USA > Indiana > Memorial and genealogical record of Representative Citizens of Indiana > Part 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
Subsequently Mr. Stevenson formed a partnership with James Johnson, another of Mills & Gibbs' employes, and they opened a dry goods store on Washington street, the present site of the New York store. In a short time Mr. Stevenson purchased the interest of his partner and continued to carry on the busi-
435
ness successfully, building up a large trade, carrying a complete and carefully selected stock of goods, and taking rank with the leading merchants of Indianapolis. He later sold out to the Pettis Dry Goods Company, operating the New York store. He had been in business here about six years. Being anxious to again enter the active ranks of traveling salesman, he soon went on the road for William Meyer & Company, wholesalers and jobbers, of Broad- way, New York City, and he was assigned to his old territory, with his usual success, and was thus engaged at the time of his death, November 11, 1910, when about sixty-two years of age, after an eminently successful, useful and honorable career. He was a typical traveling man, large, genial, obliging and pleasing address-made friends readily wherever he went and had no trou- ble in retaining them. An example of his kindness and altruistic spirit was shown through his assistance in securing positions for many young emigrants to this country from Scotland, loaning them money, and doing what he could for their success. He was a worthy member of the Fourth Presbyterian church, of Indian- apolis, having joined the First Presbyterian church here under his warm, personal friend, Doctor Haines, later transferring to the first named church, under Rev. McIntosh, also a close friend; both ministers officiated at the funeral of Mr. Stevenson, which was largely attended. His remains were carried back to Irvine, Scot- land, and there, in God's quiet acre, he serenely sleeps the sleep of the just. He had spent but a year in his beautiful new bunga- low at Broad Ripple, whither he had moved in 1909 from No. 1928 North Meridian street. He was a member of the Caledonian Club, of Indianapolis, an old Scotch organization. Politically, he was a Democrat, and while he manifested the interest of a good citizen in the affairs of his adopted country he had no ambition for pub- lic honors. He was a lover of home and family, his life being ideal in this respect, always kind, considerate and indulgent. He was also a man of marked esthetic attributes, being an ardent admirer of art and literature of a high order, and was no mean critic of a painting, never failing to avail himself of an opportunity to sce a fine picture, and, being a wide reader and a profound student of the world's best literature, he was a most entertaining conversa- tionalist, his broad information and easy manners making him at home in any crowd. With few opportunities, he forged his way to the front, despite discouraging environments of his earlier years and was deserving of much credit for the large success he
436
achieved in a material way and for the well rounded, symmetri- cally developed, alert and sound mind which was evidently his.
The happy domestic life of Mr. Stevenson began on July 12, 1876, when he led to the hymeneal altar a lady of culture and re- finement for whom he returned to Scotland after his first few years in America, and who was known in her maidenhood as Stewart Morrison, and soon afterwards returned to America, his first voyage requiring twenty-three days, the second only ten days. Mrs. Stevenson was born, reared and educated at Irvine, Scot- land, and she is the daughter of James and Margaret (Fleming) Morrison, the father an architect by profession, his ancestors hav- ing been farmers. John Morrison, his father, owned a farmi, known as "Hill Head," which joined the famous "Moss Giel Farm," owned by the father of Robert Burns. Mrs. Stevenson's mother was a Covenanter, a woman of splendid Christian faith and fortitude and of sterling ancestry. The biographer deems it appropriate here to give a brief history of the Covenanters, who were later known as Cameronians or Reformed Presbyterians. They were adherents to one of four covenants, especially the last two. When the third or National Covenant was signed, it was pretty apparent that civil war would be the result of the deed and preparations were made both by Charles I and by the Cove- nanters. On January 1, 1640, the latter assembled twenty-four thousand people and the following year entered England, made a treaty with the English Parliament, and aided them in the civil war against the King. On the fall of Charles they entered the Solemn League and Covenant, designed to promote uniformity of belief both in England and Scotland on the basis of a Presby- terian establishment, but very partial success attended the scheme. Being monarchical rather than republican, they sympathized with Charles II against the commonwealth, and on his subscribing to the covenant on August 16, 1650, fought an obstinate battle for him at Worcester, September 3, 1651, which resulted in their de- feat at the hands of Oliver Cromwell. In 1661, when the English and Scotch nations coneurred in restoring Charles II, that mon- arch renounced the covenant, his prior subscription to which had been insincere, Parliament declared the covenant illegal, and or- dered it to be burned. Many in consequence renounced it, or quietly allowed the fact that they had ever signed it to lapse into oblivion; but the more resolute spirits held to what they had done, and no severity on the part of the government could turn them
437
aside from their purpose. Oftener than once they were in arms against the government. In November, 1666, they were dispersed at Rullion Green. On June 1, 1679, they defeated Claverhouse, the "Bonnie Dundee" of song, at Drumelog, but were themselves totally routed by the Earl of Mommouth at Bothwell Bridge on the 22d of the same month and year, many of the prisoners taken being tortured and then subsequently executed. For a time the noted Richard Cameron was their leader, on which account they are often called Cameronians. He, with about twenty others, all armed, entered the town of Sanquhar, on June 22, 1680, and for- mally proclaimed the deposition of Charles Stuart, meaning the King, but he was killed in a skirmish in Ayrshire a month later.
