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 97

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 97

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).

EDWARD BATES was born May 14, 1835, at Marlboro. Stark County, Ohio. He was reared on a farm in that country, nad acquired a good English education at the public schools of his native town. On March 2, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss N. E. Leggett, in the city of Alliance, Stark Co., Ohio, and for ten years subsequently was engaged in agricultu- ral pursuits. In April, 1873, he came to Winchester, Ind., and engaged in the milling enterprise as A member of the firm of Bates Bros. & Co., having con- tinned this pursuit ever since. He is a thorough business man, active nnd energetic, and prompt and reliable in all his transactions. He is quiet and unassuming in manner, yet possesses a strong individuality, and great force of character.

BENJAMIN F. BOLTZ.

Benjamin F. Boltz was born September 10, 1848, in Lebanon County, Penn. His father, Benjamin Boltz, was a native of the same county, and was married there to Miss Marin Schreckengest. In November, 1859, he removed with his family to Indiana, locating uenr Winchester, where he still resides. His eon, the subject of this sketch, accompanied his parents to Randolph County, of which he has ever since been n citizen. He had attended the pub- lic schools of his native State, nequiring thus a good primary education, and after removing to this county spent several terms in the college at Ridgeville. In 1869, he adopted the vocation of school-teaching, using the money thus esrned in the winter to defray his expenses at college during the spring and summer. After leaving school, he entered the establishment of Arthur Mc- Kew at Ridgeville as a clerk, and was thus engaged for about a year. In 1873, he came to Winchester and accepted n clerksbip in the store of John Richard- son, occupying this position until the latter sold his establishment, and then served ns A clerk for the succeeding firm. In 1875, he entered into partner- ship with hie former employer, Mr. Richardson, retiring from the firm in 1876. In June of that year he became Deputy Auditor under W. D. Kizer, and has served in that capacity ever since. In June, 1880, he was nominated by the Republicans of this county as their candidate for Anditor, prior to the decision of the Supreme Court, touching the validity of the constitutional amendments previously adopted by the voters of the State. By this decision the Auditor's term of office would not expire until after the general election in 1882, and Mr. Boltz was continued as the coudidate of his party for the election to take place in November, 1892. His nomination was n just tribute to his efficiency, and expressed the public approbation of his fidelity us Deputy. He is method- ical and systematic in his management of the work incident to his position, and by his uniform courtesy and genial teanners has won the good will and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. Heis a lifo-long Republican, having voted for Gen. Grant in 1872, and never wavered in his allegiance to the party of his choice. He has taken an netive part in political matters, and has ren- dered valuable services in behalf of the Republican party. His life has been moral aud upright, and in all his denlings he has manifested the spirit of true honor, winning friend. wherever he has been situated. In his church rela- tions he is identified with the Free-Will Baptists, having united with that denomiuntinn while a resident of Ridgeville. He is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythins, and is now serving as Chancellor Commander in the latter order. In the Odd Fellows

fraternity he has passed the degreee of the subordinate lodge, and is now a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. On the 19th of November, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Marthu J., daughter of George and Elizn- beth Spera, of Randolph County. Their wedded life has been blessed by three children, named, respectively, Myrtie E., Lura E. and Ralph Emerson.

HENRY WILLARD BOWERS was born October 13, 1851, at Cincinnati, Ohio. His father, Henry Bowers, was foreman in the pattern shop of Miles Greenwood's machine works in that city, and the son, when n bey, worked in the molding-room of that establishment for a year and a half, and afterward in the machine shop for six months. His father died in 1861, und in 1865, his mother, with her family, removed to Winchester. Ind., which place has ever since been their home. Henry, the subject of this sketch, attended the city schools of Cincinnati, until the removal of the family to Winchester, and after- ward attended school in this town, under the instructions of Prof. Ferris, for two years, and later, under Prof. John Cooper, of the Winchester High School, for three years. In 1874, he entered the Sophomore olass at Asbury Universi- ty, Greencastle, Ind., and graduated in 1877, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He had previously taught one term in n country school, and shortly after graduating, was appointed as teacher of the High School at Winchester, which position he still occupies. As a teacher, he is eminently successful, and pos- eesses the regard and confidence of both scholars and parents. Ile is n young man of fine ability and superior attainments, and bids fair to achieve enii- Dence in his profession.

