History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections, Part 80

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

USA > Indiana > Vigo County > History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections > Part 80

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

appointed postmaster at Terre Haute, June 25, 1889. In 1869 Mr. Greiner was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of Jacob Baur, and of Swiss descent. Their children are Jacob, Lee W., Sheldon S. and Carrie Belle. Mr. Greiner is a member of the Methodist Church.

LEWIS C. GRIFFITH, M. D., Riley township, was born in Monroe county, Ind., near Bloomington, November 10, 1848, and is a son of John L. and Esther ( Wamphler) Griffith, former a native of Indiana, of Welsh origin, latter a native of Virginia, of German descent. The father, who was a farmer, came to Monroe county, Ind., among the pioneers, and settled in Bloomington township, on a farm, where he died December 5, 1871. The mother is living at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Lewis C., who is the youngest in a family of twelve children, and the only surviving son, was reared on the farm, attended school in the country school-house in Monroe county, and then entered Bloomington College. Early in life he studied medicine with Dr. Cummings, and in 1878 he entered the Medical College at Louisville, Ky., where he graduated in the class of 1879-80. He practiced for a time as an under-grad- uate at Saline City, Ind., commencing in 1876, and there remained until 1878, when he came to Riley township, this county, where he soon gained a good practice. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, also of the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P. Dr. Griffith was married, in Monroe, Ind., in 1873, to Mary, daughter of Alexander O. Stout, who was of English descent. By this union there were two children, Minnie E. and John L. Mrs. Griffith died in 1878, a member of the Christian Church, and Dr. Griffith was then mar- ried in this county August 6, 1882, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Andrew J. and Jane ( Gilbert ) Jeffers, and of English descent. Mrs. Griffith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; politically, Mr. Griffith is identified with the Democratic party. The family are prominent, and much esteemed in the social element of the county, and have hosts of friends and pleasant acquaintances.

CHARLES F. GROSJEAN, county school superintendent, Terre Haute, was born in Terre Haute, Ind., April 2, 1863, and is a son of Fredrick and Drucilla (Crable) Grosjean, former a native of Ger- many, latter of Indiana, and of English descent. The father left Germany, and became a citizen of France when he was a young man. He joined the French army, becoming an officer, and was sent against the Arabs of Northern Africa and the Indians of Yuca- tan, one of the eastern States of Mexico, where he resigned his commission. He then went to New Orleans, in which city he re- mained until 1855, when he came to Terre Haute, and engaged in the manufacture of cigars, a trade he followed for a quarter of a century. Charles F., who is the third in a family of four children,

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

was reared in Terre Haute, attending the high school, and commer- cial college. He completed his student days in the Indiana State Normal, where he graduated in 1882. He then accepted the posi- tion of principal of a graded school in the county, and followed teaching seven years. In 1889 he was elected county school super- intendent, which office he still holds. In politics he is a Repub- lican; he is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed the chairs in the subordinate lodges and the Encampment; is also a member of the Canton and of Rebekah Lodge, and is district deputy grand master of the district.

JOSEPH B. GROVER, of the firm of Knight & Grover, mer- chant tailors, Terre Haute, was born at Kankakee, Ill., October 9, 1859, and is a son of Charles and Rebecca ( Borden ) Grover, natives of Indiana, and of Dutch and English descent. The father, who was a merchant, died in Terre Haute in 1874. . Joseph B. Grover has spent most of his life in Terre Haute. He is the eldest in a family of three children, and received his early education in the public and high schools, then attended Terre Haute Commercial College. His first occupation was that of book-keeper, and his first business enter- prise on his own account was when the present firm was formed. They have created a good trade, each being well qualified for the place, and they have as flattering prospects as any in the city. They have many friends who are regular customers.

