History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections, Part 72

Author: Bradsby, Henry C
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : S.B. Nelson & co.
Number of Pages: 1032

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Judith and Fred. Mr. Casto is a Republican in politics, and has served two terms as trustee of Sugar Creek township, and one as justice of the peace. He was appointed gauger and storekeeper by Gen. Grant. He is a Royal Arch Mason; also a member of the G. A. R., and has been commander of Jacob Hook Post. Mrs. Casto is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ROBERT H. CATLIN, attorney, Terre Haute, was born in Parke county, Ind., October 12, 1854, and is a son of Hiram and Hannah (Elson) Catlin, former born in Indiana of Spanish origin, and latter in Ohio of Swedish descent. The father, who is a farmer, resides on the old home farm in Parke county. Our subject, who is the eldest in a family of five children-three sons and two daughters-was reared on the farm, and had the advantages of good schools, attending Bloomington Academy, and also DePauw Uni- versity, where he graduated in 1878, after which he studied law with Judge White, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. He then engaged in teaching, two years, after which time he commenced the practice of law in his native county, where he remained until 1880, when he came to Terre Haute. Mr. Catlin is a courteous, pleas- ant gentleman, and has evinced marked ability and energy in his profession. He was married in Sullivan county, Ind., in 1879, to Miss Lottie R., daughter of Mesha H. and Delthia (Davis) Eaton, and of English and German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Catlin have two children: Ione and Madge. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Catlin is a Repub- lican, and he is a Master Mason.

JOHN CHEEK, farmer, Lost Creek township, P. O. Seelyville, was born in Surry county, N. C., and is a son of Pleasant and Rhoda (Wood) Cheek, also natives of North Carolina, and of English descent. The father, who was a farmer, came from North Carolina to Vigo county, being among the early pioneer settlers, and located on a farm where the village of Macksville now stands. Their family consisted of four children, of whom two sons are now living: John C. and Samuel, the latter being one of the most

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

prominent farmers of Lost Creek township. Our subject has made farming the business of his life, has made his own way in the world, and is the owner of the farm of sixty-five acres where he now resides. He has been married twice, his first wife having died in 1864, leaving six children. His second wife, to whom he was mar- ried in 1866, was Eliza Jane McHenry, and this union has been blessed with seven children. Mrs. Cheek is of Irish descent, and her father, Isaac McHenry, spent many of the years of his life in Vigo county. Mr. and Mrs. Cheek are pleasantly situated, and have a fine farm. In politics Mr. Cheek is a Democrat.

SAMUEL CHEEK, Lost Creek township, P. O. Seelyville, ranks among the prominent citizens and farmers of Vigo county. He was born in Surry county, N. C., and is a son of Pleasant and Rhoda (Wood) Cheek, natives of North Carolina, and of German and English descent. They came to Vigo county in 1844, and settled on a farm, the father dying at his home in this county in 1846. Samuel Cheek is the eldest of three children. He is a lead- ing stock-grower as well as farmer, has made his own way in the world, and has won success, owning a well-improved farm in Lost Creek township, containing 170 acres, where he has resided for many years. He lately opened a strip coal bank, which is proving a source of revenue to him. He is a man of more than ordinary energy and business qualifications. Mr. Cheek was married March 25, 1846, to Miss Hannah, daughter of William Flemmings, and they have had eight children, four of whom are living, as follows: Lewis M., engaged in the saw-mill business; Sarah Jane, the wife of Sylvester Winningham; C. N., engaged in the lumber trade ex- tensively in walnut timber; and Samuel W. S. at home. Mr. and Mrs. Cheek are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as trustee, steward and class leader. He takes an active interest in the public schools, and has been school director. August 7, 1862, he enlisted in the Fourth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, or the Seventy-seventh Regiment, Company M, and was in many en- gagements, having been in Kentucky most of the time. He is a member of the G. A. R.

JESSEY CHRISTOPHER, farmer and stock-raiser, Nevins township, P. O. Cloverland, Clay county, is a native of Vigo county, born April 4, 1834, and is a son of Lemuel and Mary Christopher, natives of Virginia, and of German descent. They were married in their native place, and came to Vigo county in June, 1830, where they remained until their death; the father died in 1850, and the mother in 1881. They were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are living: Pleasent, who resides in Parke county ; Jessey, Ezra, Henry, Lemuel and Sarah. Mr. Christopher was married in

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

Vigo county, September 1, 1855, to Hariet, daughter of Henry and Elizia Smith, and they are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living: Sarah, Mary (the wife of Joseph Creal), William H., Laura (the wife of John Miller), John, Frank and Harvey. Mr. Christopher is truly a self-made man, starting in life a poor boy, but by sobriety, energy, economy and good management, assisted by his amiable wife, he now has a fine farm, and consider- able money on interest. The pleasant homestead of this gentleman comprises excellent farming land. In political matters he acts with the Democrats.