F. B. CHAPMAN, Winchester, wasborn in 1845, at Centerville, Wayne Co., Ind., being the son of John Chapman, a respected shoemaker of that town. He learned the harness-maker's business at Milton, Iud., in 1857, and has followed that trade ever since, except during the time that he was in the service of the United States. He joined the Fifty-fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer In- funtry, a three months' regiment, in May, 1862, and served four months. Afterward he enlisted in the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, and served till the close of the war. He moved to Winchester in 1865, and that place has been his home ever since. He married Mary A. Ennis in 1866, and they have had three chil- dren, all living. Ilis politios are Republican. His wife is & Methodist. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. Mr. Chapman is a steady, faithful und industrious workman, and oarries on n thriving business. After learning his trade, he first worked at Cambridge, and made his first enlistment there into the Fifty- fourth. After being discharged, he worked at Indianapolis, and then at Kokomo, and at that place he joined the One Ilundred and Twenty-sixth (Eleventh Cavalry. Indiana troops), Company E. He enlisted December 29, 1863, and was discharged September 19, 1865, as saddler.

HON. JOHN J. CHENEY.

John J. Cheney was born December 6, 1827, in Franklin County, Mase. When ten years of age, he emigrated with his parents to Greene County, Ohio, and was reared en a farm near Xenis. He attended the common schools at Xenia, nud when a young man, entered the office of Hon. Moses Barlow, of that city, as a law student, remaining with him two years. In 1852, hecame to In- dinnn, locnting at Winchester, where be hus ever since continued to reside. He was admitted to the bar of Randolph County, aud entered nt once upon the prac- tice of his profession. For one year he was associated with Gen. Silas Colgrove, and for ten years with Hon. Thomas M. Browne. Leter, he formed partnership relations with Hon. E. L. Watson, which continued until 1872, at which time he became Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. In the early days of his prac- tice, he met the experiences common to all young attorneys, but rapidly grew in popular favor, and, in a short time, was recognized ns a young man of talent and merit. In 1854, he was elcoted Prosecuting Attorney for this district, and served faithfully in this capacity for two years. In 1863 or 1864, while absent from home, he was nominated nad elected Justice of the Peace. Ilis sense of duty led him to accept the well-meant compliment of his friends, but he resigned after serving a few months. In 1865, he was appointed District Assessor for this Congressional District, discharging the duties of this position for a term of two years. In the fall of 1871, he was appointed Judge of the Common Pleas Court, to fill a vnenncy, and in the full of 1872, was elected to this office without opposition. In 1873, the Legislature abolished this court, and he was thereupon appointed Circuit Judge by Gov. Hendricks, serving in this capacity until the next regular election, at which he refused to be a candi- date. In the years that have elapsed since his removal to Winchester, Judge Cheney has nlvanced steadily to a high position in the public esteein, while, as an attorney, he ranks among the best. He is devoted to his profession, nud true to the interest of his clients. As n Judge, he was just and efficient, and prompt in the transaction of the business brought before him. As n citizen und friend he is widely known, and highly regarded by all for his upright character nnd integrity. On the 16th of November, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A., daughter of James Steele, Esq., who was, at that time, a citizen of Winchester. His wife is an excellent Indy, and shares with her husband the regard and affection of a large circle of friends. To bless their wedded life there were four children, of whom one son and one daughter alone eurvive.

JOHN H. COTTOM.

