History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships, Part 102

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman
Number of Pages: 664

USA > Indiana > Randolph County > History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships > Part 102

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CHARLES L. LEWIS, ESQ.

Charles L., son of John and Elizabeth E. Lewis, was born in 1854, near the village of Unionsport, Randolph Co., Ind. He grew uplike the average farmer boy, attending school during the wintor, and working on the home farm during

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WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.

the remainder of the year. In 1872, when only eighteen years of age, President Grant appointed him Vice Consul to the port of Glasgow, Scotland, in which capacity he eerved two years. Returning home at the end of that time, be entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he remained two terms. He located at Winchester in 1877, was admitted to the bar of Randolph County, and entered at once upon the practice of his pro- fession. In 1878, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served in that capacity four years. Since that time he has devoted hie time exclusively to practice of his profession, in which he is steadily rising. In politics his affili- ations are with the Republican party, and as a worker in the ranks he has rendered effective eervice. He is yet young, and in the ordinary course of events a long life lies before him in which to achieve success and win renown in his profession. He is energetic and Industrious, and by hie devotlon to the practice has gained a fair etart on the road to fortune, and at the same time has grown in the estimation of all with whom he has been associated. Mr. Lewie was married in 1878, to Miss Ellesnor Allison, daughter of Ralph Allison, a highly respected citizen of Randolph County, Ind. By this union they are the parents of one child, named Erman G. Lewis.

O. F. LUELLEN.

Oliver F. Luellen was born Auguet 5, 1841, at Rodgersville, Henry Co., Ind. His father, Jahash Luellen, was a native of West Virginia, and came with his parents to Henry County, Ind., when about nineteen years of age. He married Mery Macy, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of Jonathan Macy, who was one of the pioneers of Wayne County, Ind. The father and mother are both deceased ; the former died at Newcastle, Ind., .n 1877, and the latter at the same place in 1880. Oliver, the subject of this sketch, is the third in a family of eix children. His early life was quiet and uneventful, being made up chlefly of the duties of farm life. He attended school in the winter, acquir- ing a good practicel education. When he had reached the twentieth year of hie age, the counde of civil war were heard in the land, and he was among the first to offer hie services in defense of the flag, under the call of President Lincoln for volunteers for the three years' service. He enlisted in August, 1861, as & private in Company C, of the Thirty-sixth Indiana Regiment, and marched with his comrades to the field. . They were assigned to duty in Ken- noky, with the Army of the Ghio. After a service of more than two years, Mr. Luellen was honorably discharged on account of impaired health. The hard- ships of soldier life broke down his vigorous constitution, and disabled him, for awhile, for duty. After resting at home for about six months, he came to Win- chester, and enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment for one year. Prior to the expiration of this term, however, the war closed, and he wes mustered out. During his period of service, he participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Murfreesboro and Stone River, in addition to numerous skir- mishes and minor engagemente, and rose from the position of a private soldier to the rank of Orderly Sergeant. While in camp at Indianapolis, he obtained a short leave of absence, and during this time was united in marriage with Miss Sarah L. Hudson, a native of Boston, Massi, then residing with her parents in Ross County, Ohio. The wedding took place in February, 1866, and immediately afterward Mr. Lueflen returned to his, regiment. After the close of the war, he entered the service of the " Bee Live"" Railway Company, remaining in their employ for about eight years. Finally, he met with an accident on the road, by which he was permanently crippled, and was forced to retire from that position.' From that time until 1880, he was engaged in various pursuits, and in the spring of that year was nominated by the Republicans for the office of Recorder of Randolph County, a position to which he was elected in the fall of that year. He took charge of this office in August, 1881, and has discharged his duties with commendable zeal and fidelity. He is a genial, whole-souled gen- tleman, and both in his publio capacity and private life has won many friends.

