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 103

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 103

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319

WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.

Rocky Face, Dallas, Resaca, Pino Mountain, Altoons, Culp's Farm, Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy, Merret's Mills, Franklin, Nash- ville, besides many others of lesser note. Through all these conflicts he passed unhurt. The only time he was ever struck was at Chickamauga, where a part of his moustache was out off by a bullet. After his discharge from the service, he engaged in the practice of lew in Winchester with Leander J. Monks as & partner, under the firm name of Miller & Monks, which continued until 1871. In June, 1872, he purchased an Interest in the flouring mills at Winchester, but sold agsin the following winter. He then purchased an interest in a monu- faoturing business at Decatur, Ind., where he continued until 1876, when he resumed the practice of his profession in Winchester. He was two years alone ; then for a time in partnership with Alexander Gullett, and at the present with Hon. John Enon Neff, under the firm name of Miller & Neff. Col. Miller is Democratio in politios, firm and consistent in his advocacy of his party princi- ples. He has never sought office, but in 1868 ran for Prosecutor in the Thir- teenth Judicial District, composed of the counties of Randolph, Jay, Blackford and Wayne, beating his Republican competitor in all except Wayne County, which, of course, " snowed him under." In 1880, Col. Miller led the hopeless but gallant campaign in the Sixth Congressional District against Gen. Thomas M. Browne, and while defeated, he carried his full party vote. Col. Miller is a member of the I. O. O. F., in which excellent institution he takes high rank. He is not a member of any church, but is liberal toward all theological opinions. On February 4, 1864, he was married to Miss Sarah J. Aker, daughter of Andrew Aker, of Winchester. Mra. Col. Miller is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a lady of excellent social character, and has proved herself & worthy companion in all respects. They are the parents of three children, only one of whom eurvive. They have an exceedingly elegant home, are sur- rounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and enjoy the prospect of a highly desirable future.

JAMES MOORMAN. The subject of this sketch is the youngest son of Thomas and Susannah (Crew) Moorman. Hia parents both emigrated from the James River country, in Virginia, to Richmond County, N. C., prior to the Rev- olutionary war, and grew to maturity and were married in the latter county. There were born to them five sons and two daughters, Tarleton Moorman, for- merly of Randolph County, being the eldest. James, the youngest son, was horn near Rockingham, Richmond Co., N. C., on the east side of the Big Peedee River, on the 26th day of June, 1795. His father died on the 27th day of the eleventh month, 1801, and the subject of this sketch, from the time he was eix years of age, was reared without the care and protection of a father. In 1822, the mother emigrated with her family from North Carolina to Wayne County, Ind., where Thomas, a hrother, bad located at an carlier date. They located at what is known as Kenworthy's mill, on Green'e Fork, in Wayne County, Ind., where the mother died on the fifth day of the tenth month, 1836. While living in Wayne County, he was known to have been, perhaps, the first to in- troduce fine cattle into that county. James Moorman is, perhaps, ns widely- known as any resident of the county. Personally, he is a man of about six feet in stature, and etands erect, with a high, broad forehead, large brain in front, with a well-balanced head of the finest type. He has a pleasant, open coun- tenance, and though not talkative, be has a pleasant word for all, and is famil- iariy called by everybody Uncle Jimmy. He generally keeps his own counsel, And seldom asks advice ; and what he does he does quietly, and is willing to risk his judgment on ali matters of importance. He inherited little wealth from his parents-not over $100 or $200, perhaps, but he inherited what was far better, a strong, athletio frame, 1 hardy, robust constitution, temperate babite, with an economical disposition, exacting all that was his dues, and sl- ways giving the same, with 'a willingness to labor at anything honorable. In true pioneer style, he took his ax and went into the forest and cicared & farm. When he had accumulated a few dollars, he did not cease to labor, and spend his money in pleasure or high living, but loaned it out safely at interest, end labored on for more ; and thus day by day he added to his store, until, in 1860, he was known as one of the wealthiest men in Eastern Indiana. In that year, he located at Winchester and started what was known as the Winchester Bank. Since that time, by careful and judicious investments, and a constant personal attention to his business, his prosperity has been such that his wealth has more then doubled. His motte as a financier has always been : Pay as you go, and make each day more than you spend. He was never of a specula- tive turn of mind, and never attempted to make money by speculation, prefer- ring the elower and surer way to success, and by his good judgment he met with but few losses in his investments. He is a man of sound judgment and great will-power, and when his mind is made up, his decision is final. His " Little rather not" is understood by those who know him to be a very en- phatio No ! While he has not been extravagant in his liberality, he seldom turns his back upon a good onuse, and has contributed cheerfully to all moral and religions enterprises that have sought publio encouragement, and no doubt before his life closee he will emplay at least a portion of his great wealth in suob a manner as will blese mankind. In his religious relations, he is a friend of the orthodox branch, having hed a birth-right in the church. In his later years, he has taken great interest in the church at Winchester, and has been very faithful in his attendance, being seldom absent from his sent. Politically, he is a Republican, and has been identified with this party over since its or- ganization. Prior to that, he was anti-slavery in his political sentiments, as were all the Friends in this county at that time. Though his church was op- posed to the war, he took a lively interest in the results of the conflict, the freedom and enfranchisement of the slaves; and no one paid his income-tax more cheerfully than be. He still has in his heart a warm place for the sol- diere who periled their lives in the cause of freedom and the defense of the Union. He is now eighty-seven years of age, and, though growing feeble, he still retsins the free and full use of all his fine mental faculties, and with his temperate and regular habits may live to see an extreme old nge. He bag re- tired from the drudgery of active business life, and has placed the affairs of his bank largely in the hands of Capt. Joseph R. Jaokson, of Union City, who, with