JOHN FRANCIS GULICK, druggist, Terre Haute. This gentleman's place of nativity is Maysville, Ky., where he was born February 21, 1834, and is a son of John H. and Sarah (Cockrell) Gulick, former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, latter in Vir- ginia. They were of Irish and Dutch descent. The father was a saddler and harness-maker, and is now retired from all active labors, being in his eighty-second year. Our subject, who is the second in a family of seven children, was reared in Fleming and Mason counties, and in a fragmentary sort of way received his education in the common schools, his school attendance ending entirely when he had reached the age of twelve years. At the age of sixteen he found employment as clerk in a drug store in Kentucky, which po- sition he held until he removed, in 1852, to Terre Haute, where he again found employment in a drug store, in which he remained dur- ing the next five years. He was then offered and accepted a posi- tion in the Southern Bank of Indiana, Terre Haute. He so con- tinued until the expiration of the bank's charter and its conversion into the First National Bank, being employed as clerk in this office, in all seven years. In 1861 the Democratic party nominated and elected him city clerk, and in 1863 he was re-elected to the same office on the Union ticket, and has affiliated with the Republican

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party ever since. In 1864 he engaged in the drug business, be- coming a member of the firm of T. H. Barr & Co., proprietors of a general drug store. He continued the business since then, with various parties, until 1882, since when he has carried it on alone. Mr. Gulick has prospered, and his house is now one of the lead- ing ones of the city. He is a stockholder in and secretary and treasurer of the Terre Haute Stone Works Company, who are do- ing a prosperous business. Mr. Gulick was married in 1861 to Miss Isabell, daughter of Russell Ross. Mrs. Gulick died in 1883, leaving two children: Ross and Sarah, former of whom lived to be almost twenty-one years of age, dying in October, 1888. Mrs. Gulick was a member of the Congregational Church.

JOHN HALEY, farmer and stock-grower, Honey Creek town- ship, P. O. Terre Haute, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, June 24, 1810, a son of Edward and Bridget (Muldoon) Haley, natives of Ireland. John Haley, who is the third in order of birth in a family of eleven children, was reared in County Sligo, Ireland, re- ceiving his education in the parish schools of his native place, and selected farming as a business. He came from Ireland to America in 1849, and two years afterward located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was employed on steamboats on the Ohio River, subsequently working in a foundry for a time. In 1850 he came to Indiana, where he worked for a railroad company until 1860, when he rented land and commenced farming in Vigo county. In 1870 lie had saved enough to buy a farm in Honey Creek township, and he has met with success, being now the owner of 100 acres of well-im- proved land where he now resides. He has made his own way in the world. Mr. Haley was married August 15, 1847, in Ireland, to Miss May, daughter of Michael and Peggy (Gormley ) Scudlin, who were born in Ireland, where her father was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Haley had eleven children, six of whom are now living, viz. : Michael, Kate (wife of Andrew Hess), Maggie, Edward, Mary A. and Patrick. The family are all members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Haley is a Democrat.

SAMUEL R. HAMILL, attorney at law, of the firm of Faris & Hamill, Terra Haute, is a native of Sullivan county, Ind., and was born December 13, 1857, a son of Samuel and Martha (Wood) Hamill, the father born in Pennsylvania, the mother in Maryland. They were of Scotch-Irislı and English descent, and the father who was an attorney, died in Sullivan county, in June, 1875. Their family consisted of six children, of whom Samuel R. is the eldest. He was reared in Sullivan county, Ind., attending the high school at Sulli- van, and in 1875 he was appointed a cadet at West Point Military Academy. He resigned, however, in 1877, in order to study law,

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came to Terre Haute, and entered the office of C. F. McNutt. His first practice was as a partner with the son of his preceptor, and the firm continued until 1883, when the present partnership was formed. Although Mr. Hamill is a young man, he is employed on nearly all the important lawsuits that come into the courts, and he is regarded by all as a scholar and lawyer of the first grade.

WILLIAM A. HAMILTON, of the firm of Riddle, Hamilton & Co., Terre Haute, was born in Washington county, Penn., May 5, 1857, and is a son of Joseph W. and Elizabeth (Palmer) Hamil- ton, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was a contractor on public works, and resided near Pittsburgh, Penn. William A. is the second eldest of four surviving children. His first work was as cashier in a wholesale store in Pittsburgh, and in 1876 he came to Terre Haute, where he soon afterward became in- terested in his present business. He was married in Pennsylvania, in 1881, to Miss Clara Bitner, a lady of German origin, and they have two children: Lloyd and Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