GEORGE W. LONGNECKER, son of John and Magdaline (Bowman) Long- necker, was born November 18. 1856, in Washington Township, Randolph Co., Ind. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in that State. In 1864, they removed with their family to Randolph County, Ind., locating in Washington Township, where the father purchased a farm. The land was partially cleared when he bought it, but he made numerous improve- mente during his ownership. He died in 1858, respeoted by all who knew him. His wife etill survives. George W., the subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm, and at an early age learned to follow the plow, and perform the vari- ous duties incident to farming. The farm was under the management of his elder brothere, and until nineteen yeare of age he remained at home, assisting them, and attending the district schools in winter. When nineteen years of age, he came to Winchester, and entered upon an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade with R. Thornburg, finishing with Thomas Sommers, with whom he remained until 1879. In that year, he engaged in business for himself, and has continued suc- cesefully ever since. He has devoted himself to his work with an assiduity that has accomplished good results, and gained him popular favor as a tailor. As a neighbor and friend he is highly esteemed, and among all who know him he is recognized as a young men of honor and sterling integrity. He is an active member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias, having taken all the degrees of the latter order. On June 6, 1878, he was united in mar- risge with Miss Elizabeth Lamb, an estimable young lady. They are the parente of one eon, Edward S. Mrs. Longnecker is the daughter of Smith Lamb, Esq., who served with an Illinois regiment during the late war, and lost his life in defense of the Union.

GEORGE E. LEGGETT was born January 13, 1867, at Alliance, Ohio. Hia father, Rev. John D. Leggett, was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, moving from place to place with his family, at the call of the Conference to which he was attached, seldom remaining more than three yeare at one place. His eon attended school in the various towne to which his father was assigned, passing a large portion of his time in the State of Pennsylvania, and complet- ing his school daye st Mount Union College, Mount Union, Ohio. In 1876, he

came to Winchester to represent his father's interest in the flouring mill of Bates, Brothers & Co., and upon attaining his majority, succeeded his father in the firm. This relation still continues. On September 29, 1880, Mr. Leggett was united in marriage with Miss Dora A., daughter of John Ross, Esq., of Winchester. In the same year, he became a member of Winchester Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and in 1881 entered the lodge and Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Winchester. He is a young men of fine business qualifications, industrious and energetic, and ie regarded by all who know him es one of the substantial and reliable young men of this community.

WILLIAM LENKESTERFER was born at the town of Steinau, Hesee- Cassel, Germany, in 1845, and came to the United States in 1861 .. The voyage was made in s sailing vessel, and occupied eight weeke. He remained but & short time in New York, coming directly to Winchester, Ind., where his uncle, John Lenkesterfer then resided. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade with his uncle, and worked at that trade until 1863. In the meantime, he had be- come familiar with American politics, and comprehended the merits of the struggle then raging between the North and South, and with the love of right co characteristic of his race, he volunteered his servicee in defense of the Union. He enlisted in Company G, of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Indiane Regiment, in 1863, and eerved until the fall of 1866, when he was honorably discharged. Returning from the army, he resumed work at his trade, and was thus engaged until 1873. Since that time he has been engaged se a draymen at Winchester. In the spring of 1881, he was elected Marshal of the town of Winchester, and was afterward appointed Street Com- missloner, in whloh capacity he served some time. He is an honest, indus- trious citizen, and ie esteemed by all who know him. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics ie a Republican. He was married in 1869, to Mias Margaret Ludy, daughter of Henry Ludy, Esq., of Winchester. By this union they are the parents of eix children, ail of whom are now living.

JOHN MONKS.

John Monks was one among the early pioneers of thie county, and the father of a family whose members have borne a prominent part in ite subee- quent history. He was born in one of the great cotton manufacturing districts of England, and at an early age learned the art of weaving. When & young man, he came to the United States, and found employment at his trade. Early in the year 1820, he came to Randolph County, Ind., locating one and one-half miles south of Winchester. He had no knowledge of farming, end was ill prepared for the labore of pioneer life, and beyond an occasional job of carding wool for some of his neighbors, he found no work at his trade. In the tire- come drudgery of clearing his farm, building fences, and chopping bruch, much of the burden was borne by his wife, who, although irom one of the aristocratic families of Kentucky, knew more than her husband about farm work. There was little demand for mechanics of his guild in thie thinly settled region, and his first few years in the wilderness were years of hardship, anxiety and toil. He possessed the sturdy English disposition in a marked degree, and determined to make the best of his surroundings. Little by little he succeeded in clearing his farm and deriving a revenue from its products, and little by little he enlarged ite boundaries until he possessed quite a good estate. He became a prominent and well-known citizen in the community, and being an industrious and energetic man, gained the respect and esteem of all his neighbors. He learned, in time many of the details of agricultural life, and became quite a successful farmer, although his attention was given chietly to carding-this industry increasing as the settlement of the county progressed, affording him less time for out-door work, and causing the management of the farm to devolve almost entirely upon his sone. He was sctivo and enterpris- ing, and was counted one of the leading citizens of the community. He died on his farm in this county in 1849, his wife surviving him until 1861. Their remains now lie at rest under the soil they cultivated, and which was all their own. Among the pioneers who have passed away, none, perhaps, were ever more truly mourned than this couple, for they won and aver retained the kindest regards of all with whom they were associated in life. They were the parente of seven sons, named respectively George W., Walter S., Richard T., John, Christopher Columbus and William, and two daughters-Margaret and Susan. Of the sons, George W., Walter S., John and William are now deceased.

