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 106

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 106

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EZRA STONE.

Ezra Stone was born in the State of Rhode Island, May II, 1791, and in 1812 removed to Madison County, N. Y. In 1817, he located at Marietta, Ohio, and some time subsequently removed to Aurora, Ind. Here he became the victim ef misfortunes which almost ultimated in financial ruin. He owned a farm near Aurora, and one year constructed a flat-bont for the purpose of transporting his grain to New Orleans. The expedition proved unsuccessful, since, after arriving at his destination, he could not find a market for the grain. He had, however, taken with him a lot of cattle belonging to & neigh- bor, disposing of them at a fair price. He borrowed the money received from the sale of the cattle, and with it paid for having his corn shelled, preparatory to shipping it to Savannah, Ga., around the Gulf. But, as if disaster were determined to follow him, the corn became spoiled in transit, and was found worthless at the end of the voyage. Thus he lost both the corn and the money for his neighbor's cattle. The voyage occupied a period of six months, and its consequences involved him in eerioos embarrassment. Subsequently, he embarked in & " pirogne" with his family, for the purpose of removing to Cincinnati, and at the solicitation of some merchants took with him a huge basket of eggs, the basket holding as much as three or four barrels. He drew his pirogue toward the shore, when his wife, in attempting to walk from the boat with her child, lost her balance and fell overboard. Mr. Stone grasped the child from her arms, and, throwing it back upon the boat, landed it squarely in the basket of eggs, creating terrible havoc. lle rescued his wife, however. and they reached Cincinnati without further adventure. Mr. Stone was a mas- ter-builder, and often went to New Orleans to work at his trade, during the winter sersons. and was usually accompanied by his sons, Asahel and William. In the winter of 1838, his wife accompanied him on one of his anunal journeye thither, and died while there. His daughter Lois, just merging into a sweet woranhood, also died there in 1838. Of the six children constituting his fam- ily, only two now survive, viz., flen. Agahel Stone, of Winchester, and Capt. William D. Stono, D. D., of Union City, Ind. In 1839, Mr. Stone removed with his family to Indiana, locating at Winchester. and in 1843 he married Polly Edwards. Ile purchased land in Randolph County, owning at one time a part of the " old Fort." Here he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until failing eyesight compelled him to retire from active labor. He died August 8. 1848, his wife surviving him about five years. In politics, Mr. Stone acted with the Whigs, and although an active worker in the ranks, never sought or held public effiee. Ile was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, living his religion in his daily life. He was & public-spirited man, alive to all the better and higher interests of the community, and the indorser and patron of all enterprises having for their object the promotion of the public welfare. Ile died regretted by all who knew him, for in life he possessed their warmest regard and most affectionate esteem. Hie remaine now rest in that beautiful city of the dead, Fountain Park Cemetery.

GEN. ASAHEL STONE.

ASAHEL, son of Ezra Stone, was born June 29, 1817, near Marietta, Wash- ington Co., Ohio, removing with his parents to Aurora, Ind., in 1818, and to

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WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.

Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1822. On the 23d of September, 1837, he was united in marringe with Miss Lydia B. Preston, at Finneytown, near Cincinnati, Ohio. In boyhood he learned the carpenter's trade, and in hia sojourns at New Or- leans, as his father's assistant, formed an attachment for that city, and removed thither with his wife shortly after marriage. In 1839, however, he came to Winchester, and has ever since heen one of its prominent and influential citi- zens. Until the outbreak of the late rebellion, he was engaged at the carpen- 1er trade in Winchester and vicinity, but on the 29th of Mny, 1861, was uppointed by Gov. Morton ns Commissary General for the State of Indiana, and, on the 15th of October, 1862, was appointed Quartermaster General. In his official capacity he proved himself a superior man. In the work of look- ing after the interests of the soldiers, securing and forwarding supplies, pro- viding sanitary stores, nurses and medical attention for the sick and wounded, and in the discharge of all the varied and arduous duties of his position, he was zealous, patriotic and self-sacrificing. He rendered valuable service to the cause, and great reliance was placed in hie judgment and discretion by Gov. Morton, who frequently commended him in his annual messages to the Legislature. His field of labor was varied and extensive, requiring executive ability of a high order, which he developed in a marked degree. In his mes- sage of January 6, 1865, Gov. Morton said : "The report of the Quartermaster and Commissary General is herewith laid before you, and your attention is especially called to its contents. The administration of this department hy Gen. Stone has been highly successful and satisfactory." And under date of January 11, 1867, the following tribute to his fidelity occurs : "The [Quarter- master's] Department has heen a large and cumbrous machine, but has been managed with great fidelity, ability and succesa, for which Gen. Stone is well entitled to the thanks of the State. His position has been one of great labor and responsibility, and its duties have been performed to my entire satis- faction. Your attention is especially invited to the interesting details in his report." After the close of the war, he returned to the farm in Randolph County, and for a while was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1865, how- ever, he became identified with the banking interests of Winchester, and was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of this city. He was elected President, and by annual re-election held that position the most of the time until the institution ceased to exist as a national bank in October, 1878. Ita circulation was withdrawn, and it was reorganized as a bank under the laws of the State. Gen. Stone was elected President of the new organization, and has ever since continued to act in that capacity. One aa active as he in the affairs of private and business life is seldom permitted to remain long out of politics ; and in his case his friends hegnn to look upon him when quite young, as the proper person for important public positions. In 1847, when only thirty years old, he was nominated by the Whig party of this county for the Indiana House of Representatives, and elected in the fall of that year. In 1848, he was nominated as a member of the Constitutional Convention, and was only defeated by four votes. In 1860, he was elected to the Indiana Senate, where he served with distinction, and was honored with important trusts as a member of various Senate Committees. The war and his connection with it here inter- rupted his public life, hut after the restoration of peace he again became the standard-bearer of his party at the earnest solicitation of friends, and, in 1867, was again elected as the Representative from this county in the General Assem- hly of Indiana. In all his public life, his actions were characterized by & sincere sense of honor, and of duty to his constituents and their best interests. He retired from his position with the good will of his associates, and the confi- dence of the people of the county which he so efficiently served. A review of his career from the farm to the Legislature, from there to the department of the army which he so well administered, and to his successful life as a busi- ness man and financial manager proves him a gentleman of rare attainments and versatility. It is a noteworthy fact, too, that his ability is self-acquired, hia boyhood and youth having heen spent in the early days of this county's history, when but few educational privileges existed. His education is prac- tical, rather than scholastic, and has served him well in his financial under- takings. In November, 1881, he was elected Secretary, Treasurer and General Manager of the Winchester Wagon Works, an enterprise of great importance among the manufacturing industries of this city. To the details of this busi- ness he devotes his energies with the same zest that has marked his apprecia- tion of all the trusts ever confided to him. Ile has reached the " shady side " of a nohle life ; yet in spirit he is young and cheerful. His splendid business habits have returned him goodly stores of worldly wealth, but instead of seek- ing to enhisnce a fortune already ample, he has found his greatest pleasure in distributing his means in such a manner as to make others happy. A few years ago he erected a row of neat, tasteful cottages opposite his own palatial home in the southern suburbs of Winchester, fitting them with many conven- iences, and letting them out at a moderate rental, thus securing the comfort and happiness of his tenants. In the spring of 1880, he purchased and do- nated to the town of Winchester forty acres of land for a public cemetery. Ile purchased the ground at a cost of $4,000, and had it surveyed and platted at an additional expense of $300, and on the Ist day of March, 1880, secured it to its purpose by a deed, sigacd by himself and his worthy wife, conveying the premises in trust forever to a Board of Control, to be used for the purpose designated. On the 3d day of July, 1880, & public dedication was held, at which very appropriate ceremonies were held, and addresses delivered by prominent citizens of Winchester, and others from abroad, and the park named " Fountain Park Cemetery."

We omit to mention in detail his many publio and private benefactions, but we feel assured of the sanction of the community when we say that he is a lending spirit in all matters of publto jaterest, and an unselfish worker for the promotion of the public welfare. Ile is an uncompromising hater of intemper- ance, and many years ago entered the temperance ranks as an active worker. He was a prominent member of the Washingtoninos, Sons of Temperance, and the Independent order of Good Templars, and attended the State and General Conventions of these orders, serving as Grand Worthy Chief Templar for two

