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 118

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 118

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Mr. Lasley was called to mourn the death of his wife February 5, 1875. After the death of his wife, he remained on the farm with his children until December 25, 1875, when he was united in a second marriage with Mrs. Mary Lamme, daughter of Andrew Likens, of Wayne County. He is the father of two children by his second wife. The first was born May 31, 1877, and died in infancy ; John W., born September 16, 1878. Mr. L. is & stanch and unoom- promising Republican, and is ever interested in the welfare of the party ; be and his family sre quiet, yet useful and honored citizens, industrious, and sur- rounded by an abundance of the necessaries of life.

CHARLES ENOS, the son of Jacob and Sarah Lasley, was born in Randolph County August 11, 1854. He resided with his parents on the farm until be was twenty-one years of age, obtaining his education from the common district sohoole, and the graded schools of Lynn and Winchester. As & student, he was industrious, and applied himself closely to his studies, and succeeded in ob- taining a thorough knowledge of those branches he studied. He began teach- ing school in the winter of 1878, and has taught, during the winter, ever since. As s toscher, he manifests the same energy and zeal that characterized him as a student. He takes a deep interest in the profession, and loses no opportuni- ty to increase bis efficiency ; he is invariably found in attendance at all of the county and township institutes, and ranke as one of the best teachers of the county ; he was married to Louise Wilmore, daughter of John and Mary Wil- more, of this county, August, 1881. His excellent wife is an acceptable mem- ber of the Friends Church. They lead a quiet and happy life, and are honored members of society.

ANDREW J. LASLEY, P. O. Winchester, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of White River Township, was born in this township July 31, 1836, and is & son of Moses and Margaret Lasley, of Washington Township. He spent his early life, as the remainder, aleo, upon the farm. He was married, August 4, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth J. Peacock, daughter of Thomas Peacock. She was born in Wayne County, Ind. They had two children-Flora A., deceased, and Jones W. Mrs. Lasley died September 20, 1879. She was a faithful Christian, and & worthy member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Lasley is also a member of the same churob.

PHILIP LYKINS, farmer, P. O. Winchester, is a native of Fayette County, Va., and was born September 23, 1832. His parents were Herod and Mary Lykins, who moved to this county first in 1835; but in 1841, they re- turned to the East, and remained until 1850, when they returned to this county, accompanied by our subject. Mr. Lykins was reared on a farm, and has always been a farmer. He was married, October 20, 1859, to Miss Eliza A. Wright, daughter of the late Edward B. Wright, of this county. She was born in this county, September 18, 1841. Her mother was Mary A. (Heaston). They have two children-Mary A. and Charles W. Mr. L. has never been & witness in court, never was sued, or never has sued any one. Mrs. Lykins' grandfather, John Wright, was the first Judge in Randolph County.

WILLIAM MONKS.

William Monks, deceased, son of John and Matilda Monks, was born in this county July 28, 1830. He was the eighth of a family of nine children, of whom five are now living. His father was a native of England, and came to the United States when he was eighteen years of age. His mother was born in Kentucky. They moved to this county in very early times, and eutered 160 acres of land, one mile south of Winchester, the farm now known as the Court- ner Farm. His parents lived on this farm until their death. William was born and raised upon thie farm, and received his education in the common dis- trict schoole of the neighborhood. Ile received the best education the schools at that time afforded. He was married to Catharine Wright March 5, 1857. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Monks settled on the farm now owned by the widow. At the time of purchase there were ninety-five acres, with eighteen

acres improved. The farm now consists of 222 acres of excellent land, with 120 acres under a high state of cultivation. This is a very beautiful and pro- ductive farm, being one of the best in the township. The farm buildings are both beautiful and convenient. The dwelling was ereoted in 1876, and ie & two- story structure of modern architecture, beautifully situated and richly fur- nished. The erection of this beautiful dwelling was the last work Mr. Monks was permitted to do on earth, for he was soon after its construction stricken down with heart trouble, a disease that had been making inroads upon him for three years. The summons to bld adieu to loved ones and home came to William Monks October 8, 1876, and his life work was ended, at the age of forty-six years, two months and ten days. His mortal remains, followed by his grief-stricken family and mourning relatives and friends, were deposited in the cemetery st Winchester. He was .s man of great energy, frugal and honest in his deslings. He accumulated property rapidly, and at the time of his death was surrounded by the comforts and many luxuries of life. He was qulet and retired in his nature, end it ie said that he had many warm friends and no enemies. None knew him but to honor and love him. At his death, he left a widow and only child, whose portraits and biographies are herewith given. He united with the Christian Church March 13, 1875, and remained & faithful and devoted member until death. Thus lived and died a devoted husband, & loving father, a valuable member of the oburch, and an honored citizen.

