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 107

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 107

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wns one of the charter members of Winchester Lodge, No. 91, Knights of Pyth- ins, and was the first Past Chancellor of the lodge. He is now Deputy Grand Chancellor. lle was minde n Mason in July, 1880, in Winchester Lodge, No. 56. He is now Roynl Arch Captain in Randolph Chapter, No. 36, Deputy Illus- trious Master in Winchester Council, No. 20, R. & S. M., and Junior Warden of Winchester Lodge, No. 56. He is also a member of the Commandery at Richmond, Ind. ile united with Winchester Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., in June, 1873, and in October of the same yenr became a member of White River Eucampment, No. 50, and is now Senior Warden In the Intter body.

IRA TRIPP was born April 23, 1828, within eight miles of the city of Toronto, Canada. His father, David Tripp, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1787, and was married there to Susan Weller, who was born in the snte county in 1813. The father removed, with his family, to the Dominion of Canada, where he died in 1843. He lind eight children, four of whom are now living. Ira, the subject of this sketch, enjoyed but limited educational advantages in boyhood, walking three miles to a log schoolhouse of the rudest type, and nequiring his primary education under the instructions of a teacher ns rude as the school and its surroundings. He went to the State of New York in 1852, and after the removal to that State completed & course of study at Willson Academy, Ningara County. Ile was reared on n farm, and during boy- hood and youth his time was principally employed in the performance of farm work. When eighteen years of age, he became a clerk in a mercantile estab- lishment, at Willson, N. Y, and later engaged independently in mercantile pur- suits. In 1857, he located in Darke Conuty, Ohio, where he sold goods for several years, removing to Winchester, Ind., in December, 1864. Here he again engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued successfully for a number of years, retiring from this branch of business in 1870. In 1871, he was elected Justice of the l'ence, but resigned in 1872. In April, 1880, he was elected Trustee of White River Township, and is now serving in that. enpacity. In politics, he is identified with the Republican party, and was elected as the candidate of that party. In the discharge of his official dutics, he has proved himself efficient and faithful, and has won the confidence of the publie by his administration of the office. llis jurisdiction contains an area of more than seventy square miles, and includes twenty-one schoolhouses, besides those nt Winchester-the oversight of these interests requiring a large amount of time and Iaber. He is an untiring worker, and exhibits commendable euthu- siasm in the cause of public education. He has been a resident of Winchester for eighteen years, und during this period has always arrayed himself on the 1 side of honor and right, establishing a good name, und gaining recognition as

327

WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.

among the best citizens of the community. He was married, in 1860, to Mias Christina Jane Lawrence, of Darke County, Ohio. She is an estimable lady, and a general favorite in the social circle.

WILLIAM A. THOMPSON.

Mr. Thompson ia a prominent member of the Randolph County bar. He was born August 8, 1840, in Shelby County, Il1. The families of both his par -.. ents were among the earliest settlers of that county, and were prominent par- ticipants in the eventa of its early and later history. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of a family of sixteen children, fourteen of whom are now living, and eleven married and settled in life. Hia early life was spent on the home farm, working during the farming senson, and attending school during the winter. He first attended the district school near his home, subsequently entering the Shelbyville High School, then known as one of the best in the State. In 1860, he went to Moore's Hill, Ind., and became a student in the college at that place. He spent the collage year of 1860-61 in atudy, leav- ing school at the outbreak of the war. At the age of eighteen years, he took charge of the graded schools at St. Paul, Ind., and afterward taught six months in the district schools of Shelby County, achieving fair success as a teacher. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of sixteen yeara, and in 1862 entered the ministry of that denomination. In the follow- ing year, he joined the Southeastern Indiana Conference, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and traveled as a member of that body for eight years. In 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary R. Wilkinson, who died in 1865, leaving one child. After the death of his wife, he again entered Moore's Hill College, where he spent the college year of 1867-68. In 1868, he was married to Miss Elizabeth S. Lamb, daughter of Judge Lamb, of Indianapolis, and resumed his ministerial labors. On account of failing health, he withdrew from the Conference, and retired from the ministry in 1870, and shortly after- ward began the study of law in the office of Judge Lamb, finishing his studies in the office of Gordon, Browne & Lamb, at Indianapolis. In June, 1871, he located at Winchester, and began the practice of hia profession. He was at first associated with Gen. Thomas M. Browne, from 1871 to 1873, forming partnership ralstions with Judge J. J. Cheney, in the latter year, which con- tinued until 1874. From 1874 to 1879, he was the partner of Judge L. J. Monks, and since the dissolution of this relation has been associated with Capt. A. O. Marsh. Aa an attorney, he has achieved marked success, and com- bines with his legal attainments the virtues of a Christian gentleman. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Winchester, in which he has held, and still holda, responsible official positions. He is an able and effectual pleader, and a safe and conscientious counselor. The firm of which he is a member have been engaged in the defense of five persons accused of murder, during the past few years, and have gained a reputation for success in this specialty. Although an active politician, Mr. Thompson has always re- fused to be a candidate for public position. He is a stanch Republicou, and has canvassed the county several times in the interest of hia party, with good results. He is a man of positive temperament, firm in his convictions, and forcible and fearless in his adhesion to principles. He is esteemed by all who know him, as an upright, honorable man. He is identified with the Masonic Lodge of Winchester, and is an active member of that fraternity.