years, and as Grand Worthy Secretary for an equal length of time, and has been for twenty-five yeara a leading Odd Fellow. His uniformly temperste habits have secured to him their usual results-a strong constitution and the preservation of his mental powers in all their vigor. He is simple in his hab- its, modest and unassuming in his depertment, prompt and accurate in his business methods, and one whose companionship is refining and elevating. Though not himself a church member, he is a cheerful contributor to the sup- port of the Gospel, realizing its effect for good upon the community. In poli- tics, as previously stated, he was formerly identified with the Whig party. He cast hia first vote for Gen. Harrison in the memorable campaign of 1840, and was always radically anti-slavery in sentiment. Upon the organization of the Republican party in 1856, he became one of its adherents, and in the interven- ing years has been one of its most netive and efficient workers. He occupies a place in the hearts of the community which none but he can fill, and is one of those men whose identity with a town is a public blessing, and whose denth is a public calamity. The bride of his early years is spared by a kind Providence to share and enjoy with him the triumphs of his later life; and while the weight of years has turned to silver the fresh young locks of girlhood, in her heart she is still young. Their wedded life has been a happy one, although it has been blessed by no children, and it seems a misfortune that, in the course of a few years at best, there will be none to perpetuate the name to which this community owes ao much. But it will live long in the memory of many to whom kindly deeds have been done by the General and his noble wife, while aubstautlal reminders will exist in the public works of the town. We cannot close this sketch of the General's life without saying a few words of her who has been 80 truly his helpmate and such an important coadjuter in his success. Lydia B. Preston was born November 25, 1817, in Hamilton County, near Cin- cinnati, Ohio. Her maternal grandfather, Samuel Raymond, was one of Cin- cinanti's earliest pioneera, having located there in 1790. He wns & farmer, and hia children were nearly all engaged in the same pursuit. His daughter, the mother uf Mrs. Stone, married John Preston, an industrious farmer of Hamilton County, and, like the majority of wives in those early days, was thoroughly inured to work, lending a helping hand to her husband in hia struggle for the acquisition of a fortune. Lydia, the daughter, inherited the habits of industry that were so truly characteristic of the race by whom the forest was first felled, and under whom civilization was inaugurated and ad- vanced in the West, and these habita became so much a part of her nature as to mark and govern all her life. As illustrative of this fact, it may be atated that she has always been known as an early riser, and her promptness in this particular has been quite remarkable. By 4 o'clock every morning, she is up and about her housework, and perhaps there has not been a morning dur- ing her wedded life in which she has not kindled the first fire, except when prevented by sickness. Trifling as this may appear at first sight, It haa proved of great advantage to her husband, who has been enabled thereby to be always early at his work, ready to meet and direct men in his employ, avoiding unnecessary waste of time, which delnys at home would naturally have occa- sioned. It is one feature of the course she has always pursued, i. e., to help her husband, and its effect is observed in the final result. To her energy and good management, her advice and counsel, and the active interest she always manifeated in his affairs, her husband acknowledges his indebtedness for his financial success. To a common-school education she unites the qualities of a fine intellect, and is as familiar with business methods as with the details of household work. She united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when a girl, and in all the years that have ensued she has been s devout and consist- ent member, taking a lesding part in all charitable and benevolent work in this community, while in the temperance work she has been especially netive. She was identified with the Good Templars and other temperance organiza- tious as long as they existed in this community. To the children, she is espe- cially kind and friendly, and in their young hearts her memory is aacredly enshrined by her many kind deeds for the little ones, among whom she is affectionately known as "Aunt Lydia." In the social circle, she ia a general favorite, and her uniform kindliness to those with whom she has been asso- ciated has gained for her their affectionate regard. She is well preserved and sprightly, and we join with her many friends in the wish that she may be spared yet many years to the community in which she has so long resided, and to the husband whose life ahe has blessed.

HENRY TAYLOR SEMANS,

Winchester, Ind., was born at Macksville, Randolph Co., Ind., July 30, 1837. His father, Solomon M. Semans, was a native of Highland County, Ohio, his mother, Hester Ann ( McIntire) Semans, of Randolph County, Ind. Ilis par- ents were nuong the hardy pioneers, and of the class who by dint of industry and economy have done so much to develop our country to the high state of excellence we now enjoy. The youthful duys of young Henry T. were spent in the uneventful rounds of farin life, with but menger opportunities for gain- ing information or knowledge of the ways of the world, being only such as were afforded by the district school. Desirous of gaining a more liberal edu- cation than they afforded, he attended Liber College in 1858-59, for three terms. After leaving college, he was engaged as clerk hy the firm of McKee & Keener, who at that time kept n general supply store for the country trade at Farmland, Ind. Here Mr. Semans rapidly gained an insight into business, and early displayed many of those excellent qualities which have marked his career. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Eighty- fourth Regiment Indiann Volunteer Infantry, and upon the organization of the company he was chosen and mustered in ns First Lieutenant. He participated in all the campaigns in which hia regiment was engaged, and was in many severe conflicts, the principal of which were Chickamauga, Resaca, Franklin and Nashville. He, with his regiment, remained in the field until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 14, 1865. After his return home, he was appointed Deputy County Clerk under John B. Goodrich. In 1868, he was

