USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnston County, Indiana. From the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 40
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J. W. LANDIS, one of the leading lumber manufacturers of Johnson County, and a permanent citizen of Edinburg, is a native of
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Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster County, that state, on the 14th day of February, 1832. He is the youngest son of Abraham Landis, also a native of Pennsylvania, and for a number of years an industrious mechanic of Lancaster County. The name of subject's mother was Margaret (White) Landis. The family left Pennsyl- vania in 1853, and immigrating to Johnson County, Ind., settled at the town of Williamsburg, in the old cemetery of which place the father and mother now rest side by side. J. W. Landis preceded his parents to Johnson County, moving to the town of Williamsburg in 1852, where he engaged in his trade of carriage making, which he had previously learned in Pennsylvania. Mr. Landis early ac- quired great proficency in his chosen calling, and from 1852 until 1865, did a profitable business in Wilhamsburg. In the latter year he began the manufacture af agricultural implements at Edinburg, but soon abandoned the business, and in 1867, began dealing in live- stock, which he carried on successfully for about eight years. In the meantime he embarked in the lumber business in Shelby County, and for some time operated a mill in the vicinity of Edinburg, which, like his previous ventures, proved financially profitable. He was interested in a saw-mill in Edinburg for some years, in partnership with Jacob Mahley, but sold out in 1883, and the year following, began the manufacture of lumber at the town of Trafalgar. In ISS7, he moved his large steam saw-mill from the latter place, to Franklin, where it is now in operation. This is one of the largest and best equipped mills of the kind in Johnson County, requiring the labor of twenty men, and turning out upon an average of 20,000,000 feet of lumber yearly. In addition to the mills already enumerated, Mr. Landis, in 1885, purchased the mill at Needham, which he operated until 1886, disposing of it the latter year. In his various business enterprises, Mr. Landis has displayed excellent judgment and ability, and as a result of his well-directed efforts, is now in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence. His large lumber trade is constantly increasing, and in the business circles of the state, he enjoys an enviable reputation. He is a member of the Masonic, I. O. O. F., and K. of P. fraternities. Mr. Landis was mar- ried September 13, 1853, to Miss Mary H. Iloffman, of Lancaster County, Penn., daughter of Frederick Hoffman. Of the eight chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Landis, only two are now living : Mary A., widow of M. C. Cargar, and Ida T., both of whom reside in Edinburg. Mrs. Landis died in ISSo.
J. H. LAW, of the firm of Sims & Law, butchers, Edinburg, was born in Jefferson County, Ind., January 22, 1834, the oldest son of William and Mary (Barnes) Law, natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer, followed his chosen calling, and in 1836
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settled in Johnson County, Ind., where he lived until his removal to Tipton County, fourteen years later. He is still living in the lat- ter county, having reached a ripe old age. He lost his wife in 1873. She was born in the year 1808, and was her husband's senior by four years. She was the mother of ten children, all but one living. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Law married a Mrs. Ellis, who is now dead. He makes his home at this time with his son-in- law, T. J. Hancock, of Tipton County. J. HI. Law began farming in 1854, in Tipton County, and continued that calling four years, and then began merchandizing at the town of Normanda, where he continued until 1860. In 1861, he volunteered his services to his country, and enlisted in Co. K, Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, Col. Slack's regiment, with which he served until discharged for physical disabilities at the expiration of nine months. On leaving the army he returned to his family in Tipton County, and there re- sided until 1866, when he moved to Johnson County, where he has since made his home. He was for some years extensively engaged in the live-stock business and farming, both of which he discontin- ued in 1886, and engaged in butchering in Edinburg, where he has now, in partnership with Mr. Sims, one of the best meat markets in the county. Mr. Law is a progressive citizen, an energetic busi- ness man, and an agreeable Christian gentleman. He is a member of the G. A. R., and for many years has been an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belongs. He married October 5, IS54, Miss Hannah Bills, of New Jersey, daughter of Abraham and Harriet (Johnson) Bills, by whom he had two children, Millard F. (deceased), and John F., who is now thirty years of age. John F. married Miss Nancy Jenkins, daugh- ter of Joseph Jenkins, one of the prominent old settlers of Johnson County.
