History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 38

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 901

USA > Indiana > Greene County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 38
USA > Indiana > Sullivan County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > 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).

T. D. HUFF, one of the oldest established merchants of Bloomfield, was born in Washington County, Ind., March 14, 1847, and is a son of Stephen and Elizabeth Huff, natives respectively of West Virginia and Kentucky. He received but a common education, taught school for some time, and when twenty-two years old began mercantile life in Martinsburg, which he continued until 1864. In February of that year,

Digitized by Google

346

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

be openeu a general store on the northeast corner of the square in Bloom- field, with a $3,000 stock of goods, but in 1868 he removed to the north side, where he continued selling goods until his removal to his present location in 1878. In 1877, he began the erection of his brick business block, which was completed the year following at a cost of $5,500. Mr. Huff has been one of the most successful and reliable merchants ever in Bloomfield, and by his own energy and industry has accumulated a com- fortable fortune. He owns one dry goods store, one grocery and provis- ion store, and a two-thirds interest in the hardware store of Huff & Rankin in Bloomfield. His capital invested in merchandising in the town amounts to $20,000. and he yearly transacts a business of about $65,000. Mr. Huff is a Republican, and to his marriage with Caroline Andrews, which was consummated in September, 1859, five children have been born. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. .HARVEY W. LETSINGER, son of Lewis P. and Margaret (Thorl- ton) Letsinger, was born in Wright Township, Greene Co., Ind., May 24, 1849. His parents were natives of Tennessee and emigrated North to Indiana at a very early period in the history of the Hoosier State, locating first in Clay County, but afterward removing to Wright Town- ship, this county, where Mr. Letsinger died in February, 1878. On first coming to this locality, the country was yet in its infancy, and Mr. Lets- inger obtained his land by entering it from the Government. Being a pioneer and inured to the hardships of pioneer life, he would leave his sons to look after the farm at home while he would take contracts for clearing, and with the proceeds derived from his labors invest in more Jand, so that he became one of the large land owners of the township. Hunting was his favorite pastime, and during his leisure hours would spend the time with his gun, and rarely return without abundant proof of his skill as a marksman. He was a leading spirit in the Methodist Church, and although a man of quiet and retiring disposition, was de- cisive in his views on all the leading topics of the day. He first became a member of the Whig party in politics, but in 1856 joined the Repub- licans, with whom he ever afterward worked in harmony. Six of his sons went to battle with the right during the rebellion, three of whom found soldiers' graves in Southern soil, two dying of wounds and one of disease. Three sons-in-law fought for their country's flag in this war, and two never fully recovered from its effects but have joined those on their final march. Harvey W. Letsinger is the youngest of this family, numbering in all thirteen children, seven of whom are yet living. He is of Ger- man-Irish descent; was raised on the home farm, secured an academical education, and for seven terms was engaged in teaching school. The fall of 1873, he entered the Law Department of the State University, gradu- ating in 1875, and in March of the succeeding year associating himself in partnership in the practice of his profession with Capt. J. D. Alexan- der. In politics, Mr. Letsinger is a Republican and has served as Deputy County Treasurer and Assistant State's Attorney. Miss Mary Cushman became his wife December 24, 1879, and they are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and the parents of one son-Reed A.

HOWARD R. LOWDER, M. D., was born in Lawrence County, Ind., February 14, 1845. He is a son of Milton Lowder, and grandson of Ralph Lowder, the latter locating in Lawrence County in 1814, when their nearest neighbor lived ten miles away, and where the former's birth occurred in 1819. Milton married Anna Storm, who was born in Greene

Digitized by y Google

847

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

County in 1818, whose father served the colonies eight years in their struggle for independence, and both the Lowder and Storm families are among the earliest pioneers of Southern Indiana Howard R. Lowder is one of the successful physicians of Greene County. At an early age, he entered the State University, but did not complete the Sophomore year until 1868. August 25, 1861, being then only sixteen years old, he en- listed in Company F, Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry; served nearly three years as a private, but on the re-organization of the regi- ment was made First Sergeant, and November 19, 1864, was promoted to First Lieutenant and Adjutant. He served in this capacity until being mustered out of service June 16, 1865. He was an active factor in the battles of New Madrid, Ruddle's Point, surrender of Memphis, Fort Pemberton, Helena, Missouri River and Jenkins' Ferry. In 1871, he began the study of medicine, teaching school during the time to defray expenses. Previous to his graduation from the Indiana Medical College in February, 1875, Dr. Lowder practiced at Harrodsburg and Parke. In 1875, he located in Bloomfield, where he has the confidence and esteem of the citizens. April 6, 1865, he married Miss F. J. Kissell, and to them four children have been born, only two yet living. Dr. Lowder is a Republican and a Royal Arch Mason.

