USA > Indiana > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Indiana: containing a history of the townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies, etc., etc. > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57
sent out, as Major, was the last Colonel in command of the regiment. Maj. William Patton, of Vevay, was in command of the regiment at the time of discharge. On his return from the war in the fall of 1864, Mr. Cotton was elected Sheriff of the county, and served two terms, being chosen County Treasurer for the same length of time. In 1873 financial troubles over- took him, but, unlike many, not the shadow of equiv- ocation was exhibited, while thousands of honest earn - ings were absorbed in paying others' døbts. In 1878 he was elected City Marshal of Connersville and served two terms, tendering his resignation after a third election. After closing his official career Mr. Cotton spent the summer and fall in Arkansas, where he purchased lands, and since that time has given up active business. April 6, 1843, he was married to Christiann Goodwise, who died about two and one- half years later, leaving one daughter. March 4, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Drusilla C. Utter, and in 1854 this wife was also called to her eternal rest, leaving two daughters and one son. Left with three little daughters and one little son, Mr. Cotton was necessitated to break up house keep- ing and board. In 1856, while boarding his little family, he spent one year in his parents' native State, visiting the old plantations and residences where his parents were born, reared and married. While there he was engaged in his profession, teaching. Brother Cotton (as he was called) has been quite un- fortunate with his family, having lost by death three daughters and one son. He has only one daughter and little son living. His present wife was Mrs. Mary F. Smith (nee Webb), to whom he was married May 20, 1874, and by this union were born one daughter and one son, the daughter deceased, as heretofore indi- cated. Mr. Cotton is a member of the G. A. R. He has been associated with the Christian congregation since he was twenty-three years of age. He has been quite an active worker in local politics, casting his vote with the Republicans on all questions of general issue, and his long official service is the best evidence to be given as to his personal character as a man, or his public character as a citizen
WILSON T. DALE, lumber dealer, Connersville, was born in Harrison Township, near Harrisburg, Fay- ette Co., Ind., October 29, 1824. He was raised on a farm and received a common school education. His father, Alexander Dale, was born in Westmoreland County, Va., February 8, 1786. His mother, Nancy (Tyner) Dale, was born in South Carolina, Oc- tober 26, 1793. They immigrated to Kentucky in a very early day, and the Indians being numerous and dangerous, they had to move into Craig's Station for safety. They came to this county in 1814, where the mother died June 11,
237
CONNERSVILLE CITY.
1835, and the father October 24, 1854. The subject of this sketch was married February 7, 1847, to Char- ity Morgan, who was born November 24, 1826, and to this union were born two children: Marcus (deceased) and Manfred, now in the lumber business with his father. In 1854 Mr. Dale moved to Connersville and engaged in wagon and carriage-making. During the first year of the Rebellion (1861) he made for the Government 100 army wagons in six weeks, which consumed all his material and necessitated his closing up the business. In 1862 he commenced buying and selling lumber, at which he has continued ever since. In 1864 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has been re-elected four times since, making five terms, or twenty years' service without cessation, which shows conclusively that he enjoys the respect and con- fidence of his neighbors and friends. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., Subordinate and Encampment; is a member of the Episcopal Church.
HENRY DEPNER, the enterprising baker of Connersville, was born in Germany, September 22, 1850, son of Christian and Minnie (Branthurst) Dep- ner, who were also natives of Germany, where they still reside. Mr. Depner was a farmer in his native country, and was there educated and reared to man- hood. In October, 1871, he emigrated to this country and located in Cincinnati, where he learned his trade. In 1872 he went to Indianapolis, and here he con- tinued his work till 1879, when he established him- self in Connersville. He has the leading bakery of the place and does a large business in the ice cream, confectionery and cigar trade besides. Mr. Depner was married in 1875 to Hermenia Berger, a native of Germany, and daughter of George and Fredericka Berger, residents of Connersville. They have two children: Eddie and Amelia. Mr. Depner is a live business man and well respected.