GEORGE W. MONKS.

George Washington, eldest son of John and Matilda (Elder) Monke, was born April 25, 1814, near Cincinnati, Ohio. He came to Randolph County, Ind .. with hie parents, in 1820, and grew to manhood amid the scenes that marked the pioneer period of this county's history. By diligent application, assisted by a few terma in the log schools of that period, he acquired a good English education, which, added to a naturally fine intellect and good judgment, fitted him for the stations which he was afterward called to occupy. While growing up, he devoted a large share of his time to the clearing and improving of the home farm, to spare hie mother as much as possible the necessity of performing work so far removed from her proper sphere. As his younger brothers grew up and were able to manage and cultivate the farm, he began to look about for the means of earning an independent livelihood. He taught school two terms -first in a log schoolhouse on the David Wysong farm, and afterward in the vicinity of the farm of John Robinson, now known as the Kemp farm. But he preferred a more active avocation than echool teaching, and removing to Win- chester in 1886, found employment in the store of Michael Aker, one of the leading merchante of early days. He developed fine business talents, and at once began to take a leading and active part in civil and political affairs. While acting in the capacity of clerk for Mr. Aker, and while scarcely more than a boy in years, he was selected by the Whlg party as their candidate for Clerk of Randolph County. At the election which followed, he was elected by a flattering majority. succeeding Charles Conway, who retired after a service of twenty-one years (three terms). In 1846, at the expiration of his first term,