ISAAC LESLEY, mechanic and foreman of the H. Maley & Co.'s large saw-and planing-mill in Edinburg, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and the oldest son of David and Sarah (Schaeffer) Lesley. Mr. Lesley's parents were Pennsylvanians by birth, but in an early day emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, and later, to Indiana. Isaac Lesley grew to manhood in his native county, and early learned the carpenter's trade, which, in the main, has been his life work. February 16, 1851, he was united in marriage to Mary Shally, of Ohio, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Shally, and one year later moved to Indiana, settling in Shelby County. In 1853, he came to Edinburg, and followed his trade here with much success and financial profit for a period of three years, abandoning it at the end of that time, and engaging in farming, which he car- ried on until about the year 1870. Hle assisted in organizing the
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Edinburg Furniture Company, with which he was connected until the destruction of the factory by fire. Subsequently, he accepted the position of foreman in the saw and planing-mill of II. Maley & Co., the duties of which he has discharged with commendable abil- ity to the present time. He is a skilled mechanic, a most worthy citizen, and enjoys the confidence of the wealthy firm by which he is employed. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics supports the principles of the democratic party.
A J. LOUGHERY, the subject of this sketch, was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., September 13, 1865, son of R. S. and Martha (Mitchell) Loughery, parents both natives of this state. The father was by occupation a miller, and followed that calling for a number of years in the counties of Johnson and Bartholomew. He served in the late war as member of Company C, Twenty- seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and for a period of three years shared the vicissitudes of his command in many of the bloodiest battles of the strugge, in one of which, the battle of Chancellorsville, Va., he received a severe wound, a minne ball passing nearly through his body. He was with the regiment in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Va., Gettysburg, Penn., Re- sacca, Atlanta, and numerous other engagements, including Sher- man's celebrated Georgia campaign, in all of which he bore the part of a brave soldier and sincere patriot. He died at Lowell Mills, Ind., in 1877, and lies burried in the Edinburg cemetery. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Loughery, four are living, the subject of this sketch being the oldest of the family. Mrs. Loughery is still living, making her home at this time in Edin- burg. A. J. Loughery was reared to manhood in Edinburg, and in 1884, graduated from the high school with honors, delivering the valedictory address upon that occasion. In ISS7, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary W. Cutsinger, a young lady of refinement and intelligence, and a graduate in the same class with her husband. Mr. Loughery became principal of the Edinburg high school, in 1886, and has already won an enviable reputation as a painstaking and successful educator. He is a young man of exemplary habits, and possesses those traits of character which insure his success in the future. He and wife are members of the Christian Church of Edinburg.
IIENRY MALEY .- Among the representative business men of Edinburg, is Henry Maley, who was born in Germany, on the 18th day of March, 1841. His parents were John and Catherine (Mohr) Maley, both natives of Germany. They left that coun- try when our subject was in his infancy, immigrating to the United States and settling in Shelby County, Ind., where the
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father engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. Mr. and Mrs. Maley had a family of seven children, four of whom are living. By a subsequent marriage Mr. Maley had three children, all living. Henry Maley was reared a farmer, and early became acquainted with the rugged duties of that useful occupation. His educational advantages were quite limited, but by coming in contact with busi- ness men in after life, he obtained a practical education, such as schools and colleges fail to impart. From 1864 until 1870 he was engaged in farming, in connection with which he also manufactured brick and drain tile, meeting with encouraging success in the latter business. He made a specialty of the manufacture of tiling for several years, but in 1872 began operating a saw-mill, and for some time thereafter did a lucrative business in Johnson and Shelby counties. In 1878 he erected a mill in Edinburg, and one year later engaged in the lumber business in Charleston, W. Va., where he also built a mill, which, with the one in this place, he is still operating, the style of the Edinburg firm being, Ilenry Maley & Co. He does a large lumber business, running in addition to his saw-mill, a planing-mill and two lumber-yards, all of which return him a handsome profit. He is also interested in the Edinburg Pulley Factory, besides having considerable capital invested in city property and real estate in the country, owning a fine farm of 264 acres in Shelby County. Mr. Maley is essentially a self-made man, and in his social and business relations, enjoys the unbounded con- fidence of his fellow-citizens. He is prominently identified with the material prosperity of Edinburg, and all movements for the public good find in him an earnest and hearty supporter. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic and K. of P. orders, and in politics wields an in- fluence for the democratic party. January 10, 1864, he married Miss Rebecca Compton, of Shelby County, Ind., a union blessed with the birth of the following children: Phebe, wife of E. D. Robbins, William H., Charles E., Maude, Claude and Alma E.