JOHN MILLER, JE., a native of Lebanon County, Penn., and one of the present Commissioners of Greene County was born October 10, 1830. The year succeeding his birth, his parents, John and Elnora (Im- boden) Miller, moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. John Miller, Sr., pursued his trade of blanksmith after go- ing to the Buckeye State, and also farmed to some extent, having par- chased a tract of land from his limited means. In order to obtain more land at a low price, he and family removed to Indiana in 1850, pur- chasing 240 acres in Richland Township, Greene County, paying for the same $2,000. Mrs. Miller died October 3, 1865, and Mr. Miller married for his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Barton) Osborn, with whom he lives' a retired life near Bloomfield. John Miller, Jr., is one of the following- named children: Henry, Maria, John, Catharine, Elizabeth, Leah, Car- oline, David and Polly. At twenty-two years of age, he began doing for himself, and September 23, 1852, Miss Sarah R. Miller became his wife. Their union has been fruitful in the birth of thirteen children-'Samuel H. (deceased), David N., John P. and Jacob M. (twins, deceased), Will- iam C. P., Hannah E., Tabitha E., Mary Belle, Oliver P., Susan M., an infant that died unnamed, Daisy D. and . Ethlene W. Two of the above are married, namely, Daniel N. to Florence R. Mattox, and Hannah E. to Henry Switz. Mrs. Miller is a native of Cumberland County, Penn., born March 15, 1832, a daughter of Rev. Samuel N. and Hannah (Phil- lips) Miller, who became residents of Greene County in 1850. John Miller, Jr., is one of the leading and substantial men of the county. He began life a poor boy, and by hard work, economy and good manage- ment has secured a competency. He owns a large and valuable farm of 645 acres, and besides carrying on farming in its various branches, deals largely in stock. In politics, he advocates the principles of the Repub- lican party, and as a member of this organization was elected one of the Commissioners of the county in 1882. He and wife are members of the Church of God.

WILLIAM M. MOSS, editor and proprietor of the.Bloomfield Rom- ocrat, is a native of this county, born in Stockton Township March 22,

Digitized by Google

348

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

1852. His grandfather, Aquilla Moss, was a native of the Old Domin- ion, but removed, to Kentucky at an early day; from there to Ohio, and later to Washington County, Ind. In 1827, he removed to Greene County, where he ever afterward resided; he served in the war between the United States and Mexico; was the father of ten sons and two daugh- ters, one son being Daniel H. Moss, father of William M .; Daniel H., was married to Mary A. Mayfield, and two of their four children are now living; William M. Moss, was raised in his native township and com- pleted his literary schooling with two years' study at Farmersburg, in Ascension Seminary He afterward graduated at the Normal and Com- mercial Institute in Sullivan, and when nineteen years old began doing for himself. For ten years, beginning in 1870, he followed school teach- ing, and from 1876 to 1880 was Principal of Excelsior Seminary, in Vigo County. In June, 1880, he purchased the Bloomfield Democrat, and has since conducted one of the best county papers in Southern Indi- ana. Mr. Moss is a member of the F. & A. M., the K. of H., and in politics is an unswerving Democrat. He was married to Miss Hannah C., Scott, a native of Vermillion County, August 24, 1876, and they are parents of four children-Claude S. and Clyde, living; and Ada Blanche and Bardette, deceased.

