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 40
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WILLIAM H. MOYER, furniture dealer, 521 Central Avenue, Connersville, is a native of Ohio, born in Port Jefferson, November 1, 1838, where he received a good common school education. His par- ents, David and Ruth (Venaman) Moyer, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and after marriage they located in Sidney, Ohio. In 1846 they moved to Fayette County, Ind., where the father followed brick-making until his death. In 1852 our subject began clerking in a grocery store for W. H. Greer, continuing for three years; then worked in a brick yard with his father for four years; after which he clerked for Felton & Roswell in their grocery store. In 1857 Mr. Moyer married Miss Mary K.
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Crosson, and three children have been born to them: Clara, Amanda, and Ruth S. After marriage Mr. Moyer bought Mr. Felton out and continued with Mr. Roswell three years. He then sold out and started a new grocery for his own account, operating same two years, and selling out and going to Illinois. In 1863 he opened up a grocery, bakery, and provision store in Connersville, the firm being Moyer & Co. In a short time ho again sold ont and made brick for five years; then kept a lunch stand at the Junction depot. In 1875 Mr. Moyer engaged in the furniture business in which he has continued up to present time, doing a safe and prosperous trade. Our subject is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F .; a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOSIAH MULLIKIN (deceased) was a native of Talbot County, Md., born in the village of Trappe, September 27, 1807, and in that village and in the city of Baltimore he passed his childhood and early manhood, learning in the latter place the shoe-mak- ing trade. On May 6, 1830, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Ellen Morrison, and the year follow- ing they came to Fayette County, locating on a farm in Orange Township, where they resided nntil in 1841, when they removed to the house in Conners- ville where he died November 14, 1884. To this union were born seven daughters and two sons. Mr. Mullikin followed his trade the greater portion of life, though he was for some years engaged in the manufacturing business, and was one of the builders of the old foundry located on Eastern Avenue, near the C., H. & I. R. R. In politics he was a Whig, and afterward a Republican. A man of principle and of the strongest convictions, the position he took became impregnable, and he could not be driven from it. He served Connersville when a village and afterward when a city in various offices, among them: Assessor, member of School Board, Street Commissioner, member of the Board of Trustees (town), Chief of Fire Department, and member of City Council. Mr. Mullikin was intimately identified with much of the growth and improvement of Con- nersville. In many ways he was a marked man among his fellow citizens. He was honest and hon- orable in his dealings with men. The ostimate placed upon him by the people with whom he lived so long may be understood by the fact that they intrusted him with public interest by electing him to various offices for a long series of years. Perhaps no man in Fayette County was better known than Josiah Mullikin. He was extensively acquainted and was always faithful and trne to his friends, while he was never afraid of any who may have been opposed to him.
JOHN MURPHY, dealer in family and staple
groceries, corner Fifth and Eastern Avenue, Conners- ville, member of the firm of Murphy Bros., was born in Connersville, and is now doing a successful busi- ness in his native town. His father was born in Limerick, Ireland, January 1, 1814; his mother, Elizabeth (Welsh) Murphy, was born in County Kerry, Ireland. They came to America and located in Washington, D. C., after which the father moved to Connersville, where he led a retired life until his death, which occurred January 1, 1868. Our subject receivod a fair education, and from 1872 to 1882 was a finisher in the furniture factories. During a portion of the time he had charge of the department. August 22, 1882, he engaged in the present business. He is a wide-awake, thorough and practical grocer, destined to make a success of his undertaking. He is a member of the Catholic Church.
