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 96
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161 | Part 162 | Part 163 | Part 164 | Part 165 | Part 166 | Part 167 | Part 168 | Part 169 | Part 170 | Part 171 | Part 172 | Part 173 | Part 174 | Part 175 | Part 176 | Part 177 | Part 178 | Part 179 | Part 180 | Part 181 | Part 182 | Part 183 | Part 184 | Part 185
tive from this county in the General Assembly of Indiana, and in 1834, was elected State Senator. He resigned the latter position on secount of his loss of sight, and was succeeded by Hon. Andrew Kennedy, of Muncie. As a public officer, he displayed the same integrity and hoper that always characterized his life as a private citizen, and his administration of the trusts reposed in him, won the approbation of his constituency in a marked degree. Although nearly eighty years of age, he ian well preserved man, retaining his physical and mental vigor to a remarkable extent. le has retired from active business, in view of the encroachments of old nge, and now passes his life in the peaceful enjoyment of a competence earned by years of honest toil and industry. Eight children blessed his wedded life. Of this number, five are deceased, and the three youngest survive, viz., Eliza Ellen (wife of John Thomas, now residing at Winchester) ; Sarah Jane ( wife of Col. M. B. Miller, of Winchester), and Mar- garet Ano (wife of William Knecht, also residing at Winchester). His wife was one of the pioneer women of this county, and was, in all respects, & supe- rier lady. She was bora March 17, 1806, in Rockingham County, Va., and when twelve years of age removed, with her brother, to Champaign County, Ohio, where she was married to Mr. Aker. She came to Randolph County, with her husband, in time to experience many of the hardships of pioneer life, and lived to witness the wonderful improvements wrought within a period of a half century. During the early years of their residence in this county, her husband was one of its most active and enterprising business men, and took part in every movement that had for its object the improvement and develop- ment of the county. And in all his nadertakings, public as well as private, he consulted her, and received her advice. And when visited with that terrible affliction, the loss of his sight, upon her, to a great extent, fell the burden of arranging and settling bis many business interests. She was a woman of sound judgment, wonderful energy, kind and generous, and will be gratefully remem- bered by many who were the recipients of her kindness. She died on the 26th of February, 1881, loved sad mourned by all who knew her. She was an affectionate wife and a kind mother. She cherished home, and loved and en- joyed the companionship of her family. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died consoled with the hope of meeting the loved ones of earth beyond the grave, where the mortal shall assume immor- tality, and life becomes an endless splendor.
GEN. THOMAS M. BROWNE.
Gen. Browne Winchester, member of Congress from the Sixth District, wax born at New Paris, Preble Co., Obio, April 19, 1829. His father, John A. Browne, was a native of Bucks County, Penn. ; his mother, Hanash (Mauzy) Browne, of Benrbon County, Ky. His mother died in 1843, which calamity broke up the fatuily circle. His father apprenticed young Thomas M. to Mr. Ralph M. Pomeroy, a merchant of Spartaasburg, Randolph County, Ind., soon after which he removed to Grant County, Ky., where he died in 1865. la- fluenced by the excellent character of his employer, Thomas M. rapidly gained a knowledge of business, and . formed correct habits. His opportunities for gaining a liberal education were very meager, being confined to a few weeks each year in the common schools of Spartansburg, and one term in the county seminary, at Winchester ; but so diligent and exhaustive have been his private studies And readings, that we rarely meet ono with such a valuable etore of practical, scientific or literary information. la 1848, he began the study of law with Ilon. William A. Peelle, of Winchester, and in 1840, passed an ex- amination in open court, and was admitted to practice in the inferior courts of the State ; two years later he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of ladiena. Ou March 18, 1849, he married Miss Mary J. Austin, of New Paris, Ohio, who has been his faithful companion in adversity and prosperity, and who watches with the just pride of s wife the honorable advancement of her husband. No living children bless their union. In 1850, when but twenty years of age, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Randolph County, and after the adoption of the present constitution, he was three times elected Prose- enting Attorney for the 13th Judical District, discharging the duties of that office with marked ability and success, until 1861. In August of that year, he made one of the most powerful speeches of his life on the "Crisis of the Country," in which many of his enthusiastic declarations seem now to have been prophetic. He was elected Chief Clerk of the State Senate at Its session in 1861, and in the spring of 1862 he entered the United States service as Aide- de Camp on the staff of Gen. Thomas J. Wood, and served with that officer until after the battle of Shiloh. During the siege of Corinth, he was stricken with disense, and returned home, and only recovered after several months of great suffering. In October, 1862, he was elected Senator for Randolph County, and took a leading part in the debates of the stormy session of 1863, ranking as an able Republican leader. The correspondent of the Cincinnati Gasette thue de- scribes him at this time :
" Thomas M. Browne, Senator from Randolph, is & young man, well dressed, of sanguine complexion, an excellent speaker, and full of fun and irony. There is a vim about him that tells in a populor audience and brings down the house. Now a burst of eloquence surprises you, and now n strenk of fun. At times n burst of indignation comes out that is startling. This young man will make his mark in our country yet."
