History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections, Part 90

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

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

enough to be at all useful he was put to work in a store, and soon became a salesman, his employer finding him quite valuable. In 1848, at the age of twenty, he turned his footsteps toward the West, and in the search for a home reached Terre Haute. He had learned something of mercantile business, and had at the same time ac- quired a taste for it. He was fortunate in securing a position in a store in the town, and he went to work with that kind of resolu- tion, high morals and intelligence that are the sure forerunners of success. During the next five years he had made such progress as to receive an interest in the house, and from this to its head and chief was but an easy step. In 1860 he commenced business for himself, and by 1866 he had so increased his wealth that he was tendered and accepted the position as president of the First National Bank, at which time he disposed of his mercantile business.

His reputation as a financier and business man of marked ability had preceded this event, and his name to any enterprise was now a guarantee of success. He resigned his position in the National Bank, and united with W. R. McKeen in the opening of the bank- ing house of Minshall & McKeen, of which he was the principal manager. The new bank at once became one of the strong money institutions of the country. In 1877, having secured an ample fortune, after thirty-five years of continuous activity, he determined to partially retire, so disposed of his banking interests, and gave his attention exclusively to his large private affairs. In these years of life in Terre Haute he has identified himself, without exception, with every public enterprise for the advancement of the city and its people. He has fostered interests that are now giving employment to hundreds of men, in fact he has been the friend of the people, of the city, of education and of literature. He has used his princely fortune in a princely way for the public weal. In securing to Terre Haute the location of the normal he was of invaluable service; the same with the rolling-mill, the blast furnace, the nail works, and so on through nearly the entire catalogue of business concerns in the place. He has all the time eschewed politics, though a man always of the courage of his convictions, and as much above the dic- tation of partisan demagogues as he is above any mean or sordid act. He has served the people in the city council. In 1879 he was appointed United States Revenue Collector for the Terre Haute district, which office he resigned in 1883. He has been one of the most valued members of the city school board.

As already intimated, Mr. Minshall was not favored with the most ample school advantages in his youth, yet he is known exten- sively as a gentleman of high culture and rare literary attainments. He has been an industrious reader, and the emanations of his pen

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are marked as those of the graceful writer and scholarly thinker. Socially he is one of the most companionable of men. He has just about completed his residence on Cherry street, the most ele- gant mansion in Vigo county. Mr. Minshall was united in mar- riage, April 2, 1856, with Miss Sarah J. Seibert, of Chambersburg, Penn., and they have two children: Helen and Charles.

W. L. MITCHELL, dealer in notions and ladies' and gents' furnishing goods, Terre Haute, is a native of Clark county, Ill., and is third in the family of seven children of Dr. J. D. and Elizabeth (Welch) Mitchell, former a native of Tennessee, latter of Kentucky. He received a common-school education in Clark county, Ill., attend- ing also the Commercial College, in Terre Haute, four months. In 1872 he engaged in the boot and shoe trade, which he followed thirteen years, and then opened up the new East End Notion Store, where he is at present located. Mr. Mitchell is a young man of excellent business qualities, and by energy and industry has suc- ceeded in building up a good trade. He has been dependent on his own resources. Mr. Mitchell was married in Mishawaka, Ind., to Nettie, daughter of Charles Hickleman, who is a wagon manufact- urer. She is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church. Mr. Mitchell is a member of the K. of P., Apollo Lodge, Paris, Ill., and in politics he is a Republican.

R. H. MODESITT, merchant and justice of the peace, Seelyville, was born in Clay county, Ind., November 4, 1854, and is a son of William and Leretta (Crabb) Modesitt, former a native of Vir- ginia, latter of Ohio, and both of German origin-honest farmers who resided in Clay county, Ind. Their family consisted of eight children-four sons and four daughters-of whom our subject, the eldest born, was reared on the farm, attending the common schools, and then became a student at the State Normal, Terre Haute. After leaving school he became a teacher, which occupation he followed with more than average success, and was thus engaged for a period of over ten years. In 1885 he embarked in mercantile trade at Seelyville, where he has since managed his general store, and also kept a boarding house for the accommodation of the public. Mr. Modesitt has been twice married, the first time in Clay county, in 1880, but his wife died without issue, in 1882. In 1884 he married Miss Hannah, daughter of Lewis Morris Herbert, of Vigo county, and of Welsh descent. This union has been blessed with two chil- dren: Minnie and Maudie. Squire Modesitt and wife are members of the Chosen Friends at Brazil, Ind. He is a member of Terre Haute Lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., and has passed the chairs in the subordinate lodges.