John H. Cottom was born June 4, 1788, nt Snow Hill, Md. His father moved to Kentucky when he was a led of eight or ten years. John II. Cottomn married in Kentucky, and moved to New Paris, Ohio, in 1812. They had four children, viz. : David J., Thomas F., John W., and James Samuel, two of whom -Jehn W. and James S .- are now living. John W. resties, at present, near Lawrence, Kan., and James S. at Winchester, Ind. John H. Cottom came to Winchestor in 1843. Hle moved to Illinois with his son David in 1856. He returned to Ohio, and died near Cincinnati, at the home of his son, John Wesley, in 1875, aged eighty-seven years. He married Rebecca Jameson, ef Bourbon County, Ky., who was born October 22, 1787, and died in 1864, at the residence of her son, James S., aged seventy-seven years. Mr. Cottom was

DR. JOHN T. CHENOWETH.

John T. Chenoweth was born near Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio, on the 16th of November, 1833. His father, Thomas F. Chenoweth, was a native of Ross County, Ohio, and removed with his parents to Darke County, Ohio, when abont six years of age. He grew to manhood there, and was married to Miss Christina Thomas, in Preble County, Ohio. He still resides on the farm, where he began married life, having attained the age of seventy-three years. He has always been a prominent and highly respected citizen of his county, and has been called upon to occupy local offices at various times. He served continuously for thirty years as Justice of the Peace, retiring finally on account of bis age.

His son, John, was reared on the home farm, and at an early age learned to perform his share of the labor incident to farm life. During the winter he attended school, and at the age of eighteen years, he adopt- ed the vocation of school-teaching, which he continued for about seven years. When twenty years of age, he began the study of medicine in the office of. Dr. Z. M. Lansdown, at Greenville, remaining under his instruc- tions for two years. Subsequently he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and con- titued his studies with Dr. C. H. Cleveland. He first graduated in med- icine from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and after- ward from the Medical College, of Ohio, in the same city. He began the practice of his profession in March, 1860, at Huntsville, Randolph Co., Ind., remaining there for a period of three and a half years. At the end of that time he removed to Williamsburg, Wayne Co., Ind., where he en- joyed a successful practice, extending over a period of twelve years. In 1875, he located at Winchester, and has been one of the successful prac- titioners of this town ever since. He is a member of the State Medical Society, and was one of the organizers of the Delaware District Medical

Society, and the Randolph County Medical Society, and is now an active member of both.

He has been actively identified with many of the public improve- ments of this county, and has contributed liberally to enterprises inaugu- rated for the advancement of the county's interests. In politics, he has affiliated with the Republican party since the early days of its existence. He voted for John C. Fremont for President in 1856, and has since been an active worker for the success of his party. But his devotion to his profession has prevented his acceptance of numerous public positions that have been tendered him from time to time.

He was made a Mason in Acacia Lodge, No. 242, at Washington' Wayne Co., Ind., in December, 1867, and on the 5th of February, 1868, received the Master Mason's degree in the same lodge. In January 1873, he withdrew from that lodge to take part in the organization of the lodge at Williamsburg, and in 1875 transferred his membership to Winchester Lodge, No. 56, of which he is still an active member. He in also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has re- ceived the degrees of the subordinate lodge.

On the 4th of January, 1857, Dr. Ciscnoweth was united in marriage with Miss Hannah V., danghter of Josiah Miller, Esq., a prominent and highly respected citizen of Darke County, Ohio. By this union they are the parents of three children, named, respectively. Forrest A., Ethel May and Martha, all of whom are now living.

In the period of his residence in this county, Dr Chenoweth has es- tablished an enviable reputation as a physician, and has gained the confi- dence of the public and the medical fraternity alike In social and pri- vate life he is esteemed for his uniform courtesy and kindness, and his honorable and upright character. He has risen steadily in his profession and enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice.

John à Markle. M.Q.

DR. J. E. MARKLE.