his excellent business ability, has taken the burden from his shoulders to & great extent, while he awaits, quietly and patiently, the end of a long and suc- cessful business life. His career demonstrates the possibilities attainable by Industry and determination, and illustrates the fact that the cure road to wesith is through honeet toil and frugality.

JOHN W. MACY.

John W. Macy was born in 1843, in Henry County, Ind., and removed to Randolph County, Ind., with his father, David Macy, in 1854. The family lo- cated At Farmiand, in this county, where they still reside. Mr. Macy was renred & farmer, and the principal part of his time in boyhood was employed on his father's farm, in Henry County. In the winter, be attended school near his home, acquiring a good English education. In August, 1802, when less than nineteen years of age, he enlisted in Company A, of the Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infaotry, and entered the field in defense of the nation's bonor. At the battle of Chickamauga, he was wounded in the thigh, and dur- ing the next two months he was absent from his regiment in consequence of this injury. During a portion of this time, he was st home, obtaining recruits for the service ; he then returned to his regiment, and eerved until.the olose of the war, when he was mustered out. In youth, he had learned the wagon- maker's trade, and after his return from the army he engaged in this pursuit, continuing until 1867; he was then appointed Deputy Auditor by William E. Murray, who was, at that time, Auditor of Randolph County, and served in this enpacity two years. He was Deputy Clerk under John B, Goodrich, and afterward under Taylor Semane, for a period of two and a half years, and at the olose of this eervice went to Kentucky, where he was actively engaged in various branches of business for four years. Returning to Farmland at the end of that time, he emberked in the stove and tinware trade, and while thus en- gaged be was nominated by the Republicans, in 1877, for the office of Clerk of Randolph County, and elected in the fall of the same year. He left the shop at Farmland one day and assured the duties of the office the next. Through- out a period of four years, he discharged the many duties of this office with a fidelity that was highly creditable to himself, and satisfactory to the people of the county, He re-arranged the office, and spent all his leisure time in group- ing, boxing and numbering the thousands of packages of documents that had accumulated in the office for years, thus rendering comparatively easy a search for any document desired. While serving as clerk, Mr. Maoy was chosen Chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Randolph County, and in ad- dition to his official labors, discharged the many dutles of that position with equal fidelity ; his faithfulness in this line, and its important results, elicited the warmest expressions of satisfaction and gratitude from his Republican friends. An important campaign had just been conducted to a successful ter- mination in this county, and the Republicans assembled in large numbers at the court house to express their appreciation of the services of their chairman. His utter ignorance of the form this expression would take, was manifested by his complete surprise, when, in a neat little speech, the spokesman of the party presented him with a handsome and valuable silver service, which will long be to him a treasured token and a happy reminder ; he retired from his official position In November, 1881, and since that time has been successfully engageri in the practice of law, in connection with the real estate and insurance busi- nesa ; he is also associated with Messrs. John E. Neff and E. S. Kelley, a8 & partner in the handle factory at Winchester. As a business man, Mr. Macy possesses marked talent, and in every poeltion he has occupied, he has per- formed his duties with distinguished ability; he is a valued member of so- ciety, and enjoya the confidence and esteem of all who know him. On the 25th of December, 1871, Mr. Macy was united in marriage with Mise Sarah, daugh- ter of Edward Edger, Esq., a prominent and highly respected citizen of Win- chester. By this union they are the parents of three children, named respeet- ively, Ralph E., Shields S. and Kate B. Macy.

