USA > Indiana > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana > Part 48
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CORNELIUS MEANS is a native of Moral Township, Shelby County, Ind., and was born March 8, 1837. He is the son of Robert
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and Jemima ( House) Means, and is of Irish-German descent. His father was born in Rockingham County, N. C., February 2, 1807, and died in Shelby County, May 8, 1884. The mother of our sub- ject was a native of Kentucky, and died in this county in 1846. The family came originally from the "Emerald Isle," settled in North Carolina, but afterward removed to the northwestern part of Shelby County. Mr. Means is the third of seven children by his father's first marriage, and was raised on the farm. He received a fair common school education. In 1860, he began merchandising at Brookfield. this county, in which business he continued two years. He then went to Vandalia. Iowa, where he remained some time. Afterward he enlisted in Company F. Forty-seventh Reg - ment Iowa Volunteer, Infantry. After a service of four months, he returned to Shelby County. In 1867, he again began the busi- ness of merchant at Brookfield as the partner of his brother, Caleb F. Means. This business union lasted sixteen years. In 1884. Mr. Means came to Shelbyville and engaged in the dry goods business with J. H. Akers, the firm now being known as J. H. Akers & Company. In this relation Mr. Means still remains. The subject of our sketch was married November 24. 1867, to Miss Belle J. Weaver, a native of Indianapolis, born March 6, 1848, and the daughter of Edward A. and Margaret Weaver. They have four children: Oren W., Jessie M .. Earl W. and Amy F. In pol- itics. Mr. Means is a Republican. While at Brookfield he was for many years both railroad agent and post master. He was at the same time the leading business man of that section of the country. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Means has been a resident of this county for more than fifty years, and is a well-known and highly respected citizen.
HENRY MEER, Sheriff of Shelby County, was born in Hano- ver, Germany, April 1, 1847, and is the son of Harman and Effa- mia ( Wesling ) Meer. natives of Germany. The first twelve years of his life were passed in his native country, at the end of which time, in 1859, he accompanied his parents to the United States, and settled in Franklin County, Ind., where, at the age of thirteen. he began life upon his own responsibility. Two years later he took up the shoemaker's trade, which he continued with success and financial profit for a period of - fifteen years, moving to Shelby County in the meantime ( 1867), locating at the village of Prescott, about five miles east of Shelbyville. He subsequently embarked in the general mercantile business at this place, which he carried on in connection with the grain trade, having had charge of the rail- road and express offices at the same time. He early took an active interest in political affairs, and while a resident of Prescott held the
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office of Justice of the Peace for four years, besides making an un- successful race for the office of County Treasurer, in which he was defeated by a very small majority. In 1885, he disposed of his in- terests in Prescott, and moved to Shelbyville, and the following year was elected Sheriff of Shelby County, defeating his competitor, the Republican nominee, by a majority of over 400 votes. Mr. Meer is a noted example of what energy and determination can accomplish in the face of adverse circumstances. Beginning life in an humble sphere, he has by diligent application and persevering industry, succeeded in winning for himself an honored place in the estimation of the people of his adopted county. He cast his first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour, since which time he has been an earnest supporter of the Democratic party. In 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca J. Newton, daughter of John H. and Mary Newton. Mrs. Meer was born in Shelby County, November 17, 1849, and is the mother of six living chil- dren, whose names are as follows, to-wit .: John H .. Annie A., George L., Arthur F .. Frederick O., and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Meer are leading members of the Shelbyville Catholic Church.
SILAS METZGER, was born in Germany, May 25, 1826, and is the son of Joseph and Mary (Helpart) Metzger, both of whom were natives of the " Fatherland" and lived and died there. Our subject is the eldest of five children and was educated in the old country. He came to America in 1847. and settled in Shelbyville, having lived here ever since. He began the wine and liquor busi- ness in this city about 1855. and has since continued in it. He erected his beautiful and commodious business house in 1878. Mr. Metzger is one of the old settlers of this county. He was married in 1858, to Miss Anna Mary Deprez, who was born in IS41, and is the daughter of John Deprez, formerly of this city, now deceased. This union has produced six children, Peter, Anna, deceased, Laura, Edward. Lena and Zora. Mr. Metzger is a Democrat, and is one of our wealthiest citizens.