CATHARINE (WRIGHT) MONKS, widow of William Monks, and daughter of Edward and Mery A. Wright, was born in this county February 20, 1839. She is the oldest of a family of four children, all of whom are living. Her father was born in Highland County, Ohio, August 18, 1816. Her mother (Mary A. Heaston), was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, April 13, 1819. They came to this county with their parents before either one was & year old. They were married, December 21, 1837, and settled one-half mile west of Win- chester, on a farm owned by Mrs. Wright's father, where they remained for one year. They then bought a farm one-half mile south of Win- chester, where they remained about one year, when they sold out and returned to Mre. Wright's father, where they remained about four years. They then bought & ferm two and one-half miles south of Winchester, where they remained until the death of Mr. Wright, which occurred Augnet 28, 1880, and where his widow still resides. The subject of this sketch spent her youthful days on the farm with her parents, and obtained her educa- tion principally at the Randolph County Seminary, under the supervision of Prof. E. P. Cole. She soquired a good English education. Mrs. Monks is the mother of ene daughter-Mary A., whose biography Is herewith giver. Mrs. Monks is the owner and proprietor of 322 acres of excellent land, all in White River Township. She joined the Christian Church at the same time as her husband, and has remained a faithful member ever since. She ie & woman of sterling integrity, of great business capacity, and was a strong support to her hueband in his efforts to develop a comfortable home. Since the death of her husband, she and her daughter have had entire charge of the farm and all busi- ness connected therewith. She ie surrounded with an abundance of property, has a model home, and is blessed with all calculated to make life happy. She is a valuable member of society, and beloved by all her neighbors and acquaint- ances.

MARY ANN MONKS, daughter of William and Catherine Monks, was born in this county March 5, 1864. She is an only child, and received her educa- tion in the Winchester Public Schools, and graduated from the High School May 12, 1882, with high honors. She united with the Christian Church August 5, 1876, and has been & faithful member ever since. She is & young lady of rare ability, accomplished and well educated, and ie a valuable assistant to her mother in the management of her business. She has always been a favorite with the cirole of friends in which she moves. She is strictly pious and considerate, and certainly has a bright future before ber.

TARLTON MOORMAN, one of the early pioneers of Randolph County, Ind., was born in Richmond County, N. C., in 1788. In 1819, he married Rebecca Webb, and, in 1822, came to Indisna, locating in Randolph County, with whose early and later history he was prominently identified. He pur- chased & tract of land, from which he developed a fine farm, and in all the publio improvements inaugurated within bis time he bore his full share of the burden hy contributing liberally of his means and encouraging whatever seemed to him to be for the public welfare. He was twice married, first to Hannah Way, and after her demise to Rebecca Webb. He had a family of thirteen children, of which number seven are now living. Henry and Rich- mond reside in Wayne County, Ind. ; Thomas, at Winobester ; John A., at Farmland ; Stephen, in White River Township, and William and Sarah on the old home farm. Mr. Moorman was an active, energetic man, and was always regarded as one of the best citizens of the community. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and in his daily life o consistent Christian. In politics, he was at first a Whig, and espoused and advocated the cause of abolition. He took an active part in the anti-slavery movements that were enacted in this county, and upon the rise of the Republican party adopted its principles, and was identified with that party during the residue of his life. He died on the 30th of December, 1876, in the ninety-third year of his age, leaving hehind him the record of an honest man, and a memory still revered by all who knew him in life.