LOUIS DOLL, proprietor of saloon on Fifth Street between Eastern and Central Avenues, Con- nersville, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 6, 1846, and received a common school education. His father, Frank Doll, was born in Baden, Germany, April 2, 1826; his mother, Rosenna (Bumgardner) Doll, was a native of Ohio. They were married in 1848, and had a family of five children, one surviving. Mrs. Doll died in 1853, and Mr. Doll married, January 15, 1861, Helena Eppert, who was born March 10, 1837, and by this union were six children, five of whom are now living. Louis, the second son of the first set of children, came to Connersville in 1851 and worked at carriage blacksmithing up to 1870, a trade he learned in 1865; then officiated as bar-tender up to 1874, at which time he engaged in his present business for himself. He was married, May 21, 1874, to Miss Eliza Hofherr, a native of Baden, Germany, born
October 19, 1849, and to this union have been born three children: August F., Edward L., Charles J. Mr. Doll is a self-made man, having acquired his all by industry and economy. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
THOMAS DOWNS, of the firm of Downs, Ready & Co., Connersville, was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind., March 31, 1844, son of Hezekiah and Ruth (Close) Downs, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Indiana. He remained with his parents till six- teen years of age, when he enlisted in Company K, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three months, at the expiration of which time he re-enlisted in the Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry for three years. He participated in many of the most impor- tant battles, among which were Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, and in the Red River Expedition. In 1865 Mr. Downs returned home and located in Connersville, where he has since resided. He was engaged in the carpenter's trade till about 1870, when he began con- tracting and building, having been connected with the various firms known as Downs & Pierson, Andre, Stewart & Co., Stewart & Downs, Martin, Downs & Co., Downs & Wait, and the present firm of Downs, Ready & Co., which was organized in 1882, and which does an extensive business in contracting and building, and in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, moldings, cornice, store fronts, etc., employing on an average about forty workmen. Mr. Downs was mar- ried in 1866 to Mary J., daughter of Jacob and Sa- loma Eisemann, natives of Bavaria. Five children have blessed this union, viz .: Florence, Susan J., Au- gusta, William and George. Mr. Downs is a mem- ber of the G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. He formerly controled a third interest in the Con- nersville Times, but sold out his stock in 1881. He has been successful in business, and now ranks with the first of the manufacturers of Connersville.
HEWET T. ELLIS, member of the firm of Ellis & McFarlan, livery, feed and sale stables on Fifth, between Eastern and Central Avenues, Con- nersville, was born in Harrison Township, this county, August 29, 1854, and received a good com- mon school education. He farmed up to 1879, then was express agent, and clerked for his brother in a hardware store. August 29, 1880, he engaged in the livery business with Mr. Thomas. January 1, 1881, he bought Mr. Thomas out, continuing the business alone up to July 19, 1883, when his present partner was admitted. The capacity of their stable is 100 horses. Mr. Ellis was united in marriage, February 8, 1882, with Miss Ida J. Zeller, who was born in Connersville July 6, 1857, and by this union there is one child-Zeller. Mr. Ellis is a member of Lodge No. 31, I. O. O. F .; also of No. 1, P. O. S. of A.
238
BIOGRAPHIES.