John Edgar Markle, son of Jacob Markle, was born December 2, 1838, at Ithaca, N. Y. His father was a merchant at that place, but removed to Candor, Tioga Co., N. Y . in 1841, where he continued to reside until 1853 In that year, be removed to Madison County, Ind., locating at a little village which was after- ward named Markleville, a name which it still bears. He was engaged in mer- cantile pursuits at this point until his death, which occurred in 1864 John E., bis son, and the subject of this sketch, enjoyed excellent educational advantages in his early life, and improved his opportunities, making rapid progress in his studies. He attended the academy at Candor, N. Y., and after the removal of the family to Indiana, attended the university at Meadville, Penn. In 1859, he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr Cook, at Markleville, Ind., and in 1860 attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati. In the spring of 1861, he began the practice of his profession at Fishersburg, Madi- son Co., Ind. But before he had gained a fair start, the storm of war burst over the land, and he sacrificed all his personal ambitions to do his part in the preser- vation of uational unity, and the defense of the flag. On the 4th of November, 1861, be enlisted aa a private soldier in Company E. Thirty-fourth Regiment Indi ana Volunteer Infantry. While in camp at Anderson, he was detailed for duty in the hospital department, his services being retained in this capacity long after his regiment had been sent to the field. He returned to his company for duty in November, 1862, at Helena, Ark , and on the 4th of January, 1863. was promoted to the office of Second Lieutenant. In this ecapacity, he was detailed as com- mander of a squad to assist in carrying out one of Gen. Grant's plans in the Mississippi campaign. It was his object to cut a canal from the Mississippi to Lake Providence, a portion of the old bed of this river, which would connect him, by way of two bayons, with the Tensas, Washita and Red Rivers, and open a channel for light transports, by which he could again reach the Mississippi below, and join Gen Banks. But after the canal was cut, and the water passed into the lake, the bayous, it was found, were so obstructed by fallen timber and overhanging trees, as to render passage by the boats impossible. While busy in the construction of these ditches, he sent Lieut. Col. Wilson to organize an expedition to open the Yazoo Pass, in order to destroy the enemy's boats on the Yazoo River, above Haines' Bluff. The entrance to this pass, on account of frequent overflows, had been closed by a dam or "levee " This levee was removed by having a mine exploded under it, and the water resumed its old course, making a channel deep enough to admit the passage of the largest steamers, and giving our troops an advantage of great importance. In the lahors incideot to these operations, Lieut. Markle took an active part, and for valuable services rendered on this occasion, he was honored with a First Lieutenant's commission, on the 4th of April, 1863. At the battle of Magnolia Hills, Miss., he had command of his company, and for bravery displayed in the capture of a rebel battery, he was promoted to the office of Captain. In this battery, every rebel at the guns was killed, and the last survivor had his gun loaded, with his hand on the string, ready to apring the hammer, when he was shot. Mounting the breast-works with his company, Lieut. Markle ordered the guns turned upon the enemy, who fled from them in confusion. As commander of Company K, he participated in thirty-two battles and skirmishes, winniog an enviable record for bravery and daring courage. He was at the battle of Palo Alto, Tex., one of the last battles of the war. At this battle, a small force of Union men were aur- rounded and captured by a superior force of rebels, and the color-hearer, to prevent the flag from falling into their bands, awam the Rio Grande River with it, land-