STEPHEN MOORMAN, farmer, P. O. Winchester. The subject of this sketch is n native of this county, and was born April 26, 1822. His parents were Tarlton and Rebecca Moorman, natives of North Carolina. He was brought up & farmer boy, and received s limited education in subscription schools taught for about forty days each winter. For a description of the schoolhouse, in which he received his rudimental lessous, see biography of James J. Clayton. He was married, March 2, 1848, to Miss Priscilla Diggs, & native also of this county, and a daughter of Armshy Diggs. They have two children-Alfred T. And Heory A. Mrs. Moorman died March 30, 1868, and he again married March 10, 1870, this time to Mrs. Malinde A. Nickson. Mr

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

Moorman is a member of the M. E. Church, as was also his first wife. His second (present) wife is a member of the Society of Friends. There ie a mound on his farm, and siso an oblong cavity in the ground, twenty feet in diameter, and was, at the time he purchased the place, six feet deep. Around this cavity is an embankment of earth upon which is an oak stump twenty inches in dismeter. Mr. M. has dealt more or less in stock, but is now giving his attention to farming and raising stock. He owns 178 acres of valnable land in the White River Valley.

HON. W. E. MURRAY.

William Albert Murray was born May 26, 1884, at Cincinnati, Ohio. His father, Isaiah Henderson Murray, was born in Penneylvania, but removed to Cincinnati when a young man, and was married there in 1830 to Miss Mar- garet Wrench, s lady of Welsh parentage. The father owned & lot on west Eighth street, Cincinnati, which he traded to "Nick" Longworth for 160 acres of unimproved land in Washington Township, Randolph County, Ind., pay- ing him a sum of money in addition. This lot is now occupied by one of the public schools of that city, sod before Mr. Murray had payed the last install- ment of the "boot money," the land was worth $1,000 per foot. He brought his family to Indiana in the fall of 1838, and located near Bloomingsport, Ran- dolph County, where he rented a farm, upon which he reaided until the spring of 1838. In the meantime, he had erected & cabin on his own land, and made the preliminary preparationa for improving it. In the spring of 1838, he removed to this property with his family, and cultivated his farm for twenty years. In 1858, he aold it and removed to Deerfield, in this county, where, in partnership with his brother, he purchased a carding mill. They remodeled it, converting it into a woolen mill, and supplying & boiler and engine, in lieu of the ox-power tread-mill by which its machinery had formerly been pro- pelled. But just as they had completed their system of improvements, the mill was destroyed by fire. Mr. Murray then romained at Deerfield until his death, which occurred in August, 1860. He was a man who stood high in the community, and was always recognized as a good citizen. In politics, he was identified with the " Free " Whigs, and was strongly anti-slavery in sentiment. He was an enthusiastic politician, but never Bought public office, end never served in a public capacity, except as Juatice of the Peace, which position he occupied for several suoceseive terms in Washington Township.

William E. is the second in a family of eight children. He was but an infant when his parents came to Indiana, and in a region so slightly developed, his educational privileges in early life were quite limited. Yet such as he enjoyed were well improved by him, and the meager knowledge he gained at school was eupplemeated by diligent study in leisure hours at home. At the age of nineteen years, he hired out as a farm hand, and with the money thus earned, paid his tuition in the seminary at Winchester, and afterward attended the Union Literary Institute, near Spartansburg. He had made the necessary arrangements for taking s collegiste course at Delaware, Oblo, when the out- break of the rebellion caused him to change his plans. Early in July, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier, nuder Capt. Hamilton, of Company C, Nineteeth Indians Regiment, and was the first citizen of Randolph County who enrolled his name under the President's call for volunteers for three years' service. He was tendered the position of Sergeant of his company, and at a later date a Lieutenancy was offered him, but he declined both, preferring to serve as a private soldier. His regiment, after making several raids into Virginia, went into winter quartora at Washington. In the following spring, they were assigned to duty in Virginia, and during this campaign Mr. Murray took part, with his regiment, in several raida nud skirmishes, among which were the fights of Lewinsville and Langley Falls Church, and the second battle of Bull Run. In this engagement, he was wounded in the ankle by s minie ball, the injury proving so serious as to disqualify him for service. In consequence, he was honorably discharged in March, 1868, and returned to his home. It was in thia battle that Gen. Fitz John Porter was guilty of the conduct for which he was diamiseed, and at the re-hearing of hie case, in the fall of 1876, Mr. Murray was called to Gen. Hancock's headquarters as a witness. He had kept a diary of current events while in the service, and his entries regarding that day were found to have an important bearing in disproving certain claims set up by Gen. Porter.

