USA > Indiana > Daviess County > Living leaders, an encyclopedia of biography : special edition for Daviess and Martin counties, Indiana > Part 28
USA > Indiana > Martin County > Living leaders, an encyclopedia of biography : special edition for Daviess and Martin counties, Indiana > Part 28
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His neighbors know him only to respect him most highly, and all acquaintances honor him with their friendship.
NOAH MOSER. Among the representa- tive business men of Martin County, no name is more worthy of mention than that of Noah Moser, who is cashier of the White River Bank of Loogootee, and the practieing pension attorney of that place. He was born in Martin County, Ind., June 2, 1845
His parents, John and Telitha (Wagoner) Moser, were early settlers of Martin Coun- ty. Mr. Moser was reared on a farm and given a common school education. In 1866 he accepted a clerical position at Loogootee with Patrick Larkin, with whom he re- mained until the death of that gentleman. Mr. Moser served as deputy postmaster of Loogootee as express agent ; in 1869 took np insurance business in which he has since continued. In 1879 he became a pension attorney. From 1885 to 1887 he was postmaster of Loogcotee. December 1, 1896, he purchased a half interest in the White River Bank of which he is now cashier.
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November 2, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Moser and Mary O'Brian. The marriage has given issue to one child, Georgiana.
REV. TIMOTHY O'DONAGHUE, the be- loved and esteemed pastor of Saint John's Roman Catholic Church, at Loogootee, Ind., is a native of Daviess County, Iud. He was born November 9, 1844. His par- ents were James and Mary (Too.ny ) O'Don- aghue. They were natives of County Cork, Ireland, where they married and then emi- grated to America, first residing in New York, and then, abont 1834, became citi- zens of Daviess County, Iud. Here the father died Jannary 17, 1878. The mother lived for many years afterward, making her home with the subject of this review. She passed to her final rest February 17, 1896. These parents had ten children, viz: Joanna ; Mary ; Margaret ; Amelia ; John ; Timothy ; James ; Dennis; Michael and Lenora.
Rev. O'Donaghue was reared in Daviess County, attended the public schools, and in 1868 entered St. Joseph College at Bards- town, Ky. Here he prosecuted his studies for four years. His education was com- pleted in St. Meinrad's College, Spencer County, Ind. He was ordained Priest at Indianapolis February 17, 1878, by Arch- bishop Purcell, of Cincinnati. In March of the same year he was sent to Montezuma, Ind., as pastor of St. Ann's Church, of that place. While serving that church he also attended the mission of St. Mary's Church at Rockville, Ind. After a period of about eighteen months he was transferre 1 to St. Mary's Church in Daviess County. While here he also attended the mission of St. Joseph's Church in Martin County. In 1890 he was made pastor of St. John's Church at Loogootee over which he has since presided. This church has a mem- bership of about two hundred families, and a beautiful church building, a brick struct- ure, and a school governed by the Sisters of Providence.
Father ('Donaghne's pastorate at Loo- gootee has resulted in a substantial in- crease in the membership of his congrega- tion, and has improved the same spirit- ually, morally and financially.
WILLIAM R. WALLACE was born in Martin County, Ind., June 18, 1861, and is a son of Francis and Mary (Roth) Wallace.
Both of his parents were natives of Ohio. They became early settlers of Martin Coun- ty. His father enlisted in the Union Army in 1862, and was killed July 3, 1863. The mother of onr subject subsequently married Edward Nicholas, now deceased. She is now a resident of Loogootee.
Wm. R. Wallace was reared on the farm, and farming has been his life pursuit. He was married January 27, 1886, to Alice, the daughter of Robert and Mary A. (Walteu) Wildman. She was born in Mar- tin County December 19, 1862, and is the mother of: Frances R. W. and oue child who died in infancy.
Shortly after Mr. Wallace's marriage he settled upon his present farm, of 200 acres, of fine and well improved land. He is a representative of one of the practical aud successful farmers of the conuty, and is one of the county's most valued citizens.
MAJOR WILLIAM HOUGHTON. This representative and well known citizen of Martin County is a native of Indiana, born in Daviess County October 28, 1839. His parents were William H. and Harriet (Poor) Houghtou. His father was born in Mason County, Ky., in 1809, and his mother was born in Massachusetts in the year 1819. William H. Houghton was a son of William and Celia A. (Mckay) Houghton, who were pioneer settlers in Daviess County, Ind , coming to the coun- ty in the year 1819. They were the par- ents of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity and were the following: Jeanette, Aaron, Phoebe, William H., Eliza, Saxton, Bonam R. and Albert.