RICHMOND THORNBURG was born September 19, 1819, in Perry Town- ship, Wayne County, Ind. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that occupation for three years. Subsequently he learned the tailor's trade, and finding the latter more to his taste, has made it his occupation through life; he located in Randolph County, Ind., in November, 1860, and voted for President Lincoln two days later; he resided six years nt Bloominge- port, in this county, where he occupied the position of clerk in a store. In 1866, he removed to Farmland, and in 1867 to Camden, Jay County, Ind. In November, he returned to Farmland, and later in the same year, located again at Winchester, where he has ever since devoted his time and attention to the pursuita of his chosen occupation ; he has achieved pronounced anccess in this line, having been engaged at this vocation for thirty-five years. On the 26th of January, 1866, he was married to Miss Hannah Etta Semana, in Wayne County, Ind. By this union they are the parents of two children, named re- apectively Thomas M. and Myrtle May. Mrs. Thornburg is the daughter of David Semans, who was the father of twenty-four children, sixteen of whom are still living. Her father died in April, 1881, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Thornburg is identified with the Masonic fraternity of Winchester, having at- tained the degree of Master Mason. In politics, he is a Republican ; he has never sought nor accepted public office, but has always taken an active interest in public affairs and the success of his party. He is highly regarded by all who have known him, and is a worthy and estimable citizen.

WASHINGTON ULLOM was born in Virginia March 19, 1815, and is & son of William and Ada Ullom. He was brought up on a farm ; hia parents moved with their family to Preble County, Ohio, in 1822, and to Darke County, Ohio, in 1825. Mr. Ullom was married in 1837, to Mary Miller, a native of Wheeling, Va. They have had eleven children, ten living-Isabell, Ada, Saralı J., Almira, Mary A., Rebecca, Alice, George W., William H. and Jacob A. Mr. Ullom came to thia county in 1863; owna 103 acres of land, and is engaged in farming.

HON. THOMAS WARD.

Mr. Ward is a worthy representative of that class of citizens in this com- munlty who are justly styled our self-made men ; men who have risen from humble positiona to affluence aud high standing, unaided by adventitious cir- cumatances, and having only their own industry and native ability to thank for their attainments. He is of the grandaon of Thomas Ward, a native of North Carolina, in which State he lived during the Revolutionary war. He was a Quaker, and took no part in that struggle, though both the Americans and British tried unsuccessfully to force him into service. He had a brother who

was a Colonel in the American army, and a brave officer. Thomas Ward had a family of eight children-two aons and six daughters-all of whom. except Sarah, the eldest daughter, emigrated to Randolph County, Ind. Joel, the eldest son, and Joab, the father of the subject of this sketch, came to this county in 1819. Mary, the second daughter, married Joseph Moffatt, father of Zimri Moffatt, of Randolph County : Margery married Elias Kizer, father of Thomas W. and Henry P. Kizer, of Winchester; Nancy married Mr. Tomlinson, and Lydia married Thomas Pierce; Elizabeth married Burkett Pierce, one of the earliest settlers on the Mississinews in this county. She is now decessed, but her husband still aurvives, having attained the advanced age of ninety years. Josb Ward was long a prominent and influential citizen of Ward Township, and was one of the earliest settlers of that locality. Ha endured the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, and watched the growth of the settlement from a scattered collection of log cabins to a thrifty farming community; and in all the public improvements inaugurated during his life he bore a full share of the burden. He was an honorable, upright man, and possessed the con- fidence and good will of all who knew him. He died in 1874, and hia remains, na also those of his wife, rest in the Friends' Cemetery at White River Chapel.

