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 99

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 99

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JOIN W. DIGGS, son of Armsbee and Mary Diggs, was born on the 20th of January, 1826, at the old homestead in White River Township, Randolph County, Ind. lle has passed his days in this county from childhood to mature nge, and has been identified more or less prominently with the public welfare and improvement of the county during his residence within its limits. In his boyhood, ile labored under the disadvantages common to a new settlement, par- ticularly in respect to school privileges, and the grenter portion of bis time was required in the work of the home farm. lle attended school in one of the rude schoelhouses of that peried, but his cduention is mostly self-acquired. His elder brother married and left home, and he, being the next in nge, took upon himself the burden of the work about the farm, and continued to work for his father until 1849. In May of that year he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary Helms, and sister of G. W. ITelms, of Winchester. After his marriage, he rented a portion of his father's farm, which he continued to cultivate until the spring of 1852. He lind learned the carpenter's trade, and

at the date last named adopted that pursuit for & livelihood. In 1865, be adopted the cabinet-munker's trade, which he pursued successfully until the winter of 1861-62. He seld his shop at that time and has since been engaged in the undertaker's line. His life has been a success, financially and other- wise. IJe never believed in wasting time, and his years have been years of industry. He has acquired n comfortable fortune, all of which has been gained by benest toil. So firmly have the habits of his youth become a part of his nature, that he is always happiest when busily engaged at some manual labor. And while his industrious life has well earned complete rest for his later years, he Ineks the inclination to accept it. The bride of his early years hns heen spared to comfort and cheer his later life, and share with him the high regard and esteem of the community. They are the parents of three sons, named, respectively, George S., Charles C. and Eddie F. The former is the senior member of the firm of Diggs & Wny, of Winchester, while the younger brothers occupy the stations of clerks. Mr. Diggs Is recognized as one of our best citi- zens, and has always felt an interest in the progress and public welfare of this county and town, contributing liberally to enterprises inaugurated with this end in view. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been identified with this denomination for a number of years. His life has been consistent with his religion, and in all his denlings with his fellow-men he has been honorable and fair. He became a member of the Odd Fellows frater- nity at Winchester in 1854, and is still an active and enthusiastic member of that order, having attained the rank of a Uniformed Patriarch in the Encamp- ment. In his political affiliations he is a Republican. His father was n Whig, and in his early boyhood, the son embraced the principles of that party, and later was a radical Abolitionist. He took an active though quiet part in the anti-slavery movements in this county, and upon the rise of the Republican party he became one of its earliest and stanchest friends and supporters, and has ever since been one of its most unwavering adherents. He has never felt political ambition, and never sought public office. He has, however, been elected to several local positions by the spontaneous will of the people, and withont effort on his own part. Ile was elected six times in succession to the office of Trustee of White River Township, and afterward served two years a9 Clerk and Treasurer of the town of Winchester, and subsequently as Trustee of the corporation.

CALVIN W. DIGGS, son of Littleberry C. and Mercy (Addington) Diggs, was born September 13, 1843, in Stony Creek Township, Randolph Co., Ind. About the year 1854, he removed with his mother to Liber, Iny Co .. Ind., his father having died in December, 1849. Here he attended school the greater portion of the time during the next eight years. In the meantime civil war had broken out, and in 1862, he left his studiesto do bis part in defense of the Union. In August, 1862, he went to Richmond, Ind., and enrolled himself as a member of Company A, Eighty-fourth Indiana Regiment, and was with his regiment in the battle of Chickamanga, where he was captured by the rebels on the 20th of September, 1863, while trying to save a comrade, William Mendenhall. From the battle-field he was taken to Richmond, Va., and placed in Libby Prison. At the end of a month, he was transferred to Danville, Vn., where he was kept for five months, and from that point to Andersonville, Ga., where he spent eight months in the miserable pen, whose horrors will continue to be a blet upon the name of the South as long ns memery or history shall endure. On the 20th of November. 1864, he was exchangedl, and atier a furlough of forty days, rejoined his regiment nt Huntsville, Ala., remaining with it nutil the close of the war. After his discharge from the service he returned to his home, and, for three or four years following, taught in the district schools of the county during the winter, and in the spring of 1869, was appointed Deputy by William F. Murray, who was then Auditor, and in the fall of 1873, accepted the position of Deputy Clerk, under R. A. Leavell. In the fall of 1877, he em- harked in the business of collecting the foreign fees ef Sheriff's and clerks, in the pursuit of which he visited ench county in the State. This enterprise was a new ene, and he found it pleasant and reasonably remunerative. In Decem- ber, 1880, he was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the Sixth and Eleventh Congressional Districts, his duties being the collection of fees dne the Siate. In March, 1882, he formed a partnership with J. W. Macy, in the in- surance, loan and abstract business, which they have made very successful. On the 28th of October, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet R. Edger, danghter of Edward Edger, Esq., of Winchester. Their wedded life has been blessed by two children, named, respectively, Bessie Diggs (deceased ) and Nollie E. Diggs. Mr. Diggs has grown up in this community, and is well known throughout the county. He has gainedl a fair share of the world's wealth by energy and industry, and by his honorable dealings with his fellow-men, has won their confi,lence and esteem, and he is recognized as one of our best citi- zens.