At the close of the session, he resigned the senatorship and assisted in rs- cruiting the Seventh Indiana Cavalry (119th Regt. Vols.), and was commissioned Captain of Company B, but before leaving the State for active service was pro- moted to Lientenant Colonel of the regiment. Heshared in the fatigues and pri- vations of all its most dangerous expeditions and battles, which extended through Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. In the battle of Oko- lona, February 22, 1864, he did more than any other officer to maintain order and organization, amid the wild confusion af that bloody engagement. At the battle of Briccs' Cross-roads (Guntowa), June 10, 1864, bis skillful manage- ment of his regiment won the commendation of his superior officers, and hearty
RES. OF CHARLES L. LEWIS, MAIN ST WINCHESTER, IND.
RES. OF JOHN RICHARDSON, SOUTH MERIDIAN ST, WINCHESTER, INDIANA.
WARD SCHOOL BUILDING
VIEW OF FOUNT
VIEW FROM N.E
GEN A. STONE'S, RESIDENCE
FROM S. W
ID ADDITION, WINCHESTER RANDOLPH, CO. IND.
Adem Hirsch was born December 81, 1826, at Gross Gerau, in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany. He grew to manhood there, acquiring & good education, and with it a knowledge of the cabinet-maker'e trade. At the age of twenty-seven years, in 1858, he emigrated to the United States, landing at New York, after & quiet and uneventful voyage. From that olty he went to Cincin- nati, Ohio, where he resided until March, 1855, He came to Win- oheeter at that date, and has re- aided here ever since. During a part of the time prior to his arrival in America, he was employed as & journeyman cabinet-maker, and continued that line of occupation after his arrival st Cincinnati. In August, 1856, he opened & cabinet shop at Winohaster, beginning on a small scale, and increasing gradu- ally, until his business assumed the proportions of an extensive fur- niture manufactory. In 1861, ha sold ont, and for the next few years waa engaged in various branches of businese, among them being the retail grocery trade. In 1875, he resumed the manufacture of furni ture, and has been engaged at this enterprise ever since. He is & thorough business man, and by his
ADAM HIRSCH.
energy and good management has gained & comfortable fortune in worldly wealth, while he has es- tablished himself as one of the leading oitizens and prominent manufacturers of Winchester.
In politics, he is & Republican, and while he has been an active political worker, he has never been an aspirant for office. Twice, how- ever, he has been elected to town offices-once as a member of Coun- oil, and once as Street Commis- sioner.
He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank, of Win- obester, in 1865, and was elected a member of its Board of Directors. Upon tbe re-organization of the bank, he was again elected one of ite Directora, having served con- tinuously in this capacity for twelve years. He is also one of the Board of Directors of the Winchester Wagon Works.
He was married, on the 11th of September, 1858, to Miss Maria Pohlmann, to whom he was be- trothed in his native land. Their marriage, by mutual consent, was delayed until after their arrival in Amerios. They are the parents of four children, all of whom are now living, and two are married.
ADAM HIRSCH'S BLOCK.