PATRICK C. MOHAN, dealer in groceries and dry goods at No. 835 North Thirteenth street, Terre Haute, is a native of

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

County Donegal, Ireland, and was born December 25, 1848, a son of Thomas and Rose ( Carr) Mohan, also natives of Ireland. The father, who was a tailor by trade, died in Ireland, May 26, 1889, in his eighty-fourth year; the mother is now in her seventy-third year. Our subject, who is the fourth in a family of eight children, was reared in Ireland, and there received his education. October 5, 1866, he immigrated to Pittsburgh, Penn., and worked at pud- dling in a rolling-mill about four years. From Pittsburgh he came, February 20, 1870, to Greencastle, Ind., remained there a short time, and then moved to Knightsville, Clay Co., Ind., where he re- mained about three months, and then came to Terre Haute, where he found employment in the Terre Haute Iron and Nail Works as pud- dler, at which he worked until May, 1879. He was elected a mem- ber of the city council from the Sixth ward in 1876, and was re- elected in 1878, but resigned in 1879, to accept the position of deputy city marshal, under John H. Kidd, which position he occupied four years. He was appointed lieutenant on the police force in May, 1883, but resigned the position in August, same year, and engaged in business where he is located at the present time. He has suc- ceeded in building up a good trade, and has made his own way in the world. Mr. Mohan was married at St. Mary's, Vigo Co., Ind., September 14, 1876, to Miss Anna, daughter of Malichi and Bridget (McClearman) Curley, natives of Ireland; her father, who was a farmer, died in 1888; her mother is still living. Mrs. Mohan is the fourth in a family of ten children, and was born in County Galway, Ireland, May 1, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Mohan had born to them five children, viz .: Charles (deceased), Mary A., Thomas A., Anna and Henry. The parents are members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Mohan is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Association, also of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division No. 2; politically he is a Democrat.

J. A. MOORE, physician and surgeon, Prairie Creek, was born in Shelby county, Ind., October 17, 1852, and is a son of Valentine and Eliza (Conner) Moore, former a native of New York, and a farmer by occupation, latter of Ohio, both being of Scotch-Irish de- scent. They were married in Hamilton county, Ohio, came to Shelby county, Ind., where they lived several years, and in 1853 moved to Sullivan county, Ind., where they reside at the present time. The Doctor, who is the seventh in a family of nine children, all of whom grew to maturity, was married October 9, 1878, to Mrs. Lulie Timmous, widow of Wesley Timmons, to whom she was mar- ried September 26, 1872, having one child by this marriage, Carl L. Timmons. Mr. Timmons, who owned a boot and shoe store in Robinson, Ill., died February 15, 1875, a member of the Presbyte-

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rian church. Mrs. Lulie ( Timmons) Moore is a daughter of Will- iam W. and Mary E. (Steele) Ladd, former a native of Virginia, of Scotch descent, and latter of this State, of English extraction. They moved to Sullivan county in the fall of 1865, and here the father died; the mother is still living. They had a family of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, and of these Mrs. Moore is the fourth in order of birth, born November 22, 1854, in Louisville, Ky. Dr. and Mrs. Moore had born to them two children, Walter and Harry.

Dr. Moore was reared on the farm in Sullivan county, receiving his early education in the common schools there, also attending the high school at Sullivan. He then taught for five years, and read medicine under Dr. A. N. Weir. During the winter of 1878- 79 he attended the Medical College at Indianapolis, and, follow- ing summer, he read medicine under Dr. Weir; then attended the University of Louisville, Ky., where he graduated in the spring of 1881. He was one of the honor roll members of the university. The Doctor commenced the practice of medicine in Middletown, Ind., in the spring of 1881, and has since been successfully engaged in it. He not only had to make his own start in life, but had to pay for his education himself. He is a member of the Christian Church, and has served as Sunday-school superintendent. Mrs. Moore is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The Doctor is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., No. 476, Vigo county, and has passed all the chairs. Politically he is a member of the Repub- lican party.