JOHN FARNER, decoased, late of Connersville, one of the most honored of Fayette County's German residents, was born in Germany, November 28, 1810. His parents were Michael and Christian (Geise) Far- ner, with whom he remained till grown to manhood. At the age of twenty one years ho entered the army of his sovereign, in whose service he continued five years, obtaining an honorable discharge. In 1837 he immigrated to America, settling in Wheeling, Va .; from thence he went to Madison, Ind., and in 1842 came to Connersville, where he has since resided. He was a stone mason by trade, which he followed many years. He erected the house in which he last lived. In 1866 Mr. Farner was elected Coro- ner of this county, and his faithfulness in the dis- charge of his duty was rewarded by nine successive olections to the same position. Mr. Farner was mar- ried, in 1836, to Christine Klean, a native of Ger- many and daughter of Jacob Klean, and two children were born to them: Rosina, who died in childhood, and John, who lost his life in the service of his conn- try in the fall of 1865. He was a member of the Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was drowned in Bayou McHenry while attempting to ford that body of water. He was a young man of great promise, a brave soldier, and at the time of his death held the rank of Sergeant. His untimely end was deeply mourned by his parents and friends. Our subject died in Connersville, January 16, 1885, in the seventy- fifth year of his age. He was a member of and Elder in the German Presbyterian Church. In 1844 Mr. Farner became a member of the Masonic frater- nity, and has served in most of its offices. He was always regarded as a man of sterling integrity, as may be known by the public trust which the people laid upon him for so many years. For thirty-seven years Mr. Farner was the faithful agont of the Cincin- nati Volksblatt, a leading German paper of that city. Mrs. Farner is a member of the German Presbyte- rian Church.
JOHN H. FATTIG, Connersville, was born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1818. His parents, Jacob and Frances (Dunna) Fattig, were natives of Cumberland County, Penn. They were married in that State, and in 1812 moved to Rockingham County, Va. Hero they resided till 1835, when they moved West and located in Henry County, Ind., where the mother died in 1838; the father, who survived till 1853, died in Iowa while on a visit to friends in that State. At the age of eighteen Mr. Fattig left home and went to Dayton, Ohio, to engage in work in a distillery and in the carpenter's trade. He sub- sequently spent some time in Lancaster, Ohio, and Brookville, Ind .; returned a short time to Dayton, and in 1838 came to this county, where he has since
resided. In March, 1839, Mr. Fattig was offered a home with Joshua McIntosh, with whom he afterward lived during his days of single lifo, receiving all the kind attention an own child could claim from parents. He was chiefly engaged as a carpenter till 1882, when he erected a store room in Maplewood and embarked in mercantile pursuits. About eighteen months later this establishment was destroyed by fire, since which time Mr. Fattig has not been actively employed. In 1859 he spent a summer in the vicinity of Pike's Peak among the Rockies, and in 1862 he entered the war as a Sutler. On his first day in the field he was captured, but was released three days later. He served eight years as Constable of this township and four years as Deputy Sheriff. Mr. Fattig was married, May 10, 1840, to Harriet Cottom, who died in 1846. In 1847 he then married Mary Duke, and July 13, 1848, she was buried. His present wife was Mary A. Colvin, of Xenia, Ohio, to whom he was united October 24, 1850. Their two children now living are-Samnel and Charles. Mr. Fattig is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and is highly respected in the community.
LEWIS W. FLOREA, attorney, of the firm of L. W. & G. C. Florea, office over First National Bank, in Connersville, was born February 22, 1846, in this county, was reared upon a farm, and received a select course in Northwestern Christian University at Indi- anapolis, Ind. In 1869 he read law under Hon. James C. McIntosh. During 1870 he was admitted to the bar, and at once opened an office. Success has crownod his every effort, and he enjoys the confi- dence of the entire community. In 1873 the above partnership was formed, which has continued over since, and is one of the leading law firms of eastern Indiana. In 1870 our subject was appointed Dis- trict Deputy Prosecutor, a position he held for three years. He and his brother are at present attorneys for the Whitewater Valley and Fort Wayne, Cincin- nati & Louisville Railroads. Mr. Florea was mar- ried, May 5, 1870, to Miss E. A Stone, daughter of Hon. Charles M. Stone, and who was born June 9, 1848. By this union Ella M. and Susa K. have been born.
