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 105

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 105

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"Resolved, That while we lament the death of one so universally beloved and honored, we rejoice in the belief that he is now in a happier land, and en- joying the rewards bestowed upon the virtuous, the true and the brave. * * * * * * *

* * "That as a token of our high regard and esteem for the departed, we wear the usual badge of mourning for the period of thirty days."

Wherever he was known he was equally well esteemed. He possessed the faculty of making friends, and by his frank, honorable nature, drew to himself the affectionnte regard of all with whom he was nesociated. At a re-union of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment, held at Winchester, October 28, 1878, under the management of Col. H. H. Neff and Capt. Asa Teal, an original poem was delivered by Samuel C. Crane, referring in touching lines to the sad fate of the young Captain. Mr. Crane, who served as a private sol- dier, was wounded in the same battle in which Capt. Neff was killed, and his poem in memory of the young soldier is an eloquent reminder of the high re. gard in which he was held, and the universal mourning that surrounded his death. Thirteen years had elapsed, and still the memory of his noble life and gallant death was fresh in the hearts of his comrades, as it will continue to be until they, too, have joined him in that land beyond the grave. We select from the poem those stanzas relating more directly to Capt. Neff :

" Still nearer, comrades ! When the tide of war Was sweeping northward on its fiery way, And harvest fielde, where but an hour before The reaper toiled, in dust and ashes lay, There was a youth who cast his books away, And theugh but eighteen summers he had known, No time was this for study er for play, For one who dared to call his sword his own, And bravely seek the field where glory beckon'd on.

" Stalwart of form and lithe of limb he stood, And gained in stature what he lacked in age ; Could look, with cheek unblanched, on fields of blood, Or smile in triumph 'mid fierce battle's rage, And write his name on Glory's deathless page, Or 'neath his country's flag of stars expire, For peace to him was but a gilded cage When his proud spirit caught the patriot fire That burned und glowed within the bosom of his sire.

" No prouder footstep trod that battle-field, No nobler spirit met the rebel foe, No warmer heart its high devotion sealed, No firmer hund dealt swifter blow for blow,

Very Truly . the the tefp EX CLERK; LIEUT. COL. 124TH IND. VOL. INF

Jay D. Chef

CAPT. CO H. 124TH IND VOL. INF

RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM MERRYWEATHER, STONY CREEK TP. RANDOLPH CO. IND.

323

WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.

No eye shone brighter in the battle's glow, No richer blood in crimson current ran Than his, who on that day was stricken low, And fell in death while fighting in the van, A youth in years alone; in God-like deeds, A MAN !

" Gone-and forever -- in his life's young morn, His grave is hallowed by Affection's tear, And summer flowers his resting-place adorn, Nurtured by those who hold his memory dear. Fond sisters who had watched him year by year, And dreamed fond dreams for him they loved so well. And his lone sire, who knelt beside his hier, With sorrow such as none but they can tell Whose only sons in fight for God and country fell."

WILLIAM P. NEEDHAM was born December 19, 1853, at Newport (now Fountain City), Wayne Co., Ind. In 1856, the family removed to Williams- burg, in the same county, where the father, Frederick Needham, was exten- sively engaged in mercantile pursuits. In August, 1859, he came to Winches- ter, and was engaged in business here until his death, which occurred in 1864. William, his son, was educated in the public schools of Winchester, attending regularly until thirteen years of age. At that time, he entered the office of the Journal at Winchester, to learn the printer's trade, and, after completing his apprenticeship, returned to school, where he spent two years. For the next ten years, he was engaged at his trade in various cities, and, for several years, was n regular contributor to some of the best papers and magazines in the country, writing poetry and articles of a literary character, which attract- ed widespread attention and commendation. In February, 1881, he established at Winchester the Phantasmagorian, a weekly newspaper and literary journal. Thie paper grew almost immediately into popular favor, exceeding even the anticipations of its founder, and now enjoys an extended circulation. Person- ally, the editor Is a young man of great energy and enthusiasm in the prosecu- tion of his chosen work. He has been a close student all hie life, and has developed literary talents of a high order. Ile is moral and honorable in his private character, and personally very popular among those who know him best. He is an active member of Winchester Lodge, Knights of Pythins, and in politics is an enthusiastic Republican. He was elected Clerk of the town of Winchester in 1878, and has been re-elected to this office five consecutive ternis.