PATRICK HENRY DEAN was born March 9, 1836, at Nicholasville, Ky. He was reared on n farm, and received a common school education in the schools of his native city. His father, John Denn, removed from Kentucky to Indiana, leonting first in Johnson County, and removing at a later date to Delaware County, and finally to Grant County, where he still resides. Ilis eon accompanied him, remaining nt home until his father removed to Grant Cennty. While residing at Franklin, Johnson County, he learned the art of making daguerreotypes, and decided to adopt that vocation. After the removal to Delaware County, be worked on the farm for awhile, and afterward set up a gallery at Muncie, with a Mr. Parsons. From Muncie he removed to Tipton, Ind., and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In this line he met with marked success, and the firm of P. H. Denn & Co., became one of the foremost bouses in the town. But just in the midst of his success, nnd when least expecting it, his fortunes were reversed, and he was ruined financially by the treachery of those he believed to be his best friends. He found it necessary to surrender his hopes in the mercantile line, and return to the practice of his art for a live- lihood. He opened a gallery at Tipton, in partnership with a Mr. Craycraft, nnd about a year later removed to Noblesville, Ind., where he was engaged in the same business. Misfortune seemed to follow him, for, while at Noblesville,

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

and just as his work began to pay him, his gallery was destroyed by fire, and all Itis possessions were swept away. From Noblesville he went to Chiengo, and two years later came to Winchester, where he has resided ever since, practicing the art of photography. llaving adopted this profession, he has studied it well, and has developed some original and ingenious methods, among them being a machine for rolling and burnishing photographs, of which he is the inventor and patentee. This has proved a useful accessory to the photograph gallery, and has been sold throughout the United States. In 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie McDonald. By this union they are the parents of one daughter-Emma. Mr. Dean was made a Mason at Tipton, Ind., and re- ceived the first three degrees of the order at that place. After his removal to Winchester, he received the Chapter and t'ouncil degrees at this place, and the degree of Knight Templar at Muncie. Ile is a good natured, genial man. and during his residence in this town has gained many friends.