ADAM HIRSCH &CO. FURNITURE ROOMS
FUR
URE
ADAM HIRSCH'S BLOCK ,
S. E . COR. MAIN & WASHINTON STS RANDOLPH CO., WINCHESTER, IND.
307
WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
admiration of all his comrades. He was the hero of that ill-fated field. When the battle was raging fiereest, and the lines were but u few feet apart, his horse, a present from Company B, was shot under him, himself severely wounded, and his Orderly killed at his side. He did not for a moment lose presence of mind, but issued nis orders in stentorian tones, heard above the din of conflict. He was soon after promoted to the Colonelcy of his regiment, and received the rank of Brigadier General by brevet "for gallant and meri- torious conduct" from the hand of President Lincoln. In October, 1864, on account of his well-known legal attainmeuts, he was chosen President of o military commission, to convene at Memphis, for the trial of such causes as might arise in that dopartment. The most important ense that came before this tribunal was the trial of the famous guerrilla, Dick Davis. This trial lasted thirty-five days, and ended in the conviction and execution of the culprit. In January, 1865. Gen. Browne again took the field, and remained in active serv- ioe until the final close of the war, and the mustering eut of hie regiment. During the winter of 1865-66, he was in command of the troops at Sherman, in the department of Northern Texas, where his wiee yet firm administration won gelden opinions from men of all parties, and he left behind him upon his return home many warm friende in that part of the "Lone Star State."
After he wne muetered out of service, he resumed the practice of hie pro- fession at Winchester, Ind., but was shortly after appointed by the President United States District Attorney for the Dietriot ef Indiana, the duties of which office he diecharged with distinguished ability and success until his resignation in 1872. In 1872, the Republican party nominated Clen. Browne for Governor of Indiana. His popularity with his party being demonstrated by his distanc- ing euch distinguished competitors as Godlove S. Orth and Gen. Ben Harrison. It was indeed a prond triumph for the lonely orphan who had been left among strangers without money or friende at the age of thirteen, when that great convention called him to the front and placed in his hands the battle- ecarred banner of Union and liberty. An extract from his speech upon that occasion exhibits his rendiness of language in impromptu speaking :
"Gentlemen of the Convention .- To say that I am sincerely thankful for the honor you have this day conferred upon me, that I am proud of this generous expression of your confidence, is to express but feebly the emotions with which this occasion overwhelma me. To be nominated to a position of so much im- portance and dignity is indeed most finttering to the ambition of a young man. But I accept the work you have nesigned me, conscious of ite responsibilities, und with a determination of devoting to it whatever of energy and ability I possess. * * * * It shall be my aim, indeed, my highest ambition, te merit the great compliment you have paid me. * * * * If we make but a united fight, we can march right over the intrenchments of the enemy to a glorious victory ; for the Republican party ean point with pride to the work of its hande, it has written history for eternity, it has done what the statesmen aed philesphere of the past omitted to do. It has put God into the Constitu- tion by recognizing the rights of hie creature man. 'For innemuch as ye did it unto the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me ' is the language of the Divine Law Giver. I should be glad to speak to you further, but I am admonished that there is other work for the convention to do."
He made a most gallant campaign, but wns defented by Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks, who carried the State by a very small majority. After the com- paign of 1872, he formed a copartnership with Hon. Jonathan W. Gordon and . Judge Robert N. Lamb, of Indianapolis, under the style of Gordon, Browne & Lamb. They commanded an immense business continuing until 1876, when Gen. Browne was elected to Congress by a majority of over fifteen hundred, in the then Fifth Indiana District, defeating that veteran Democrat HIon. William S. Hlolman, who had eerved six terms, and carried his district at the preceding election by more than twenty-five hundred majority. Gen. Browne was re- elected in 1878, maintaining his majority over the same gentleman, and was ngain re-elected in 1880, carrying the present Sixth District by about ten thou- sand majority. Upon entering Congress, he at once took rank as an able and discrete member. His popularity has steadily increased until, in 1872, he was tendered and accepted a unanimous renomination. Hie speeches have been distinguished for ability rather than number, and have been universally ex- haustive on the subjecte treated. One of his speeches on the financial question was chosen by the National Republican Committee to be printed and circulated as a campaign document, in 1880. Gen. Browne wue a member of the special committee to which was referred the important matter of devising a plan for counting and declaring the result of the electoral vote for President and Vice President, which would avoid the uncertainties and perile of the present methods. After months spent in consideration, the committee, proposed an ex- cellent plan, the principal features of which are:
I. The people vete by ballot directly for President and Vice President.
II. Each State shall be entitled to as muany electoral votes as the number ef members it may have in both Houses of Congress:
III. The number of electoral votes for each candidate from each State shall be determined by taking such a fractional purt of the whole number of electoral votes belonging to that State as the vote of each particular candidate bears to the whole number of the popular vote cast in the State at that election, the fraction to be carried to three places of decimals and no more.