CHARLES A. MURRAY, attorney and Mayor, Connersville, is a member of the firm of Murray & McIntosh, attorneys, office at Samuel W. Parker's old place of business, opposite court house. Mayor Murray was born in Geneseo, N. Y., March 27, 1851, and was reared upon a farm. His father, James Murray, was born in New York, March 6, 1809; died Septem- ber, 1866. His mother, Anna M. (Miller) Murray, was a native of New York. They immigrated to Indi - ana in 1859, locating for the time in Cambridge City. Charles A. attended school at Fairview Academy, Leb. anon, Ohio, Normal, and graduated at Asbury Uni- versity in 1875. He taught school during the winters of 1871, 1872 and 1873. Also taught Connersville high school from the fall of 1875 to the summer of 1877. In meantime he read Jaw under Hon. B. F. Claypool, and was admitted to the bar June 20, 1877. By close application to business, hard study and strict integrity, he has won his present enviable position in the city of Connersville. In 1879 and 1880 he was elected as member of City School Board, and acted as Secretary. May 6, 1884, he was elected Mayor of the city, upon the Democratic ticket, over a good repu- table Republican gentleman in a Republican city, as a just reward for true merit. He was married Octo- ber 22, 1879, to Miss Olive Hurst, a native of Wayne County, Ind. By this union one child, Marcia, was born. Mrs. Murray is an affable lady, and with her husband is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN C. OCHILTREE, retired printer, Conners- ville, is a native of Indiana, and was born in Union County, noar College Corner, March 11, 1846. His father, Thomas Ochiltree, was born in Virginia, Sep- tember 10, 1819, and his mother, Elizabeth (Hamil- ton) Ochiltree, was born in Preble County, Ohio, November 30, 1818. In 1846 his parents moved to Vienna (now Glenwood), Rush Co., Ind., where
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they now reside. John C. received a good common school education, and taught for twelve years. In 1880 he came to Connersville and purchased the Times office in connection with W. F. Downs, from Charles N. Sinks, August 24, 1880, after which Ochiltree & Downs consolidated with McClung & Bacon, pro- prietors of the News, March 9, 1881, calling the con- solidated paper Connersville Times and News. In August, 1881, Mr. Ochiltree sold his interest to Mc- Cluug, Bacon & Downs, and on the 9th of November, 1881, A. M. Sinks and J. C. Ochiltree purchased the entire business. The name of the News was dropped from the paper in October, 1881, and its present name, The Times, re-adopted. On June 2, 1884, Mr. Ochil- tree sold his interest to his partner, A. M. Sinks, and, on the 6th day of November following, moved to In- dianapolis, Ind., where he still resides. His present occupation is that of contributor to several literary journals. He was married November 16, 1875, to Miss Lydia Davis, who was born November 15, 1859, and by this union one child- Paul H .- was born October 17, 1876. Mr. Ochiltree is a ready writer and fluent conversationalist.
JOHN PAYNE, County Auditor, Connersville, is a native of Ohio, born in Hamilton County, October 30, 1842. He was reared on a farm and received a common school education. His father, Thomas T. Payne, a miller by trade, was born in New York in 1801, and died in October, 1852. His mother, Ellen D. (Rees) Payne, was born May 9, 1807, in Virginia, and died in July, 1848. Mr. Payne was an appren- tice to the printing business, and after completing his trade, July 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company B., Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and served in the Seven- teenth Army Corps, Crocker's Brigade. In 1864 he was Aide-de-camp on Gen. John P. Hawkins' staff. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded in the shoul- der. He remained in the service until January 4, 1866, and after the war he was in the Quartermaster's Department at Vicksburg, until January 1, 1869, then returned to Indiana and farmed up to 1873, when he engaged in the tile business. He was elected Auditor in November, 1882. Mr. Payne was married in Jan- uary, 1870, to Miss Eliza Ellis, who was born in this county and State, April 10, 1850. This union has been blessed by the following children: William, Ed- win, Lucia, Charlie, Daisy, Edna and Pet. Mr. Payne is a member of Warren Lodge, No. 15, F. and A. M .; Maxwell Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M .; Fayette Council, No. 6, R. and S. M., and Connersville Post, No. 126, G. A. R. In politics he is an active and enthusiastic Republican; an affable and courteous gentleman.
JOHN J. PETERS, butcher, Connersville, is a native of Germany, born in Bavaria, May 11, 1849. He received a good education in his native land, and
came to America in 1866, locating in Madison, where he followed butchering; thence went to Columbus, Indianapolis, Ind., St. Louis, Mo., Chicago, Louis- ville, Brookville and Connersville. In 1874 he started butchering for himself on east Washington Street, Indianapolis, continuing for five years. In 1880 he opened up at Connersville; January, 1883, he moved on a farm; iu July returned to the city and opened his present shop. He was united in marriage, October 26, 1876, with Miss Kate Hill, who was born in Jen- nings County, Ind., February 12, 1860. They have been blessed with three children; George J., John G. and Mary E. Mr. Peters belongs to the Butchers' Association of Indianapolis; he is a member of the I. O. O. F.