ALONZO H. PATTY was born October 28, 1846, at Huntsville, Randolph Co., Ind. His father, Harvey Patty, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, but removed to Wayne County, Ind., when a boy, and was renred in that county. He was married to Martha Armfield, a native of North Carolina, who removed to Wayne County, Ind., with her parents, in 1832. In 1845, he came to Randolph County, Ind., and located at Huntsville, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was always a highly-respected citizen, but never sought nor accepted a public office. He died in 1856. Alonzo, the subject of this eketch, was but eighteen months old when his mother died, and he was. taken to the home of his grandfather, in whose family he was reared. Ile learned to work at an early age, and industry became second nature with him. In the years that followed, he has fought his own way bravely, and his achieve- mente are the result of his own energy, unnided by pecuniary assistance from any one. He enjoyed the advantages of n liberal education, first attending New Garden Iligh School at Fountain City, Ind., and afterward the Raisin Valley Seminary at Adrian, Mich., graduating from the latter institution in 1871. He had learned the harness-maker's trade, and was engaged in the pur- suit of this occupation in connection with school teaching, earning the means to defray his own expenees while attending school. From 1871 to 1874, he taught school in the winter, and worked at his trade during the remainder of the year, and in the year last named, began the study of law in the office of Judge H. C. Fox, at Richmond, Ind. He was admitted to the bar of Wayne County in 1875, but did not begin the practice of his profession until the spring of 1877, at which time he came to Winchester. In 1878, he entered into part- nership with his brother-in-law, L. A. Cranor, which relation continued until the removal of the latter to another point. In the spring of 1882, he entered into the partnership relations now existing between himself and W. W. Canada. For about seven years, Mr. Patty has practiced at the bar of Randolph County, and is regarded by all who know him as one of its rising members. Ile is enthusiastically devoted to his profession, and by his honorable course in the practice, has gained the confidence of his clients and the legal fraternity. IIe is a firm supporter of the Republican party in politics, and though on active and zealous partisan, has never sought public office. In 1879, however, he accepted an appointment as Justice of the Pence, and at the ensuing election, in 1880, was elected to that office, and is still serving in that capacity. lle he- came an Odd Fellow in 1869, and after passing the chairs of the subordinate lodge, united with the Encampment, of which he is an active member. On the 19th of September, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella Cranor, in Wayne County, Ind., and in December, 1881, his wife died, leaving two sons -- Harry B. and Clarence-to mourn her loss. She was was an excellent lady, and enjoyed the good will and affectionate regard of all who knew her.

PHINEIIAS POMEROY.

The ancestors of this gentleman were among the early settlers of Amer- ica, having emigrated hither from England in 1633. Ilis father, Pelatiah Pomeroy, was born in Connecticut, and was living there at the outbreak of the Revolution. He took an honorable part in that war, casting his fortunes with the patriots, and serving bravely in the Continental army. He was at the sur- render of Saratoga; was in the New Jersey campaign, and at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. After the close of the war, ho located at Winchester, Cheshire Co., N. H., and married Hannah Foster. At that place, on the 6th of May, 1800, his son Phinehas was born. The latter .. received a primary