After returning from the army, he attended school for several months, and in the winter of 1868 resumed the occupation of school teaching. at which he had been engaged for several years prior to 1861. In March, 1864, he entered the County Clerk's office as Deputy, under John B. Goodrich, serving nearly two years. In the meantime, the Republicans of this county took occasion to express their confidence in him by nominating him for the office of County Auditor in the apring of 1865. In the fall of that year, he was elected by a flattering majority, and took charge of the office in November of the same ycar. Ile served four years, and in the meantime a change was made in the law relating to the election of County Auditors, and changing the time of election. This created an interregum in the office, which he was appointed by the County Commissionere to fill. At the next regular election, in the fall of 1871, he was again chosen as Auditor of the county, serving a second term of four years. Thua, for about nine years, he was in continuous service as Auditor, and devoted his attention to the duties of the office with & fidelity that made him popular, while his uniform kindness and courtesy as an official gained for him many true friends. He entered upon the duties of his position without any knowledge of the manner of conducting the work of the office, receiving scarcely any instruction from his predecessor. He was thus thrown upon his own resources, and turned to the etatutes for help. The result was the develop- ment of s system of book-keeping which proved of great financial benefit to the county, though like the majority of public improvements, it was opposed at first by those who should have been ita friends. Againat the protest of the County Commissionere he inaugurated thie system, and had the necessary booke manufactured, drawing his own warrant for the same. Ae soon as it

was put into practical operation, it was found that it placed a check upon errors in either the Auditor'e or Treasurer's office, as each succeeding transac- tion balanced or corrected the one that had preceded it. And by this system it was possible at a moment's notice to ascertain the amount of money in the hands of the Treasurer, and to what funds it belonged ; whereas, under the old system, this was only possible once a year, i. e., when the annual June exhibit was rendered. So satisfactory and accurate was this system that it was adopted, and is now in use, by surrounding counties, while a benefit was con- ferred by it upon the tax-payers of this county, for which Mr. Murray well deserves their grateful remembrance.

After retiring from this position, he purchased & tract of land four miles northeast of Winchester, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pur- suits. The farm was almost destitute of improvements, having only abont twenty-five acres cleared. In the meantime, he has spent a great deal of both time and money in improving his farm, and now has about sixty-five soree under cultivation, and has greatly augmented the value of hie land.

He has devoted a great deal of time and study to horticulture and pomology, and has taken an active interest in these subjects. Upon the organization of the Randolph County Horticultural Society, in 1881, he was chosen President, in which ospacity he still sots. With & grateful appreciation of the honors that had been bestowed upon him by his friends, he had decided to be no more in public life, but spend the residue of his time in the cultivation of hie farm, But in 1880 his friends suggested his name as a candidate for Representative from this district in the General Assembly, to which he yielded assent. He was then teaching school, and made no effort to secure the nomination, but at the convention he was chosen, over two strong and worthy competitors, and in the following fall was elected by a fiattering majority. In the session of 1880-81, he was identified with important legislation, and throughout his term of office proved himself faithful to principles and the interests of his constituency. He occupied the position of Chairman of the Committee on County and Township Business, and was a member of the Committee on Mileage and Per Diem, the Committee on Trust Funds, and the Joint Committee on Enrolled Bills. He introduced the bill under whose terms the telephone companies of this State are organized and operated ; also, & bill authorizing the transfer of & turnpike in Randolph County. The latter measure was one of local interest, and its sucess afforded great satisfaction to his friends at home.

The Committee on County and Township Bueinees had charge of a large number of bills, and accomplished great good in the way of preventing vicious and extravagant legislation ; and so well did they perform their work that, at the close of the session, they received a vote of thanks for their services. Among these was a bill to authorize the Attorney General to dieburse the accumulated funds due the various counties in the State, from the old "Three Per Cent Fund." The bill came into the bande of the Committee, and an amendment was eub- mitted by Mr. Murray, making the Treasurer and Auditor of State the disburs- ing officers. The passage of this amendment saved the State a commission of ten per cent on the amount involved, amounting to over $100,000. He intro- duced forty-three amendments to the revised tax-law, of which number forty- one passed and are now in effect. 1