MATTHEW R. MONTGOMERY is a native of Shelby County, Ind., born in Marion Township, on the 21st day of February, 1854. His parents were William and Mary (Young ) Montgomery. The father was born in Pennsylvania in ISOI. He came to Shelby County when about fourteen years of age, and died here in 1868. Matthew R. Montgomery is the third child by his father's third marriage. His boyhood and youth, until he was twenty years of age, were spent working upon the farm and attending the common schools, in which by diligent application he became quite a good scholar. At the age of twenty he began teaching, and was thus engaged winter seasons for a period of ten years, acquiring the
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reputation of an able and competent instructor during that time. In ISSo, he engaged in the insurance and real estate loan business, which he still continues, and in which he has met with the most encouraging success. Politically, Mr. Montgomery is a Republi- can, but in local affairs votes for the man instead of party. May 10, 1877, he married Miss Sallie Hiestand, who was born in Wis -* consin, in the year 1855. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, but one is now living, viz., Charles R. Mont- gomery.
JOHN E. MORNER was born in Hamilton, Ohio, February 23, 1855. Son of J. G. and Amelia ( Wallenweber) Morner. The father was born in Germany and at the age of six years, came to the United States. He was by occupation a carriage maker, and died in Hamilton, Ohio, 1876. Mrs. Morner was born in Virginia in the vear 1837, and is still living in the City of Hamilton, Ohio. John E. Morner is the eldest of a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. He received a good business education, and at the age of thirteen, engaged to learn the wood turner's trade in his na- tive city, a vocation in which he soon acquired great proficiency. In 188I, he came to Shelbyville, Indiana, and engaged in the manu- facturing of hubs and bent wood work in partnership with George W. Fretchling. Mr. Fretchling was killed on the railroad, Novem- ber, 1881, and his brother, William Fretchling, purchased his inter- est. He still continues the business, and at this time twenty-five hands are required to operate his factory, which is one of the most successful manufacturing enterprises of the city. Mr. Morner is in the true sense of the word a self-made man, as he began life with no capital, save a willingness to work and a determination to succeed. He was honored by an election to the city council in 1884, aside from which he has never held nor asked for official po- sition at the hands of his fellow citizens. November II, ISS4, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Metzger, who was born in Shelbyville on the 27th day of March, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Mor- ner are consistent members of the German Protestant Church, and among the most esteemable and highly respected citizens of the city.
SYLVAN B. MORRIS, Shelbyville's merchant prince, and most enterprising citizen, was born in this city, April 7, 1830, and is the son of Dr. Sylvan B. Morris and Catherine (Knox) Morris. His father was one of the first settlers of Shelby County, having come here in a very early day from Washington County, where he was born November 25, 1795. His mother was born in Londonderry, Ireland, in ISOI. They were married at Lebanon, Ohio, May 25, 1825. To this union were born: Martha H., Sylvan B., and John K. Sylvan B., remained in Shelbyville until about fourteen
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years of age, when he went with his parents to Lebanon, where he received most of his schooling. He gained considerable experience in the dry goods business, and in the fall of 1854, began to do for himself as a merchant in the latter place. He was married to Miss Myrtilla John, of Harrison, Ohio, May 24, 1854. Mr. Morris car- ried on the dry goods business in Lebanon, Ohio, for twenty-one years, and also, during two years of that time had a branch house in Franklin. In September, 1875, he moved his store to Shel- byville, and it was not long until his trade began to grow exceed- ingly. He has built several additions to his original store-room and now has perhaps, the largest and best organized dry goods emporium in Indiana, outside of the metropolis. He has his store conveniently divided into different departments. In connection with dress goods, carpets, notions, etc., he has lately added a mer- chant tailoring and gents' furnishing goods department. He has lately put in a patent cash delivery which greatly facilitates the duties of the clerks. Politically, Mr. Morris generally votes the Republican ticket, and has been a member of our City Council, and also one of the Board of Trustees of the public school. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been advanced in that order to be a Knight Templar. His wife and he are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Morris' success has resulted from two causes: First, a wonderful energy, and second, a re- markably good judgment in the selection of as well as in buying, goods. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have five children: Sylvan II., born May 26, 1858: Harold K., born April 8, 1861 : Florence, born June II, 1866; Robert L., born June 5, 1869, and William H., born December 26, 1872.
