USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Richmond > Memoirs of Wayne County and the city of Richmond, Indiana; from the earliest historical times down to the present, including a genealogical and biographical record of representative families in Wayne County, Volume II Pt II > Part 26
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hibitions of physical prowess, skill or strength. Hle was fond of boating, swimming, sailing, and fishing, as occupations for leisure hours. As before stated, he lost his mother at the age of twelve years, and two brothers died in childhood. Ile could never refer to their loss without showing the tearful eye that betrayed the warmth of his affection and the tenderness of his nature, which closely blended strength with gentleness. He had three brothers, two sisters, and three half-sisters and two half-brothers. He was extremely fond of his home, his family and friends, for whom he was ever ready to make any sacrifice called for; and no stranger ever asked needed aid in vain. This side of his life was worthy of much admiration. lle was of a lively, sociable nature, fond of solid reading, music, poetry, and the drama, and he preserved his interest in current topics and his faith in his fellow man to the last. Ile was a personal friend to his employes, and though often tried and tested by the experiences of a long life, and dis- appointed sometimes to find his trust in men abused, he never held malice or resorted to retaliation, contenting himself with letting the culprit see his true self mirrored in the eyes of an honest man. Near the close of his long life he remarked that he would gladly live his life all over again, taking the bitter for the sake of the sweet. For more than fifty years he was a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, passing through all the degrees conferred by that order, though he was not an active member during the later years of his life. The Odd Fel- lows held a special service in his memory at his residence, the evening after his death. . Ile attended and lent his support to the North A Street Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, the funeral services having been conducted according to the rites in use by the religious organization which represented his faith. The interment was in Earlham Cemetery. On April 10, 1836, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Robinson to Miss Susan B. Er- win, and with this estimable lady he enjoyed the comforts of a happy home for nearly fifty-nine years, she having passed away Feb. 10, 1895. Of their eight children, two daughters -- Mary .1. and Anna S. ( Mrs. James J. Turner )-preceded them to the eternal home, and their only son, the late Henry E. Robinson, died in 1909. Five danghters are living and they all reside in Richmond -Mrs. Emily P. Yeo, Mrs. George W. Barnes, Mrs. S. E. Swayne, and the Misses Eleonora H. and Frances M. Robinson.
Thaddeus Nichols, for many years a leading farmer of Frank- lin township, is a native of Rush county, this State, having first beheld the light of day, Sept. 19, 1865, son of Harrison Nichols (see sketch). Thaddeus Nichols was ten years old when his parents moved from Rush county to Franklin township, Wayne county, and was reared and received his educational training in the district schools there. Upon leaving school he worked in the Bond saw- mill for a time and after his marriage removed to the farm where he resides. Since the year 1904 he has worked as a salesman for Irvin Reed, of Richmond, Ind., continuing his residence on the farm, and at all times has devoted his attention to farming. In politics
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lie has always been active in Republican circles, though he has never fostered aspirations for public office. Concerning religion he has ever entertained liberal views and is not affiliated with any congre- gation. His wife is a member of the Middleborough Methodist Episcopal church. On Dec. 31, 1887, he was married to Minnicola Stidham, daughter of William and Jane (Strawbridge) Stidham, and of this union there is a son, Clem, born May 9, 1891, who op- erates the farm for his father. Ile graduated in the common schools of Franklin township and finished his education in a business col- lege at Richmond. Another child, a daughter, died in infancy. Mrs. Nichols' paternal grandfather, John Stidham, was a native of the State of Delaware, but her parents were born in Wayne county. William Stidham, her father, was born in Franklin township, Oct. 31, 1834, son of John and Sarah Stidham, natives of Delaware, as before stated. He began his career by farming his mother's place, adjoining that now owned by Thaddeus Nichols, and remained there until the year 1857. Ile then purchased a part of the present farm of Mr. Nichols and spent the residue of his life there, at the same time assisting in managing his mother's place. He died April 30, 1876. Ile was a Republican in his political views and he and his wife were associated with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which the widow still retains her membership. Jane Strawbridge, mother of Mrs. Nichols, is a daughter of Joseph and Nancy ( Bankhead) Strawbridge, and was born in Wayne township, this county, Jan. 23, 1838. Iler parents were natives of Pennsylvania and spent the greater part of their lives in Wayne township. On Feb. 5, 1857, she was married to William Stidham and of their union were three chil- dren : Charles G., born Dec. 24, 1857, married Emma Commons and is a farmer near Lynn, Ind. ; Ellis 1., born July 14, 1859, resides at Dayton, Ohio; and Mrs. Nichols was born Dec. 22, 1866. After the death of her husband Mrs. Stidham remained upon the farm, the same being operated by her sons-Charles G. and Ellis 1 .- for several years. From 1885 to 1887 she lived in Richmond, but in 1887, when her daughter, Minneola, married, she returned to the homestead to spend the balance of her days with her daughter and son-in-law, leading a quiet and contented life.