HON. EDWARD EDGER,

Winchester, Ind., was born in Derry County, Ireland, March 10, 1803. He was the son of Edward and Martha (Shields) Edger. The family, consisting of the parents and eight children, came in America in 1807, leaving Ireland June 4th of that year. Coming over in a sailing vessel, it required three months to make the voyage. They landed at Baltimore and went to Augusta County, Va., where they remained one year, when they removed to Bourbon County, Ky., where they resided until 1823, when the parents and family, excepting the subject of this sketch, removed to C'astine, Darke Co., Ohio, where they con- tinned to reside during the remainder of their lives. After his father removed from Kentucky, the subject of our sketch was employed in flat-boating and as pilot on stenmboats on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He served as pilot successfully for six years. On March 8, 1828, the " Tennessee," a large pas- senger steamer upon which he was ascending the Mississippi, struck a snag and sunk. About one hundred passengers were drowned ; Mr. Edger escaped, with only his night elothes, by swimming six miles on a small board. lle was married to Miss Jane G. Putman, daughter of Unerstus Putman, a merchant of New Madison, Ohio, November 12, 1833, and settled at New Madison, where he engaged in the saw-mill business. Mrs. Edger is a sister of Col. David Putman, of Palestine, Ohio, and J. G. Putmno, formerly a well-known citizen of Winchester. She is a lady of sterling character, and holds a high place in the esteem of all who know her. Mr. and Mrs. Elger removed to Randolph County, Ind., in 1897, loeating where the town of Deerfield now stands, Janu- ary 20 of that year, where they kept a general supply store until 1854, when they removed to Winchester, where they have since resided. They are the parents of twelve chikiren, seven of whom survive. Mr. Elger served a regu- lar apprenticeship at the enbinet trade, but has spent most of his life in general merchandising, more recently in the grain trade. During his career he lia, been associated as partner with Mr. J. G. Putnam, Mr. J. B. Goodrich, Mr. Asa Teal and IT. T. Semans. At the present he is retired, after a long and active hnsiness life. Although not a politician, Mr. Edger is a Conservative Democrat. Ile was elected to the Legislature in 1843, and in 1845 he was again in the field, when he tied with Judge James Brown, Mr. Edger preferred to remain at home, nod allowed his competitor to occupy the sent. Mr. Edger is not a member of any church; Mrs. Elger is a Presbyterian. They are each hberal toward all opinions. Mr. Elger is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity . took the Ancient Craft degrees nt Richmond, Ky., in 1825, and the degrees of the Royal Arch Chapter, at Richmond, Ind., about thirty years ago. Tle was one of the charter members and the first Master of Winchester Lodge, No. 56. F. & A. M. Subsequently he aided in organizing a lodge at Deerfieldl, over which he presided for n time as Master. He has led a useful and busy life, and is approaching " that bourne from which no traveler returns, ' with the calm confidence of one who has erected his spiritual building agreenbly to the desigos laid down by the supreme Architect of the universe.

CAPT. EDMUND ENGIE was born August 8, 1831, in Chester County, Penn. This earliest recollections, however, are associated with Indiana, as he enme to this State with his parents when but four years of age. llis father, Isaac Engle, was also a native of Chester County, Penn., where he was born in 1804. He was reared on a farm, but learned the wagon-maker's trade, and followed that occupation until 1842. In 1880, he married Miss Catharine Tnssey, a native of Chester County, whose ancestors settled in Pennsylvania as early as 1448. In 187), he removed with his family to Wayne County, Ind., andl in 1812 come to Randolph County, Ind. He located in Washington Town- ship, where he purchased eighty acres of land, upon which only a partial clearing had been made. He completed the labor of clearing, and developed a fine farm, which he cultivated successfully for many years. fle now resides with his son, in White River Township, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. Edmund, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm, and during the greater part of his early life, his time was occupied in the performance of fari work. In the winter he attended school, and acquired a good, practical educa- tion. At the age of eighteen years he began an apprenticeship at the plaster- er's trule, working at this trade during the summer and fall, and clerking in various business houses during the winter. He was thus engaged until 1864. In February of that year he enlisted as a private soldier in Company II, One Ilundred and Twenty-fourth Indiana Regiment, but upon the organization of the regiment he was promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant. In July, 1864, he was advanced to the office of Second Lieutenant, for meritorious services, and in December, of the same year. was promoted to the office of First Lientenant. He was with his regiment in all the battles of the Atlanta cam- paign, and after the fall of Atlanta, the regiment, under command of Gen. Thomas, fell back to Tennessee, and took part in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. On the 9th and 10th of March, 1865, they participated in the bat- tle of Wise's Forks, N. C., where Capt. J. L. Neff was killed. Lieut. Engle was commissioned Captain, und continued jo command of his company until

his final muster-ont, at Greensboro, N. C., August 31, 1865. He returned from the army with his health greatly impaired, and for a few months remained out of active business. Later, however, he engaged in the sale of agricultural im- plements, in connection with the insurance business, associated with his son, John R. Engle. . In 1875, he embarked in the grocery trade, and was thus en- gagedl for a year., In the meantime, in connection with Dr. Markle, he laid out Engle & Markle's addition to the town of Winchester, and was extensively engaged in the sale of lots. On the first of Jannary, 1881, in connection with his son, he established the New York Store, which was condocted under the firm name of Engle & Son until April, 1882, when John Richardson purchased the interest of John R. Engle, the junior member of the firm. Mr. Eagle was married October 15, 1856, to Miss Gertrude K. Bishop, daughter of John W. Bishop, late of Randolph County. By this union they are the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living, viz. : John R., Emma G., Charles F. and Walter .J. His wife is an estimable lady, and possesses the affectionate re- gard of all who know her. She is a member of the Disciples Church, as is also her husband. Although he has never occupied public office, Mr. Engle has taken quite an active part in local politics, always wielding his influence in favor of the Republican party. He is identified with both the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities of Winchester, having attained the Royal Arch degree in the former. He is a successful business man, and by his honorable methods has won the confidence and respect of the community in which he was reared.