William H. Honghton came to Daviess County with his parents, married Harriet Poor, danghter of John and Hannah (Chute) Poor, who came from Massachu- setts to Washington County, Ind., at an carly day.
Unto William H. and Harriet Houghton were born nine children, viz: Silas, de- ceased ; Aaron, deceased ; William ; John, deceased ; Jeanette ; Walter R .; Eugene ; Hileary (2., and Harriet.
It appears that both the Houghton and Poor families are of Scotch and English origin.
Major William Houghton obtained a fair education, taught school for a number of years, and farmed in summer seasons until prompted by a spirit of loyalty he
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tendered his services in defense of his country. April 23, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 14th Ind. Vol. Inf., as Ser- geant.
June 7, 1861, he was promoted to the rank of First Lientenant, and May 12, 1862, to the rank of Captain, February 14, 1863, to the rank of Major, and remained in this rank to the expiration of his term of ser- vice. During the campaign of the wilder- ness he was Inspector General of the 2d corps on the staff of Gen. Hancock, and was honorably discharged June 20, 1864. He participated in all the battles and skirmishes of his regiment. September 17, 1862, received a flesh wound in the left arm, and December 13, 1863, received a gunshot wound in his left thigh. After his discharge from the service he returned to Daviess County and engaged in the mill- ing and lumber business.
In 1868 Mr. Honghton was appointed Assistant Collector of Internal Revenue, an office he held for two years. For sev- eral years thereafter he was Government Ganger. Meanwhile he was also engaged in farming and lumbering, but in 1877 he was appointed to the office of Government Gauger and Store Keeper and for three years thereafter he devoted his entire time to the duties of this office. He resigned this office and again took up the milling and lumber business, which he sold out in 1881. For about one year thereafter he was engaged in the drug business. He then accepted the position of Superinten- dent of the Eldorado Spoke Works at Eldorado, Ill. This position he held till 1888, when he returned to Martin County.
In 1891 Major Houghton entered into a co-partnership with Fred. E. Davis in the banking business at Loogootee, Ind. Mr. Davis established the business in 1888. Major Houghton's present partner in this business is Noah Moser, who purchased the interest of Mr. Davis December 1, 1896. The bank which they operate is known as The White River Bank, and has a capital stock of $25,000. Major Houghton is president of the institution and Mr. Moser cashier.
Major Houghton was married January 6, 1870, to Kissie E. Reinhart. Mrs. Houghton is a daughter of John J. and Minerva J. (Davis) Reinhart, and was born in Martin County November 10, 1847.
Major Houghton is a member of the Christian Church, the Masonie Fraternity, the Grand Army, and is a Republican in polities.
ABRAHAM W. PORTER, M. D., of Loo- gootee, is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Martin county. He was born in Carroll County, O., June 23, 1835. His parents were Nathan and Susan (Nofs- ker) Porter, and were natives of the " Buck- eye State." The father was born in the year 1812, and the mother in 1814. The former was of Scotch descent, and the lat- ter of German. They married in Ohio and in 1858 removed to Martin County, Ind., where they continued to' reside till their deaths. They had the following children : David, Levi, Alexander, James, Alwilda, Catherine, Leonard H., Adaline and Abra- ham W. The last named being the oldest of the family. He received a good com- mon school education in his native county, and after completing his literary course in Richmond College, Jefferson county, O., engaged in teaching school. For several years thereafter he was engaged in teaeh- ing, and meanwhile attended Barnesville Academy, of Belmont County, O., and took up the study of medicine.
He was married Angust 7, 1859, to Mary L. Barnes, a native of Ohio, born at Barnes- ville August 3, 1837. Her parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Bradfield Barnes). In 1866 Dr. Porter removed to Martin Coun- ty, Ind., and settled at Dover Hill. He was engaged in school teaching till 1868, in which year he began the practice of medieine. In 1871 he attended the Eelectic College of Cincinnati, which institution he again attended in 1875-6. From this eol- lege he graduated May 9, 1876. He is a member of the Indiana Ecleetie Medieal Association, of which he was President in 1890. He is also a member of the National Medieal Association. He was appointed a member of the Board of Pension Examin- ers by President Harrison for Martin County. He has been a successful practi- tioner and has long stood in the front rank of his profession. In 1894 he became a candidate for Representative to the State Legislature and was elected. Fraternally he is a Master Mason.