JOHN W. MOORE, farmer and stock-grower, Linton township, P. O. Pimento, was born in Jefferson county, Ky., October 14, 1832, and is a son of Eleven and Elizabeth (Tyler) Moore, latter a native of Kentucky. The father who was born in Maryland, and followed farming, moved to Missouri in 1839, and died there in 1845. They had a family of eight children, of whom John W. is the fifth in order of birth. He was married March 30, 1859, to Mary C., daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Scammahorn) Blair, former a native of Kentucky and latter of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They had a family of six children, of whom Mrs. Moore is the third. She was born March 16, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Moore had born to them four children, viz. : Casie, born May 11, 1860, a school teacher in Linton township; Linnie, deceased; Minnie, born November 24, 1871, also a school teacher, and one (the youngest ) that died in infancy. Mr. Moore was reared on the farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits, having made his way in the world by his own exertions, and now owns forty acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., No. 2, Terre Haute. He has served one term as school director, and four years as township trustee.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

JOSHUA W. MOORE, Lost Creek township, P. O. Seelyville, was born in Highland county, Ohio, September 16, 1823, and is a son of Joseph (a farmer) and Rachel (Crabb) Moore, natives of Ohio, former of English and latter of German descent. They had a family of four sons and four daughters, of whom Joshua W. is the seventh. Our subject was married March 23, 1847, to Mary Ann, daughter of James and Elizabeth ( Watson) Jarvis, who had a family of three children, of whom Mrs. Moore is the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Moore had born to them eight children, five of whom grew to maturity: Joseph F., Elvis W., Marion F., George W., Clara M., all married. Mr. Moore was an early settler in this State, coming to Brazil in 1837. He first learned shoemaking with his uncle, then the blacksmith and wagon-maker's trade in 1844, which he followed seventeen years. He then began farming, and has made that his business to the present time. He is a self-made man, industrious and energetic, and now owns 245 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. He served as administrator five times ; was nominated for trustee on the Democratic ticket, but was de- feated. He has served as school director. Mr. Moore is a member of the Christian Church, and takes an active interest in its affairs.

T. S. MOORE, of the firm of Moore & Langen, printers and book-binders, of Terre Haute, was born in Madison county, Ky., May 9, 1847, and is a son of Walker and Sarah (Fitzpatrick) Moore, na- tives of Kentucky, and of Irish and English descent, former of whom was a farmer, miller and distiller. In the family were six children. T. S. Moore spent his young life at Crawfordsville, Ind., and in 1870 he came to Terre Haute, where he continued the print- ing business. He has been engaged in printing since 1868. Mr. Moore was married June 14, 1885, to Miss A. L., daughter of Ru- fus Lockwood, and of English descent. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ind. V. I., Company I, and served until the close of his term of enlistment. He is a gentleman who stands well in the business and social circles of his city.

WILMOT MOORE, M. D., Terre Haute. This gentleman was born in Orange county, N. Y., March 26, 1821, and is a son of Ben- jamin and Anna (Fullerton ) Moore, natives of New York, and of Irish descent. His father, who was a farmer and merchant, died in 1832. Our subject, who is the fourth in a family of seven children, was reared on a farm, and attended the district schools until he was twelve years old, when he entered a select school, and at the age of fourteen he entered upon the study of Latin and anatomy in a physicians office, where he commenced his studies in his chosen profession. From the age of seventeen to twenty-one, he taught school, finished his course in medicine, and entered upon the prac-

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tice in 1845. In 1857 he graduated at the Metropolitan Medical College, of New York City. Being of liberal mind, he has studied all the systems of medicine in vogue in this country, allopathic, hydropathic, botanic, eclectic and homeopathic, and has practiced in each and all, and for the twenty years last past, he has adopted homeopathy almost exclusively, as giving better results to him and his patrons than any other. He came to Terre Haute in 1864, and has practiced his profession here since that time. He is a man of studious habits, devoted to his profession, and has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice in Terre Haute. The Doctor was married in the State of New York, and has one child only, a daughter, who is now the widow of Calvin Thomas, and by whom she has one child, a daughter, Irma Thomas. Dr. Moore is a member of the I. O. O. F., a member of the Indiana Institute of Homeopathy, and is a Master Mason in good standing.