THEODORE PFAEFFLIN, proprietor of saloon and boarding house, Sixth Street, between Central Avenue and W. W. V. R. R., Connersville, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 30, 1848, and there received an academic education. His father, John G. Pfaefflin, was born in Germany, January 7, 1817; his mother, Charlotte (La Roche) Pfaefflin, was born July 27, 1824. The former died July 19, 1859. Our subject came to America in 1862, locating in New York City, and immediately enlisted in Company M, Thirteenth New York Heavy Artillery. In the latter part of 1864 he was detailed as Orderly to Gen. Grant at Appomattox Court House, serving two years in all. He then returned to Now York and learned upholster- ing, a trade he followed two and a half years; then came to Connersville and joined his mother, who came to this country in 1867. Mr. Pfaefflin officiated as bar-tender for Mr. Greenwald until 1868, then en- gaged in business for himself in Anderson, remaining there until 1875, when he returned to Connersville and entered his present business. Our subject was married, June 28, 1874, to Miss Maggie Croke, who was born in New York July 1, 1854, and raised in Anderson, Ind. Mr. Pfaefflin is a member of the I. O. O. F., Subordinate and Encampment, also Uni- form Rank of K. of P. He and his wife are mem- bers of the German Reformed Church. He was se- lected as Water Works Trustee in 1879; held same six months, then resigned the honors. He was Chief of the Fire Department from 1880 to 1882, and at the election of April, 1884, was elected to the City Coun- cil from the Third Ward. Mr. Pfaefflin is truly a self-made man, and has been very successful in all his undertakings.
OLIVER CLAUDE PIPER (deceased), late of East Connersville, was born April 25, 1868, died November 19, 1884, aged sixteen years, six months and twenty- five days, and was buried at the City Cemetery. Just two weeks previous to the day he was laid to rest he met with the accident which caused his
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death. On that fatal evening Claude was giving vent to his patriotic heart, together with a large number of others, and when firing a small cannon, it burst, a por- tion of it striking his leg, tearing away the knee cap, and badly fracturing the limb, from the effects of which he died. Claude was a model young lad, just emerging into manhood and surrounded by all the comforts of life that are calculated to make one hap- py. He was beloved by all who knew him, and left a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his untimely taking away. Claude was a bright and affectionate boy, whose ways had won for him a warm place in the hearts of many outside of the home where he was loved by kind parents, brothers and sisters. He was a son of Oliver S. and Sarah E. (Edwards) Piper, the former of whom was born in Warren County, Ohio, January 11, 1837; the latter, a native of Fayette County, Ind., was born April 12, 1839. They were married February 26, 1857, and have been blessed with six children: Charlie, born January 13, 1858; Lola Delle, born August 16, 1865; Oliver Claude; Hettie J., born May 7, 1870; Lewis W., born April 26, 1873; James C., born December 10, 1877. O. S. Piper is selling fruit trees for the W. & J. Ash- worth Nursery. The subject of this sketch received a good common school education, and began clerking for John L. Bailey, in November, 1882. He im- proved his leisure moments by running a neat little job office, printing cards, etc., for the elite of the city, and he turned out some excellent work.
GEORGE P. PRATT, one of the leading boot and shoe dealers of Connersville, was born in Albany County, N. Y., in 1832. He is a son of David and Margaret (Passage) Pratt, natives of Massachusetts and New York State, respectively. His parents resided, most of their lives, in Albany County, where his father engaged in mercantile pursuits and farm. ing until his death in 1842. Mr. Pratt remained with his mother after the death of his father till nineteen years of age. He then engaged in mer- cantile trade about three years in Albany, after which he purchased a farm and devoted some ten years to agricultural pursuits. In 1862 he came West and located in Connersville, where he has since resided. He at once established himself in the dry goods trade and later added boots and shoes, which he now hand- les exclusively, doing considerable manufacturing. He was married September 28, 1854, to Helen M. Ferguson, of Duanesburg, Schenectady Co., N. Y., a daughter of John Ferguson, and five children were born to them: Jennie C. (now Mrs. Dr. Morrison), Maggie L. (now Mrs. E. V. Hawkins), David L., who died in 1864, Mary H. and Elsie M. Mr. Pratt is a member of the Masonic fraternity; the family are all associated with the Presbyterian Church. He
does a fine business, and ranks among the first of the mercantile factors of Connersville.