JACOB MAHLEY, the subject of this biography, is the eldest of a family of six children, born to Adam and Margaret (Zehmer) Mahley, and dates his birth from the 9th day of November, 1834. He was born in Germany, and remained in his native country until 1854, at which time he came to the United States and located in Shelby County, Ind., where, for about ten years, he was variously employed working at different occupations. In 1865 he engaged in the general mercantile trade at the town of Mt. Auburn, Shelby County, which he continued with gratifying success for some years, and later purchased a valuable farm, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In ISS3, he effected a partnership in the saw-milling and lumber business with Henry Maley & Co., in which he met with
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success and financial profit. Mr. Mahley has been very fortunate in his business ventures, owning at this time valuable real estate in Shelby County and Edinburg, besides interests in a saw-mill and grocery store in the latter place. He is one of the leading citizens of Edinburg, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who know him. He owns valuable property, his large brick residence on Walnut Street being among the finest dwellings in the city. Miss Emma Davisson, who became his wife on the 19th day of September, 1872, is a native of Shelby County, Ind., and daughter of Reuben and Rebecca Davisson. Mr. and Mrs. Mahley have two children: Jesse W. and Harry. Politically, Mr. Mahley is a democrat, and in religion, is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Mahley is a member of the Christian Church.
G. E. MAYFIELD, the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was born in the town of Dupont, Jefferson County, Ind., July 1, 1851, son of Francis and Adelaide (Wilson) Mayfield, na- tives respectively of Trimble County, Ky., and Madison, Ind. Francis Mayfield was, for a number of years, a merchant at the town of Dupont, and afterward engaged in the pork packing business at Columbus, Ind., a venture which did not prove financially successful. He was a member of the legislature from Jefferson County, in I851, and during the war held the position of provost marshal of Jefferson County. He is now living upon a farm in Jefferson County, having reached the advanced age of three score and ten, a well-preserved man for his years, retaining unimpaired to a marked degree his mental and physical faculties. Mrs. May- field is living also, being eleven years younger than her husband. They are the parents of eight children. G. E. Mayfield passed his youthful years in his native village, and was the recipient of a common school education. His first experience was upon a farm, and subsequently he accepted a position as book-keeper with a pork packing establishment at Columbus, where he continued until the failure of the firm, several years later. On leaving Columbus he went to Indianapolis, where, for a period of about one year, he was associated in the brokerage business, with J. P. Wiggins, Esq .; returning to Columbus at the end of that time, he engaged as book-keeper with the Wright Bros., pork packers, in whose employ he continued until 1879. Severing his connection with the above firm, he became book-keeper in the private banking house of John A. Thompson, at Edinburg, and after two or three years in that capacity, was promoted cashier, a position he now holds. Mr. May- field is an accomplished business man, thoroughly familiar with the details of banking, and enjoys the unbounded confidence of his em- ployer. He is withal a courteous gentleman and well deserves
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mention as one of Edinburg's wide-awake and energetic citizens. His wife, Mamie IIill, whom he married March 18, 1875, is a native of Columbus, Ind., and daughter of Judge Ralph Hill, a prominent lawyer of Indianapolis, and an ex-member of Congress. Mr. and Mrs Mayfield have two children, Clifford II. and Mina F.