SETH CLARK, P. O. Vigo, is a native of Sullivan county, Ind., and was born July 24, 1831, a son of Anson Clark, who was born in New York in 1797, and died in this county in 1872. Anson Clark was a son of Thomas Clark, also a native of the Empire State, where he spent his whole life, dying there. He was of En- glish origin. £ When Anson was about eighteen years of age he left his native State and came to Indiana, going to Vincennes, and from there to Harrison. He went across the county to Sullivan county on foot, and subsequently married and settled in that county. Here he farmed until 1850, and then moved to this county, where he resided until his death. He was a faithful member of the Christian Church. His first wife was Sarah Wilkins, who died when Seth was about three years of age, and she had three chil- dren who attained their majority, Seth being the youngest. At the age of thirteen he left the parental roof, and began to earn a live- lihood by hiring to Mr. Piety as a farm hand in this county, proving by his industry, perseverance and honesty to be a valuable em- ploye, being in Mr. Piety's employ for six consecutive years. He never received any schooling after he was sixteen years of age, and his present position is due to his own efforts. On December 15, 1853, he was married to Miss Sarah Myers, who was born May 2, 1831, in the Keystone State, and was a daughter of John F. and Nancy Myers, who came to this county at an early day. Mrs. Clark died January 15, 1890, leaving two children: Emanuel and Jorse C. Mr. Clark is one of Vigo county's representative farmers, and has nearly 212 acres of land, about all under cultivation. He was elected trustee of Prairie Creek township in 1888, and re-elected in 1890, proving himself an able and efficient officer. He cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott. His wife was a mem- ber of the Baptist Church.

T. A. CLEARWATER, farmer and stock-grower, Sugar Creek township, P. O. Vedder, was born in Putnam county, Ind., January 30, 1832, and is a son of John and Matilda (Williams) Clearwater. His mother was born in Kentucky, his father in Virginia, and they

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

were of Irish and English descent. The father died in Putnam county, Ind., in 1844. Mr. Williams, grandfather of T. A., was a soldier in the War of 1812. The history of the family shows that they have usually been farmers. The children born to John and Matilda Clearwater were eight in number, and T. A. is the third in order of birth. He was reared on the farm in Putnam county, attending school, and had the full benefit of all that could be de- rived from a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. It was here he formed the habits of industry and economy, both proving valuable to him in his struggle of life, his success being largely due to his own exertions. Mr. Clearwater was married in 1855 to Miss Amanda, daughter of Gilmore Connelly, and born in Kentucky, of Irish descent. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater has been blessed with four children, as follows: Martha, now the wife of Thomas Brodhurst; Frank, Mary and Lama. Mrs. Clearwater is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Clearwater is in sympathy with the Democratic party. He is a Master Mason.

WILLIAM CLIFF, of the firm of Cliff & Co., Boiler and Sheet Iron Works, Terre Haute, was born in England, December 28, 1825, and is a son of Samuel and Rachel (Howgarth ) Cliff, natives of Yorkshire, England, former of whom was a merchant. Our subject, who is the fourth in a family of nine children, was reared in England, where he received his education. When young he went into an iron manufacturing establishment, and served seven years. He then accepted a position with an iron manufacturing company, in England, with whom he was employed as foreman. In 1852 he came to the United States, and became foreman of an extensive iron manufactory at New York. In 1856 he came to Terre Haute, and soon after accepted the position of foreman in the Vandalia rail- road shops, where he remained nine years, when he embarked in business for himself. He bought the Phoenix Boiler Works in 1890, and his business has been a very prosperous one. Mr. Cliff was married in England, December 29, 1845, to Miss Hannah Firth, a native of that country, and they have one child, John Henry, who is now a member of the firm. Mr. and Mrs. Cliff are mem- bers of the Episcopal Church; he is a Master Mason.