T. C. MURRAY, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Louisville, Ky., June 22, 1854, and is one of only two children living, in a family of ten, born to Dennis and Margaret (Coughlan) Mur- ray. His parents were natives respectively of Counties' Wexford and Cork, Ireland; were married at Manchester, England, in 1842, and four years after this event set sail for the United States. Mrs. Murray died in 1877, but Mr. Murray has since re-married and resides at Bloomfield, working at shoe-making. T. C. Murray removed with his parents to Bloomington, Ind., when two years old, and from there to Brown County, in 1857. He received only ordinary schooling advantages in youth, and when yet a boy learned the boot and shoe business of his father. He came with the family to Bloomfield in 1874, and on the 11th of June, 1876, the nuptial ceremony of his union with Miss Matilda Doyle, was solemnized. Mrs. Murray bore her husband a family of four children- Sadie, Mary E., Dennis E. (deceased), and J. W .- but being afflicted with consumption bore her sufferings uncomplainingly, and finally gave up this life for the better one in the year 1883. Mr. Murray is among the enterprising young men of Bloomfield, and by strict atten- tion to business and doing first-class work, has an established trade which requires his entire attention, and which he justly merits. In politics, he advocates the principles of the national Democratic party, and he is the present V. G. of Bloomfield Lodge, No. 457, I. O. O. F. He is a mem- ber of the Christian Church as was also Mrs. Murray.

HENRY T. NEAL, ex-Treasurer of Greene County, is a native of Clay County, Ind., born December 5, 1843, and is n son of Mahlon and Mary A. (Love) Neal, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. The family settled in Clay County, Ind., in about 1838, where Mahlon Neal is yet living. His wife, after bearing and rais- ing eleven children to years of maturity, died June, 1878, and he mar- ried Nancy Shepherd for his last wife, and this lady bore him two chil- dren. Henry T. Neal was raised on the old homestead in his native county, where he received such advantages as only were obtainable at that day. August 12, 1862, he became a private in Company K, Eighty-

Digitized by Google

1 t

349

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged May 28, 1865, with a Sergeant's chevyons. Mr. Neal's first military service was in Kentucky, but from here they were transferred to Nashville, Tenn., afterward par- ticipating in the battle of Fort Donelson. After assisting in the erection of the forts on the river at Franklin, Mr. Noal was at the battle of Thompson's Station, Tenn., where with the whole of Coburn's brigade, be was captured by Van Dorn's command. From Columbia, the prison- ers were taken to Shelbyville, where for some time their rations were en. tirely corn. They were then paroled, sent to Tullahoma, thence to Chat- tanooga and Knoxville, at the latter place being shown the gallows erected for the followers of Brownlow. From here they were sent via Lynchburg and Danville to Libby Prison, where for about forty days Mr. Neal passed through all the horrors of Southern prison life during the war. He was exchanged at City Point and taken to Parole Camp at Camp Chase, where he remained until being allowed to rejoin his regiment. He was princi- pally employed doing guard duty along the N. & C. R. R., until March. 1864, when he joined Sherman's army at Chattanooga, and participated in all its important battles and movements, including the march to the sea, the campaign through the Carolinas, and the Grand Review at Wash- ington. Since then, Mr. Neal has been engaged in various business call- ings, his present occupation being buying grain and looking after his mining interests. In 1879, he entered the County Treasurer's office as Principal, having been elected the preceding fall, and in 1880 was re- elected, serving four years in all. He is a Republican, a member of the F. & A. M., and was married, in 1868, to Sarah E. Wooley, by whom he is the father of two children-Elmer E. and Ella.

AMOS D. NEIDIGH, a native of the "Buckeye State," was born in 1850, and came with his parents, Peter and Rebecca (Deven) Neidigh, to Greene County, Ind., in 1852. He was here raised to manhood, received but an ordinary education, and when fifteen years old embarked on life's voyage for himself. For a time he was engaged in stock-driving, but having a strong inclination for mechanical pursuits he learned black. smithing, and has principally been engaged in engineering, blacksmith- ing and farming. He is one of the stirring men of his township, is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M., owns 160 acres of land in the county and is the present Real Estate Appraiser and Assessor of Richland Township. In politics, he advocates Republican measures; and was married to Miss Laura Simpson in 1877, by whom he is the father of three children-Oscar D., Freeling H. and Claudius S. Mr. Neidigh's mother died in about 1865, and his father in about 1879.