CAPT. ALBERT O. MARSH.

Albert O. Marsh was born September 15, 1840, at Windsor, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. He attended ITiram College, and recited his lessons to the illustrious statesman and martyr President of the United States, Jemes A. Garfield, at a time when the latter was only a tencher in the institution which is now cele- brated by his connection with it. At the age of eighteen years, Mr. Marsh cn- gnged in the vocation of school teaching, which he followed successfully until the outbreak of the late rebellion called for patriotic sacrifices from young men in defense of the flag and the maintenance of nationni unity. He was among the first to respond, enlisting, in 1861. in the Fifteenth Ohio Regiment for the three months' service. At the expiration of that term, he returned to his home, and, in the fall of 1861, was married to Miss Sarah M. Golleber ; he taught seliool during the succeeding winter, and, in the summer of 1862, enlisted in the Forty-sixth Ohio Regiment for three years, as a member of Company A. In June, 1863, he was detailed to organize a colored regiment in Tennessee, first known as the Second Regiment of Tennessee Infantry, but afterward as the Fifty-ninth United States Colored Infantry. He was commissioned Captain of A company in that regiment in June, 1863. For a time, he acted as Aid-de- Camp under Gen. Buckiand, at Memphis, having charge of posts and defenses at that place. He was afterward made Assistant Inspector General on the staff of Gen. A. L. Chetlain, holding that position until the last of July, 1865. At that time, after resigning his commission as Captain, he was appointed by Gen. John S. Smith, na Superintendent of the Military Detectives, Secret Service Corps, with headquarters nt Memphis. In February, 1866, this corps was dis- banded, and he resumed civil life ; having read law prior to the war, he deter- mined upon the adoption of the legal profession. After spending a few months in Ohio, recruiting his health, he located at Seymour, Ind., and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, and from 1868 to 1872, was the agent and attorney of several insurance companies. In 1872, he came to Winchester,

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

Ind., where he has since continued to reside, rising steadily in his profession. Since his arrival here, he has, at various times, been associated with several gentlemen in the practice. The firm of Watts & Marsh was formed in 1873, continuing one year ; from 1874 to 1879, he was associated with A. Gullett, Esq., under the firm name of Marsh & Gullett, and from 1879 to the present time (1882) with Mr. W. A. Thompson, under the firm name of Thompson & Marsh. In 1876, Mr. Marah was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the Twenty- fifth Judicial Circuit, a position which he filled with distinguished ability for two years. In 1878, during his incumbency of this office, he was nominated by the Republicans of this district, to represent them in the General Assembly of In- liana. Some doubt being expressed as to his eligibility to this office, in view of the fact that he then held a judicial position, he withdrew from the ticket, and Hon. E. L. Wetson was substituted and etected. His personal popularity would undoubtedly have resulted in a large majority and a.triumphant election, had his eligibility not been questioned. Io 1880, he was elected to the State Senate on a contingency, which, however, did not arise. In the practice of his profes- sion, he has met with well-merited success, and by hie devotion to the interests of his clients, and his conscientious and honorable rules of prac- tice, has established himself in the publio confidence, and possesses the esteem and good will of good people of all parties. In the campaign of 1880, he took an active part, and did some effectual work for the Republi- can cause, his addresses being distinguished by strength and solidity, logic and sound sense, carrying conviction to many who were wavering and unde- cided in their political faith. In social and private life, Capt. Marsh is esteemed for his manly qualities and gentlemanly bearing, and, with his estimable wife, shares the hearty esteem of a large circle of friends. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity at Seymour, Ind., and has taken all the degrees of the order, up to that of the Royal Arch. He has served as Worshipful Master of the lodge at Winchester for six years, his brethren having called him to con- tinue service in that onpacity at the expiration of each term.