Emmet E. Druley, who resides in New Garden township, is numbered among the successful agriculturists of this county and through his connection with this line of industry has gained a com- petence and a position of distinctive independence, while it is his to retain the confidence and esteem of the people of the county in which he maintains his home. He was born on his father's farm in Union county, Indiana, Oct. 11, 1881, a son of Edwin E. and Sarah (Moss) Druley, the former born in the city of Richmond. Edwin E. Druley was reared and educated in Wayne county and is a son of Smith Druley, who came from North Carolina to Indiana and was one of the pioneer settlers of Richmond, being one of the influential citizens of the community. Edwin E. Druley became one of the substantial agriculturists of Union county, where he owned a fine landed estate. Hle and his wife became the parents of seven children. Emmet E. Druley was reared to maturity under rural
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environment and influence. His early educational privileges were those afforded in the district schools of the locality and he duly rendered his quota of the work in the cultivation of the home farm. Later he took an agricultural course of two years in Purdue Uni- versity. Then, after another year of his father's farm, he rented a place in P'reble county, Ohio, and resided there two years. Ile then moved to a farm in New Garden township, this county, and two years later purchased his present farm, upon which he has erected an attractive modern residence and a commodious barn. lle is a Republican in politics and he and his wife are members of the New Light Christian Church in Preble county, Ohio. On Sept. 1, 1903, Mr. Druley was united in marriage to Miss Ella Toney, born in Preble county, Ohio, Oct. 13, 1884, a daughter of Andrew and Flora Toney, prominent residents of that county. Of this union have been born three children : Olive, born July 29, 1904; Elvert, born Sept. 28, 1906; and Vierl, born Feb. 21, 1908. Mr. Druley makes a spe- ciality of raising hogs and cattle in connection with general farming.
Charles T. Henchman, deceased, for several years a prosperous and influential citizen of Richmond, where nine years he was en- gaged in the confectionery business, and living retired at the time of his death, was another of those who attained to success in life entirely through his own indefatigable energy and enterprise. Ile was born in Boston, Mass., Aug. 23, 1832, son of Capt. Louis and Mary (Caswell) Henchman, natives of Boston ; the father was born March 4, 1794, and the mother in June, 1795. The father was a sea captain and followed sailing for a livelihood during the greater part of his active career. He was a considerable time in the United States service, under Commodore Decatur and other eminent com- manders, but because of an accident was compelled to give up that occupation and thereafter lived practically retired. The latter part of his life he resided with his son, Charles T., and died at the resi- dence of the latter, in Richmond, Dec. 29, 1882, an exemplary and honored citizen. His wife preceded him in death a number of years, passing away in Boston in January, 1858. Charles T. Henchman received a common school education in his native city and in Lex- ington, Mass., and then worked for a time as an employe in various occupations. He was engaged in the weighing business in Boston at the outbreak of the Civil war and enlisted as a private in Com- pany I of the Forty-fourth Massachusetts infantry, under Captain Kendall. The nucleus of this regiment was the Fourth battalion Massachusetts militia, organized at Boston, May 27, 1862, to serve during the pleasure of the President, and had been mustered out May 31, of the same year. The command volunteered almost as a unit when the call came for nine months' troops and was recruited to a full regiment at Camp Meigs, Sept. 12. It left the State Oct. 22, for Newbern, N. C., where it was brigaded with the Twenty- fourth Massachusetts, Fifth Rhode Island, and Tenth Connecticut, under Colonel Stevenson of the Twenty-fourth. At the end of October it engaged in the Tarboro expedition and saw its first fight- ing at Rawle's Mill. This expedition occupied two weeks, and in December it participated in the Goldsboro expedition. It formed
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part of the reserve at Goldsboro, whence it returned to Newbern, and in March went to reinforce a small garrison at Washington, N. C., and occupied the town during the siege. The regiment re- turned to Newbern on April 24, relieved the Forty-fifth, and was engaged in provost duty until its term of service expired. It was relieved by the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, June 6, returned to Boston, where it arrived on the roth, and was mustered out at Read- ville on the 18th. On July 13, on account of the danger of a draft riot, it was again called into service for a week. Upon being hon- orably discharged from the service Mr. Henchman returned to Bos- ton, where he was married and for some time thereafter was en- . gaged in conducting