education in the common schools, aud was afterward sent to Gragg's Academy on Federal street, Boston. llere be studied surveying and civil engineering, in which he acquired marked proficiency. After completing his course at this nendemy, he located at Williamsville, near Buffalo, N. Y., and tanght school there for about n year. lle then removed to New Philadelphia, Ohio, where he began work at his profession as surveyor on the Ohio & Erie Canal. Ile was thus engaged, until the completion of the canal in 1832, and for the next four years occupied.A similar position on the Minmi Canal. At the end of that time, he went to Kentucky, and was engaged in public surveys there for six years. Returning to Ohio, he located at Daytoo, und engaged in raitrond sur- veying, and, throughout a period of twenty years, mado preliminary survey for every railroad entering that city except the " Brond Gauge." In 1865, he removed to Indians and located at Winchester, where he has ever since madde his home, though he has been absent a large portion of the time surveying various railroad and turnpike lines. And now, in his eighty-third year. he is still active and vigorous, and still engaged in the work of huis profession. Within the past year, he has been engaged in running the linos for portions of three railroads, and, during the present spring (1882), surveyed the line for a railrond running north from Greenville, Ohin. He has been twice married. First, in October, 1827, to Miss Jerusha Tinker, in Poringe County, Ohio, She was a lineal descendant of Thomas Tinker, a passenger in the Mayflower. Mrs. Pomerny died in Kentucky in 1841, leaving three children, who still sur- vive, viz , Charles Carroll, Anna J. and Josephine. In October, 1854, Mr. Pomeroy was married to Miss Mary Hollis, at Dayton, Ohio. By this union, they are the parents of three children, numed respectively Phinens, Mary and Ralph D. Although not a pioneer, Mr. Pomeroy is a prominent and influen- tinl citizen of Winchester, and has had a large share in the public improve- ments of the town and county. lle has been in active fellowship with the Masonic fraternity since 1822. He took the Royal Arch degree at Portsowuth, Ohio, in 1839 or 1840, and the Knight Templar's degree at Dayton, Ohio in 1850. Ile stands high in the order and in society, and is esteemed by all who know him.

HON. MARTIN A. REEDER.

Martin A. Reeder was born in 1819. In Warren County, Ohio, and came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1822. with his grandfather, John Martin. At the age of fourteen years, he entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, at Richmond, Ind., working at his trade in that city from 1833 to 1839. Subsequent to the last-named dlate, he attended school in the seminary at Win- chester, adding largely to the education begun in the common schools in earlier boyhood. After leaving school, he resumed work at his trade, and in the years that followed became a master builder, and achieved great success in his chosen voention. In this county and vicinity there are still inany buildings standing which were erected by him or under his immediate supervision. Among the number are the Methodist, Presbyterian and Friends' Churches, at Winchester, the old jail at this place, and the House of Refuge at Indianapolis. He was associated with the county in its pioneer period, and kept pace with its progress, at the enme time rising to prominence as a citizen. He was called upon to fill various local offices in early tintes, as well as in recent years, and in all cenpac- ities proved himself capable, efficient and trustworthy. He served as County Assessor two terms, as County Appraiser two terms, ns Township Assessor twn terins, and three terms as Township Trustee. In 1875, he was elected by the Republicans ns the Representative from this county in the State Legislature, and in this capacity rendered valuable service. He was honored with impor- tant trusts as a member of standing and special committees, and aided very materially in checking extravagance and securing economy in the disbursement of the public money. Among the bills introduced by him were the charter uuder which Union City now exists ; the act prohibiting the sale of nmmoni- tion to minors ; the exemption of the property of willows ; the hill for the sup- pression of the liquor traffic, and the punishment of intoxication ; and a full providing for local option. He hasalways been an uncompromising temperance man, taking a radical position, and arraying himself boldly as an miversary of the traffic in intoxicating drinks. In his early life he formed ideas antagonistic to the institution of slavery, and in his maturer years hecame one of the prominent Abolitionists of this community, on-operating with Daniel Worth, Dr. Iliram P. Bennett, Paul W. Way, and others in this region who engineered and operated the " Under-ground Railroad," and other agencies of n similar character, and spent hoth time and money in furtherance of these and other benevolent enterprises. Ilis anti-slavery sentiments led him to affiliate with the Whig party, and in all its campaigns he proved himself a valuable member. Upon the rise of the Repub- lican party, he became one of its adherents, and has ever since been true to its principles. During a long life of activity and industry in this community, Mr. Recder has achieved a fair degree of success in a financial sense, and, though the weight of years hns superannuated him for work at his trade, he could not consent to retire entirely from notive life. In the fall of 1881, he embarked in the coal and lime trade At Winchester, at which he is still successfully engaged. Ho was married, in 1843, to Miss Elizabeth Favorite, daughter of Henry Favorite, of Maryland. She has always been a loving and devoted helpmate, und a kind Providence has forborne to Rever the ties that have bourd their hearts so long together. In social life, both are esteemed and respected, while their private deeds of kindness and charity have gained for them & lasting place in the hearts of the recipients.

NATHAN REED.