J. S. ENGLE.

James S. Engle was born September 13, 1846, in Washington Township, Randolph County, Ind. He is the eighth in a family of twelve sons, ten of whom are now living and married, and all hut two are engaged in agricultural pur- suite. One died at the age of three years, and one lost his life during the late war in defense of the Union. William Engle, the father, has reached the age of seventy years, but is still unusually active and well preserved for one of his alvanced age. lle was one of the carly settlers of Washington Township, hav- ing emigrated to this locality from Warren County, Ohio, and taken au active part iu the development of the township from a wilderness to a prosperous farming community. Jamey S. was reared on the home farm, and his early life was spent in the performance of farm work, varied by a winter terin in the common schools each year, until he attained his majority. After reaching his twenty-first year, he entered Hartsville University, in Bartholomew County, Ind., where he spent a year Subsequently, he was a student in the Winches- ter High School, under Prof. James S. Ferris, and afterward returned to the University at Hartsville. During the winter he would teach in the country schools, using the money thus earned to pay his way while continuing his stud- ies at college-receiving no pecuniary aid from any one, but enrning his own way from the first. In the summer of 1864, he enlisted in the 100-day's serv- ice, as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the term for which he had enlisted. In 1x71, he entered the office of Cheney und Watson as a law student, and taught school during the succeeding winter. After Judge Cheney's accession to the Common Pleas hench. Mr. Engle completed his course of preparation in the office of Watson & Monks. lle was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1872, and in the fall of the same year formed partnership re- Intions with Hon. J. Enos Nefi, which continued until 1874. From 1874 to January. 1881. he was associated with L. W Study, and since the latter date, with Hon. E. L. Watson. He was married, on the 23d of September, 1875, to Miss Alice, only daughter of John W. Monks, Esq. From 1874 to 1878, he served as Justice of the Peace; but with this exception, he has not occupied any official position. He was reared a Republican, and with all his father's family gives his support unreservedly to the interest of that party, while seek- ing nn recognition or reward for the services contributed. He has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession for ten years, and is rapidly winning his way to a front rank in the legal fraternity. He is devoted to his professon, and his talents adapt him specially to sucress in his chosen line.

GEORGE N. EDGER.

George N. Elger was born Jone 8, 1852, at the town of Deerfield, in Ward Township. Randolph Co., Ind. His father, Elward Edger, Jr., was a retail merchant at Deerfield, which was then a flourishing village, and a good husi- ness point. The Inther died in 1863, and thus, in his eleventh yenr, the sub- ject of this sketch was left without the guidance and protection of a father, and to a certain extent, was thrown upon his own resoures. He came to Winchester shortly after the death of his father. and made his home with his uncle, Joseph Lager, atten ling school in the winter, and working for his uncle during the remainder of the year. At the age of eighteen years, he entered the service of the American Express Company as a elerk, in the office at Winchester, and shortly afterward was appointed agent for the company at this place. Subsequently he was a clerk in a boot and shoe store at Winchester, and re- ' linqnished that position for a clerkship in the post office, under F. M. Way, Postmaster, where he remained until 1874. In that year, through the influ- ence of a friend, he seenred a position in the bank at Union City. In this position he formed an extended acquaintance, and hy his uniform courtesy be- came quite popular. At the county convention of 1878 he became the Repub- lican candidate for the office of County Auditor, receiving the nomination hy n majority of 1440 over all competitors, and in the following fall, was electedl without opposition. He has served faithfully throughout his term of four years, and will retire in the spring of 1883, followed by the esteem and good will of the people whom he has served so well in his official capacity. As an officer he is kind and obliging, courteous to all whose business calls them to his otlice. As a neighbor and citizen he stands high in the estimation of all who know him. In 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Laura A. Woods, an

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WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.

estimable young lady, of Vinion City, Ind. He became an Odd Fellow in 1876, at Union City, and is still identified with the lodge of that place. He has taken all the degrees of the subordinate lodge, and is a member of the Encampment.