Unto his marriage have been born the following children : Rev. John W., Isaac M., deceased ; James E. Charles A., Wal-
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ter, deceased ; Elvina E., Estella and one other that died in infancy.
The Doctor and his family are members of the Christian Church, and number among the leading families of the community.
HENRY WOOD, editor and proprietor of the Martin County Tribune, also attorney at law and notary publie at Loogootee, is one of the esteemed and representative cit- izens of Martin County. He was born in this county March 19, 1857 and is a son of Charles and Mary C. (Padgett) Wood, who were also born in Martin County. Our subject's paternal grand-father was James Wood, a prominent character in the early history of Martin County. He was a na- tive of Kentucky, from which state his father, Moses Wood, together with his son, moved to Martin County at a very early day. They entered land on White River about four miles east of Loogootee and there settled. There Moses Wood died at the ripe age of ninety years. James Wood was his only son. and married Anu Drake be- fore coming to Indiana. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, represented Martin County in the Legislature of Indiana, and for many year served this county as one of its Associate Judges.
Charles Wood, the father of Henry, was born in Martin County, Ind., May 29, 1832. He married Mary C., daughter of Benediet and Eliza (Gates) Padgett, and af- terward settled on a part of the old Wood homestead where he resided and followed farming until his death, May 4, 1882. His widow survives him and resides on the same farm. He was trustee of Perry Town- ship two terms and sheriff of Martin County one term. He was a man of sterling qual- ities and the number of his friends was lim- ited only by the circle of his acquaintance. He was the father of the following chil- dren : Minerva J., Phoebe A., Wm. J., Lydia M., Carrie C., deceased, and Henry. The last named is the oldest of the family. He received a fair education and engaged in school teaching in which he remained more than ten years. He assisted his fath- er in the sheriff's office. In 1887 he was employed as book-keeper for C. S. Wood & Co., of Loogootee, with whom he re- mained till January 1889 when he purchas- ed a half interest in the Martin Connty Tribune, with F. J. Maston, which was at that time located at Shoals. Shortly after-
ward they moved their newspaper office to Loogootee and not long thereafter Mr. Wood became the sole proprietor of the paper.
In 1879 Mr. Wood began reading law under W. R. Gardiner and after going to Loogootee continued his studies without a preceptor. In 1884 he read law under Judge Marvity of Paola, Ind., and in 1889 was admitted to the bar in Martin County. December 25, 1890 Mr. Wood led to the marriage alter, at Loogootee, Miss Anna Feagan. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias order and is among the sub- stantial and progressive citizens of bis town. As an editor he has demonstrated ability, having for years published one of the best and cleanest county newspapers in this section of Indiana.
BALWIN REILY is one of the oldest citi- zens of Martin County. His birth occurred in Perry Township, of this county, on the 26th of October, 1825. The place of his birth is within a mile of where he now re- sides. His father, Barney Reily, was a native of Mason County, Ky, and was a son of James Reily, who was a native of Scotland and an emigrant to the United States prior to the revolution and a settler in the Virginia colony. There he married and subsequently removed to Mason Coun- ty, Ky. He was the father of six children, viz: Charles, Barney, Rachel, John, James and Naney.
Barney Reily came to Martin County in 1818, and here resided until death. He married Margaret Raney, who was a native of Kentucky, and came to Martin County in an early day with her parents, who were Joseph and Martha (Silvers) Raney. Unto the above marriage were born the follow- ing children : Alonzo, Baldwin, Clement, Mason, William, Martha, Melissa and Caro- line.
Baldwin Reily, the subject of this men- tion, was married in Martin County, No- vember 19, 1847, to Catherine L. Brown, who was born in this county November 19, 1827. Her parents were Sanford and Elizabeth (Clements) Brown, and they were among the early pioneers of this coun- tv. Since 1857 Mr. Reily has resided in Loogootee, of which place he was appointed Postmaster in 1861. He enlisted in the service in 1864 in Company F, 137th In- diana Volunteer Infantry, and served till
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the expiration of his term of enlistment. Mr. Reily is the father of eight children, viz : Alonzo S., Anna, Mary, Artelia, Mar- garet, Edith, Jennie, deceased, and Minnie. Mr. Reily is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. He is a publie spirited and enterprising citizen, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of a wide circle of friends.