IV. Contests in the State muny be decided by the highest judicial tribunal in the State.
V. A plurality of electoral votes shall be sufficient to elect.
VI. If no one las a plurality, the Lower House shall elect.
This plan has the merit of being the only one ever proposed that would give each voter an equal power in deciding the election, and reduces to the minimum the dangers arising from a contested election. Gen. Browne sup- ported this measure with what he considers the most carefully prepared speech of his life. The following extract will show the force and solidity of his style of argument :
" The prize of the presidency is a great one. The patronage 10 he dis- pensed ie immense anil increasing rapidly. To-day it holds one hundred thou-
sand places and millions of money in its gift. This position for power and patronage will be struggled for in all coming time by political parties, with all the energy that anticipated spoils can stimulate. Nothing that money or strategy can do will be left undone to carry the election. Under our present system, the struggle does not end with that election itself, for after the votes have been east, it often happens that the legal expression of the popular will may be defeated by some objection to the method, manner or time of the eler- tion. This should never be. The constitution should provide in language plain and concise for a free ballot, a fair election and an honest declaration of the result. Unless this be doue, Republican government is impossible."
Geuernl Browne has served on several other important special committees, and with ability and marked consideration on some of the regular committees. He is at present Chairman of the Committee on Invalid Pensions, really the most important and laborious chairmanship of the House. The published speeches of Gen. Browne number more than a score. The date and title of some of the more important are as follows :
Congressional Speeches .- Repeal of the Resumption Act, November. 22 1877 ; Death of Senator O. P. Morton, January 18, 1878 ; Perils of the Elect- oral System, 1878 ; Army Appropriations, Muy 27, 1878; Democratic Methods, April 21, 1879 ; Financial Situation, May 13, 1879 ; Purity of Elections, April 12, 1880; Power of Congress over the Electoral Count, May 10, 1880 ; Death of Senator Burnside, January 23, 1882; On Pensions, February 18, 1882; Against the anti-Chincee Bill, March 23, 1882; Against the River and Harhor Appropriation Bill, June 15, 1882 ; On the Electoral Count Bill, June 20, 1882.
Miscellaneous Speeches .- Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1861 ; War Speech, Parker, Ind., August 27, 1861 ; Fourth of July, Winchester, Ind., July 4, 1866; Colored People, New Albany, Ind., April 14, 1871 ; Soldiers' Re-union, Noblesville, Ind., October, 1871 ; Emetional Inennity, Indianapolis, January 13, 1872; Republican Party, Winchester, April 27, 1872 ; Capital and Lahor, Winchester, October 9, 1873; Civil Rights, Union City, Ind., September 6, 1874 ; Anniversary of Shiloh, Ft. Wayne, Ind., April 7, 1875 ; Scientific Agriculture, Muncie, Ind., September 19, 1879; Review Forty-fifth Congress, Winchester, Ind., July 27, 1879; Dedication Fountain Park Cemetery, Win- chester, July 8, 1880; Logic of Revolution, Ft. Wayne, Ind., July 5, 1880. Besides these published speeches, his oratorical efforts have been legion. For more than twenty years his voice has been constantly sounding, opposing all the great evils of the day, and in favor of all reforme agitated hy the people. When Gen. Browne removed from Spartansburg shortly after his marriage, the good wishes of the entire community followed him, and through all subsequent years his heart has retained its early attachments, and the citizens of Spartons- burg look upon " our Tom" and his achievements with unalloyed pleasure. The citizens of Winchester are also justly proud of their distinguished fellow- townsman, and the mention of no other name will secure so large an attendance at a public meeting as that of "Tom Browne," as ha is familiarly called, when he is announced to speak. Many anecdotes are related by his old friends and neighbors, illustrating his bashfulness, keen wit, and other characteristics which early manifested themselves. IIe earnestly begged to be released from completing his first campaign, because some of his opposers should have circu- lated the report that he had said " that he would never shake hands with a Inboring man, because he could smell him through a brick wall." Ile thought he could never make hendway against such " campaign lies" as that, but his friends said " never mind, we'll see you through," and gave him a handsome majority. After his election as Prosecutor for the Thirteenth Judicinl District in 1855, he went to Henry County in the discharge of his official duty. Ile wne slightly acquainted with the members of the bar, but no othere. Ile went te the door of the Grand Jury room, the bailiff stopped him with, " There is one witness in the roem already." He waited quietly until the witness came out, und was then admitted. The foreman said, " Does thee swear er affirm ?" " Neither." "But thee must." " I don't choose to." "Why, we are not eticklers, but thee must do one or the other." "No; neither." " Why, dou't thee know thee might be fined and imprisoned for contempt of court ?" " I do know it very well." The puzzled foreman now thoroughly aroused, de- manded, " Who is thee ?" Whe aent thee here?" " The voters of the Thir- teenth Judicial District sent me here." " Why is thee the Prosecuting Attor- ney ?" "I am, air." The picture of blank amazement was on the foreman's face, and throwing up his hands in bewildered astonishment, Quaker as he was, he exclaimed, " Please God, who would have taken thee for & lawyer ?" After which there was a laugh all around. 