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

elected by the Republicans Clerk of Randolph Circuit Court, which responsible position he filled with marked ability for four years. After retiring from the Clerk's office, he engaged for some years in the grain trade, but since 1876 bas not been engaged in any special business, having accumulated a handsome fortune, which he proposes to enjoy in a rational manner. He was married to Miss Mary J. Elger, daughter of Edward Edger, of Winchester, Ind., October 8, 1867, a lady of most excellent character, who has in all respects proved a worthy companion. They are the parents of three promising sons. Mr. Se- mans, while not a man of radioal character, hns always heen a pronounced Republican, und, so far as he ever attempted, a very successful politician. He is not a member of any religious denomination, and is liberal in bis views on all theological questions.

CLINTON D. SMITH, Winchester, Ind., was born at Williamsburg, Cler- mont Co., Ohio, February 26, 1828 ; he was the son of Stephen and Sarah (Kain) Smith, who were of German descent, and crime to Ohio from New Jer- sey. Mr. Smith, Sr., was a mill-wright by trude, but early placed his son, Clinton D., to learn tho printing business in the office of the county paper pub- lished at Batavia. Young Smith went to Iowa, In 1847, and engaged In pub- lishing the Ottumwa Courier for eighteen months, but on account of poor health was obliged to dispose of it, after which he returned to Ohio, and was engaged on the Herald of Freedom at Wilmington for two years, and on the Independent at Greenfield for two years. Mr. Smith enme to Indiana in 1854, und engaged to publish the Connersville Telegraph for one year, during which time he was married to Miss Eliza Irvin, daughter of Robert Irvin, late of Ran- dolph County, October 11, 1855, who has ia nil respects been to him a worthy companion, and is a Indy of excellent social standing. They are the parents of four children, three of whom are living. At the beginning of 1856, 3Ir. Smith removed to Winchester, and purchased the Journal, and began the pub- liention of the first Republican paper in Eastern Indiana ; he continued its pro- prietor for four years, after which he purchased the Times at Muncie, Ind., in which publication he was engaged nt the breaking-out of the rebellion, when ha sold out and enlisted in the Nineteenth Regiment Indians Volunteer Infan- try, where he served one year, when he returned and aided in recruiting the Eighty-fourth Regiment, enlisting as a private in Company E; he shared in its toil- some and dangerous campaigns, and was promoted to First Lieutenant of Com- pany C for good conduet ; he was severely wounded at Chickamauga, his left arm being shattered, from the effects of which be remains an invalid. lle was hon- ornbly discharged, having faithfully served his country for three years. Since his return, he has been engaged in theprinting business as foreman of the Her- ald, and recently in the same capacity with the Journal. Mr. Smith is not a member of any church, but is liberal in his views on theologienl questions ; he has led a busy life, and is deserving the esteem in which he is held by his friends and neighbors.

WASHINGTON B. SNEDEKER was born in 1825 in Tuscarnwas County, Ohio ; his father, Jacob Suedeker, was born in Virginia about the year 1789, and was of Scotch descent. Four brothers by the name of Snedeker emigrated from Scotland to Long Island at an carly dny, and from them have descended all who benr that name in America. Jacob Snedeker removed to Knox County Ohio, locating between Mount Vernon and Londonville, where he died in 1834. llis widow married again, and removed to Mercer County, Ohio, in 1887. Washington, the subject of this sketch, attended the common schools, and nc- quired a good English education ; he became an apprentice at the carpenter's trade when a young man, and acquired great proficiency as a mechanic. In 1841, he returned to Knox County, Ohio, where he was engaged at his trade for four years. In 1843, be returned to Mercer County, and in 1846 was mar- ried to Charlotte Hossler, who died in 1852. By this union they were the par- ents of three children. In 1857, he married Jane Maddock, one child being the fruit of this second union. Until 1854, he was engaged at his trade, but in that year embarked in in the daguerreotype business, leading a migratory life, traveling from town to town in his car, and taking pictures in all towns of any consequence in Northeastern Indiana, nad Van Wert, Mercer and Darke Coun- ties, Ohio ; he located nt Winchester, Ind., in 1863, and from that date until 1876 he owned and operated n planing mill at this place, and from 1876 to 1880 he was the proprietor of a restaurant. lle possesses rure genius as a mechanic, and has designed and invented several articles of practical value, nmong thom being the churn and a chair. In early life, he spent a great deal of time and money in studying and perfecting projects, and still delights in developing new methods of convenience and utility. By a life of industry and prudent management, he has accumulated a comfortable fortune, and by his honorable and upright nature has gained the esteem of his fellow-men. He is the proprictor of a brick block on Main street, containing four good business rooms on the ground floor, while the second story contains a commodious exhi- bition room, capable of seating 600 people. The hall is a model of convenience nuil safety, possessing ready means of access and egress, and theroughness of ventilation.