HARRY C. MORRISON, attorney and counsellor at law, junior member of the firm of Love, Major & Morrison, was born in Shelby County, Ind., April 26, 1858. His paternal ancestors were among the early residents of Pennsylvania, his grandfather, John Morri- son, having been born in Westmoreland County, in that State, February 1, 1800. Sarah J. (Carruthers ) Morrison, wife of John Morrison, was a native of Shenandoah County, Virginia, born January IS, ISII. The family came to Shelbyville, August, 1832, and opened a hotel, the " Morrison House," a name by which it is still known. George C. Morrison, our subject's father, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, August 15, 1829, and his mother, whose maiden name was Ann Doble, was born at Dobletown, Shelby County, Ind., April 14, 1833. George C., and Ann Morri- son, were the parents of six children, the subject of this biography being the third in number. Harry C. Morrison received a liberal education, and early determined to make the legal profession his
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life work, and at the age of eighteen entered the law office of Love & Connor, where he pursued his studies until admitted to practice in Shelby Circuit Court, May 27, 1879. Soon after his admission to the bar he effected a co-partnership with B. F. Love, and the firm thus formed continued until September, 1882, when he became a member of the law firm of Love, Major & Morrison. Mr. Morri- son has made a creditable record as a lawyer, and is in the enjoy- ment of a large and lucrative practice in the courts of Shelby and adjoining counties. He stands high professionally, and in addi- tion to his legal business, takes an active interest in all measures having for their object the public good. On the 16th day of May, 1878, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Laura Rav, daughter of Hon. Martin M. Ray. Mrs. Morrison was born in Shelbyville. Ind., August 20, 1859, and is the mother of six child- ren, viz .: Clarine B., Susie R., Annie E., Martha L., William C., and Cordelia. Mr. Morrison was made a Mason, August 4, 1882, since which time he has risen high in the order, being at this time a Chapter Member and a Sir Knight. He is also prominently iden- tified with the Odd Fellows fraternity, joining the same in 1882. He wields a political influence for the Democratic party, but has never been a partisan in the sense of seeking official position.
M. G. MURDOCH was born in Scotland, July 20th, 1827. His parents were George and Agnes ( Murdoch ) Murdoch. Mr. Mur- doch came to America in 1840, and settled in Ohio; but in 1845, went to Pittsburgh, where he learned the machinist's trade, subse- quently to engage in steamboating and railroading. He came to Shelbyville in 1855, where he has since resided. On coming to this place he began the saw mill business, which he still continues. His establishment was burned out in 1864, but the same year bought what was known as the " James Lindsay saw mill. " The subject of this sketch was married in 1858, to Miss Mary Rebstock, who died in 1865. To this union were born three chil- dren, viz .: George, Agnes and John. He was again married, in 1867, to Miss Ellen J. Auh, of Ohio. By this marriage are five children, viz .: Charlotte, Robert, McGavin, Hugh and James A. Mr. Murdoch has made his own way in the world, until he is now one of the wealthy men of Shelbyville, and one of the leading lum- ber merchants in this part of the State. He is a Mason and a Knight Templar, (Baldwin Commandery No. 2. ) and in politics is a Repub- lican.
GEORGE W. NEAL is a native of Scott County, Ky., and born September 27, 1844. He is the son of Robert H. and Lucy Ann (Wells) Neal, and is of German-Irish descent. His father was born in Scott County in 1816, and died at Omer, Indiana, in 1863.