CAPT. ALFRED J. RALPH, ex-manager of the Western Hosiery Mills, Connersville, is one of the prosperous and enterprising manufacturers of this city. He was born near Hillsdale, Mich., May 22, 1840. His early training was on a farm and he had the benefit of a good common school education. His father, Stillman Ralph, who was born in Ver- mont, moved to Michigan while young. He was the first physician in this county, being one of the earli- est settlers. Our subject's mother, Betsey (Netha- way) Ralph, was born and raised in the State of New York. Capt. Ralph farmed up to 1861. Being a loyal, law-abiding citizen, upon the call of the Pres- ident for troops to defend the flag of our Union, he recruited Company I, Sixth Michigan Volunteer In- fantry, of which he was elected First Lieutenant, and left at once for the Department of the Gulf, serving under Gen. Ben. Butler. In 1863 he was promoted to Captain for gallant services, after which he was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison for six months. Being exchanged, he returned to his com- mand and served until the close of the war. He then engaged as commercial traveler for an Indianapolis notion house, continuing up to 1882, when he was engaged as manager of the Western Hosiery Mills. April 21, 1864, our subject married Miss Ridie Roache, a native of Maryland, born December 7, 1842, and by this union was born one daughter-Ioda B. Capt. Ralph is a member of the I. O. O. F.
PROF. JASON L. RIPPETOE, Superintendent of Public Schools, Connersville, was born in Vigo County, Ind., December 6, 1839; son of Pleasant B. and Catharine V. (Shuey) Rippetoe, natives of Vir- ginia, the former born February 8, 1811, and the lat- ter December 13, 1818. They now reside in Effing- ham, Ill. The early life of our subject was spent upon a farm and at the age of eighteen he entered Asbury University, taking a collegiate course, and graduating in 1863. After this he taught for three years in Danville Academy, two years as Principal. In 1867 he came to Connersville and took charge of the Union Schools as Superintendent, which position he has filled ever since, excepting in 1881 and 1882, when he acted as County Superintendent. Prof. Rippetoe was married September 26, 1865, to Miss Sarah E. Allen, who was born in Greencastle, Ind., September 26, 1844, and by this union three chil- dren were born: Kate A., Emma J. and Bessie L. The Professor enlisted in the Eighteenth Indiana Battery, under Capt. Beck, Gen. Wilson's Corps, serving two years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the
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Sabbath-school of which he is a particularly active and enthusiastic worker (at present the Superintend- ent), and in the other branches of church work. As an educator Prof. Rippetoe has been successful, and as an evidence of his popularity we have but to refer to his long term of service in the schools of Conners- ville, which are in a prosperous condition under his efficient and judicious management. The affable and genial manners of our subject, especially in kindness of heart shown to strangers in the city, one of whom will not soon forget him, have endeared him to a large circle of friends.
THOMAS .J. RITTENHOUSE, Treasurer and Secretary of the Cooley-Morrison Manufacturing Association, Connersville, was born in Harrison, Ohio, August 31, 1846, son of Jefferson and Mary (Moore) Rittenhouse, old residents of Hamilton County, Ohio; his father having been one of the first merchants of Harrison, and one of the most prominent. Mr. Rit- tenhouse grew to maturity in his native county. In 1868 he came to Connersville and opened a grocery and provision store, taking stock soon after in the Cooley- Morrison Furniture Manufacturing Association, to which, since 1880, he has devoted his entire atten- tion, having abandoned the grocery trade at that date. He is at present Secretary aud Treasurer of the Asso- ciation, and has materially aided it in its ascent to the commanding position which it now occupies among other institutions of its kind. Mr. Ritten. house has also been identified with most of the other enterprises which have been inaugurated in the town of Connersville since his residence in the place, and is regarded as one of its most energetic and efficient business men at the present time. He was married December 5, 1872, to Miss Jennie Garside, of Harri- son, Ohio; a daughter of Joseph and Martha Garside, an old and esteemed family of that place. Septem- ber 27, 1881, his wife passed away. Mr. Ritten- house is a member of the I. O. O. F. Grand Lodge and Encampment, in which he has passed all the official chairs. He is a man of shrewd business qualifica- tions, and his past success is a worthy guarantee for his future prosperity.