Three children were born to James and Margaret Morrison, namely: Margaret, who married Dr. James Dunlop, lives in Ire- land; Stewart, who married John Stevenson, of this memoir; Jane married Walter Smith and they reside at the old Morrison homestead, "Greenfield House," at Irvine, Scotland.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. John Stevenson was graced by the birth of two children, namely: John M., who married Neoma Hadley, and James Stewart, who married Lillian Shaff. They were both well educated and are young business men of much more than medioere success, and in their every-day lives they reflect the wholesome and careful home training which they re- ceived. In the spring of 1912 they both moved to near Humbolt, Saskatchewan, Canada, where they purchased ranches and there they intend making their future homes.
ISAAC DEGROFF NELSON.
One of the most conspicuous figures in the early history of Allen county, Indiana, and contiguous territory was the late 1. D. G. Nelson, who passed from the scene of his life's activities on the 24th of March, 1891. He was for many years actively and closely identified with the business interests, in varied lines, of this lo- cality and was widely known as one of the representative men of the northern part of the Hoosier state. Equally noted as a citizen whose useful career conferred credit upon the community and whose marked abilities and sterling qualities won for him much more than local repute, he held distinctive precedence as one of the most progressive and successful men that here ever inaugu- rated and carried to successful termination large and important undertakings. Strong mental endowment, invincible courage and a determined will, coupled with an honesty of purpose that hesi- tated at no obstacle, so entered into his composition as to render him a dominant factor in the business world and a leader of men in important enterprises. He was essentially a man of affairs, sound of judgment and far-seeing in what he undertook, and lie won and retained the confidence and esteem of all classes.
I. D. G. Nelson was a native of the old Empire state, having first seen the light of day at Poughkeepsie, New York, on July 2, 1810. His paternal grandfather, John Nelson, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and for his heroic services in that strug- gle he received a grant of five hundred acres of land in the town of Dryden, Tompkins county, New York. His son, Leonard, father of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer by vocation. He mar- ried Mary DeGroff, the daughter of Moses DeGroff, one of a family conspicuous for hazardous duty and valuable services rendered along the Hudson river during the Revolution, members of this family having been on duty between Poughkeepsie and Tarrytown at the time of the capture of Major Andre. It is thus seen that in both paternal and maternal lines the subject of this sketch was descended from sterling patriotic ancestry. Leonard Nelson died when his son, the subject, was but sixteen years of age, and upon the latter's young shoulders was thrown the care of a feeble
439
mother and his three young sisters, one of whom was an invalid. The home farm was heavily encumbered and it was a tremendous task for the young man to assume. He was equal to the demand upon him, however, and manfully and without complaint assumed his role as head of the family. At the age of twenty years he, with the aid of an uncle, started a country store and by this enter- prise, in connection with farming, he supported the family. In 1836 he and his sisters (his mother having previously married again) emigrated to Fort Wayne, where he resided the remainder of his life.
During his residence in New York state Mr. Nelson had been chosen to fill a number of offices, for he had followed in the foot- steps of his ancestors, who were Democrats, and had taken an ac- tive part in the political affairs of the day. He was elected a school commissioner at the age of twenty-one years, and at twenty-two years he became postmaster at Freedom Plains, his place of business. At twenty-three he was appointed commis- sioner of deeds for the county of Dutchess by the judges of the court, and the following year was appointed to take the county census. All of these trusts he discharged with such fidelity that at the age of twenty-five he was elected a delegate from his county to the New York Democratie state convention, which met for the purpose of nominating state officers, but more especially for the purpose of bringing forward prominently the name of Martin Van Buren as a candidate for the Presidency, a movement which was ultimately successful in his nomination and election. It was more than an ordinary honor to be a delegate to that convention, for it consisted of only one hundred and twenty-eight members and Mr. Nelson represented the largest county in the state, except New York city and county, in one of the most exciting and im- portant conventions ever held in that state. Although Mr. Nel- son was the youngest member of the convention, he was appointed one of the committee to invite the Governor to take a seat with the officers of the convention.