W. F. MOORE, engineer on the Vandalia Railroad, with resi- dence at No. 829, North Ninth street, Terre Haute, is a native of Danville, Ind., born October 3, 1850, and is a son of William and Sarah (Goslin) Moore, natives of Flemingsburg, Ky. The father, who was a carriage builder, died in Illinois, in 1883, at the age of sixty-five years; the mother is now a resident of Illinois. Our subject, who is the fifth in a family of seven children, was reared on a farm in Coles county, and received a common-school education. In 1869 he came to Terre Haute, where he worked during the win- ter on the Vandalia Railroad bridge, and in the summer of 1870 he began firing for the same company. He continued at that about three years, when he was promoted to the post of engineer in the yard, and this position he filled about two years, when he was put on the line as extra, then as regular freight engineer until 1880, when he was promoted to the fast line from Terre Haute to East St. Louis, which position he still holds. He has been very fortu- nate, never having met with an accident on the road. Mr. Moore was married in Terre Haute, December 3, 1873, to Miss Sadie E. Baird, who was born at Bairdstown, Penn., June 20, 1858, fourth in the family of six children of James A. and Nancy (Hall) Baird, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father, who was a steamboat captain and ship carpenter, served in the Civil war, and died in hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1864. Her mother is a resident of Indian- apolis. Mr. and Mrs. Moore had born to them two children; Charles A., born December 5, 1874, and Lula B., born February 12, 1876. Mr. Moore is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 51, and Vigo Encampment, No. 17, also of the Canton, No. 28. He and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah. He is independent in political matters.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

JOHN H. MORGAN, M. D., Fayette township, P. O. New Goshen. This gentleman, now engaged in the practice of medicine in this vicinity, has a well-earned and extensive practice. He was born at Middlebrook, Va., October 13, 1844, son of William and Eliza (Flinn) Morgan, who are of Scotch-Irish origin, and natives of Virginia. They now reside in Vermillion county, Ind., where the father for many years carried on the manufacture of carriages. Dr. Morgan, who is the eldest in a family of eight children, was reared in Virginia. He studied medicine early in life at Ports- mouth, Ohio, and subsequently attended the medical college at Baltimore, Md. He practiced for a time as an undergraduate, and then entered the Medical University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in the regular course, and thence went to B. H. Medical College, New York. He then engaged in the practice of his pro- fession in Virginia until 1874, when he came west, locating in Vigo county, since when he has practiced in the county. He has been financially successful, having made his own way in the world, and is the owner of a farm in Fayette township, this county. In 1861, at the age of seventeen years, he enlisted in the Fifth Virginia In- fantry, was assigned to a clerkship, and served until the close of the war, when he returned and studied medicine. Dr. Morgan was united in marriage in Vigo county, Ind., to Mrs. Sadie M. Barbour, nee Wonner, daughter of John Wonner. Her mother, whose maiden name was Lucy Clayton, is now librarian of the public library at Terre Haute, Ind. Mrs. Morgan is of English descent. Her par- ents were natives of Connecticut, and her father spent most of his life in this county, where he was a prominent contractor and builder. He died in 1867. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Morgan has been blessed with three children, viz .: Carrie V., Helen R. and Har- mon K. The Doctor and wife reside on their farms, both of them owning land, and the place where they reside consists of 300 acres of land. Dr. Morgan is a member of the I. O. O. F., of the A. O. U. W., and of the K. of P.

WILLIAM RILEY MORGAN, P. O. Prairie Creek, was born in Vigo county, Ind., September 18, 1841, and is a son of William and Sophia (Shattuck) Morgan, also natives of this county. Our subject's paternal grandparents were natives of Kentucky, of Scotch- Irish descent, and emigrated from that State to this county. in an early day. The parents of William R. were married in this county, and the father died about 1843, the mother in 1850. They had two sons and one daughter, Licurgus C. and William R. being the only ones now living. After the death of his parents, William R. lived with his uncle, Valentine Morgan, for a year, and then with Joel Myers, about four years, since which time he has made his