Edwin A. OPPELT, M. D., is one of the leading physicians of Martin County. He was born in Tuscarawas County, O., Feb- ruary 26, 1820. Charles Oppelt, his father, was a native of Canada, settled in in Pennsylvania, married Sybilla Belling, subsequently removed to Tusearawas Coun- ty, O., thence to the State of Iowa, where he and his wife passed away in death. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom the subject of this review is the eld- est. He received a fair education in the schools of Ohio; completed a classical course in Clarion Academy at Clarion, Penn. He learned gun-smithing, and after following the same for a time, engaged in school teaching. At the age of 22 he be- gan the study of medicine under Dr. James Ross, of Clarion, as his preceptor. He was a pupil of Dr. Ross for six years, dur- ing which time he practiced medicine to some extent. He then returned to his native county, and regularly took up his profession. In 1869 Dr. Oppelt first located in Loogootee. Later he was located at Cannelburg for a short time, but returned to Loogootee, where he has since continued to reside.
He was married in Venango County, Penn., May 14, 1850, to Mary J. MeKiney, who was born in Center County, Penn., January 12, 1822, and died at Loogootee March 2, 1895. For nearly a half century this good woman shared the joys and sor- rows of her devoted husband, and was a faithful wife and loving mother. Her chil- dren were three in number : Rachel A. G., deceased; Louisa A. and Frances I.
Dr. Oppelt is one of the oldest, most skillful and best educated physicians of Martin County. In 1857-8 he attended what is now the Western Reserve Universi- ty, of Cleveland, O., from which institu- tion he graduated in 1858. For many years he has stood in the front rank of his profession, but for the last few years he has not been in the most active practice by rea- son of his advanced years.
He has led a long and useful life, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of a wide cirele of friends. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and holds a mem- bership in the Presbyterian Church.
STEPHEN H. BRITTAIN, M. D., of L00- gootee. Ind., is one of Martin County's most skillful and prominent physicians. He was born in Salem, Washington County, Ind., September 25, 1836. His parents, Thomas and Catherine (Hoel) Brittain, were na- tives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, and of Irish and German extraction. Dr. Brittain's paternal grandfather was Samuel Brittain, a native of Ireland and a settler of Virginia. Dr. Brittain's father came to Washington Connty, Ind., in 1818, and there married and resided till his death. He was the father of seven children, viz : Mary J., Susan, Alice, Wm. W., Stephen H., Sarah A., and Ellen.
Until the subject of this review reached his majority his life was spent upon the farm After completing a fair literary ed- ucation in the schools of his native town he engaged in teaching. While teaching school he began the study of medicine. During the years 1857-8 he attended the Cincinna- ti College of Medicine and Surgery. For a short time thereafter he continued his- studies under the guidance of Dr. MePhe- ters, of Livonia, Ind., who had been his preceptor prior to his entering college. In 1859 he graduated from the above named college and immediately began the practice of his profession at Newberry, Ind., where he remained until he enlisted, April 1861, in Company C, 14th Indiana Volunteer In- fantry. He became First Lieutenant in 1862. The following year he resigned his commission and went to Loogootee, Ind., where he and Capt. Harrold recruited and organized Company K, 143rd Indiana Volunteers which was mustered into the service in January 1864. Of this company he served as First Lieutenant till the close of hostilities and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., in October of 1865. He returned to Loogootee and at once took up the practice of medicine.
Dr. Brittain was married at Loogootee March 12, 1863, to Elizabeth A., daughter of John B. and Catherine (Berkshire) Wood. She bore him four children, two of whom grew to maturity, viz : Laure K., now Mrs. H. A. Martin, of New Castle,
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Ind., and Thomas K., also of New Castle.
The mother of these children died in December 1892, and in the following Sep- tember Dr. Brittain married Letitia K., daughter of Alexander and Isabel (Bland- ford) Sharum. This marriage has given issue to one child, viz : Stephen G.
Dr. Brittain is a Master Mason, a mem- ber of the I. O. (). FF., and the G. A. R. He has served three terms as Command- er of the Post and is the present incum- bent of that office. He is an active mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church and a highly esteemed citizen.