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

Mr. Monks was re-elected, and served until 1853. Upon the election of his successor, he became Deputy Clerk, serving in that capacity until 1861. Mr. Monks was ao efficient and able man in whatever capacity he acted, and in his hands the affaire of the Clerk's office were well administered. After his long service in this capacity, he was called by his fellow-citizens to fill other trusts, in the discharge of which he displayed the same conscientious fidelity. He was selected by Gov. Wright to serve as one of the delegates from Indiana to the World's Fair, held in the city of New York, and was commissioned 88 such in May, 1853. In 1854, the Republican party in this county was organ- ized by a coalition of the anti-slavery Whigs and the Free-Soil party. At a mass convention held at Winchester In that year, he was nominated by ncele- mation for Representative in the General Assembly, thus becoming the first Republican nominee from this county for a legislative office. He was elected in the fall, and took a prominent and active part in the session of 1854-55. lle was a very pronounced temperance man, and was identified with the tem- perance legislation of that seeslon, voting for the prohibitory law of 1855, by which it was made illegal for any one but an authorized County Agent to sell liquor, the intent of the law being that none should be sold, except for medi- cal purposes. He served but one term in the Legislature, but his entire ca- reer in this capacity was marked by the greatest fidelity to the truet reposed in him, and the most unwavering devotion to the best interests of the public and his constituency. He had studied law, and after his admission to the bar associated himself in the practice with Carey S. Goodrich, which relation con- tinued for a short time. He afterward entered into partnership with Judge James Brown, with whom he continued to practice until his decease. Perhaps no man among all the citizens of early days was more widely known, and cer- tainly none were ever more universally respected and honored. He was one in whose integrity and honor the utmost confidence was reposed by every one who knew him, and he never betrayed & truet, however insignificant it might be. So marked was the confidence reposed in him that people from all parte of the county came to him with money for which they had no immediate use, placing it in his hands for safe-keeping, and taking no security whatever. He was A public-spirited, whole-souled man, and ever wide-awake to the interests of the publlc. He was identified with most of the public improvements insti- tuted during his life, and contributed generously of his means to all enterprises having in view the ultimate benefit of the county, such as railroade, turnpikes, etc. He was particularly the friend of public education. He was called the best mathematician in the county, and was proficient in all the branches that go to make up a good education. But his knowledge was acquired under the most trying disadvantages, and he was unceasing in his efforts to encourage and build up educational facilities within the reach of all. He was industri- ous and energetic, end while he enjoyed a considerable income, he never pos- sessed the disposition to hoard his earnings, and acquired only a modernte amount of property. He was unselfish in his use of money, spending it in many ways where it would lighten the burden of a fellow-mortal less fortunate than himself, and always happiest when he was able to afford relief and pleas- ure to others. This acemed to be his idea of the use of money, and having provided well for hte famlly, he had no inclination to amass a fortune. His first residence in Winchester still stands at the east end of North street, where he lived for a number of years, his residence property extending as far north as the " Bee Line" railroad, and as far south as the present residence of Col. M. B. Miller. In 1849, he sold this residence and purchased the land upon which Geo, A. Stone now lives. The tract contained about fifty acres, a part of which be divided into lots, and laid out as the South Addition to the town of Win; chester. He left the impress of his identity upon the moral, educational and material interests of this county, and was in all respecte one of its foremost and best citizens. In 1843, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church under the ministrations of Rev. John H. Hull, and in all his after life was a coneist- ent Christian. His house, which was ever open to the wayfarer in need of hos- pitality, was especially the home of the itinerant minister, who found there royal entertainment and n hearty welcome. In 1845, he united with the Mo- sonic fraternity et Winchester, progressing as far as the Royal Arch degree. He was active in his fraternal relations, and was a valued member of the lodge. He took an active interest in the development of the agricultural resources of the county, and was one of the leaders in the organization of its first agricult- ural .society. He served as Treasurer of that society from 1852 to 1857, end was a member of the State Board of Agriculture for a number of years. Mr. Monke wes twice married. First on the 19th of November, 1837, to Miss Be- linda Ilulitt. By this union they were the parents of two sons, one of whom died in infancy. Charles, the surviving son, still lives in this county. In later years, he was called to mourn the death of the wife of his early manhood, and on the 18th of August, 1842, was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Irvin, daughter of Robert Irvin, an early settler and prominent citizen of Randolph County. This second union was blessed by seven children, named respectively Leander J., Mary E., George W., J. Irvin, Viola, Minerva B. and Segel. On the 18th of September, 1864, Death again invaded his household, claiming the wife for his victim. Subsequently, the father purchased land in Minnesota, with the intention of locating in that State with his family. He made a pre- paratory visit and came back to Winchester with the purpose of removing his family to the new home in the summer of 1865, but before his plans could be consummated he fell ill, and on the 4th of April, 1865, his active life closed in death, and his remains were laid to rest beneath the soil of the county of which he was so prominently a part. He was universally mourned when his death was made known, for his fellow-citizens knew that a good man was gone-one whose place it would be hard to fill. His memory is fresh in the hearts of all who knew him, though his form shall greet them no more.

C. C .. MONKS.

Christopher Columbus, son of John Monks, was born April 10, 1827, in Randolph County, Ind .; until he reachedl the age of sixteen years, he was en-

gagedl in the performance of farm work, at his father's farm in this county, ac- quiring, in the meantime, a good common school education. In 1843, he be- onme an apprentice at the cabinet-maker's trade, and for the next ten years was engaged at that occupation. Subsequently, he worked five years at the carpenter'e trade, after which he embarked in mercantile pursuits. He was en- gaged in the dry goods trade one year, and in the grocery trade one year, con- ducting & very satisfactory and profitable business. After retiring from mer- cantile life, he resumed work at the carpenter's trade, at which he was engaged for two years. In 1869, he opened a meat market at Winchester, and has ever since continued in this line of employment. He has always attended closely to hile business, and by good management has succeeded in accumulating a very comfortable estate. He is industrious and energetic, and enters enthusiastically into the spirit of any work at which he is engaged. Ile has been blessed with remarkable health, having never lost & dny from his work on account of phys- ical disability. He is respected and esteemed as an honorable, upright oitizen, and enjoys the confidence of the community. He is a member of the Odd Fel- lows fraternity nt Winchester, and in politics is identified with the Republican party. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Frances E. Bntchfield. By this union they are the parente of five children, three of whom are now living-Minnie, Lizzie and Eddie.