ing on the Mexicau side, among some soldiers of that government. By some means, the flag finally found Its way to Bagdad. a town filled with a population of thieves and cut-throats. Hearing of its whereabouts, Capt. Markle started to that point to recover his regiment's colors. He secured the flag, and started back with it, attended hy a small escort of Mexicao soldiers, and subjected to insulting remarks from all sides. Several shots were fired at him, but both he and the flag escaped untouched, though be carried it unfurled, and floating at the head of the mob that followed him. He reached the Union lines in safety, though, after his Mexican escort had left him, he rode entirely alone through the enemy's country. The active measures of war had then closed, aod on the 15th of October, 1865, he was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of his regiment, serving in that capacity until February 19, 1866, when he was mustered out of the service. At the close of the war, he was the only one among forty applicants who passed a successful examination for admission into the regular army. Returning from the army, he located at Portland, Jay Co., Ind., in March, 1866, and resumed the practice of his profession. In the winter of 1867-68, he attended a second course of lect- ures at the Ohio Medical College, graduating in the spring of 1868. He continued to practice at Portland until 1873, and in the meantime was instrumental in orga- nizing the Jay County Medical Society. In 1873, be removed to Hagerstown, Ind., and in October, 1874, came to Winchester, where he has ever since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. Upon the organization of the Jay County Medical Society, he was elected Secretary, and in 1868 was chosen President. In 1876, he suggested the organization of the Randolph County Medical Society, and was the leading spirit in the action subsequently taken in this matter He was elected President of the society, and served one year. In the winter of 1878-79, he attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College at New York City, graduating in the spring of 1879. Later in the same year, in connec- tion with Dr. G. W H. Kemper, of Munele, he organized the Delaware Distriet Medical Society, and was elected Vice President. In 1880, he was elected Presi- dent of this society, and served one year. He is also a member of the Indiana State Medical Society, and the American Medical Society, and has contributed several valuable papers to the medical literature of this country. At the organi- zation of the Randolph County Board of Health, he was elected Secretary, by virtue of which office he is Health Officer of the county. He was appointed United States Pension Examiner July 1, 1882. He is enthusiastically devoted to his profession, and is recognized as one of the leading physicians of this region He enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice, and has gained the confidence and good will of all who know him. He is identified with both the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities. He was made a Mason at Perkinsville, Ind , in Novem- ber, 1861, just prior to his enlistment, and together with four others was elevated to the Master's degree on the same evening. These five all served in Company E, and three of the number were killed in battle. In 1867, he took the Chapter degrees at Portland, Ind., and received the degree of Knight Templar at Cam- bridge City, Ind., in 1873. In March, 1882, he received the Scottish Rite degrees at Indianapolis. He became an Odd Fellow at Portland, Ind., in 1868, and in 1869 was Noble Grand of his lodge, occupying this offlee for three years. He was made a Past Grand in this order, and was the representative from his lodge during the session of the Grand Lodge of Indiana in 1870. He feels a deep interest in the welfare of these fraternities, and is an active and honored member On the 19th of September, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily V., daughter of Jephtha Johnson, Esq., of Wayne County, Ind. By this union they are the parents of two children, only one of whom. Grant C. B., now survives. Minnie, their only daughter, died in infancy.

309

WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.

first a farmer and shoe-maker. Heafterward became a merchant at New Paris; hut, like many others before and since that time, he failed in business, and engaged in keeping hotel at New Paris, Ohio. Himself and wife were earnest and active Methodists for more than fifty years. Ile was kind and generous to n fault. His house was the home of Methodist ministers through all his life, and they found always a warm and generous reception. In bis later years he became discouraged, and somewhat disabled, and mostly luid aside from active business. Hle found a welcome home, however, with his worthy sons, who cheerfully and gently smoothed the rugged pathway of life for his tottering steps, until his aged frame lay down to rest upon the hosom of Mother Earth, and his freed spirit went home to possess the reward of grace on high. He lins n brother, Lovin Cottom, still living near Dayton, Ohio, at the grent age of ninety-one years. Mr. Cottom was an early and enthusiastic Whig. When the Republican party arose, his Kentucky training would not permit him to join the war against slavery-extension, and he inclined with many others among the " old-line" Whigs toward the Democratic party of that day, and voted for Buchanan. David and John W., sons of John H. Cottoun, came to Winchester in 1843, and entered into partnership as merchants. From 1848 to 1856 they did un immense amount of business -- more than ever had been done before that time, and some think their business was greater than that of any mercantile firm even since that time. They were active Whigs, and enthusiastic in the support of that party as long as it existed, and when that organization fell to pieces, they joined the Republican party. They were enterprising men, en- thusiastic in business, and wide-awake in whatever they undertook, and were respected and useful members of society.