LEVI HAMMERLY, county recorder, Terre Haute, was born in Ross county, Ohio, June 2, 1846, and is a son of Joseph and Rosanna (Kramer) Hammerly, natives of Germany. His father, who was a thrifty and industrious farmer, came from Germany to America when he was a young man, locating in Clark county, Ill., in 1848, and died, in 1863, on his farm in that State. His family consisted of nine children, of whom Levi is the fifth in order of birth. Our subject was reared in Clark county, Ill., on the farm, attending the district schools, and commenced life on his own account as a farmer, which occupation he followed until he enlisted in February, 1864, in the Forty-first Regiment (Second Cavalry), Company A, Indiana Volunteers. His command was with Gen. Sherman on his march to the sea, and he participated in the battle of Atlanta, Ga., being but two miles off when Jeff Davis was capt- ured. He remained in the service until the close of the war, and when peace was declared he came to Vigo county, and embarked in the boot and shoe trade in Terre Haute, being thus employed ten years. He then purchased a farm in Riley township, which he carried on until 1882, when he was appointed deputy county treas- urer; in 1886 he was elected, on the Republican ticket, county re- corder of Vigo county, serving to the satisfaction of his many friends. He is a member of Morton Post No. 1, G. A. R., and of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Hammerly was married in Vigo county, June 21, 1868, to Miss Effie, daughter of John Reese, a prominent farmer of Riley township, and an early settler of Vigo county.

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Their union has been blessed with two children: Minnie L. and John W. In political matters Mr. Hammerly affiliates with the Republican party, and, as an evidence of his popularity as a county officer, he has been unanimously nominated for re-election to the office of recorder.

JOHN R. HAMPTON, farmer and stock-grower, Linton town- ship, P. O. Farmersburg, Sullivan county, was born in Virginia, November, 8, 1830, and is a son of Alfred and Hulda (Cochran) Hampton, also natives of Virginia, the former of English, the latter of. Scotch-Irish descent. They moved from Virginia to Knox county, Ohio, in 1831, and remained there till 1839, when they came to this county. The father, who was a farmer, died in Linton town- ship, July 20, 1877; the mother is living with her son, John R. They had a family of three sons and five daughters who grew up, of whom John R. is the eldest. Our subject was married October 4, 1855, to Mary R., daughter of Hardy and Mary (Shelburn ) Hill, former a native of Spencer county, Ky., latter of Virginia, and who moved from Spencer county, Ky., to Sullivan county, Ind., where they died.

They had ten children, all of whom grew up, and of them Mary R. is the youngest, born September 25, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Hamp- ton have had five children, viz .: Amantha B., wife of James W. Whitmore; Mary A .; James A., married to Christina Clark; Hulda M., married to Charles Fidler, and Joseph F., who is deceased. Mr. Hampton was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools of Linton township, and has followed farming with great success, owning a well-improved farm of 122 acres. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, of which he is at pres- ent trustee. He is a member of the Union Grange, and in politics is a Democrat.

JOHN HANLEY, manufacturer of bed-lounges, mattresses, tents and awnings; lounge factory, Nos. 319 and 321 Cherry street: awning factory Nos. 3001 and 3021, Main street, Terre Haute. Mr. Hanley is a native of Vermont, born December 27, 1846, and is a son of John and Ann (Hanley) Hanley, natives of Ireland, who came to Vermont in 1846. The father is a resident of Logansport, Ind. ; the mother died in La Gro, Ind., in 1880. Our subject is the second in a family of twelve children. His youngest days were spent in Vermont, Boston and Indianapolis, and he received a pub- lic-school education, afterward attending the Commercial College. When he started out for himself he first clerked in a grocery store for some time, and then served an apprenticeship of three years at the tent, awning and upholstering business. In 1872 he came to Terre Haute, and began the manufacture of tents, awnings and mat-

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tresses, and by energy and industry he has built up a large and grow- ing trade. In 1886 he began the manufacture of bed-lounges and parlor work, of which a full account will be found among the indus- tries of the city. He is a man of excellent business qualifications, and has been dependent on his own resources. Mr. Hanley was married in Indianapolis, November 26, 1872, to Margaret, daughter of Frank Scott, and a native of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs Hanley had born to them three children: John F., William S. and Pat- rick J. The parents are members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Hanley is a member of the Hibernian Society, also of St. Joseph's Total Abstinence Society; in politics he is Democrat.