GEORGE C. FLOREA, attorney, Connersville, is the junior member of the law firm of L. W. & G. C. Florea, whose office is over the First National Bank. He is a son of Lewis C. and Eliza (Dale) Florea, and was born in Harrison Township, this county, June 18, 1848. In 1868 he left the farm, and entered school, completing his education at Dela- ware, Ohio. He began reading law in the fall of 1872, afterward read in the office with his brother, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1873, at which time he entered into the general practice of
239
CONNERSVILLE CITY.
above firm. By strict integrity and close application to business their efforts have been crowned with suc- coss, as is verified by their large circle of friends and patrons, and extensive practice. Mr. Florea was married, February 5, 1875, to Miss Almira Edwards, danghter of Elmore Edwards, a retired farmer. By this union they have been blessed with two children: Mamie and Edward.
WILLIAM C. FORREY, attorney, Connersville, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Fayette Couuty, April 7, 1832, and received a common school educa- tion. His parents, Joseph and Charlotte (Stuart) Forrey, located in Wayne County, Ind., in 1833, and moved to Waterloo Township, Fayette County, in 1837. At the age of fourteen Mr. Forrey engaged as clerk in a general store in Waterloo. In 1857 he read law under Judge John H. Reed, and was admit- ted to the bar in 1861. He officiated as Mayor of Connersville seven years; was appointed City Attor- ney May 17, 1884. Mr. Forrey was married, in 1853, to Miss Anna M. Cole, who was born in Maryland. He is a member of Warren Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., Maxwell Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M., and Fayette Council, No. 6, R. & S. M., also Connersville Lodge, No. 11, K. of P., Uniform Rank.
PROF. JOSIAH S. GAMBLE, Superintendent of Schools of Fayette County, Connersville. This courteous and affable gentleman and popular educator is a native of Preble County, Ohio, born near the village of Oxford, February 27, 1834. He was reared to farm life, and received the benefit of such primary instruction as it was then customary to give farmers' sons, but having a thirst for knowledge with the desire of a more extended learning than such as the common schools afforded, he, at the age of twenty-five, took an academic course, also a normal course at Leb- anon, Ohio, and, in 1857, began teaching, since which time he has devoted the greater part of his life to that profession, giving to the cause of education his talents and energy. His experience in the field of learning has been varied, having passed as an instructor through the common district school, the high school, the academy and the college, being a professor for one year in Geneva College, then located near Bellefontaine, Ohio, and since then near Beaver Falls, Penn. In 1875 he was elected County Super- intendent of the schools of Fayette, which position he has since filled with the ability that had previously characterized his life in matters of education. The Professor's parents were Robert and Jane (Neal) Gam- ble, natives of the north of Ireland, born in 1800. In 1827 they immigrated to America, locating in Preble County, Ohio, where they remained until 1834, then removed to Fayette County, Ind., where they died, the father in April, 1876, and the mother
in October, 1881. Under Prof. Gamble's careful management the schools of the county have been brought up to a high standard, second to none in the State. Besides the position he occupies in educa- tional matters, he is one of the active and enterpris- ing business men of Connersville, where he has recently built an addition to a fine large brick build- ing, in which he is carrying on a first class feed and sale stable, and dealing in fine horses. He is also engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Gamble was united in marriage, April 9, 1884, with Miss Martha A. Reed, a native of Greene County, Ohio. Both are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
JAMES T. GENTRY, proprietor livery, sale and feed stable, Connersville, is a native of Indiana, born in Hamilton County, December 12, 1840, and was raised on a farm, receiving a common school educa- tion in Marion County. His parents, Thomas P. and Paulina (Wright) Gentry, natives of North Carolina, were married in 1836 and came to Indiana. The sub- ject of this sketch enlisted iu 1864 in Company I, Twenty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving one year. March, 1866, he moved to Noblesville, Ind., where he engaged in the livery business. Mr. Gen- try was married, May 20, 1866, to Miss Lou M. Har- ris, of Franklin County, born August 10, 1841. Four children were the result of this union: Lena; Frank, born April 13, 1870, died October 15, 1871; one that died in infancy, and James R. On March 5, 1875, Mr. Gentry removed to Connersville, where he has been engaged in the livery business ever since. He is a member of the G. A. R.