D. McDONALD, the gentleman for whom this sketch is prepared, is a native of Canada, born in the County of Glangary, Ontario, on the 7th day of October, 1833. His father, John McDonald, was a native of New York, and a soldier of the War of ISI2. The mother, Christiana (Cameron) McDonald, was born in Canada, and was descended from Scotch ancestry. The McDonald family came originally from Scotland, and was early represented in this country by several members who settled in various parts of the eastern states. John and Christiana McDonald reared a family of fourteen children, all sons, eight of whom are still living. The subject of this biography remained in his native country until his sixteenth year, at which time he began life for himself, working at different occupations in various parts of the country. He traveled for some time from place to place, and finally settled down at the town of Lawrenceburg, Ind., where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed in that town for a period of eight or nine years. While at Lawrenceburg, he became acquainted with, and married, Miss Eliza J. Armstrong, who bore him three children, namely: Luella, Lizzie and Mary. From Lawrenceburg, Mr. Mc- Donald went to Evansville, where, after a residence of about one year, he returned to the former place, and later, moved to Kentucky and engaged in the same business at the town of Carrollton. He was in the employ of the government for some time building hos- pitals, bridges, etc., but in IS62, engaged in the furniture trade in Madison, Ind., where he did a fairly lucrative business until I868. From Madison he came to Edinburg, where, for two or three years he operated a furniture factory, and later, ISS4, engaged in the furniture trade and undertaking business. In 1856, he identified himself with the Methodist Church, of which he has since been an earnest and consistent member. He lost his first wife on the 10th day of April, ISSo, and on the 16th day of November, ISSI, his second marriage was solemnized with Miss Jennie Battin, of Ohio, a union blessed with the birth of one child: Edwin W. Mr. Mc- Donald is a republican in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F., and as a citizen commands the respect and confidence of the people of Edinburg.
ADAMI MUTZ, whose biography is herewith presented, is a na- tive of Lancaster County, Penn., born December 22, 1829, the son of George and Catherine Mutz. The father was a native of Ger-
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many, and by trade a weaver. He came to the United States a number of years ago, settling in Pennsylvania, where he followed his vocation for some time, and where he subsequently married Miss Catherine Frybarger. a native of Switzerland. Some years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Mutz emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, and settled near the city of Dayton, and later moved to Miami County, that state, where Mr. Mutz followed agricultural pursuits for a period of about twenty years. He subsequently re- tired from active life, and until his death, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, resided in the city of Covington. Mrs. Mutz departed this life in the spring of 1887, at the age of eighty-seven. Mr. Mutz served in the German army before coming to the United States, and served in several campaigns against the great Napoleon. Adam Mutz was reared principally in Montgomery County, Ohio, and obtained the rudiments of a practical education in such schools as the county at that time afforded. He subsequently attended a school at Fairmount, Ohio, paying his own way by working for wages during the summer seasons. At the age of nineteen he came to Johnson County, Ind., and after following various occupa- tions for a number of years, effected a co-partnership, in 1860 or 1861, with Martin Lynch, in the drug business, which firm still exists, the oldest business establishment at this time in the town of Edinburg. In his business relations Mr. Mutz has a reputation more than local, and as a public-spirited citizen fully alive to all the interests of the city in which he has so long resided, few occupy a more conspicu- ous and honored place. By diligent attention to the demands of the trade he has succeeded in establishing a very successful business, which has returned him a comfortable competence, his property be- ing among the most valuable in the city. He is a democrat in pol- itics, and for a period of thirty-five years has been an honored member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, being at this time treasurer of the Herndon Lodge. On the 12th day of April, 1866, he mar- ried Miss Martha Jarrell, daughter of Henry and Lucy Jarrell, a union blessed with the birth of five children, namely: John R., Lucy, Kate, Edell and Howard H.