DR. HORACE V. NORVELL was born in Lawrence County, Ind., July 20, 1839, and is a son of Dr. R. G. and Amanda H. Norvell. Re- ceiving a common school education in his youth, he became a resident of Bloomfield when eighteen years old, and this has been his place of residence, largely, ever since. In 1861, he served as Deputy County Treasurer, afterward engaging in merchandising for some time. He read medicine and attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, after which he practiced his profession in Bloomfield for a number of years. In 1869, he received the appointment of United States Examining Surgeon . for Greene County, but previous to this was elected Chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee. In the latter position, he has served various times, and in 1878 was elected a member of the Demo- cratic State Central Committee. Dr. Norvell has taken an active part in

Digitized by Google

850

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

all matters of public interest, especially in political matters. In 1874, he was elected by a good majority Treasurer of the county, and two years later he was re-elected with a majority of 698 votes, which, in a Republican county, reflects much on Dr. Norvell's personal popularity. During the session of the State Legislature of 1882-83, he was made 8 Director of the Southern Prison of the State, and is yet serving as such. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, is a member of several leading secret orders; and October 25, 1871, he was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Dr. W. C. Smydth, of Worthington, to which union three sons have been born -- Ralph N., Max W. and Horace R.

GEORGE W. OSBON, a son of Asa and Parmelia (Lockwood) Osbon, . and one of three living children in a family of eight, was born on the present site of Mineral City, Ind., August 15, 1830. The family settled in Greene County in about 1825, but later removed to Tippecanoe County, and while making that their residence the father and four daughters died. The mother, with the remainder of the family, then returned to Greene County, married Adam Stropes, and died in about 1873. George W. Osbon began learning the carpenter's trade when eighteen years old, serving a three years' apprenticeship. In July, 1850, Mary, daughter of Thomas Patterson, became his wife, and to them eight children have been born, only Thomas P., Virginia B., Emmett L., Mary, John A. and Frank, yet living. November 20, 1861, Mr. Osbon became a private in Company E, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but shortly afterward was made Fifth Duty Sergeant, and at New Madrid was ad- vanced to First Sergeant; November 2 1862, he was discharged by reason of promotion to Second Lieutenant, but not receiving his commission until February 5, 1863, his name was not on the pay-roll, and for three months he not only served without pay, but furnished his own rations. He was promoted to the Captaincy of his company in August, 1863, serving as such until July, 1864, when, owing to illness in his family, resigned and returned home. Capt. Osbon saw much hard service in the late war, being a participant in the engagements of New Madrid, Island No. 10, siege and battle of Corinth, Port Gibson, Magnolia, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, reduction of Vicksburg and Mission Ridge. In February, he returned home on veteran furlough, but rejoined his command at Huntsville the succeeding April, and was employed doing guard duty until his return home. Since the war, he has farmed, worked at his trade, conducted a provision store, and since 1874 has served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace. Besides administering to the duties of his office, Capt. Osbon is actively engaged in a general loan and insurance business, representing nine of the leading insurance com- panies known. In January, 1883, his partnership with S. B. Graham was formed, which has since continued successfully under the firm name of Osbon & Graham. Capt. Osbon is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Repub- lican in politics, and in 1878 was admitted a member of the Greene County bar.

W. D. RITTER, son of Moses and grandson of James Ritter, was born at Newberry, in Cass Township, Greene County, Ind., April 7, 1827. Moses Ritter was a native of North Carolina, and through his antipathy of slavery migrated to Indiana in 1817, and for five years lived in Washington County. For the same reason, the family of John O' Neal left South Carolina, and coming to Indiana settled in Washington County, where first Moses Ritter met Achsah O'Neal, who became his wife in

Digitized by Google

851

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

1819. In about 1822, these two families came to the vicinity of where Newberry Dow is, Mr. O'Neal entering the land on which the village now stands, and which he laid out and named in honor of Newberry District, from whence he came in South Carolina. Mr. Ritter located in Daviess County, some four miles south of the Greene County line, afterward moving to Newberry, and from there to Bloomfield. Violet Ritter, the widowed mother of Moses, together with the remainder of the Ritter family, came to Greene County in 1822, and made this her home the remainder of her days. These two families became intimately connected with the early history of Greene County, which could not properly be written without saying 'much concerning them. John O'Neal was an old-fashioned Quaker preacher, and Baber's history of the county says this concerning him: "His house was the home for all the Indians and preachers, and was made the stopping place for the olden time Judges, lawyers, preachers, prophets, disciples, Jews and Gentiles." Baber also says this of Moses Ritter: "He lived in Greene County many years, and filled numerous offices of trust. It is said that 'an honest man is the noblest work of God;' he entirely filled that measure." W. D. Ritter has never known any home other than in Greene County. His early life and advantages were similar to that of the average boy of that early period. Since the organization of the Republican party, he has been identified with it, but previous to 1856 was a Whig, as was also his father. He has served Richland Township eleven years as Trustee, and is univer- Bally acknowledged as one of the best read men in the county. In 1859, he married Mrs. Caroline (Sanford) Tebbutt, who was born in Middle- sex, England, December 26, 1831. They own 200 acres of land near Bloomfield, and are the parents of this family: Levi, Grant, Helen, Emma; Anna and William.