Thomas, the subject of this sketch, was reared in o pioneer settlement, and his early life was passed like that of all boys who have been similarly situated. Work at home demanded the most of his time, but in the winter he was per- mitted to attend school, and there, in one of those schoolhouses so truly char- acteristic of early days in Indiana, he began his education. His advantages were limited, but his father's house was the resort of travelers, many of whom were very intelligent men, and took pleasure in imparting a portion of their knowledge to the boy, who always evinced an inquiring diaposition, and learned readily. Thus, by patient study in leisure hours, and by intercourse with intelligent men, he laid the foundation for a splendid business education, and was well prepared for the active life of Inter years. At an early age, he began trading with hia neighbors, and nearly all his transactions redounded to his success, so that, when twenty-one years of age, he had accumulated 600 acres of land. His first earnings were made by " dendening " timber for new purchas- ers. He would take the contract for " dendenlng" the timber on these lands, and after aub-letting it, usually had a profit left for himself. He never retro- graded in his financial standing ; the property which he had accumulated dur- ing the years of his minority stimulated him to grenter achievements, and in the years which followed he found his prospects brightening, and his prosperity increasing. In 1840, he was married, and in 1841 removed to a tract of land near Ridgeville, from which he developed a good farm. Thia farm was cleared and improved by himself, and after cultivating it for four yeara, he removed to Winchester, and embarked in mercantile pursuits at this point. He was thus engaged until 1870), carrying a general stock for a part of the time, and later in the hardware trade exclusively, while at another time he was the proprietor of a harness shop. Ile was one of the first friends of the Cincinnati, Richmond & Fort Wayne Railroad, and was one of the Board of Directors. He had invested $85,000 in stock, but it was found that the company would be unable to complete the road to Fort Wayne. Upon this discovery, the Directors sold the road to another company, and hy the change he lost all he had invested, except about $3,100. In 1865, he became one of the company who organized the First National Bank of Winchester, and aerved as its President until 1868. He served as one of its Directors at the same time, and still continues to act in this capacity. The bank retired its circulation in 1878, and was reorganized under the State Banking Law, and is still continued as one of the prosperous and substantial institutions of this town. Mr. Ward has been called to fill other places of trust of a public nature. He was the Whig candidate for Sheriff of Randolph County in 1841, but the party was divided agninat itaelf at that time, and he was defeated by the opposition. In 1864, he was elected to the Indiana Senate, and at once arose to n position of prominence and honor, serving on important committees. He voted for the ratification of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, and intro- duced a bill to admit the testimony of colored witnesses in cases where white litiganta were involved. He also introduced a bill to make the sale of liquor a penal offense, and served as Chairman of the Committee on Corporations. The bill to compel railroad corporations to furnish transportation and equalize freights was also introduced by him. He served his constituency well, and retired from his official position with the good will of all good people. His political affiliations were first with the Whig party, but since the organization of the Republican party, he has acted with the latter. He is a valuable mem- ber, and has done effectual work for the good of the party. He was never an aspirant for political honors, and his candidacy, in both cases, was at the solicitation of his friends. He is A man to whom defent is intolerable, and his political canvasses were conducted with the same vigor and energy that have characterized his career as a business man.

By his industry and good management, Mr. Ward has accumulated o com- petence, and is regarded one of the wealthiest citizens of Winchester. Yet his ample fortune has not changed his kindly nature, and among those who know him best he is esteemed as a kind and amiable friend. His dealings with his fellow men have always been governed by a high sense of honor, and his integ- rity is above reproach. He has long been identified with the temperance movement, and has boldly arrayed himself among the advocates of public morality and good order. Whatever seems to him to be of public benefit receives his support and encouragement ; but he has always diacountenanced what seemed to him reckless extravagance. He has grown up with this county, watching its progress, and lending a helping hand to its public enterprisea.

He hay been married four times : first, in 1840, to Sarah Ellen Tharp, who died in 1852. He was married to Jane Swayne, of Richmond, Ind., in 1854. She died in 1865, leaving three children. His third wife was Susan Lykins, who died in 1873, leaving two children. In April, 1876, he was united in marriage with Laurinda, daughter of Isaiah Osborn, Esq. By this union, they are the parents of one child.