JAMES S. COTTOM.

James S., son of John H. And Rebecca Cottom, was born January 11, 1826, at New Paris, Ohio. He is the youngest member of his father's family, and, with the exception of his brother, John W., the only' survivor. He ac- quired a good English education in the common schools of his native county, and in 1843 came to Winchester, Ind., with his brothers. For a brief period he was engaged as a clerk in the dry goods house of his elder brothers nt Winchester, beginning here his training for a mercantile life. Leaving the store, he returned to his native town, and for awhile attended school there. In 1845, he wedded Miss Edith Jane Mitchell, daughter of William Mitchell, Esq., of New Paris, Ohio. In the year 1846, he embarked in the dry goody trade at Williamsburg, Ind., and was thus engaged until 1849, at which time he removed to Winchester. In 1851, he relinquished mercantile pursuits and embarked in the sale of lightning rods. For a few months he met with flat- tering success, but in the pursuit of this occupation a misfortune befell him which changed the tenor of his life, and reduced him from a strong, vigorous man to an invalid. While "rodding" the house of Col. Young, at Anderson, Ind., he fell from a ladder to the ground below-a distance of twenty-seven feet. The fall produced a complete paralysis of the lower limbs, and from that heur he has never walked. Three weeks after the occurrence, he was placed upon a litter and carried to his home by men on foot. His wagon, with eight men, was sent from Winchester to meet him, and in relays of four nt a time, these friends conveyed him to his family, assisted by many others who volun- teered their services along the route. He lay with but little hope of life, und no expectation of ever regaining his power of locomotion. Indeed, his phy- sicians, with one exception, pronounced his injuries fatal, and for six months his life trembled in the balance. But after the Inpse of a year he became entisfied that death was not immediately imminent, and was filled with a desire to again take his place in the world as an active business man. First he engaged in the sale of medicines and musical instruments, then in the sale of agricultural implements and stoves, and subsequently in the sale of sewing machines, at which he is still successfully engaged, in connection with the fire insurance agency. Since his misfortune, he has occupied various public offices. Hle served as Township Clerk for more than two years, as Justice of the Peace for four years, as Recorder of Randolph County for four years, and for nearly twelve years has been a Notary Public. In early life he developed remarkable musical talents, which he cultivated until he attained more than an ordinary degree of perfection and skill. In 1853, two years after the occurrence of his misfortune, he called and managed a musical convention nt Indianapolis, at which the leading brass bands of the State joined in competiton for first and second prizes. The enterprise proved a great success, both in a financial and musicnl sense, and the appreciation of the entertainment led the attending citizens to tender a vote of thanks and a complimentary benefit to the energetic manager. Ile has always been nctively interested in musical matters, and has done much, by example and precept, to elevate the standard and encourage the development of musical talent in this vicinity. He was reared under Methodist influences, and although not formally identified with any religious denomination, he still retains the warmth of moral and religious feeling that characterized his boy- hood, and at heart is a believer in the doctrines of the Christian religion. Ilis early political training was with the Whig party, and he cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor, in the presidential campaign of 1848. He was strongly auti- slavery in sentiment, and drifted naturally from the Whig to the Republican party, with which he has ever since continned to act. lle is an earnest tem- perance man, and has always added the weight of his example and influence to the cause. In his life, since the great pivotal event, Mr. Cottom has demon- strated the power of a strong will over obstacles seemingly insurmountable. Sitting in his bed, or in his wheel-chair, he has attended daily to the affairs of nctive business, entering into his pursuits with a cheerfulness and enthusiasm worthy of remark. For more than thirty years his wheel-chair and cheerful face have been familiar sights to the citizens of this county, and his career during this period illustrates anew the force of the injunction :

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.

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 97

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