Nathan Reed was born June 7, 1813. in Fayette County, Penn. He was reared on a farm in that county, the monotony of his early life being varied by no incidents of importance. In the winter he attended the common school, and during his boyhood acquired an education sufficiently thorough to enable him to engage intelligently in the active business life that marked his later years. During his minority, he remained at home, working for his father on the farm. But in his twenty-second year (1835), he left home for the West.

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

locating at Winchester, Ind., in the same year. At this place, he entered the service of Paul W. Way, a hotel-keeper, with whom he remained nine months, receiving $75 for his work. For the next few years, he was engaged in variens branches of employment, managing to save s portion of his earnings, and steadily meeting, in the " new West," the success that must have been attained mere slowly in his native home. In 1839, he wse appointed Consta- ble, and afterward ns Deputy Sheriff of Randolph County. At a later date, he was elected to the office of Sheriff, and in these several capacities, for a period of twenty years, he rode from point to point through the mud and the dense forests of this county, then but sparsely populated. In some cases, he bad tough customore to deal with, but generally effected hie arrests quietly and without assistance; but, if in the performance of his duty, force was necessary, he was not the man to shrink or waver before personal dauger. In one notable instance, hs captured his man after a struggle. Some hogs had been stolen hy a colored man in the Cabin Creek settlement, the thief escaping to Greenville, across the State line. The Sheriff was notified, and made search for the criminal, assisted by two colored men, and found him near the old Collier Simpson place. Routing him out from the cahin into the elearing, Mr. Reed ordered him to surrender; but, as the negro brandished a bowlder in one hand and a knife in the other, he prepared to meet his warlike adver- gary on an equal footing. Scizing a club, he struck a blow that for the moment paralyzed the negro's arm, and the knife dropped to the ground. Mr. Reed was struck in the temple by the stone which the thief had thrown, but he grappled with him, and, with the aid of his deputies, overpowered him. He endured all the annoyances and labor incident to the Sheriff's office in those early days, and retired with the hearty commendation of all good people for his efficiency and fidelity as an officer. He was afterward called to fill other offices of responsibility in the county. He was the first Trustee of White River Township under the new constitution, serving one year. For three years, he was a member of the Board of County Commissioners. In 1869, he was elected Justice of the Peace, succeeding Jacob Elzroth, who had served as magistrate for forty years. Mr. Reed served faithfully in this capacity for nine years. In 1878, he was chosen President of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank of Winchester, and still occupies this position. For many years, Mr. Reed has been a successful business man in this comomunity, and his career demonstrates what may be accomplished by a young man with the proper spirit and energy. He came here without friends and without money. First a por- ter in a hotel, he worked his way hy successive steps and persistent plock to the position of a bank President and a front rank in society. Financial suc- cess followed, and in the years of his active business life he amassed a compe- tence which has placed him far above the possibility of want. Although he has retired from the drudgery ef active business pursuits, he has not permit- ted his life to lapse into idleness. Indeed, such a course would be quite foreign to the nature of one as industrious and energetic as he. He has taken an aotive interest in the public affairs of the county, and has done his share in encouraging and promoting enterprises of public benefit and improvement. His early political affiliations were with the Whig party, and the soti-slavery element found in him a stanch friend and valuable coadjutor. In his native county in Pennsylvania, he had witnessed some of the practical workings of slavery, and in his early boyhood learned to hate it bitterly. Fugitive slaves had nought to fear from a meeting with him, and the organizations for aiding their escape received his sanotion and encouragement. Upon the decline of the Whig party he became a Republican, and has ever since continued to act with that branch of the body politic, taking an active part in the selection of the proper men to administer the laws and discharge the public duties. In social life, Mr. Reed stands high in the estimation of all who know him, and possesses the warm regard of a large circle of friends. His religious prefer- enee is with the Universalist Church, and his moral life is above reproach. He has been twice married. First, in 1836, to Miss Annie, daughter of Paul W. Way, his former employer. After thirty-six years of happy wedded life, his wife died, leaving six children to mourn her loss. In 1873, he was mar- ried to Phebe, daughter ef John and Jane Fisher, of Union City. She had twice before been married, first to Elins Baldwin, and after his decease to David T. Bailey. His wife is an estimable lady, and ecoupies a high place in the social circle.