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His mother was born in the same county, August 10, 1823, and died March 23, 1862. The Neal family came to Indiana in 1862, and settled at Shelbyville. The subject here treated is the oldest of six children, four of whom still survive. He received a common school education. When about twenty years of age he embarked in the boot and shoe business, wherein he continued until 1882. During the years 1882 and 1883, he served as deputy under Sheriff Sid Conger, of this county. Mr. Neal was married to Miss Phoebe A. White, of Shelby County, October 4, 1870. Mrs. Neal was born September 10, 1852, and is now the mother of four children: Herbert M., Ella D., Clarence R., and Clethra M. George W. Neal has been a life-long Republican, and cast his first vote for General Grant for President. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Shelby Lodge No. 39. Mr. Neal is one among our best citizens. He is straight-forward in all of his transactions, and is known as a generous and sociable man. Mrs. Neal and her daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM A. NEU, City Treasurer, Shelbyville, is a native of Germany, born in Bavaria, April 25, 1846. His parents, Louis C. and Eva (Mackert) Neu, were also natives of Germany, the former born in 1819, and the latter in the year 1821. 6 Louis C. Neu lost his wife in 1848, and the following year immigrated to the United States and settled in the City of New York. He sub- sequently returned to Europe, and while making a tour of that country died in London, England, in the year 1857. William A. Neu was reared and educated in New York, and at the age of thirteen engaged in the hardware business, which line of trade he has successfully followed until the present time. He left New York in 1875, moving to Bartholomew County, Ind., and from thence six years later to Shelbyville, of which city he has since been an honored resident. Since locating in Shelbyville, Mr. Neu has won a conspicious place in the estimation of his fellow citizens as is at- tested by the fact that in 1885, he was elected to the office of City Treasurer, the duties of which position he has discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner to the present time. He has also made a creditable record as a business man, being watchful and systematic in all his transactions, and noted for his financial ability and prompt and honorable dealing. He is in strong sympathy with the Republican party, and is recognized as one of its standard bearers in Shelby County. Mr. Neu married in 1871, Miss Emma C. Gruhl, who was born in Germany, November 30, 1850. To this union have been born four children, to-wit: Louisa M., Ed- ward E., William A. and Clara E. Mr. Neu is prominently
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identified with the Odd Fellows fraternity, having joined the same in 1885, and with his wife belongs to the Moravian Church.
WILLIAM RICHARD NORRIS, was born in Bracken County, Ky., June 12, IS32: son of Edward and Catherine ( Brightwell) Norris, and is of English extraction. His father, born in Bracken County, Ky., February 8, 1805, and died in Shelby County, Ind., in 1877. The mother of Mr. Norris born also in Bracken County, Ky., in 1804, and died in Shelby County, September 6, 1865. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Norris, Joseph Norris, born in Balti- more County, Md .. and died in Bracken County, Ky., at a ripe old age. He erected the first log cabin and built the first mill in Bracken County. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Norris was one of the pioneers of Bracken County, Ky., and was the first sur- veyor of the county. The Norris family received its introduction to Shelby County in 1832. Our subject is the eldest of six chil- dren only two of whom are now living. Was raised on the farm, educated at the early schools. Taught school for a number of years. In the fall of 1857, went to Missouri and re- mained till May, 1860, and then returned to Shelby County. While in that State he taught school for some time. In IS60, he was elected Surveyor of Shelby County, and re-elected in the fall of 1862. Was appointed in 1868, City Engineer of this city, and served more than one year. In the fall of 1869, he was elected Real Estate Appraiser of this county. In 1871, appointed School Examiner of this county, serving two years. In 1873, elected County Superintendent, making him the last School Examiner and the first County Superintendent of this county. Since 1873. he has been engaged in the practice of law to some extent, and engaged in various other capacities. Married November 22, 1863, to Mrs. Maria Roberts of this county. Have two children, James E., and Robert Ross. Has a step daughter, Rose E. Roberts. In poli- tics. Independent, up to 1SS2 a strong partisan Democrat. He is a Mason. and is a well posted and greatly respected citizen of this county.
SAMUEL O'CONNER (deceased), was born in County London- ery, near Linivada, Ireland, June 4, 1821, and died in Shelbyville, December 2, 1886. His marriage took place May 12, 1849, to Miss Mary J. McGinn, of Philadelphia. Mrs. O'Conner died August 20, 1884. There were six children born to this union: Annie, Kate, Alice, Samuel, Jr., Jennie and James. Mr. O'Conner came to Shelbyville in 1852, and opened a tailor shop and later engaged in the clothing business. He continued this occupation until 1870, when he sold his stock of goods and engaged in the wine and liquor business, and in that was still engaged at the time of his
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death. By close application to business he had become in easy circumstances. He was a member of the City Council for several years; was also a member of the first fire company ever organized in Shelbyville. He was public spirited, and gave frequent en- couragement to enterprises favoring the common weal. " Uncle Sam," as he was familiarly known, commanded the respect of un- numbered friends. He was one of our leading citizens. He was careful and shrewd in all of his, dealings. Andrew Raymond, Mr. O'Conner's son-in-law, was born in this county September 26, 1845. He moved to Shelbyville in 1869. He was married November 27, ISS2, to Alice O'Conner. James O'Conner, the youngest of these six children, was born August 22, 1865. He received a common school education. He is now engaged in the wine and liquor busi- ness at his father's old stand. He bought an interest in the wine and liquor store after his father's death, and now runs it in partner- ship with Andrew Raymond. Mr. O'Conner is one of the popu- lar young business men of this city.