V. H. GREGG, physician and surgeon, Conners- ville, was born in Bracken County, Ky., January 25, 1825, and completed his education in select school at Beechy Grove. His parents, Joseph M. and Matilda (Hamilton) Gregg, were born in Ken- tucky, where the father died in 1838. The widow and family came to Indiana in 1844, where our sub- ject followed farming. He was married in Fayette County, in 1847, to Miss America Justice, daughter of Joseph Justice, a pioneer and native of Pennsyl- vania, and whose ancestors took part in the Revolu- tionary war. Our subject not being contented on the farm, read medicine under W. W. Taylor, M. D., and began practicing in 1852 at Vienna (now known as Glenwood). In 1858 he moved to Connersville, where, by strict attention to business, he soon built up a large and lucrative practice. In March, 1864, he was appointed Surgeon of First Brigade, First Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, with rauk of Major, serving until the close of the war. In 1869 he was appointed Internal Revenue Assessor and served two and a half years. He is a member of the G. A. R., Fayette County Medical Society, District Med-
240
BIOGRAPHIES.
ical Society, State Medical Society, and American Medical Society.
PATRICK GRIFFIN, blacksmith, Connersville, shop in rear of Thomas' livery stable, where he can be found early and late to supply the wants of all patrons. Mr. Griffin was born in County Kildare, Ireland, March 4, 1834, and received a common school education. His father, John Griffin, was born in 1816; his mother, Catharine (Flanegan) Griffiin, was born in County Meath, Ireland. They came to Amer- ica in 1853, the mother dying upon the ocean. The father located in Raysville, Ind., and died April 16, 1882. Patrick Griffin came to Connersville in Sep- tember, 1856. He had served his time at the black- smith trade at Newark, N. J. After working for several parties, he engaged in the blacksmithing for his own account in 1882, and has prospered. Our sub- ject was married, September 14, 1854, to Miss Sarah Curran, of Richmond, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Griffiin are members of the Catholic Church.
THEODORE L. GRIFFIS, dry goods merchant, Connersville, is doing a prosperous business at 426 Central Avenue. He was born in Connersville, Octo- ber 10, 1826, and received a common school educa- tion. His father was born in Pennsylvania near Laures Hill, December 25, 1798; located, in 1818, in Connersville, and married, in 1825, Sarah Swift, who was born in New Jersey, January 10, 1803. He was a saddler and retired from business ten years prior to his death, which occurred January 29, 1869. His widow died March 16, 1869. From 1837 to 1840 Theo- dore L. clerked in a drug store; from 1840 to 1846 he went to school. In January, 1846, he began clerk- ing in a dry goods store for Col. Daniel Hankins. January 1, 1851, he formed a partnership, taking one-third interest, continuing same until January, 1859, when the firm was dissolved, since which time he has conducted the business by himself. February 24, 1853, Mr. Griffis married Miss Rachel M. Rogers, who was born June 8, 1828. By this union were born Horace R., John G., Theodore L. (died July 11, 1871), Robert M. Mrs. Griffis died March 25, 1866, and our subject was married on second occasion, June 30, 1875, to Miss Kathleen Reese, a native of Missouri, born in 1844. Mr. Griffis is the true type of a successful and prosperous business man.