ALFRED ROSSMAN. James, father of this gentleman, was born in Ireland, hut emigrated to the United States, loenting at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1792. The " Queen City ef the West" then contained the old fort, and a few log houses, and gave little promise of the greatness it was to attain in after years. Mr. Rossman only remained there one year, removing to Pittsburgh, Penn., at the end of that time. At a later date he returned to Ohio, locating at Franklin, Warren County, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1845. Aifred, the subject of this sketoh, was born at Franklin, Ohio, in 1811, and in his youth received such an education as the schools of early days afforded. At the age of fifteen years, he became a saddler's apprentice at Eaton, Ohio, and spent five years in acquiring a thorough knowledge of that trade. As a journeyman, he visited New Orleans and other portions of the South, Southern Indiana and Ohio, and other points, and located at Winchester, Ind., in the spring of 1838. Ilere he established the first harness and saddle shop, and manufactured the first saddle ever made in Randolph County. Prier to his arrival. traders often passed this point with saddles to sell to the Indians and others who would buy them. Among the traders were his brother, James Rossman, and William Taylor. The first saddle manufactured in this county was a highly ernamental one, and sold for $50 at a time when ready cash wns a scarce commodity. It was handsomely gilded and burnished, nod covered with buckskin, which had been dyed a blue black color by the indiane. While working at Roseville, Ohio, Mr. Rossman made a saddle similar to this for God- frey, the Miami Chief. It pleased the old Indian so that he would ride a few roda, then dismount to admire its marvelous beauty, and after riding a little farther dismount again, surveying it with as much satisfaction as a child would feel in the possession of a new toy. From 1838 to 1876, Mr. Rosemian was

engaged constantly at his trade in the town of Winebester, and during that period manifested the most antiring energy and enthusiasm in the prosecution ef his chosen vocation ; and by good management and honest toil accumulated a comfortable fortune. He retired from active business abont the year 1876, and now enjoys the rest well earned by years of labor. He was always a pub- lic-spirited citizen, and took an active part in developing the county by encour- aging and patronizing publio improvements; yet he was never ambitious, and with the exception of a term in the Town Council of Winchester, never occu- pied publio office. He has long been known as an upright, reliable citizen, and throughout his life his dealings have commanded the confidence and estcem of his fellow-men. He was married, in 1841, to Miss Hannah Reeder, sister of Hon. Martin Reeder, of Winchester, who still lives to cheer the years of his later life. They are the parents of three children, who have grown to maturity and taken their places among the honored and respected citizens of the community.

NATHAN C. SIMMONS was born May 26, 1844, in Jackson Township, Randolph Co., Ind., and is the son of James Simmons, who located in this county In 1821, and remained here until his death, which took place in 1878. Nathan, the subject of this sketch, wes reared on the home farm, and in his boy- hood divided his time between farm work and work in the saw-mill, of which his father was the proprietor. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, of the Sixty-ninth Indiana Regiment, from which he was honorably discharged on necount of impaired health, after being in the service for about a year. In the spring of 1865 he re-enlisted, serving until the close of the war, in the Thirty- third Regiment, Indiana Veteran Volunteers. In the fall of 1865, he entered Liber College, where he spent three terms, and, at the olose of that period. entered Ridgeville College, with the view of graduating. On account of im- paired health, however, he was compelled to abandon this plan, and left the college after a course of two and a half years. He taught school until 1874. being engaged in the meantime, during the summer, in the study of the law, in the office of Monke & Watson, at Winchester. In 1875, he was admitted to the bar, but did not engage in the practice, because, about the same time, he was ap- pointed Deputy Treasurer under H. B. Hunt, and served in that capacity for two years. He then embarked in the grocery trade at Winchester, and has been engaged in mercantile pursuits ever since, until October, 1882, at which time he sold out. He was married, in October, 1875, to Miss Elleu Kem, danghter of William and Lydia Kem, who were early settlers of Wayne County, Ind., but now are living near Winchester. By this union they are the parents of four children, viz., Detroit M., Maty O., Everett E. and William C. Mr. Simmons is an industrious, energetic man, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a Master Mason in Winchester Lodge, and in politics, a Re- publican.

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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 105

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