H. M. CLOYD, grain merchant, Atherton, was born in Parke county, Ind., February 14, 1858, and is the son of David and Sarah (Kilburn) Cloyd, former a native of Kentucky, latter of Parke county, Ind. They were of Scotch and English descent, and the father who was a farmer, spent most of his life in Parke county. H. M. Cloyd who is the eldest son in a family of five children, was reared on the farm, and spent his childhood and youth in agricult- ural pursuits. He attended the district school in his native county,

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and the Farmersburg Academy, also took a course at the State Normal School at Terre Haute. Then engaged in the profession of teaching for nearly six years, when he embarked in the grain busi- ness. at Atherton, and also engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business at the same place. He was united in marriage, in 1888, with Miss Elizabeth Alice, daughter of Isaac Cottrell, and born in this county. They have one child, Guy. In politics Mr. Cloyd is a Republican.

PHILIP T. COBLE, Riley, a successful and energetic farmer, and a native of Carroll county, Ohio, born February 25, 1847, is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Davis) Coble, former of whom was born in York county, Penn., in October, 1816. Thomas Coble emigrated from his native State to Ohio in 1828, and in 1864 to Clay county, where he has since resided, a retired farmer. He is an old class leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a member for years, and is a highly respected and useful citizen. His father, Philip Coble, was born in Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania at an early day. Our subject's mother was born in Ohio in 1818, and is yet living with her faithful companion. She is the only child living of Evan and Nancy Davis. Philip T., who is the fourth child in a family of nine children, of whom seven grew to their majority, was raised in Ohio until eighteen years of age, when he came with his parents to Clay county, Ind. His prin- cipal education was received in Ohio, in the common schools, but he attended the graded school at Center Point, Clay Co., Ind., a short time, and two terms at what is now DePauw University, at Green- castle. Afterward he followed school teaching for about ten years in Clay and Vigo counties. In 1871 he married Miss Isabelle Brill, of Vigo county, who departed this life December 15, 1877. They were. blessed with two children, one of whom is living, Guy W. Mr. Coble's second marriage was August 31, 1879, with Miss Emma Stoneburner, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and came to Indiana with her parents when about two years of age. She is the mother of four children, viz .: Anice, Grace C., Oliver Clifford and Thomas. Mr. Coble moved in 1872 from Clay county to this county, where he has since resided. He has 150 acres of valuable land, all but twenty-five being under cultivation, located twelve and one-half miles southeast of Terre Haute. He is a mem- ber of Masonic Lodge, No. 390, at Riley. Politically he cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant; he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

RICHARD H. COCHRAN, merchant and postmaster, Center- ville, P. O. Lewis. This gentleman was born in Vigo county, Ind., January 21, 1845, and is a son of Charles P. and Louisa ( Wines )

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Cochran, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively. Charles P. Cochran came with his father's family to Terre Haute when quite a young boy. He learned the gunsmith's trade of his father, which he followed during his life. He died in Vigo county when about fifty years old. Landon Cochran, who was a native of Scotland, came to Pennsylvania before the War of 1812, at the begin- ning of which war he enlisted in the United States navy. During his term of service he was in Commodore Perry's fleet, taking part in the celebrated naval battle of Lake Erie, and for bravery was awarded a medal by the United States government. After the war he turned his attention to the gunsmith's trade, at which he worked until 1846, when he organized Company H, Fourth Ind. V. I., of which he was made captain. They fought the Mexicans in several engagements. At the time of his death he was seventy-two years old. Charles P. was named in honor of Commodore Perry. His wife, nee Louisa Wines, was the daughter of one of Vigo county's most prominent citizens, William Wines. He was the first Demo- crat to represent the county in the State legislature. The union of Charles P. and Louisa Cochran was blessed with eleven children, eight of whom are living.

Richard H., who is third in order of birth, spent his school days in Vigo and Sullivan counties. In July, 1863, he left school and friends to join the Twenty-first Ind. V. I., from which he was dis- charged January 21, 1866, after having served with credit in the battles of Blue Springs, Tenn., Baton Rouge, Port Hudson, the Red River expedition, and other engagements. At Blue Springs he received a gunshot wound in the leg. After hostilities had ceased, he was detailed on provost duty until the time of his dis- charge at Baton Rouge, La. In 1868 a partnership was formed with J. S. Bryan, for the purpose of selling general merchandise at Centerville, but before the end of the year the partnership was dis- solved, and W. B. Cochran, a brother, became his partner. They continued in business for five years, when his brother, W. B., with- drew, and our subject became sole proprietor. He is also engaged in farming, and is the owner of a well-improved farm adjoining the village of Centerville. In 1868 he received the appointment as postmaster of Lewis post-office, but in 1885 he was replaced by a Democrat. In 1889 he again became postmaster, and a Democrat was relieved of the responsibility. November 28, 1872, Mr. Coch- ran was married to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Joseph Canaan, a school teacher by profession, having taught ten years. She was born in Columbiana county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of Gen. Cruft Post, 1