CHIARLES E. MAGEE was born March 6, 1846, at Dresden, Muskingum Co., Ohio. He removed to Zanesville, when five years old, remaining there for twelve years. At the age of seventeen years, he came to Winchester, Ind., and learned the tinner's trade, at which he has ever since been engaged. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiann Regiment, for a term of 100 days; and in March, 1865, enlisted in Company A, of the Eleventh Indiana Regiment, serving five months. In 1866, he opened n tin-shop on the west side of the public square, beginning on a small scale and working his way carefully along until his trade justified him in enlarging his stock. In 1868, he removed to his present location, on the north side of the public square, and engaged in the sale of stoves, at the same time conducting quite an extensive trade in the manufacture of tin-ware, spouts, roofing, etc. Gradually his business increased so that he found it necessary to employ mechanics to assist him, and is now, perhaps, the most extensive operator in his line, in Winchester. He is a thoroughgoing business man, and by his energy and perseverance hns fairly solved the problem of suc-

cesB. He has depended upon himself from early childhood, and has thus acquired a large degree of self-reliance, which has been of great benefit to him in his struggle with the world. No one ever advanced him a dollar, or offered him any substantial encouragement, and for whatever success he has achieved, he is indebted to his pluck and industry alone. He was married on the 6th of October, 1868, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Joseph Edger, Eeq., of this coun- ty. By this union, they are the parents of one son-Harry E. In the social circle they are highly esteemed, and by all who know them, are regarded as estimable and worthy citizens. Mr. Magee is identified with the Odd Fellows fraternity, and in his political affiliations is an ardent Republican.

BENJAMIN F. MARSH was born October 15, 1853, near Greenfield, Han- cock Co., Ind. His father, William Marsh, removed to that county, with his parents, at an early age, and was reared there, marrying Martha A. Chapple. He died when the subject of this sketch was but a child, and when the latter was fifteen years of age, his mother died. ITe wns thus left largely upon his own resources, and though but a boy, began the battle of life alone. He came to Winchester and attended school for a year. By the year 1874, he had earned and esved enough money to pay his way at college, and accordingly entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, with the view of taking a full liter- ary course. Owing to failing health, however, he was compelled to abandon this plan, and returned to Winchester. lle took up the vocation of school teaching, and for one term taught a country school. For the next four years he had charge of the graded schools at Lynn, in this county ; and during his incumbency of this position, as well as at a later date, he assisted in conduot- ing the Summer Normal School nt Winchester, with marked success, and in a manner to cause very beneficial results throughout the county. In 1880 and 1881, he lind charge of the South Ward School at Winchester, and in his enpaci- ty as Principal, gave the most pronounced satisfaction to the public, and conducted an excellent school. During all this time, he had been devoting his leisure hours to the study of the law, and on the 30th of April, 1881, was ad- mitted to the bar. He formed partnership relations with S. A. Canada, and has ever since been engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. In April, 1882, he was elected Justice of the Peace by n flattering majority, and is now discharging the duties of his office. He is a young man of energy and indus- trious habits, and we join with his friends in the wish that he may achieve success in the profession he has chosen. Ile is a member of the Winchester Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and in politics an enthusiastic Republican.