JOHN L. STAKEBAKE.

John I .. Stakebake was born in Preble County, Ohio, January 13, 1837. llis father, John Stakebake, was h native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ran- dolph County, Ind., in 1853. lle was a millwright, but did little work at his trude after Toenting in this county, as he died in the same year (1853). He lui a family of cleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity, and nine are now living. Eight of this number are married. Jolin L., the subject of this sketch, was renred on n farm, and lenruod the carpenter's traule when a young Inan. He enme to Randolph County, with his father, in 1853, but returned to Ohio in the following year, where he worked at his trade. In 1858, he wns married, in Preble County, Ohio, to Miss Mary E. Brawley, and in the follow- ing year removed, with his wife, to Randolph County, Ind., and Ineated on a farm abont four miles south of Winchester, where he remained for four years. At the end of that time, he returned to Winchester, where he was engaged nt his trade. In 18.0, he embarked in the manufacture nud sale of furniture at

Winchester, in which he has ever since been successfully engaged. In 1864, while engaged in contracting and carpenter work, Mr. Stakebake enlisted as a private soldier in Company F', of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Oblo Regi- ment, and served in the Virginin campaigns until the spring of 1865, when he was honorably discharged. As a business man and manufacturer, he has been very successful, and as a citizen and neighbor he is highly esteemed by all who know him. lo politics, he has always been identified with the Republican party, and although never an aspirant for office, he has been called upon, at various times, to fill local positions of honor and trust. In 1876, he was elected a member of the School Bonrd of the town of Winchester, and was ap- pointed Treasurer of the Board, in which capacity be still continues to act. He is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and stands bigh in the order. Ile is an upright, honorable man, and deserves and en- joys the respect of his fellow-citizens. Hls wedded life has been blessed by five children, named, respectively, Marion A., Frank E., Irma V. and Oak. One died In infancy.

I. W. STUDY.

Levi W. Study was born August 23, 1849, in Randolph County, Ind. His father, Levi Study, was born in Wayne County, Ind., and reared on a farm there. He came to Randolph County about the year 1842, and purchased a tract of unimproved Inod in Washington Township, within five miles of Win- chester. He died here, at the age of thirty-five years, in 1840, his wife sur- viving him until 1868. Levi, the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his mother until her decease, which occurred in March, 1868, and after- ward made his home with his married sister, working out during the day as a . farm laborer. At the age of eighteen years, in the winter of 1807-68, he began teaching school, and continued this line of employment for two years, in the meantime attending a summer school at Winchester. In December, 1869, he entered the law office of his brother John, af Union City, and began the study of law. Shortly afterward, he removed, with his brother to Rushville, Ind., and, continuing his studies there for two yenre, went West at the end of that time in quest of a location. After visiting several cities, he returned to his native county, and on the 22d of July, 1872, was admitted to the bar of this county, und entered at once upon the practice of hie chosen profession at Win- chester. On the lot of December, 1874, partnership relations were entered into between himself and James S. Engle, which continued until December, 1880. Since that time, Mr. Study has practiced alone. He was married, on the 20th of April, 1876, to Miss Louisn, daughter of Adam Hirsch, Esq., & prominent citizen of Winchester. By this union, they are the parents of one son-Carl A. As an attorney, Mr. Study has risen rapidly, and occupies a place among the best at the bar of Rinndolph County. lle is honorable and conscientious, devoted to the interests of his clicuty, safe as n counselor, and able as n plender. In September, 1881, hs was appointed by Hon. L. J. Monks to the office of Master Commissioner of this county-an office of respon- sibility and importance. In politics, Mr. Study has always affiliated with the Republican party, and during his residence at Winchester has attended every State, county and district convention, either in the capacity of a delegate or spectator. lle is an active worker, and has accomplished good results in the interest of the party. Ilc has never held public office, and never permitted his name to be used ns a candidate. In private life, he is esteemed by all who know him for his gentlemanly bearing and uniform kindness and courtesy. He

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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 106

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