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own living, working as a hand until the beginning of the war, On September 18, 1861, he enlisted in company D, Forty-third Ind. V. I., participating in several fierce engagements, among which were those of Memphis (Tenn. ), Helena ( Ark. ), Fort Pillow and Mark's Mill. At the latter place he was captured and taken prisoner to Tyler, Tex., where he was confined for ten months, and then ex- changed. While on picket duty just across the Mississippi river from Helena, Ark., he was wounded in the face and forehead by a bullet which necessitated his being taken to the hospital, where he remained one week, preferring to be with his company although he was not able for duty for several months. He remained in the United States' service until June, 1865, when he was discharged at Indianapolis, immediately returning to this county. In 1867 Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Nancy Piety, who was born in Vigo county, in October, 1845, and by this union there is one child, born in 1871, named Walter P., now a promising young man. Soon after his marriage our subject moved to Champaign county, Ill,, and there farmed until 1870, when he returned to this county, where he has since resided. He has 137 acres of land, of which ninety-five are in cultivation, located thirteen miles south of the county seat. His schooling was very limited, he receiving only a few days' tuition after he was eight years of age. Mr. Morgan cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln. He and his wife and son are members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the F. M. B. A.

JOHN MULVIHILL, Nevins township, P. O. Coal Bluff, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, December 25, 1824, and is a son of John Mulvihill, who was a butcher. His mother, who was Julia Conners, also born in County Kerry, Ireland, still resides at the old home in Ireland, and is now nearly eighty years of age. John left his native land and came to Canada in 1869, where he lived until 1871, and then moved to the United States, settling in Rush county, Ind., where he remained until 1875, when he came to Terre Haute. Here he commenced in the rolling-mill, remaining until 1889, when he traded his city real estate for the farm where he now resides. He has made his way in the world unaided, and is en- dowed with more than ordinary energy, his success in life being largely due to his perseverance, industry and determination to win success. In 1848 he was united in marriage, in France, with Miss Henora, daughter of Edward Shehe, and born in Ireland in 1825. When she was in her twelfth year her parents removed to France, where she resided until her marriage; immediately after which event Mr. Mulvihill left his native country for France, where he remained fifteen years. This union has been blessed with ten children-five sons and five daughters-viz .: Julia, Margaret and

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

John, born in Olderney, France; Mary, born in Gansie, France; Thomas and Edward, born in the city of London, England; Charles, born in Canada; Michael, in Rush county, Ind. ; Ellen and Rosa, in the city of Terre Haute, Ind. It will be seen that none of their children are Irish by birth, and Mr. Mulvihill says that when his family are all at home and seated at the table there will be Irish, French, English, Canadian and Hoosiers present. The family are all members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Mulvihill is an active member of the St. Joseph Temperance Union; in politics he is a Democrat.

M. MURLE, merchant, Lockport, is the owner and proprietor of a general store in Riley township, and was born at Baden, Germany, January 18, 1842, the only son now living of the family of four children of Joseph Murle, who was also a native of Germany, born in 1808. The father came to America in 1853, and settled in Marion county, Ohio, on a farm, where the son was reared, attend- ing the common schools. In 1861 he moved to Vigo county, and learned the blacksmith's trade at Terre Haute, which he followed for four years, when he clerked in a store, and was employed as sales- man until 1875. He then embarked in his present business at Lockport, and has made it a success. He is also owner of a farm of eighty acres, and has made his own way in the world. Mr. Murle was married in Terre Haute, Ind., in 1869, to Miss Josephine Ashberger, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and this union has been blessed with three children: Charles F., Lena J., and William, who died. Mr. and Mrs. Murle are members of the German Lutheran Church; in politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN C. MYER, Harrison township, P. O. Terre Haute, is one of the prominent farmers of Vigo county, and resides on Sec- tion 1, Harrison township, where he is the owner of one of the finest improved farms in the county. It contains a half section, and consists of excellent land, nearly all being in a high state of cultivation. One-half is in Lost Creek township, and the other in Harrison. Mr. Myer is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and was born June 21, 1828, a son of Karl Fredrick and Margaret Myer, both natives of Germany, where they died. They were the parents of thirteen children. John C. was reared on a farm, re- ceiving a good education in his native country, and has followed agricultural pursuits. He served five years in the German army. In 1852 he immigrated to America, and settled in Ohio; in 1856 he came to Vigo county, and three years later purchased his present farm. He first bought 160 acres of wild land, paying for same $10,000. He first built a log cabin, in which he lived a number of years, and this primitive dwelling has been replaced with a

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History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections, Part 90

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