328

HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

At the age of sixty-three years, Mr. Word ie still active and vigorous -- attending regularly to matters of business-and enjoying the rewards of a life of industry, while he possesses the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. In 1880, he was one of the organizers of the Ridgeville Bank, at Ridgeville, and has been prominently identified with this institution ever since. Upon the death of its President, Arthur McKew, Esq., in January, 1882, he was chosen as Mr. McKew's successor for the unexpired term, and in July, 1882, wns elected President for the current year. His identity with this bank has been grently for the good of the institution, which has prospered from the first, while his counsel sod experience in financial affairs have materially aided ite prosperity.

HON. E. L. WATSON.

Enos L., son of James and Nancy Watson, was born December 22, 1880, in Greene County, Ohio, His father was n farmer, but died while the son was an infant, and the later life of the Intter was passed under the care of a step- father. In 1832, he came with his mother to Randolph County, Ind., and located on n farm nesr Deerfield. The region around them was unsettled, nod they had no near neighbors. Their own farm was n wilderness, and the hoy spent a large share of his time assisting his step-father to clear and improve it. He shared the experiences incident to pioneer life, with but few educa- tional privileges. In 1848, when eighteen years of nge, he came to Winches- ter, anxious to enter the world in the struggle for fortune, and to be his own master. The County Seminary then stood with open door, inviting entrance, and from 1849 to 1852, he was a pupil in this institution, under the excellent instruction of Prof. E. P. Cole. Later, he taught school As a means of fur- thering his plans for acquiring an education, but it was not long ere the watchful people took the boy in hand, giving him active employment in the woods and on the farms as County Surveyor. He was elected to this office in 1852, when scarcely more than a boy, and it was a well-merited compliment to his ability, while it was indicative of the confidence reposed in him. He per- formed the duties well and satisfactorily through the term for which he Was first elected, and nt its expiration, in 1854, was promptly re-elected for another term of two yeare. During his incumbency of this office, he was reading Inw with Judge J. J. Cheney, nt Winchester, and in 1856, was admit- ted to practice. The public seemed to be waiting for his services, for upon the expiration of his second term as Surveyor, in 1856, he was nominated und elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney, in which capacity he soted until 1860, having been re-elected at the expiration of his first term. Ih 1862, he wns ngain elected to this office, serving until 1864. In that year, he entered into partnership with Judge Cheney, which relation continued until 1872. After the appointment of Judge Cheney to the Common Pleas bench, he entered into partnership with llon. L. J. Monks. Afterward, the partnership relations between himself and Judge Cheney were resumed, and continued for two years. He is now associated with J. S. Engle. In the session of 1867-68, he was the Representative frem Randolph County in the Legislature of Indi- ann, and was ngain called to serve in this capacity during the session of 1879- 80. In this capacity, B8 in all others in which he has acted, he proved him- self a man of honor and integrity, true to the interests of his constituency and the public welfare. Originally, his political affiliations were with the Democratic party, but he severed his associations with that party in conse- quence of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, sod has since etood firmly by the principles of the Republican party. He purchased the Winchester Gazette, and converted it into a stanch Republican organ, under the name of the Winchester Herald, conducting it as editor and proprietor until it passed by purchase into the hands of its present owner, John Commons. Mr. Wat- son has devoted his life to his profession, and has achieved a reputation at the bar of which he and his descendants may justly be proud. He ranks with the best of his colleagues as an attorney, while as a neighbor and friend, he pos- sesses the affectionnte regard of all who know him. Ile was married, in 1854, to Miss Mary M. Judd, an amiable and accomplished young lady, who has shared with him the hopes and disappointments, the reverses and successee of his career throughout & period of twenty-eight years, and has won her way into the hearts of a large circle of friende.

1. P. WATTS.

Isaiah P. Watts was born June 15, 1840, In Richland County, Ohio. llis father, Samuel Watts, was at one time & prosperous merchant in the county, but, owing to financial reversce and impaired health, he turned to the woods of Indiana in the hope of improving his fortunes. He removed with his family to Wells County, Ind., in 1847, locating in Nottingham Township. The country was wild and rugged, and often they shot turkeys from the door of their cabin, while deer nbounded, and benre were sometimes seen. Hunters from Wayne County often came to the Watts cabin, and thus many acquaintances were formed, which proved plensunt in after years. Here, on n little farm, between Camden und Bluffton, the subject of this sketch passed the days of his boyhood and youth, amid the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life, inured io toil and self-deninl. Prior to the removal of the family, he had attended school in Ohio, but in the woods of Wells County he was denied this privilege. lle firat attended school in this State in 1850, at Rifesburg, eight miles from his home, boarding with Ilenry Elston, and doing farm work for his board. Al- though only ten years old, he cut the fire-wood, fed and attended seven head of horses, an equal number of milch cows, fourteen head of hogs and several steere. At the age of fourteen yenrs, he worked on the railrond in winter, in order to earn funds to pay his way in school. While working for Elston, he made rapid progress in the Rifesburg school, and when seventeen years of age, having anved n little money, he started to attend Liber College. This little col- lege had been recently founded in the wilds of Juy County, but in after years became famous as an institution of learning. lle arrived at this place with n capital of $7.50 ; he pil $6 for tutition and $1.50 for music lessons, and four