'Throughout his entire career, Gen. Browne has always been active and industrious. No matter whether a candidate himself or not, he has always taken a leading part in every political campaign, making some of his best efforts when he had no personal interests beyond that of a thorough believer in Republican principles. At the close of the war, Gen. Browne was comparatively poor, but by great industry and economy he has since enved a competency. In person, he is tall and commanding, of ensy yet dignified manner, in command of language, ready, exact and strong, and all his intellectual efforts show systematic and varied knowledge. He is n Master Mason, and has taken all the degrees of Odd Fellowship ; while not & member of any religious society, his preference is for the Christian Church, of which Mrs. Browne is an active member. His career from the humblest begin- nings to the proud positions he has so creditably filled is another illustration of the possibilities, which depend solely on the mun under our free institutions, And while his achievements are highly gratifying to his many friende, he is yet a young man, and they confidently look to his future as one full of the highest promise.
JOHN W. BOTKIN was born September 1, 1819, in Randolph County, Ind. His father, Hugh Botkin, was one of the earliest pioneers in the settle- ment on Martindale Creek, in this county, and died about the year 1836. ITie aon, the subject of this sketch, was then about sixteen years of age. He had attended the rude schools of pioneer days, gnining some preliminary knowl- edge, and afterward attended n school of a much better character, taught hy Mies Maulabie, near Economy, Wayne Co., Ind. At the age of nineteen years,
308
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Jesso Dslany, at New Bur. lington, Delaware Ce., Ind., remaining there until Christmas, 1840. For three years afterward he was engaged in farming, in connection with the practice of his profession near Huntsville. In 1844, he located at Buena Vista, where he was engaged in the practice until 1860 .. From 1862 to 1878, he was located near Unionsport, but in the year last named came to Winchester, where he has ever since resided. He represents the Eclectic School of Medicine, having at- tended the Eclectic Medionl College at Cincinnati. As a practitioner he has been very successful, and his practice has grown steadily, until it now extends into all the adjoining counties. Dr. Botkin is emphatically n self-made man, having fought the battle of life without pecuninry assistance from anyone, and the financial success that has crowned his labors speaks eloquently of his per- severance and industry. He has been n member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1842, and his life has been moral and upright. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, of which he is an active member. He was married in 1841, to Miss Mary Peacock, daughter of Judge William Pescock, then a resident of West River Township. During & period of forty- one years the bride of his youth has been the devoted and loving helpmate, and still lives to share and enjoy the triumphs of his later years. Their wedded life has been blessed by six children, five of whom still survive, and have taken their places among the honored and respected citizens of the com- munities in which they are severally located.
JESSE J. BATES was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 3, 1837. He was reared on a farm, and during boyhood was engaged in the routine work of farm life. At the age of eighteen years he began tenching school, and was thus engaged for nine terms. In 1871, he removed to Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he remained two years, removing to Winchester, Ind., in 1873. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and has at various times been engaged at that pursuit, in addition to milling operations. Since locating at Winchester he has been a miller and grain merchant, and is now a member of the firm of Bates, Broa. & Co., who operate an extensive figuring mill in this town. He is an enterprising, energetic business man, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of nl! who know him. In politics he is an enthusiastic Republican, and while an active worker for the good of the party, he has never sought public office. In February, 1882, however, he was solicited to accept a position in the School Board of Winchester, and was elected as such for a term of two years. He ie liberal and public spirited, and a well konwn friend and advocate of public improvement. He was married in 1863, to Miss Mary A. Colton, an estimable young lady of fine accomplishments. They are the the parents of four chil- dren, three of whom are now living, viz. : Nina B., Frank, and Helen. Hurry, a young man of excellent character and high promise, died in May, 1881.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.