JAMES HARLAN, Prairieton township, P. O. Prairieton, is one of Vigo county's most substantial, energetic farmers. He was born in this county, January 24, 1836, and is a son of Enock and Catherine (Pope) Harlan, natives of Davie county, N. C., born De- cember 19, 1800, and 1810, respectively. Enock's father was born in Ireland. At the age of nineteen Enock emigrated from North Carolina to this county, where he lived until his death. He was present at a treaty with the Indians of Parke county, and joined in their festivities. He was the owner of the first clock brought to Prairieton, which was a wooden one, and he and a Mr. Haworth killed the first bear in the county. Enock Harlan died in this county May 27, 1889. He was a Democrat, and had been a member of the Baptist Church for over fifty years. His wife, Catherine, died August 29, 1875, the mother of three sons and three daughters, all of whom but one son are living, James being the third child. Our subject's education was received in the subscription schools, built of logs, with slab benches and greased-paper windows. His way thither led through swamps and woods extending two and one- half miles, and he usually attended school about two months during the year. At the age of seventeen years he began to follow the plow, being an industrious and ambitious youth, which has always been his characteristic. At the age of twenty-one he had still in his possession the first five cent piece he had ever received, and enough other coins to fill a pint cup. Mr. Harlan was married March 6, 1861, to Sarah Herrington, who was born in this county, and died three years after her marriage. They had one child, Charles B., who is living in this county. Mr. Harlan was married, the second time, on December 6, 1870, to Miss Harriet Mullikin, who was born in Ohio in 1848, a daughter of Nicholas and Ellen (Brown ) Mullikin, natives of Maryland, where they were married, and whence, in 1859, they emigrated to this county. They spent the remaining portion of their lives here, Mr. Mullikin dying at the age of eighty- four, and his wife at the age of seventy-nine. They were the parents

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of twelve children, six of whom lived to be grown, Harriet being the eleventh child. Mr. Harlan had by her seven children, viz. : Albert (deceased), Junior N., Ray C., Ida E., Elmer J., Herman C. and Ernest. Our subject started out in life with but $6 as his capital. When a boy he used to haul pumpkins, watermelons and wood, or hunt and trap, and sell the hides he secured. Thus by zealous and determined efforts, and close attention to business, he has accumulated a valuable estate, having 435 acres of tillable land in the home farm, eight and one half miles south of the county seat. In 1880 he erected a handsome residence, costing $2,600, and following year, a large barn costing $800. Besides his home farm he has 112 acres in another tract, and one lot in Terre Haute, also one house and two lots in the village of Prairieton. In political matters he is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas. He was elected justice of the peace in Lost Creek township, in 1870, but he soon after moved from the township, and did not serve; has held the office of road supervisor two terms, and is a member of the F. M. B. A. His great-grandfather on his father's mother's side was Cagy Haworth. Mr. Harlan always takes great interest in education, and in all other worthy enterprises.

E. HARMS, farmer and brick manufacturer, Terre Haute, is a self-made man, who by industry and perseverance has succeeded in accumulating a fair share of this world's goods. He is the owner of six acres of town lots, located south of Wabash avenue, in Terre Haute, where he also owns a neat and substantial residence, and where are his yards and machinery for the manufacturing of brick, all of which he rents except his residence. His farm is in Sugar Creek township, and consists of 350 acres. Mr. Harms was born in Hanover, Germany, May 16, 1823, the youngest in a family of five children, and attended school in his native land. He came to Terre Haute in 1846, and here learned the brickmaker's trade. He was thus employed until 1855, when he became a partner in the concern, subsequently buying out his partner, and continuing the business until 1870. Mr. Harms was married, in 1848, to Mary, daughter of George Druce, and also a native of Germany, which union has been blessed with four children, viz .: Lena, wife of William Freemont; Anna, wife of Otto Keeling; Mary, wife of William Devor, and Minnie at home. The mother of these chil- dren died in 1875, and Mr. Harms married, for his second wife, Miss Anna Eunie, who has borne him one child, named Mattie. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Harms is a Democrat.

GEORGE T. HARPER, retired wagon-maker, P. O. Prairie Creek, was born in Martin county, Ind., December 14, 1830, and is

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a son of Nicholas and Sarah (Arner) Harper, natives of Virginia, and of Irish and German descent, former of whom was a wagon- maker, and also followed farming. They were married in Virginia, moved to Martin county, Ind., in 1820, and died there. They had two children, of whom George T. is the younger. Our subject was married March 27, 1854, to Margaret A., daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Kirkpatrick) Nebergall, natives of Virginia, where the mother died; the father died in Illinois. They had seven children who grew to maturity, of whom Margaret A. is the fifth, born March 8, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Harper had born to them ten children, of whom five are now living, viz .: Jacob C., who married Clara Clay- ton; Evilene, wife of Oliver Wilson; Joseph H., Chancy N. and John A. Mr. Harper moved to this county in the spring of 1843, and has made Middletown his residence to the present time. He learned wagon-making after he had reached his majority, and worked at same until 1875, when he retired from active work. Mrs. Harper is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Harper enlisted in November, 1864, in Company B, Thirtieth Ind. V. I., and some of the battles they participated in were those of Franklin, Nashville and Columbia. They were in Texas when the war closed, and were mustered out in November, 1865. Politically Mr. Harper is a Republican.