Atthe same session, a bill was introduced to create the office of State Bridge Commissioner. It would have been the duty of this Commissioner to visit coun- ties, and inspect all bridges erected subsequent to the passage of thst law, in all cases where the cost of the bridge was in excess of $500. It was left for him to decide upon the merits of the case, and making the contracts of the County Commissioners subject to hie approval. In effect, it gave to this official an opportunity for collusion with contractors, and, although legislation in regard to bridges and a better system of construction was recog- nized as necessary, this bill struck the Chairman of the committee as vicious in its nature, and he requested a member to move its reference to the Committee on County and Township Business. It was placed in the handa of this commit- tee, where it underwent many changes and modificationa. When it emerged from this ordeal it was so amended that its provisions, if adopted, would have resulted in good ; but the session expired before any action was taken, and thus the measure failed. By this bill the State Bridge Commissioner would have the power to receive bide, sward contracts and authorize the con- struction of bridges in any county in the State. At the solicitation of Mr. Mur- ray, the bill was referred to the Committee on County and Township Business, where it was so revised and its objectionable features so altered and amended that the original bill was scarcely recognizable. Its ultimate passage was de- feated by the close of the session, which expired before any definite action was taken in reference to this matter. Among other bills that passed through the hands of this committee was the law, now in force, authorizing the establieh- ment of county orphan homes. He was conscientions in advocating and aup- porting all measures that seemed to him calculated to promote the best interests of the public and secure economy.

Mr. Murray was made a Mason in July, 1860, in Deerfield Lodge, No. 117. Ife subsequently took a dimit from that lodge and united with Winehester Lodge, No. 56; he passed all the degrees of the Blue Lodge, and in 1864 be- came a member of Randolph Chapter, No. 85, R. A. M. In 18-, he was ad- mitted into Wincheater Council, No. 20, R. & S. M., and to Richmond Com- mandery, No. 8, K. T., in 1874. In 1881, he received the Scottish Rite degree st Indianapolis. He served four years as Worshipful Master of Winchester Lodge, and during this period was chosen High Prieat of the Chapter, and Il- lustrious Master of the Council, serving as the presiding officer of the three lodges at one time. He is an enthusiastio Mason, thoroughly posted in the ritual and all the work of the order. In May, 1875, ha was appointed Junior Orand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, serving one year, and from 1872 to 1876 he was Deputy Master of the Ninth Masonic Distriot, embracing the counties of Adams, Allen, Jay, Wells, Henry, Delaware and Randolph. He became an Odd Fellow in 1864, and has passed the chairs of both the sub- ordinate lodge and Encampment; he has twice been elected as the Representa- tive to the Grand Lodge of Odd Fallows, and once as Alternate Representative

AMOS O. BEESON,

son of Mahlon and Sarah (Arnett) Becson, was born July 29, 1842, at Bloomingsport, Randolph Co., Ind. Ills father, who was a native of North Carolina, came to Randolph County with his parents in 1820, remaining here until 1856. His wife died 10 1850, and, In 1856, he removed with his family to Hancock County, Ind., where he still resides.

Amos, his son, received a good common- school education In youth, and, at the age of eighteen years, entered npon an apprenticeship at the printer's trade with Wilitam Mitchell, of the Greenfield (Ind.) Democrat. In August. 1802, he enlisted in Company G, Seventy-ninth lodiana Regiment, under Col. Kneitler. This regiment was attached to Gen. Thomas Wood's Division of the Fourth Army Corps. Mr. Bee- son participated in all the bottles in which his regiment was engaged (excepting the battle of. Stone River) op to the 20d of June, 1864. He was at the battle of Perryville, Chickamauga, the siege of Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Look - out Mountain, In the East Tennessee campaign as far as Bull's Gap, and the Atlanta campaign as far as Kenesaw Mountain, taking part In the battles of Tuummel Hul, Rocky Face Ridge, Res- aca, Cassville, New Hope Church and Lost Mountain. At the battle of Kenesaw, on the 23d of June, 1864, he was wounded in the tett hand, and being thus permanently disabled and incapacitated for duty, he was honorably dis- charged from the service in February, 1865. On the 16th of February, 1885, he was appointed Deputy Recorder of Hancock County, Ind., and was elected Recorder in October of the same year. It is a noteworthy fact that he was the only Republican ever elected to that office in that county. He resigned his office in June, 1870, prior to the term for which he was elected,

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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 118

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