HON. DANIEL B. MILLER.

Daniel B. Miller was born in Litchfield County, Conn., November 29, 1797, and emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1819, and in 1822, came to Jack- son Township, Randolph Co., Ind., where he was engaged in the pioneer work of clearing out a form and establishing a home. He was industrious, frugal and successful in the management of his affairs. He removed to Ward Town- ship in 1830, where he remained until 1870, when he located in Winchester. He was a man who always commanded the highest respect of those with whom he was associated, and in all his dealings with his fellow-men maintained n high character for honor and fairnese. He was prominent in all enterprises designed to promote the public welfare, contributing from his own means and using his infinence to secure the co-operation of others. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his daily life was consistent with his re- ligious professions. He never intentionally did anything that would result in the injury of a neighbor, and was above taking an unfair advantage in a trade. He occupied a prominent position in society, and was considered one of the leading citizens of the county with which he was so long identified. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1827, and served until 1831. From 1837 to 1844 he was Aasociate Judge of the Circuit Court. He never had any political am- bition, and never sought office, his election in both cases being the choice of the people without his solicitation. He was a faithful officer, and was qualified for higher trusts had he the inclination to accept them. In his political affiliations, he was a Democrat, zealous in hla attachments to the principles of his party, and enthusiastic in his advocacy of them. He died March 21, 1881, in the eighty-fourth year of his nge, sincerely mourned by all who knew him, leaving to his family a goodly estate and an honored name. He was married four times, and was three times bereaved by death of the companionship of a de- voted wife. His first wife was Sarah Cravens, to whom he was married in 1823. His second wife was Dorotha Cravens ; his third Nancy A. Boote, and his fourth, Sarah Croyle. He was the father of eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity and were married, four of whom are now living-Martin B. Miller, Sarah E. Warren, Julia E. Clevenger and Luman H. Milier. They all live in Randolph County except Lumnn, who is a resident of Grant County, Ind.

NANCY A. BooTs, the third wife of Daniel B. Miller, was born in Ross County, Ohlo, in 1806, removed to Indiana in 1818, and was married to Judge Miller in 1832. She was the mother of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity. She died December 17, 1872, after a very brief illness, having lived a happy married life of over forty years. She was n member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a lady of the highest personal character, discharging well the sacred duties of wife and mother, and in death mourned by a large circle of friends.

MARTIN B. MILLER.

Martin B., son of Daniel B. and Nancy A. (Boots) Miller, was born in Ward Township, Randolph Co., Ind., March 15, 1833. ITis early years were spent in the ordinary routine of farm life, with only the district school of that day as a means of obtaining an education. After he was of nge, he determined to strive for a more liberal culture. He attended White Water College at Cen- treville, Ind., during several sessions of 1853-54 and '55, paying his way in part hy such services as he could render in the care of the college building. He afterward attended a part of two terms at Ashury University, in 1856. He taught during the winter of 1857, and in the autumn of that year entered Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio. In February, 1858, he began the study of law with Judge James Brown, of Winchester, where he remained until the following autumn when he went to Missouri. Reaching the end of the railroad at Tipton, in that State, he walked one hundred miles to Browning's Ferry, where he remained the following winter, teaching four months. In the autumn of the following year, he returned to Winchester and engaged for a year in the practice of law with Judge Jere Smith. In the winter of 1861-62, he attended the law department of Butler University, grad- uating at the close of the school year. In the summer following, he enlisted in the United States service, was commissioned as Lieutenant and recruited Com- pany E, of the Eighty-fourth Regiment Indians Volunteer Infantry, upon the mustering in of which he wae made Captain, which position he filled for twenty- eight months. In January, 1865, he was commissioned Major, and soon after promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of his regiment, and for good conduct brevetted Colonel. He was mustered out of the service June 14, 1865. He with his command participated in many of the most arduous and dangerous campaigns of the war through Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, being engaged in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost,

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History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships, Part 102

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman Number of Pages: 664

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman
Number of Pages: 664