months Inter, left school with 65 cents. in cash, and an added etore of useful knowledge. He attended this college five terms, ending his school life in 1860, just as the cloud of war began to thicken and lower over the country. In Au- gust, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Ano Elizn Diggs, and in 1862, enlisted in Company H, of the Eighty-fourth Regiment, Indians Volunteere. While in the army, he served much of the time on detached duty. During the winter of 1862-63, he was Chief Clerk of the General Hospital, at Ashland, Ky. In June, 1863, he was taken ill and sent to the hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and during his convalescence, was transferred to Chattanooga, Tenn. There he was assigned to duty as Chief Clerk of the General Hospital, and af- terward as clerk in the office of the Medical Director at Chattanooga, Teun. In January, 1864, he was appointed Counsel of Administration, to take charge of the effects of deceased soldiers and forward them to their proper destinations. A more eloquent tribute to his honor and integrity could scarcely have been ex- pressed. In March, 1864, he came home on a furlough of thirty days, rejoin- ing his regiment in April, at Blue Springs, Tena., and continuing with it until the close of the war, participating, meanwhile, in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Tunnel Hill, Rocky-Face Ridge, Dalton, Resacn, Kingston, Pumpkin- Vine Creek, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw, Neal Dow Church, Culp's Farm, Peach-, Tree Creek, the battles in front of Atlantn, Shoal's Creek, Lovejoy's, Franklin and Nashville. Since his marriage, Mr. Watts has realded at Winchester, ex- cepting the time spent in the army. He was mustered out on the 16th of June, 1865, and returning to Winchester, engaged nt the trade of & silversmith. While thus engaged, he employed all his spare time in the study of law, and was later a student in the office of Cheney & Watson. He was admitted to the bar in 1866, and from that time until 1870, was the partner of E. B. Rey- nolds. In 1873, he formed partnership relations with Capt. A. O. Marsh. which were continued until 1874. After that date he practiced alone. In 1876, he was the Republican candidate for Secretary of State. That canvass was one of the most exciting in the recent, political history of Indiana. The State went Democratic by n majority of about 5,000, ond Mr. Watts suffered the defeat that came to all the Republican candidates that year. In 1880, after an ex- citing canvass, he was nominated hy the Republicane for the office of Clerk of the Randolph Circuit Court, s position to which he was elected in the fall of that year. He took charge of the Clerk's office in August, 1881, and has since beeu engaged in the duties of his position. During his incumbency he has' proved himself a faithful and efficient officer, prompt in the traneaction of his duties, and polite and obliging to all whose business calle them into hie office. He is popular among the people of this county, and the majority by which he was elected was a finttering testimoninl of the high regard in which he is held. For a number of years he has acted as & pension agent in this locality, and has bad the sotiefuction of aidiug many n comrade, and many a widow and orphan to secure the relief nwarded by a grateful country. In addition to his official duties, Mr. Watts has pastoral care of the Christian Church st Winchester. He united with this denomination early in life, and for the past eight or nine years has been identified with it as & laborer in the ministry. He is an able and convincing speaker, active and zealous in the work of religion, and self- sacrificing in his devotion to the church, In the affairs of business and every- day life, his actions are governed by a high sense of honor and right, and he has gained the confidence of the community in which he resides. His wife is an excellent lady, and has won her wny into the affections of a large cirole of friends by her gentle manners and uniform kindness to all classes. She is the daughter of Littleberry Diggs, one of the oldest pioneers of Randolph County, who served as Associate Judge of this county in early days. Mr. Watts and wife are the parents of five children, four of whom are now living. Their eld- est daughter, Miss Inez, having graduated at the Winchester High School, is now a student at Butler University at Irvington, near Indicanpolis, and gives excellent promise of high attainments in scholarship.

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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 107

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