WILLIAM FITZMAURICE was born in 1848, in County Kerry, Ireland, and emigrated to America with his parents in 1850. They had a rough and stormy voyage of six weeks, landing finally at Quebec, and shortly afterward located in New York, near the shores of Lake Champlain, where they resided two years. In 1853, they removel to llardin County, Ohio, and from that point to Lima, Alles Ce., Ohio, in 1865, where the parents still reside. During his residence at Lima, the subject of this eketch became an apprentice in a machine shop, and spent five years there in acquiring a knowledge of the trade he has ever since pursued. Frem 1871 to 1874 he worked at Galion, Ohie, and in the latter year came to Winchester, Ind., where he purchased an interest in a foundry and machine shop. Subsequently he seld his interest, but the parties failing to pay, hs resumed his connection with the business, purchasing the entire establishment. He remodeled it to some extent, and now conduots it alene, manufacturing balconies, cutting boxes, iron fence, etc. Ile is an energetio, industrious man, and under his management the business has in- creased, and is steadily growing. In 1873, he was married to Miss Margaret McNary, in Fremont, Ohie. By this union they are the parents of three chil- dren. Himself and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and are esteemed by all who know them as kind neighbors and good members of - society. In politics Mr. Fitzmaurice was formerly identified with the Demo- cratio party, but now acts independently in political matters.

DAVID FUDGE. Jacob Fudge, the father of this gentleman, was one of the early settlers of Preble County, Ohio. He was born in Virginia about the year 1800, and emigrated with his parents to Ohio in 1805. He was reared a farmer, and followed that occupation during the greater part of his life. He married Susan Wagner in 1823. In 1847, he came, with his family, to Ran- dolph County, Ind., locating five miles southeast of Winchester, on the Lynn road, and died at his farm in 1868. His widow still survives, occupying the old homestead. Mr. Fudge was a man who always stood high in the estimation of these who knew him, and was recognized by all as an honorable, upright citi- zen. During his residence in this county, he occupied various local offices, not high in dignity, but indicating the confidence reposed ia him by his neighbors and fellow-citizens. Among the positions he occupied, were those of Deputy Sheriff, Assessor and Constable. In politics, he was a Democrat. He had en- joyed fair educational advantages in youth, and in later life taught school, beth in his native county and after his removal to Randolph County. David, the subject of this sketch, was born January 21, 1842, in Preble County, Ohio, and accompanied his father's family to Randolph County, Ind., when five years old. His boyhood was spent in the usual routine of farm life, while in winter he attended the district schools of his neighborhood. In 1862, he enlisted in Company B, of the Ninetieth ludiana Volunteer Regiment ( Fifth Cavalry), and was with his regiment in all of its battles until April, 1864. when he suffered an attack of rheumatism, which disqualified him for active service. He was transferred to the Invalid Corps, and was detailed for hospital duty at Philadelphia. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865, and, after the war, resumed the pursuit of farming, which he continued for a year. Within that period, however, he met with an accident in a saw-mill, which resulted in the loss of one of his lower limbs, and he was thereby disqualified for the werk of the farm. He next turned his attentiou te merchandising, embarking in this pursuit at Snow Hill, in 1868. From that place be removed to Wood Station, and from the latter place to Winchester, in 1878. Ilere, he engaged in the sale of dry goods, millinery and ladies' furnishing goods, at which he has been ever since successfully engaged. lle is a competent business man, and has built up a very satisfactory trade in his line. In 1868, he was married to Miss Nanoy Jane Hinshaw, by which union they are the parents of two children, both of whom are new living. In politics, Mr. Fudge is a Democrat, and al- though he belongs to the party which is in the minority in this county, he is personally quite popular, and has (wice polled more than the vote of his party as the candidate for public office. In 1859, he was the Democratic candidate for Trustee of Washington Township, and, although defeated by the opposing candidate, received a vote largely ahead of his ticket. The same was true in 1877, when he was the candidate of his party for the office of Recorder of Ran- dolph County. He is a member of the Christian Church at Winchester, aud is regarded by all who know him, as an upright, honorable man.

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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 99

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