JAMES O. PARRISHI, successful business man, and Ex-County Treasurer. is a native of Shelby County, Indiana, and dates his birth from the 24th day of January, IS4Q. His parents were Lee and Mary (Pullam ) Parrish, the former born 1798, in North Carolina, and the latter in 1809, in Virginia. Their respective deaths oc- curred in the years 1880 and 1857. James O. Parrish is the fourth of a family of nine children, five of whom are at this time living. He was reared on a farm, and in the common schools, obtained a good English education which, with his subsequent business train- ing has developed into a fund of valuable practical knowledge. Ile continued agricultural pursuits until 1863, at which time he aban- doned the farm and embarked in the mercantile business at the town of Brookfield, which he carried on with success and financial profit for a period of six years. In 1871, he was appointed Deputy Treasurer of Shelby County, and three years later was elected Treasurer, the duties of which responsible position he discharged in a highly creditable manner until 1879, having been re-elected in 1876. At the expiration of his official term he engaged in the lum- ber and coal business in Shelbyville in which he still continues under the firm name of McConnell & Parrish, being at this time the most extensive dealers in the city. Politically Mr. Parrish is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party and as such has been a potent factor in local politics, taking an active part in the elections of this county. He takes a lively interest in the welfare of the city, and all enterprises of public nature, having for their object the public good, find in him a ready and willing assistance, being at this time a member of the City School Board. He married, December 10,
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1865, Miss Adelia F. Joyce of this county, a union blessed with the birth of two children, viz .: Minnie L. and Myrtle V. Mr. and Mrs. Parrish are members of the Baptist Church, with which they have been identified for a number of years.
JOHN H. PHILLIPS was born in Virginia, February 12, IS26, son of Jesse and Jane (Jones) Phillips: parents natives of the same State. The family came to Indiana as early as 1828, and settled in Noble Township. this county, thence subsequently to Decatur County. John H. Phillips is the second of three children by his father's first marriage. He was raised a farmer and fol- lowed agricultural pursuits the greater part of the time until I852, when he came to Shelbyville and engaged in the carpenter trade. In IS54, he accepted a position with the " Big Four " railroad com- pany, and for eleven years thereafter worked in the freight depart- ment with headquarters in this city. At the end of that time he went to Indianapolis, where he continued in the service of the road nine years longer, making in all twenty consecutive years spent as a railroader, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with all the details of the business, and earned the reputation of a skillful and painstaking employe. Severing his connection with the road, Mr. Phillips returned to Shelbyville, and in 1875, opened a wine and liquor house, which he has since successfully carried on. In his business ventures he has been quite fortunate, having succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence, including the old family homestead in Decatur County and valuable property in Shelbyville. In politics, he was originally a Whig, but on the dissolution of that party, he identified himself with the Republican party, of which he has ever since been an earnest supporter. He is one of Shelby- ville's leading citizens, and enjoys the confidence and respect of a large number of friends in both city and county. May 26, 1844, he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Champ, of Kentucky. Mrs. Phillips was born in 1819, and departed this life on the 4th day of January, 1887.
MICHAEL Posz, County Treasurer and prominent citizen of Shelbyville, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and dates his birth from the Ioth day of November, IS34. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Schloss) Posz, the former born March, ISOS, and the latter about the year ISoo. They came to the United States in 1852, and for two years thereafter resided in the city of Cincin- nati. In 1854, they moved to Shelbyville, Ind., where their respec- tive deaths occurred, the father dying October 29th, 1885, and the mother December 29th. 1876. Michael Posz received a liberal edu- cation in his native country, and at an early age engaged to learn the trade of cabinet making, in which he soon acquired great pro-
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