G. A. MUTz, son of George and Catherine Mutz, is a native of Ohio, born in Montgomery County, that state, on the 16th day of July, 1837. At the age of thirteen, he was taken by his parents to Miami County, Ohio. where he resided until 1859, at which time he moved to Shelby County, Ind., and engaged in teaching. His success in that calling is attested by the fact of his having been em- ployed for six successive years in the same place, during which time he earned the reputation of an able and painstaking instructor. While thus employed, he married Miss Sarah Mullendore, of Shelby
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County, daughter of Jacob Mullendore, one of the leading farmers of that part of the state. Until 1870 Mr. Mutz was variously en- gaged, his principal vocation during the time having been agricult- ural pursuits, which he carried on in connection with teaching music. In the above year he engaged in the manufacture of furni- ture at Edinburg, and for a period of four years was one of the proprietors of the Edinburg Furniture Company, which subse- quently sustained a very heavy loss by fire. After the destruction of the factory, Mr. Mutz began selling furniture and undertaking supplies, but later abandoned the business, and purchased an in- terest in a family grocery store, which he carried on from 1878 until 1884. in partnership with J. M. Carvin. The partnership was dissolved in the latter year, after which Mr. Mutz purchased the grocery house of J. D. Brewer, Esq., which he still owns. Mr. Mutz is in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative business, his an- nual sales amounting to over $30,000. Ilis store is well supplied with all the goods demanded by the current trade, and is one of the best known and most substantial business houses of Edinburg. Politically, Mr. Mutz is a democrat, but has never been an aspirant for official honors, preferring to use his time and talents in other directions. He is an ardent friend of education, and for a number of years has served as a member of the Edinburg school board, of which he is at this time president. His early educational train- ing was liberal, attending first the common schools, and later the high school of Piqua, Ohio, and Heidelberg College, Seneca County, that state, in both of which he made substantial progress in the more advanced branches of learning. He is a member of the K. of P., and Masonic orders, and a gentleman in whom the citi- zens of Edinburg place great reliance. Mr. and Mrs. Mutz have two children, viz. : May Belle, wife of Elwood Allen, leading manu- facturer of Miamisburg, Ohio, and George Raymond Mutz, who is still under the parental roof.
PROF. WILLIAM B. OWEN, superintendent of Edinburg schools, is a native of Ohio, born in Ashland County, that state, on the 30th day of July, 1853. His father, Rev. A. K. Owen, is a Pennsyl- vanian by birth, and a distinguished minister of the Methodist Church, stationed, at that time, at the city of New Philadelphia, Ohio. Rev. Mr. Owen has held various official positions in his denomination, among which were those of presiding elder, and member of the board of appeals. Ile is one of a family of eight children, three daughters and five sons, the latter of whom all be- came ministers of different denominations, while two of the daught- ers married ministers. By his marriage with Miss Margaret Bru- baker, Mr. Owen had a family of seven children, four of whom
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are now living, viz .: Elizabeth, wife of W. B. Taggart; Edwin B., superintendent of schools at Arcola, Ill .: George, a journalist in Oregon, and William B., the subject of this biography. William B. Owen enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education, graduating at the age of twenty-one from Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio. In 1876, he began teaching in Lancaster, Pa., and in the presi- dential campaign of that year, took an active part by canvassing various counties in the state, in the interest of the republican candi- dates, Haves and Wheeler. He made a number of public speeches, and earned the reputation of an able and eloquent political orator. In 1878, he returned to his native state, and accepted the superin- tendency of the Delta schools, where he taught five years, and then became superintendent of the schools of Tuscola, Ill., a position he held until taking charge of the schools of Edinburg, Ind., in the fall of 1887. As a teacher, Prof. Owen ranks among the best-known educators in this part of the state, and as an institute organizer and lecturer, few have a more extended reputation. He has been a member of the National Teachers' Association for five years, and while principal of the Delta, Ohio, high school, achieved some prominence in educational circles as editor of the School Journal, published at that place. He is a regular contributor to various periodicals, and in addition to his school work, gives instructions in sketching and oil painting, being an artist of acknowledged ability. Politically, he is an ardent supporter of the republican party, and in religion, holds to the Presbyterian creed. He was married in Dela- ware County, Ohio. in 1878, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Jefferson P. and Delia (Thrall ) Maynard, a union blessed with the birth of three children. viz .: Carl M., L. Percival, and Lou M. Mr. and Mrs. Owens are members of the Edinburg Presbyterian Church.
DR. LUTHER PAINE is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born in the town of Miamisburg, on the 29th day of November, 1824. His parents were Henry and Allettah (Lane) Paine, the father at one time a leading school teacher of the above county, where he also held the position of major in the state militia service. Dr. Paine's first experience in life was on his father's farm, and his early educational training embraced the limited course appertaining to the indifferent schools of that day. While still young he learned in Warren County, Ohio. the blacksmith's trade, which was his work for forty-one years. He followed his calling several years in Warren, Montgomery and Preble counties, Ohio, and in 1852, came to Johnson County, Ind., locating at Edinburg, where he car- ried on his business continuously until IS82. Dr. Paine was always a great reader, and in his hours of leisure turned this taste to his advantage by studying the standard works on medicine, for which
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