached the ripe old age of seventy-four years.
GEN. WALTER WILSON, late of Logansport, Ind., was born in the vicinity of Harrodsburg, Mercer Co., Ky., on the 18th of Jan- uary, 1782. His father came from Virginia to Kentucky, in the ' year 1776, with a small colony of frontiersmen. Less than half a century previous the paternal ancestors of the Kentucky pioneer had left the shores of Scotland and settled in the Old Dominion. The opportunities for acquiring even an introductory knowledge of the primary branches of learning were extremely rare in the locality where Mr. Wilson spent his youth. He had but little school dis- cipline, but that discipline enjoyed by one of his practical good sense and mental balance was sufficient to lay the ground work of a suc- cessful life. His mind was of that eminently practical type which readily compensated for any deficiency in acquisition by intuitively adapting means to the necessities of the situation. His peculiarity became one of the leading features of his eventful life. His occu- pation was that of a farmer. The demands of the public service, in the field or in the halls of the Legislature, did not wean him from these pursuits in his later days. While still a young man his fam- ily settled at "old Post Vincennes," in what is now Knox County, Ind., then the center of the civil and military affairs of the North- west Territory. His superior qualifications as a pioneersman soon
became apparent. In 1811 Gov. Harrison sent him on an import- ant mission to the Prophet's Town, on the upper Wabash. On his return from the successful accomplishment of this daring feat, he was again sent out by the Governor to meet Tecumseh and express to him Gov. Harrison's disapprobation of that warrior's conduct in violating his agreement to visit Vincennes for the purpose of a con- ference attended by a few only of his wisest counselors. He met the notable warrior on his approach to Vincennes, about twenty miles above the Post, July 11, 1811, and by promptly delivering the message, according to instructions, prevented Tecumseh's con- templated display. The same year he was appointed, at a public meeting of the citizens of Vincennes, one of a committee to carry out the spirit of a series of resolutions declaring the danger to which the people of the Territory were exposed, on account of the numerous acts of hostility on the part of the Indians at the Proph- et's Town, and to request the President of the United States to forci- bly disperse them. An expedition, of which he was the leading spirit, was rapidly fitted out and started to execute summarily this pur-
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pose. Proceeding up the river, they halted and built Fort Harrison. They reached the Prophet's Town on the evening of November 6. The battle of Tippecanoe, the following day, attested the material of which the expedition was composed. In that bloody fight Mr. Wilson bore a conspicuous part. Subsequently, in the attack upon the Mississinewa towns. Col. Wilson commanded the left flank in the advancing column in the battle which occurred in July, 1813. He continued in active service during the succeeding campaigns against the Indians until the cessation of hostilities, acquitting him- self with the highest credit as an officer and soldier. In recogni- tion of his ability he was elected a member of the Legislative Coun- cil of the Territory, from Knox County, in 1810, and continued a member during several sessions. He was also a member of the first session of the Legislature after the organization of the State gov- ernment in 1816. About 1821 he became a resident of Gibson County, and in 1828 removed to Cass County and purchased a tract of land north of Eel River, within the present limits of Logansport. In 1831 and 1832 he represented his district, Carroll and Cass Counties, in the State Legislature. Gen. Wilson was an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and probably received the first degrees in Vincennes Lodge, No. 1. When the Eel River Semi- nary Society was organized he took an active interest in its affairs, and assisted, according to his means, in promoting its usefulness. Gen. Wilson was above the medium height, muscular, and of a ro- bust constitution. His manner was reserved and positive, yet courteous, affable and dignified. Honest and straightforward in his dealings with others, faithful to his convictions of right, he was one of nature's noblemen. After a short illness, he died March 18, 1838, and was buried by the members of Tipton Lodge, with the usual Masonic honors. Gen. Wilson married, April 10, 1804, Mary Williams, by whom he had seven children, all of whom are now dead, excepting one son, William, who now resides near Logans- port.
THOMAS H. WILSON was born May 31, 1818, near the vil- lage of Denton. Caroline Co., Md. His parents. John and Sarah (Hopkins) Wilson, were of English descent and members of the So- ciety of Friends. His father was a farmer. Mr. Wilson was the sixth of ten children, was left an orphan when eleven years old, and went to live with an uncle, Thomas Hopkins, who was his guardian. A common school education and the practical knowledge gained in his uncle's mill and store ended in the development of an aptitude for mercantile pursuits, and in 1834 he became a clerk for Messrs. Miffin & Atwell, at Camden, Del. They kept a general stock of merchandise, and agreed to pay him $50 per annum for three years in addition to his board. Early in 1837 the firm closed their business, and Mr. Wilson, then in his nineteenth year, went with
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one of the partners, Daniel Atwell, to Logansport, where he resided until his death. He was first employed by Anderson & Atwell, and afterward by Daniel Atwell, until the latter's death in 1840. He next formed a partnership in mercantile business with Philip Pol- lard. In 1843, Pollard & Wilson built a grain warehouse on the Wabash & Erie Canal, and carried on a forwarding and commission business in the farm products of the Wabash Valley. Ten years later, Mr. Pollard retired, and the firm became Wilson, Merriam & Co. Pollard & Wilson continued in the produce trade until 1856, when by the death of Mr. Pollard, the firm was dissolved. His duties as Mr. Pollard's executor and his own failing health neces- sitated Mr. Wilson's leaving the firm of Wilson, Merriam & Co., but he continued in the produce trade until July, 1875. In May, 1865, Mr. Wilson was chosen president of the Logansport National Bank, which position he held until his death, December 27, 1877. He was originally a Whig in politics, and was a Republican from the formation of the latter party until his death. He contin- ued his membership in the Society of Friends, though separated from any organized meeting of the society. Until his health failed he was a regular attendant of some one of the churches of Logans- port, and was connected with its temperance and charitable associa- tions. Mr. Wilson was active and vigilant in his care for the inter- est of his business; and though prudent and conservative, he was active in most of the enterprises that tended to the improvement of the trade or influence of the city where he lived and the develop- ment of the country in its neighborhood. The worthy poor of Lo- gansport found in him a friend, and many of the younger business men of the place are indebted to him for encouragement and coun- sel. By diligence and care he accumulated a reasonable competence, and his long and honorable business career gave him a name which his children prize as a priceless heritage. In October, 1842, Mr. Wilson married America Weirick, of Logansport, who survived him but three years. In January, 1849, he married Mary I. A. Dexter, of Parkersburg, W. Va. She died September 18, 1854, and in April, 1856, he married Elizabeth E. Hopkins, of Burlington, N. J., who is still living. He leaves surviving him four sons: William I., Ell- wood G., Thomas H., Jr. and John Charles, all now of mature years and engaged in business at Logansport.
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