JOSEPH H. HARPER, merchant, Middletown, was born in this county January 7, 1862, and is a son of George T. and Mar- garet A. (Nebergall) Harper, who are still living and residing in Middletown, Prairie Creek township, this county. Joseph H., who is the third in a family of five children, all of whom grew to maturity, was united in marriage June 18, 1885, with Miss Clemmie, daughter of Oliver and Viena (Yager) Perry, natives of this State. Clem- mie, who was the youngest in a family of five children, was born in this county March 16, 1866, and died November 7, 1886. Mr. Harper received his education in the common schools of Prairie Creek township, and attended the commercial school at Terre Haute for a short time, then clerked in a store for ten years with his brother. October 20, 1884, he formed a partnership with his brother, under the firm name of Harper Brothers, and Joseph H. is located in Middletown, having charge of their store here. They have been very successful in their business enterprises. The senior member of the firm started in business with a capital of $300. Our subject has made his way by his own exertions, and now owns a house and two lots in Middletown. The firm own their building here, where they have a general store; also own shares in the salt works in South Hudson, Kas., and some town property in South and old Hudson, that State. Mr. Harper is a Republican, and served as assistant postmaster, four years.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

WILLIAM P. HARPOLD, farmer, P. O. Fontanet, resides on Section 24, Nevins township, where he and his brother Lewis own 180 acres of fine farm land, and is engaged in farming. He is a son of Anary and G. W. Harpold, who immigrated to Vigo county several years ago, where they remained. The father died in 1886, the mother is still living. William P. Harpold was born Septem- ber 12, 1853, was reared on a farm, and to the occupation of an agriculturist, which he has continued to follow 'successfully, thus far, through life. He was married in Vigo county, Ind., February 28, 1880, to Sarah J. Beaucham, who was born in Vigo county November 29; 1855. Mr. Harpold is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and in politics is a Republican. He is classified among the solid and influential citizens of the county. L. W. Harpold was born in Vigo county, Ind., November 21, 1855, and is engaged with his brother as partner in farming and stock-raising.

GEORGE D. HARRIS, of the firm of Preston & Harris, No. 713 Wabash avenue, Terre Haute, is a native of Philadelphia, and is a son of George and Eliza ( Weckerly ) Harris, former of whom was a native of New Jersey, latter of Pennsylvania; they died in the latter State. George D., who is the youngest in a family of three chil- dren, received his education in the public schools of Philadelphia, and has had to work his own way in the world, commencing at the early age of thirteen years. He first worked on a farm, four years, and then coming west, stopped, in 1873, in Terre Haute, where he clerked for James Davis, grocer, ten months, after which he went to work for W. H. Gilbert, confectioner, with whom he remained until 1876, when he returned to Philadelphia, and worked in a shoe factory five years. In July, 1881, he went to Indianapolis, and was employed as clerk for Heims & Co., and also for Charles Mayer. In October, 1883, he returned to Terre Haute, and again worked for W. H. Gilbert. Mr. Gilbert died in January, 1888, and Mr. Harris carried on the business for M. A. Williams, one year; then traveled one year for the Globe Medicine Company, and was thus engaged until April 1, 1890. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. No. 157, and Vigo Encampment No. 17. The daughters of Re- bekah, Prairie City Lodge No. 107, Canton McKeen No. 28 P. M., and of the Commercial Travelers' Association. April 12, 1890, Preston & Harris opened their confectionery and ice cream parlors, and they have had their rooms fitted up in elegant style. They manufacture fine ice creams and ices, ice cream soda being a specialty; they are also manufacturers of fine candies, and dealers in fine brands of cigars. Mr. Harris' experience in that line of business, and the acquaintance which both members of the firm have in the city and surrounding country give them a prosperous business outlook.

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History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections, Part 80

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