a feed store. In 1868 he removed to Lafayette, Ind., and engaged in the lumber business, remaining there about four years, after which he removed to Indianapolis, where he con- tinued in the same pursuit and was lumber inspector until 1882. In September of that year he came to Richmond and engaged in the confectionery business, forming the partnership of Henchman & Cox, which association continued a few years and was then dis- solved by mutual consent. Mr. Henchman then continued the business alone until about 1891, when he disposed of the establish- ment and, because of failing health, lived a retired life until called to his reward, Feb. 8, 1908. His was an industrious and successful career and he was ever recognized as an intelligent, honorable and public spirited citizen, in whom his fellow men had implicit faith and confidence. He was ever an ardent adherent of the Republican party and was extremely broad minded and liberal in all of his views. On Nov. 5, 1863, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary A. H. Pingree, who first beheld the light of day in Boston, May 20, 1837, daughter of Samuel H. and Mary A. ( Edwards) Pingree, natives of Newburyport, Mass. The father of Mrs. Henchman was born June 2, 1810, and died March 29, 1886. The mother was born April 11, 1810, and was summoned to the life eternal, Sept. 13, 1880. The father was a Morocco dresser in early life and later became the Western or St. Louis representative of his firm in the hide and leather business. He spent the greater part of his life in hotels in St. Louis, going home once or twice each year, and continued in that business until his death, which occurred suddenly. He attained to success and prestige as a follower of that pursuit, entirely through his own thrift and enterprise, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of the entire community in which he was so many years a resident. He never fostered ambition for public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business. To him and his good wife were born four children : George Edwards is deceased ; Joseph W. died Feb. 14, 1907; Mary A. H. is the widow of Charles T. Henchman ; and Julia M., who died in July, 1906, was the widow of a Mr. Taylor. To the happy union of Mr. Henchman and wife were born four children : Mary L., wife of Rev. B. F. Ivey, D. D., a minister at Indianapolis ; Georgiana C., widow of Joseph Richard- son, of Columbus, Ohio; Sarah E., who resides at home with her mother, and Julia P., who is the cashier and bookkeeper in the wool house of F. C. Taylor & Company, in St. Louis. Mrs. Henchman
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owns a fine residence besides other property in Richmond, and she and her daughters also own a beautiful summer home at Bay View, Mich., where they reside in the summer.
Joseph H. Elliott, deceased, for a number of years one of the leading citizens of Wayne township, engaged in agricultural pur- suits, was born near Dayton, Ohio, May 7, 1836. Ile was a son of Benjamin and Rachel (Hixon) Elliott. The parents came to Ran- dolph county, Indiana, in an early day, settling near Spartansburg, and there the father was actively engaged in agricultural labors until his demise. Of the union of these parents were born seven children, five of whom are living: Rebecca is the widow of Clarkson Fulghum and resides in West Richmond; Martha is the wife of Charles Ilutchins, a farmer at Lynn, Ind .; Samuel is a farmer and resides near llollandsburg; Miles is a farmer and resides in Arba, Wayne county ; and May Etta is the widow of Jessie Hubbard and re- sides in Winchester. Joseph H. Elliott received his educational training in the district schools of Randolph county and remained on his father's farm until he had attained his majority. He then purchased land and engaged in farming in Randolph county until 1893, when he purchased a farm of thirty-five acres, one and one- half miles north of Richmond, where he devoted his time to farm- ing until he answered the call of his Maker, June 18, 1904. He made a specialty of strawberries and fruit raising. Ilis passing was a distinct loss to the community in which he had labored, and his life was an example whereby many a younger man has shaped his career. He was a Republican in his political views, and although earlier in life a member of the Christian church, he later joined the Society of Friends. Mr. Elliott was twice married. His first wife was Anna Jane Wiggs, who bore him seven children : Rayford, de- ceased, was married and had five children-four girls and one son, Frank, who resides with Mrs. Elliott ; Alpha, wife of Omar Frank- lin, of near Danville, III. ; Effie resides at the same place ; George W. resides in Los Angeles, Cal .; Worley F. resides in Los Angeles, Cal. ; and two children died in infancy. On June 22, 1893, Mr. El- liott was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ellen Hawkins, dangh- ter of John Hawkins. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Elliott remained on the farm four years and then purchased a home in Richmond, where she resides and expects to spend the remainder of her life.