No. 284, G. A. R. In political matters he is a stanch Republican.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

JASPER G. COFFMAN, P. O. Riley, who is a worthy and trusted employe, now manager on a 520-acre farm for Mr. Kidder, proprietor of Kidder's Flouring Mills, Terre Haute, was born in this county, May 12, 1857, a son of Samuel and Permelia (Case) Coffman. His father, who was born in Ohio, in 1824, now resides on his farm in La Fayette county, Mo., and is a carpenter by trade. He emigrated from Ohio to this county at an early day, and moved to his present home in April, 1882. He was married in this county to Miss Permelia Case, who was born in same county, and died about 1866. By their marriage four sons and four daughters were born, Jasper G. and three daughters being the survivors. Our sub- ject, who is the fourth child, was raised in this county, and during his boyhood attended the common schools. In 1880 he was mar- ried to Miss Lilly Bowen, an accomplished young lady of this county, a daughter of John and Anna Bowen. Mr. and Mrs. Coff- man have had children as follows: Emma, Earl E. and Albert C., of whom one is living. Mr Coffman has been with his present employer for eight consecutive years, having been foreman in his flouring-mill until recently, when he was obliged to move on a farm on account of his health. He has charge of the buying and hand- ling of stock, and all business connected with the farm, and is highly respected by his employer as well as by all others who know him. He cast his first presidential vote for Garfield, being a Re- publican, and he is a member of the K. of P. at Riley.

JOSEPHUS COLLETT, Terre Haute. This family name has been closely and prominently identified with the history of this por- tion of the State since its territorial days. The earliest law books and State records, those antedating the birth of the gentleman, bear honorable mention of the name of Josephus Collett. He is a native of Indiana, born in Vermillion county, August 17, 1832, and is a son of Stephen S. and Sarah (Groenendyke) Collett, latter of whom was a native of New York. But this name is also a familiar one among the early pioneers of Vigo county. Stephen S. Collett was a native of Pennsylvania. They were of English and Dutch origin. The mother came of the sturdy Holland-Dutch, who settled the State of New York nearly 300 years ago. On both sides of this house were colonists in New York and Pennsylvania, and their descendants were among the pioneers of Vigo county. The parents of Josephus Collett were married in Vigo county in 1821, and re- sided in Terre Haute until 1826, when they removed to Vermillion county. His grandfather, John Collett, was a soldier in the Revo- lutionary war, and was among the early settlers of Scioto county, Ohio, and was a large land holder, enjoying many offices of honor and trust. His son, the father of Josephus, was a merchant, but in

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his later life became a farmer. He served several terms as repre- sentative, and also as State senator from Vermillion county. He was elected senator in 1843, and died in the discharge of the duties of his office at Indianapolis, his untimely death being deeply re- greted all over the State.

Josephus Collett is the fifth in a family of eight children. His young life was spent in the family home in Vermillion county, Ind., attending the common schools, and preparing himself for higher study. He entered Wabash College, and had reached his senior year, but his health having become so precarious, and a dis- ease of the eyes having developed, he was compelled to forego the advantages of graduation in the classical course at that time, so had to content himself with the degree of Master of Arts some time after. When he gave up the school he engaged in stock dealing, and farming, meeting with marked success. In 1869 he embarked in mercantile trade and in pork-packing at Newport, dealing also extensively in grain. His next business enterprise was in company with one of Vigo county's early pioneer citizens, Chauncey Rose. They built the Evansville, Terre Haute & Chicago Railroad, of which Mr. Collett was made president and general manager, and in this capacity he served ten years. This road runs the entire length of Vermillion county. He presided over the affairs of the road to the entire satisfaction of its stockholders, until it was leased by the Chicago & Eastern Railroad Company-thus transferring the sole control io that corporation. Mr. Collett has been a busy man, figur- ing very prominently in every enterprise of pith and movement in this portion of Indiana, and gradually extending his labors throughout the country. He built the Genesee Valley Railroad of New York, also the Otter Creek Valley Railroad through Vigo and Clay coun- ties, Ind. He served as superintendent of the Nevada Central Rail- road, two years, and is now president and general manager of a rail- road in Texas. He is interested in a number of manufacturing companies, has a large mining interest in different parts of Indiana, and is among the largest real estate owners in Terre Haute. His public spirit is manifested in his gift of a deed to the city of "Col- lett's Park," that beautiful shady grove of over twenty acres, situated in the northern part of the city, to which delightful retreat men, women and children flock in thousands. He is president of the board of trustees of the Rose Polytechnic Institute, and his liter- ary and scientific acquirements are of a high order, especially in geology and archaeology. In respect to the latter it may be men- tioned that he has one of the most extensive and valuable collec- tions in the United States, numbering 14,000 specimens, many of them extremely rare and valuable.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