JAMES C. O'BRIEN, deceased, was born in Martin County, Ind., October 5, 1836. His parents were John J. and Elizabeth (Montgomery) O'Brien. They were pion- cer settlers of Martin County, settling on the farm now occupied by the widow of the subject of this mention. Their children were the following; Julia A., Rose E., James C., Jane E. and Joseph E.
James (. O'Brien was reared on the farm and taught the lessons of industry and perseverence which in after years crowned his efforts with success. In the main farming was his life pursuit. He was married January 29, 1863, Mary Quigley becoming his wife. She was born in Cass County, Ind., May 21, 1844, and is a daughter of Joseph B. and Mary (Murphy) Quigley. Her father was a native of Tennessee and her mother a native of Pennsylvania. They settled in Daviess County many years ago. Their children were: Jane E., Susanna P., Joseph H., Mary, John J., Anna T., Regina N., Rose E., William F., and George B.
James C. and Mary Q. O'Brien became the parents of the following children : Mary E., boru November 11, 1863 ; Eliza- beth B., born September 18, 1865; John J., born May 22, 1867, died September 4, 1873; Joseph H., born September 21, 1869, died March 29, 1871; George F., born November 19, 1871; William M., born December 27, 1873, died January 28, 1874; Lewis E., born February 15, 1875; Charles M., born July 22, 1877 ; James C., born October 20, 1879.
Mr. O'Brien passed to his final rest May 2, 1883. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church to which his family also belong. He was a representative farmer,
became the possessor of twelve hundred acres of land and died leaving a good es- tate to his family. In business affairs he displayed wisdom and judgment, mani- fested strictest honesty and his word was universally respected.
He held several positions of honor and trust, performing the duties of each with marked ability and fidelity. In his youth he took the census of Martin County. For nearly ten years he held the office of Coun- ty Auditor of Martin County. He was also Treasurer of the same county, and also served as a County Commissioner.
He was public spirited, ever manifesting a deep interest in matters of publie con- cern. In his death the county lost one of its most valued citizens, his neighbors a trusted friend and his household its revered head.
JOHN N. BREEN, of Loogootee, was born in Ireland, County Wexford, March 9, 1838. His father, Nicholas Breen, was a native of the same county and one of three sons born unto Thomas and Alice (Devereux) Breen ; he came to the United States in an early day, remained for four years and then returned to Ireland, where he married Mary Hayes, daughter of Wal- ter and Margaret (Dillon) Hayes, who were of Anglo-Norman lineage aud natives of the Barony of Forth. After the marriage of Nicholas Breen he became a merchant in Ireland, but met with indifferent snecess and then decided to come to the United States. He left his family in Ireland, where his wife remained till her death. His death occurred soon after his arrival in this coun- try.
John N. Breen, the subject of this re- view, is the only child of his parents, save a daughter, Alice, who died in infancy. Upon the death of his mother Mr. Breen was taken by his grandmother, with whom he lived until coming to the United States, in 1848. On coming to this country he secured employment in the wholesale grocery house of John Hayes, at Louis- ville, Ky. After a stay here of two years he accepted a elerical position in Washing- ton, Ind., which he held for seven years, and then (1857) located at Loogootee, where he opened up a general store in part- nership with his Washington employer, James Campbell, who in two years soll his interest to his son James J. Campbell, in
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partnership with whom Mr. Breen remained till 1888, in which year he purchased his partner's interest.
During President Buchanan's adminis- tration Mr. Breen served as Postmaster of Loogootee. He has also served as a mem- ber of the Martin County Board of Com- missioners. He has been President of the Loogootee Fair Association. While residing at Washington he was Presi- dent of the Washington National Bank for a time. He has been Presi- dent of the Loogootee Detective As- sociation for more than ten years, and a
member of their Advisory Board, off and on, for twenty years.
Mr. Breen was married October 11, 1865, to Mary J., daughter of James and Sarah (MeIlhenny) Campbell. Mrs. Breen was born in Columbiana County, O., May 12, 1836, and came to Washington, Ind., with her parents when a child. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Breen were born seven children, viz : James W., Anna L., John N. deceased, Mary E., Alice B., Matilda C. and John F. Mr. Breen and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and are numbered among the leaders of society.
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