JOHN K. MARTIN, son of Elisha Martin, Sr., was born February 7, 1837, in Randolph County, Ind. His early life was passed on the home farin, the daily routine of duty being varied by occasional work in his father's brick- yard. He received a common-school education, and, as he grew to manhood, adopted the manufacture of brick as his chosen vocation. In August, 1862, he cnlisted in Company C, Sixty-ninth Indiaun Vouoteer Infantry, and was immediately commissioned First Lieutenant of bis company. Shortly after being sent to the field, his regiment participated in the battle of Richmond,

Ky., and was captured by the rebele. In this engagement, Lieutenant Mar- tin was wounded in the right thigh by a minie ball. He was paroled with his regiment, and remained four weeks in the vicinity of the battle-ground, recov- 1. ering to some extent from the effects of his injury. He was still too ill for duty, however, and with six comrades who had been wounded in the same en- gagement, started northward in a wagon, making a journey of 140 miles to the Ohio River. At Maysville, Ky., he embarked on & steamboat for Cincin- nati, finally arriving at home, where he spent some time recovering his strength. At the October election of that year, he was too ill to walk to the polls, and was conveyed thither in a carriage ; but in the following December he rejoined his regiment at Indianapolis. At 'Memphis, he received another injury, but proceeded with his regiment to Vicksburg. He resigned his com- mission on the 13th of January, 1863, and returned to his home. Shortly afterward, he was appointed United States Marshal for Randolph County. There was much unpleasant duty in connection with this office, but he never shrank from its performance, and was faithful to his trust. He also served as Marshal of the town of Winchester and as Justice of the Pesce. After his return from the army, he resumed the manufacture of brick, in which he is still engaged, having built up a very satisfactory and extensive trade. He manufactured the brick for many of the principal buildings at Winchester, among them being the court house and jail, the residence of Gen. A. Stone, the "Jack Ross House," and other public and private buildings throughout the county. He is energetic and enterprising in his business, adopting and testing various improved methods of manufacture, and is now using & machine capable of manufacturing from seven thoussnu to ten thousand brick per day. In 1856, he made what Is believed to have been the first drain-tile ever manu- factured in the State of Indiana. He saw half of s piece of tile that had been brought from England, and at once made a mold, in which he made 200 rods of tiling, burning it in a brick kiln. He may be fairly considered the pioneer tile manufacturer of this county, and has kept pace with all the improvements in that art. His father and George W. Monks purchased a little tile machine about 1858, which was operated by hand, and John K. Martin used it for about two years. Subsequently, he purchased a Latourette horse-power machine, and afterward purchased improved machinery as it was placed in the market. He still has an interest in n tile factory, though not directly engaged in the manufacture. Mr. Martin has grown up in this community, and is widely known and highly respected. He is warm-hearted and charitable, and the friend of progress and improvement. In politics, he is a Republican, and a cordial and enthusiastic supporter of the principles of that party. He is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Knights of Honor. In the former order, he has passed the degrees of the subordinate lodge, and is a member of the Encampment. He served ten years as Treas- urer of the Odd Fellows society at Winchester, handling and disbursing large Bums of money. He was married in 1858 to Miss Ann Eliza Quinn, daughter of Morrison Quinn, who now resides in Carroll County, Ind. Five children were the fruits of this union, all of whom now survive. Early in life, Mr. Martin developed a great fondness for poetry, and, in later years, composed ecvernl poems which have about them the stamp of trus genius, and bear the evidences of a reined nature.

ELISHA MARTIN was born in Randolph County, Ind., in 1846, and all his life, with the exception of a brief period, has been passed within the limits of this county. He attended the schools of early days, and by diligent and faithful study acquired a good practical education. His father was & farmer, and the son remained at home until twenty-six years of age, assisting him in the management and cultivation of the farm. When twenty-six years of age, he went to Union City, where, in partnership with his brother Oliver, he was engaged for about a year in the manufacture of brick. During the next year, he followed the same line of employment at various places, manufacturing about 600,000 brick that season, of which 400,000 were used in the construc- tion of a schoolhouse at Camden, Jay Co., Ind., and 200,000 by Philip Shirling, four mites northeast of Winchester. For the next two years, he was engaged in the manufacture of drain-tile, then resumed the manufacture of brick, locat- ing at Farmland. Returning to Winchester, he again engaged in the mann- facture of tile, and was subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits for three years ; he was afterward engaged alternately in the manufacture of brick and tile, and in the year last named, opened a restaurant on Main street, near the " Bee Line " depot. He is an energetic and industrious man, and is recognized by all who know him as a worthy and reliable citizen. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, but he is not active in political matterg beyond casting his vote at the proper time, and using his influence for the success of the party.

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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 103

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