Albert H. Hunt, who died at his home in the city of Richmond, Dec. 1, 1908, was one of the honored citizens of Wayne county, where he maintained his home from his boyhood days until his death, and contributed in generous measure to the civic and ma- terial development and progress of the county, where he so ordered his life as to retain at all times the inviolable confidence and esteem of all who knew him. Mr. IInnt was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1851, and thus was fifty-seven years of age at the time when he was summoned from the scene of life's mortal endeavors. His father was Alonzo Hunt and his mother, Eliza Manifold, was born in Pennsylvania. In early life the father was a farmer and later engaged in the mercantile business at Westville, Ohio. Still later
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he came with his family to Indiana and took up his permanent abode in Wayne county. He settled in Wayne township, east of Rich- mond, where he purchased a tract of land, and resided there until his health failed, when he moved into Richmond and there died in 1870. Ilis widow continued to reside in Richmond until her death, about 1903. They were the parents of seven children : Charles died in childhood ; Lydia is deceased ; Anna is the wife of Oliver Darland, of West Richmond; Albert H. was the fourth in order of birth ; Emma is deceased ; Malinda is the widow of Jesse Williams and re- sides in Indianapolis; and Martin is a merchant in Cincinnati. Al- bert 11. Hunt secured his rudimentary education in the district schools at what was called Fountain Hill, and earned his own way in life from the age of ten years. Ile was reared to maturity under the parental care and was nineteen years old when his father died. Ile then learned the carpenter trade, but later engaged in farming, which he followed about seven years. Then he engaged in the im- plement business in Richmond about four years, after which he went to Tennessee and remained there one year. Returning to Richmond, he engaged as a salesman for an implement firm four- teen years, during the first year of the period at Topeka, Kan. He then engaged in the real estate business in Richmond and remained so employed until his death, and in which he held the unqualified esteem of all who knew him and had appreciation of his sterling attributes of character. Though never a seeker of the honors or emoluments of public office, Mr. Hunt took a deep interest in pub- lic affairs of a local order and was ever ready to lend his aid and influence in the support of worthy causes and enterprises. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party, and Mrs. Hunt is a zealous member of the Presbyterian church. On Oct. 12, 1876, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Hunt to Miss Emily F. Holmes, born in Wayne township, near Richmond, April 29, 1853, a daughter of Walker and Mary J. (Gore) Holmes, natives respectively of Wayne county, Indiana, and Rockbridge county, Virginia, the former born May 11, 1811, and the latter July 3, 1816. The father was of Scotch and English parentage, his father having been born in Ireland, of Scotch parents, and was three years old when the family came to America. Mrs. Hunt's paternal grand- father became a resident of Kentucky and came from there to Wayne county, about 1808. Here he entered the land upon which he spent the remainder of his life. His wife died several years pre- vious to his demise, leaving a large family of children. The par- ents of Mrs. Hunt continued to reside on the old Holmes homestead throughout the entire life of the father, who added to and im- proved the farm which his father had purchased from the govern- ment. He made a specialty of the stock business, was one of the originators of the Horticultural Society, and was instrumental in getting schools in his vicinity, improving the roads, etc. He died Oct. 19, 1868, and some years after his death his widow removed to Richmond, where she passed away, Feb. 8, 1887. They were folk of noble character and were held in unqualified regard in the commu- nity in which they long maintained their home. They were the par-
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ents of five children : John Wesley is deceased; Sarah Ellna is a re- tired teacher and resides in Richmond ; Mary M. died Nov. 18, 1876; Alice V. is the wife of Albert T. Marrow, a retired grocer of Rich- mond; and Mrs. Hunt is the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt became the parents of a daughter, Ruby, born Jan. 10, 1880, the wife of Ilarry M. Jay, of Richmond.