AUSTIN READY, of the firm of Downs, Ready & Co., Connersville, is a native of Ireland, and son of John and Mary (O'Mally) Ready. He was born August 24, 1850, and in 1852 was brought by his parents to this country. The family located in Medina, N. Y., resided there about three years and then came to Franklin County, Ind., where the mother died in 1862. Soon after this the remainder of the family removed to Glenwood, Rush County, and in 1868 came from that place to Connersville, where they have since resided. Our subject spent his early years on the farm. He clerked in Groff's grocery
store and restaurant about four years, was employed about eighteen months in the Stock-yard Hotel at Cincinnati, was engaged in the liquor business at Connersville about two years, purchased stock in the Cooley-Morrison Manufacturing Association, and became its President two years, and then purchased an interest in the establishment, in which he is still a partner. His first partnership in the planing- mill business was with F. W. Martin, whose interest was purchased by Downs & Wait in the winter of 1882. The company does a large business in the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, moldings, etc. In 1867 Mr. Ready was married to Mary Welch, a native of Connersville, Ind.
FRANCIS M. ROOTS, manufacturer, and Presi- dent of First National Bank, Connersville, was born in Oxford, Ohio, October 28, 1824. In 1816 his par- ents removed from the State of Vermont to that place, where the father, Alanson Roots, established a woolen manufactory, in which he was assisted by three of his elder sons, our subject giving his time in the summers and attending school in the winters. At the age of sixteen years he entered Miami University, located in the village, and pursued a scientific course. Mr. Roots' ancestors were descended from the old Puritan stock who fled to the shores of New England that they might have the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own consciences. In 1845 Francis M. and his brother, Philander H., began making arrangements to move their woolen mill to Connersville, Ind., being attracted by its fine water power and other business facilities, where they erected a building 100x40 feet, five stories high, with a capacity, during the war, of employing 100 hands on army supplies. This building was consumed by fire in 1875. In 1860 their greatest invention was patented, which is known all over the world as Roots' Rotary Blower, since which time they have made and sold in this country over 10,000 machines, and as many more in Europe-over 5,000 in England alone. They have been awarded first premiums at three international expositions-in 1867 at Paris; in 1873 at Vienna; and at the Centennial Exposi- tion of our own country at Philadelphia in 1876. In the prosecution of his business Mr. Roots made four trips to Europe, and expects to make another tour this season, taking his family along. Our sub- ject was married October 8, 1850, to Miss Esther E. Pumphrey, born in Connersville February 29, 1830. By this marriage six children were born, three now living. At home Mr. Roots has endeavored to be in sympathy with the best interests of the community, and has cheerfully borne his part in all public enter- prises. He has been an active member of the Pres- byterian Church from early youth, and an earnest
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worker in the Sabbath-schools, Young Men's Chris- tian Association, and the various temperance organiz- ations. He is President of the Connersville Furni- ture Manufacturing Company, employing 150 opera- tives, and also President of the Connersville Hydrau- lic Company, extending from Cambridge City to Con- nersville, and is one of the principal owners and manager of the blower manufactory; is also engaged in various other enterprises.
FRANCIS T. ROOTS, banker, Connersville, is one of the active, enterprising young men of the city. He was born in Connersville July 17; 1857. He attended the city schools and completed his education at Chickering Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was the recipient of two gold medals for proficiency, one in the mathematical branch, and the other in sci- ence and valedictory effort, which he prizes as sacred, above all other boyhood possessions. P. H. Roots, our subject's father, was born in Rutland County, Vt., November 17, 1813, and in 1818 his parents moved to Oxford, Ohio, where he received a collegiate education in Miami University. October 27, 1837, he married Miss Susan C. Brown, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Connersville in 1849. He formed a partnership with his brother, F. M. Roots, in 1851, which was severed by death. In 1834 he united with the Presbyterian Church, soon after which he was chosen Ruling Elder. He was a leading active mem- ber of the church and Sabbath-school up to his death. In 1873 he was elected President of the First National Bank, which position he held up to his death, which occurred May 22, 1879. Our subject read law under Snow & Kumler, and attended law school at Cincinnati, Ohio, thereby completing his preparatory course for business, after which he engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe trade, with Crane & Lupton, in Cincinnati, for two years; then, at the death of his father, he was called home and was elected Vice-President of the First National Bank, which position he has filled ever since. Novem- ber 16, 18SO, he was united in marriage with Miss Sallie M. Hileman, daughter of Hon. William Hile- man, of Evansville, Ind. By this union one child was born-Clarence S. Mr. Roots is Treasurer of Connersville Furniture Manufacturing Company, also Treasurer of Connersville Hydraulic Company. He and his estimable wife are members of the Presby- terian Church, of which he was elected Trustee in 1884. Mr. Roots is also an inventor, and, with his many valuable patents secured and in progress, his future is bright and enviable.
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