ORLANDO P. GRIFFITH, member of firm O. P. Griffith & Co., dealers in hardware, agricultural implements, hubs, spokes, felloes, Moline wagons, Columbus buggies, coal, etc., etc., No. 445 Central Avenue and Fifth Street, Connersville, is a native of Scott County, Ky., born February 6, 1847; son of William B. and Permelia F. (Osborn) Griffith, also natives of Kentucky, and who immigrated to Indiana December 6, 1862, the father being a retired farmer
and trader. Our subject received a collegiate course at Brookville, Ind. He was married December 23, 1874, to Miss Jennie M. Parry, born near Laurel, Franklin Co., Ind., March 10, 1856, daughter of T. J. Parry, who emigrated from Pittsburgh, Penn., in January, 1853, and is now leading a retired life in Connersville. She had a collegiate course at Oxford, Ohio, Female College. This union has been blessed with two children: St. Clair and Cora. Our subject taught school in the winter and summer of 1869, and August 30, same year, he engaged in the hardware business with J. A. Hanson. September 24, 1874, he purchased his interest and has since devoted a good portion of his time to that branch of trade, and, in addition to this he is interested in the planing-mill. He farms quite extensively, and in that connection is engaged in the Shorthorn cattle business, having now on his farm a herd of pedigreed cattle of which he expects to make a specialty in the future. Being reared upon a farm, his education enables him to better understand and supply the demands of an intelligent community. Owing to his careful and pru- dent management in connection with keen percepti- bility, all enterprises with which he is interested prosper and yield handsome results. Mr. Griffith is a R. A. M. He and his estimable wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
JOSEPH G. GROFF, manufacturer and inventor, Connersville, was born in Asbury, Warren Co., N. J., February 20, 1820, and is a son of Francis and Sarah (Carr) Groff, natives of New Jersey, the former born February 16, 1792, the latter May 15, 1798. In 1839 they moved over-land to Wheeling, Va., with their nine children and one adopted child. At this point he secured transportation for his family on the steamer "Embassy" to St. Louis, thence to Boon- ville, Mo., where he lived for some time. The mias- matic influences of an undeveloped country brought sickness in his family, and thia, together with general dissatisfaction with the country, caused a speedy return eastward, and for a short time he "pitched his tent" at Lawrenceburg, Ind., where his youngest child, Jacob, died. Dissatisfied still with his surround- ings and being without prospects, he again " folded his tent" and wended his way to Cambridge City, Ind. The following year, 1840, he settled near Conners- ville, on the old Daniel Hankins farm, now owned by Charles Huber. Here he lived till all wanderings had ceased and all troubles were over, dying on the 9th day of September, 1845. His estimable widow survived the early companion of her life a quarter of a century, and reached her final end March 10, 1870. Of their large family three daughters and one son survive. The early boyhood of " Uncle Joe", as he is familiarly called, was passed in the manner usual to
241
CONNERSVILLE CITY.
youth. He had no college or seminary to look to, as a means of education. The primitive schools of an unsettled country were the only institutions of learn- ing to which he had access. Being fond of sport he combined business with pleasure, and engaged in netting wild pigeons, of which he had sometimes as high as 1,000 dozen, caged in barns, cribs and other buildings. Of these birds he took a wagon-load of 108 dozen in May, to Cincinnati, for which he received the magnificent sum of $108. After attain- ing his majority, he located in Connersville, and, undannted by the frowns of the world, being a penni- less boy, he accepted employment for his board in a hotel, with privilege of attending school taught by "Uncle Harvey" Nutting. January 1, 1844, he entered the employ of George Frybarger, general merchant, receiving for a year's services $100 and board, and at the end of the year was $65 ahead of his personal expenses. In 1845, being employed by Henry Good- lander, County Treasurer, to collect the delinquent taxes, he traversed the county on horseback, collect- ing same, after which he carried on horseback between $5,000 and $6,000 on his person, to Indian- apolis, and made settlement with the State Treasurer. In the fall of the same year he accepted a situation with Witherel & Frances in general mercantile busi- ness. He enjoyed fully the confidence of his employ- ers, who early recognized the soundness of his judg- ment. In 1846 he was permitted to go to Philadel- phia to purchase a stock of goods for their house, and trade. In 1848 he succeeded to an interest in the firm which then became Groff & Witherel, continuing as such till January 1, 1850. Confinement in-doors, with a too close application to business, made serious inroads on his naturally good health, compelling relinquishment from labor to seek recuperation in the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.