Edward Bradley Fletcher, deceased, left a record and memory that might well be the envy of anyone in the walks of civil life: His services to society were given with an enthusiasm and integ- rity that permit his life's reviewers to inscribe his name in the civil halls of fame and speak of, him as a man whose object in life was to secure the betterment of his fellow men and the upbuilding of his country. A nation's strength is measured by the loyalty of its citizens, and loyalty is a matter of individualism. A traitor to his country only gives to others cause for greater devotion, and the example of one whose life is spent in the service of peaceful industry is an ever present standard for his brethren. To him who would have a pattern for home life and faithful service, let him study the life of Edward B. Fletcher and profit thereby. This worthy gentle- man was born in Richmond, Ind., Feb. 11, 1857. Ilis predecessors were of the early American colonists and it might be said that cach generation has been among the most useful of citizens. Samuel Francis Fletcher, father of Edward B. Fletcher, was in early life a traveling salesman, but later engaged in the tea and coffee busi- ness, which he conducted many years. Late in life he retired from business, but continued his residence in Richmond until his death, about 1893. Ile took unto himself a wife in his early years, his choice being Miss Elizabeth Dix Iliatt, born in North Carolina, and died in 1907. They were the parents of nine children: Albert W. is a stockman and resides in Oklahoma; Sarah Elma is the wife of Elijah Coffin, of Pennsylvania ; William H. died in New York City ; Dr. M. II. is a dentist in Cincinnati, Ohio; Alice is the wife of Dr. Langdon, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Francis Nixon resides in Brooklyn, N. Y., engaged in the lace business; Edward B. was the next in order of birth; Jesse Dix is a traveling salesman and resides in Minneapolis; and Charles Coffin is deceased. Edward B. Fletcher remained at home until his eighteenth year, when he went to New York City and engaged as a salesman with the wholesale firm of Mills & Gibbs. What education he had opportunity to acquire had been very thorough and his mind was well disciplined. He had at- tended the ward schools in Richmond and also Earlham College, and as his was a natural intelligence and activity, soon became a leader in the field of his chosen endeavor. After a few years with the firm of Mills & Gibbs, in New York City, he engaged in the wholesale lace and curtain business with his brother, acting as the resident buyer in Europe several years. He resided successively in Scotland, France, and England, until 1890, when, on account of failing health, he returned to America and, taking up his residence at Greeley, Colo., resided there until his death, Jan. 24, 1904. He was a man who was very fond of reading, writing, drawing,, etc. In politics he was an ardent Republican and a strict adherent to the
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principles and policies of that great party. He was a birthright member of the South Eighth Street Society of Friends in Rich- mond. On Sept. 23, 1886, he led to the altar Miss Sarah M., daugh- ter of William and Mary (Barker) Baxter, of Richmond, and this loving couple lived a happy life from then until the time of Mr. Fletcher's death. To them were born two children: Esther, born Sept. 8, 1888, near Paris, France; and Emily M., born in Notting- ham, England, Feb. 17, 1895. After the death of Mr. Fletcher his widow and daughters returned to Richmond, where they have since continuously resided. Mrs. Sarah M. Fletcher, widow of Edward B. Fletcher, was born in Camden, N. J., Dec. 3, 1857. Her father was William Baxter (see sketch on page 80). Her ancestors were people of learning and education and she is gifted with a splendid mind, her knowledge of the world and its people having been broad- ened by constant reading, study and travel.
John Henley, deceased, was born in what is now the city of Richmond, Aug. 11, 1815. He was a man widely known through- out this section by reason of his business career. His parents- McCaga and Guhelma (Charles) Henley -- born in North Carolina, were people in modest circumstances. They came to Wayne coun- ty, overland, direct from North Carolina, and entered a homestead where the city of Richmond stands. The father later disposed of this land to his cousin, Thomas Charles, and purchased a farm south- east of the town, about one and one-half miles, where he continued to reside until his death. His widow survived him some years and died at the home of her son, Samuel Henley. They were the par- ents of eight children, all deceased. Jolin Henley obtained his edu- cation in a private country school in Wayne township and as a young man taught school in the winter and worked at the car- penter trade in the summer. In 1842 he moved to a farm just north of Fountain City, where he resided until about 1865, when he rented the farm and came to Richmond, where he engaged in the lumber business. He followed this line of endeavor about twenty-five years and then disposed of his interests and retired. About 1882 he built the home where his widow resides, and he also built several other residences, which he later disposed of. He did a great deal of church work and was secretary of the Yearly Meeting House when it was built. He also served as clerk of the Monthly Meet- ing. On Aug. 5, 1842, was celebrated Mr. Henley's marriage to Miss Naomi G. Clawson, who died in Richmond, leaving no chil- dren. On Oct. 22, 1873, Mr. Ilenley was married to Miriam W. Green, born at Newport, now Fountain City, in New Garden town- ship, June 30, 1840. She is a daughter of Robert and Rachel P. (Wilson) Green, the former born in Virginia, in 1804, and the latter in North Carolina, Feb. 4, 1809. In early life, for a few years, the father followed the business of a hatter in Newport, and about seven years engaged in the mercantile business in the same place, following which he was engaged in the hotel business in Newport until his death. With Levi Coffin he was prominently connected with the "Underground Railroad" movement, transporting slaves to Canada. IIe died Sept. 3, 1850, and his widow continued her resi-
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