WILLIAM O. COLLINGS, M. D., P. O. Pimento, Linton township, was born in Spencer county, Ky., September 22, 1833, and is a son of Archibald and Susan (Ware) Collings, natives of Kentucky, former of whom was a farmer, of Scotch-Irish descent, latter being of English extraction. The father came here to visit his son, the Doctor, and was seized with a fit of apoplexy, dying March 31, 1868. The mother died in Shelby county, Ky. They had a family of five children, of whom William O. is the third. He was first married July 17, 1860, to Mercy C., daughter of Arthur and Catherine (Carr) Boyll, natives of Spencer county, Ky., and their family consisted of five children, all, of whom grew to maturity, Mercy C. being the third, born October 19, 1839. Dr. Collings had one child by this marriage, Emma, now deceased. Mrs. Collings died May 18, 1862, and the Doctor married for his second wife, September 14, 1864, Mary A., daughter of David and Massa (Sparks) Pound, natives of Kentucky. Mary A. was the fourth in a family of five children, and was born August 8, 1840. Dr. Collings, had one child by this marriage, Mary, who died in infancy. Mrs. Collings died June 17, 1865, a member of the Bap- tist Church. The Doctor was married, the third time, March 28, 1867, to Ellen, daughter of David and Rebecca (McGrew) Miller, natives of Spencer county, Ky., who had six children, of whom Ellen was the fifth, born May 29, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Collings had born to them two children: Luie L., and Archie W., who mar- ried Avery Boyll. Mrs. Collings died March 25, 1880. The Doc- tor was married, the fourth time, September 16, 1887, to Mrs. Nannie Weeks, daughter of Nathaniel S. and Mary (Twilley) Holmes, former of whom was a native of Virginia, and latter of Illinois. Mrs. Nannie Collings is the third in a family of five children, and was born April 22, 1861. The Doctor received his education in the common schools of Shelby, Spencer and Bullitt counties. He then attended the Academy of Mount Washington, and graduated at the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, in the spring of 1854. He commenced the practice of medicine in Spencer county, Ky., and continued same there about fourteen months. He then came to Pimento, and remained there about six years; then moved on the farm on which he now resides, containing 164 acres in a good state of cultivation. The Doctor also owns a farm in Douglas county, Ill., containing 160 acres, and owns property in Terre Haute and Pimento. He has made his way in the world by his own exertions, and has been very successful in his profession. When he came to this county, he owed $1,000 for his education, and was even burned out in Pimento in the winter of 1857, losing everything. He is a Master Mason.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

WLLIAM M. COLLINS, of the firm of Collins & Case, deal- ers in groceries and provisions, Terre Haute, was born in Fayette township, Vigo county, Ind., January 17, 1847, a son of Robert and Eliza A. (Hay) Collins, who were of English descent, the father a native of Tennessee, and the mother of Ohio. They were among the early settlers of Fayette township, and the father, who was a leading farmer, died in 1878. William M., who is the fourth in a family of eight children, spent his young life in Fayette township, where he received his education in the district schools. He fol- lowed farming until he came to Terre Haute in 1880, and embarked in the present business. Mr. Collins was married in 1869, to Miss Martha J., daughter of John W. Case, a merchant in Terre Haute, where he has lived for many years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Collins has been blessed with eight children, out of which number three are living, viz .: William M., Herman Arthur and Miss Irene Anna Belle. In politics Mr. Collins is a Democrat.

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History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections, Part 72

Author: Bradsby, Henry C Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago : S.B. Nelson & co. Number of Pages: 1032

Author: Bradsby, Henry C
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : S.B. Nelson & co.
Number of Pages: 1032