E. E. ROSE was born in Washington County, Tenn., May 25, 1825. John and Mary Rose, his parents, were natives of South Carolina and Tennessee respectively, and of Scotch lineage. In 1832, the family re. moved to Indiana, and engaged in farming in Clay County. E. E. Rose was raised on this farm. and in conjunction with the duties of a farmer boy, attended the district schools, afterward taking an academic course at Bowling Green. When twenty years old, he became a disciple of Blackstone in the office of his brother, Allan T. Rose, but after a few months gave this up for the time. He enlisted as a private for the Mex- ican war in May, 1846, in Company C, Second Indiana Volunteers, his brigade commander being Gen. Lane, and his corps commander Gen. Taylor. He was a participant in the battle of Buena Vista, and was discharged with a Sergeant's chevrons in July, 1847. He began the study of medicine, but in 1848 was admitted to practice law, and the same year joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and immediately be- gan preparing for the ministry. In 1850, he was ordained, and subse- quently followed the dictates of his conscience by preaching the Gospel at various places for a number of years. In 1860, he located in Bloomfield, and for the second time embarked in the practice of law, at the same time editing and publishing the Greene County Times. In June, 1861, he became Captain of Battery C, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and serving as such was in the engagements of Teche, Donaldsonville and Port Hudson In 1868, he was a Presidential elector, and also a mem- ber of the Electoral College, where he cast his vote for Gen. Grant. Capt. Rose is a member of the National party, and the Masonic and Odd

Digitized by Google

852

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Fellow fraternities. He was married to Ellen Elliot August 19, 1847, and five of their seven children are yet living. As an attorney, Capt. Rose ranks among the first, and is in partnership with his son-in-law, Emerson Short.

M. B. SHRYER, a pioneer of Greene County, is a native of .. Mary. land, born in 1816. He is a son of John Shryer, and his grandfather was a native of Germany, and the progenitor of that name in America. When thirteen years old, M. H. left home, and for several years resided in West Virginia. In 1832, he came to Jeffersonville, Ind., from thence going South, and in 1836 returning to Indiana, locating in Bloomfield and opening a general store. Owing to the financial failures and hard times of 1837, Mr. Shryer failed in business, but through the timely aid of Mr. Taylor and Andrew Downing, he was enabled in time to pay all his debts. He was employed at various occupations for some time, and a noticeable feature in his life was in 1837, when he hauled dirt on the streets of Bloomfield for 37} cents per day. In 1848, in partnership with Mr. Downing, he built the old Rich- land furnace, and their product was first conveyed abroad from New Al- bány on flat-boats. They afterward built a steamboat, and in the management of this Mr. Shryer obtained the title of "Captain," by which he is generally known. In 1853, he severed his connection with his benefactor, Mr. Downing, and embarked in merchandising at Worth- ington, continuing five years, and in 1858 selling out and removing to Bloomfield, where he has since resided. Mr. Shryer is one of the progressive men of Greene County, and has done as much to advance the interests of Bloomfield as any other one man. He was one of the charter members of the bank of which he now has a controlling interest, and be- sides this is largely interested in other town and country property. He is a representative type of what a poor boy becomes through difficulties, and with no aid to rely upon but his willing hands and an unblemished reputation. He is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been four times married. First, in 1836, to Elizabeth M. Hoff. man, who died in 1838. To his second marriage, with Mary Ann Eve- leigh, which was solemnized the winter of 1838, six children were born, four of whom are yet alive. In 1851, he married Martha M. Oressy, and two of their four children are yet living. This lady died in 1879, and in 1881 he was married to Mary E. Maxwell, his present wife.

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.

History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 38

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Number of Pages: 901

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 901