After coming to Indiana Mr. Nelson was selected as one of the committee on invitation and reception for the celebration of the opening of the Wabash and Erie canal, on which occasion General Cass declared that "our descendants will come to keep the day that we have come to mark."
Mr. Nelson was one of the original organizers, stockholders
440
and treasurer of the first packet boat company that operated on the Wabash and Erie canal and was one of the stockholders of the Maumee City & Fort Wayne Steamboat Company, organized for the purpose of navigating the Maumee river, He was the only Fort Wayne passenger on the first and only trip the steamer made on these waters, it being a trial trip to test the practicability of slack-water navigation between Fort Wayne and Lake Erie. 'The river was at high-water mark in consequence of recent floods, completely overflowing its banks and submerging the country along the entire route. Mr. Nelson rode on horseback from Fort Wayne to the "head of the rapids," near Maumee City, a dis- tanee of nearly one hundred miles, leaving his horse there until he made the adventurous round trip to Fort Wayne and back, which was safely accomplished in six days, by the captain dexterously dodging floating trees, saw logs, bridge timbers, fenee rails and a saw-mill on their way to the lake. The scheme was considered impracticable and the steamer was transferred to less dangerous waters.
In June, 1840, Mr. Nelson embarked on the sea of journalism, becoming the owner of the Fort Wayne Sentinel, then a Whig paper, and converting it into an influential Democratic organ, which he condueted with marked success for several years, In 1851 he was, without opposition, elected as the representative of Allen county in the first General Assembly under the new Indiana state constitution. This session lasted six months and as a legislator Mr. Nelson proved a man of exceptional ability and strength. He was the author of and instrumental in the passage of what was known as the "Nelson railroad bill," a law under which, with some slight modifications, all the railroad companies of the state have been organized, and gave his support to much other benefi- cent legislation. Under the provisions of the law referred to, he assisted at Logansport, in June, 1852, in the organization of the Wabash Railroad Company.
In 1843 Mr. Nelson became receiver of public moneys at Fort Wayne, which position he held until General Taylor's accession to the Presidency. During this term he was also appointed pay- master of annuities to the Miamis, in which latter function he introduced the system of paying silver directly to the Indians, an innovation, but the success of which so pleased the war depart- ment at Washington that, upon the final settlement of his ae-
441
counts in 1847, he received a letter of appreciation and thanks from the department. He was elected and served two terms as clerk of the Allen circuit court, discharging the duties of that responsible position with a fidelity that commended him to his fellow citizens, and in 1873 he was unanimously nominated by a convention of both parties for state senator, but he declined the honor, having determined to retire from active political life. Gov- ernor Baker appointed Mr. Nelson a member of the first board of trustees of Purdue University and in 1877 he was appointed by Governor Williams one of the new state house commissioners, a trust which he accepted and worthily discharged, holding the position until the building was completed, which was accon- plished within the limit of the first appropriation, a case almost without parallel.
Mr. Nelson was one of the first twelve incorporators of Lin- denwood Cemetery and was the first president of the association, continuing to hold this position up to the time of his death. The Lindenwood association, in appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Mr. Nelson in the interests of this city of the dead, caused to be erected on the Nelson lot a magnificent monument for himself and family, and under the shadow of this shaft lie the remains of himself and his wife, who had died one year before.
Mr. Nelson was actively engaged in public and private busi- ness of several kinds, but most of the time in agricultural and horticultural pursuits and in stock raising and landscape garden- ing. In the scientific advancement of these departments of in- dustry he was a pioneer and continued to be an investigator and writer, many of his contributions appearing in the newspapers of his home city. He was a lover of nature and "God's out of doors" possessed a rare charm for him. Of him it could well be said that he was in sympathy with all the world and in his own way he did what he could to improve conditions and make the world better and pleasanter to live in. His rural home, Elm Park, four miles east of the city of Fort Wayne, was regarded as the finest and most complete place of its kind in the state in all of its appointments, and on the occasion of the state fair being held in Fort Wayne in 1865 the entire board of agriculture and other visitors made a special visit to his residence to see his place and inspect his grounds, which were handsomely described by correspondents of the metropolitan newspapers. Mr. Nelson was for many years a
442
life member of the National Pomological Society, and was always foremost in all agricultural, horticultural, pomological and simi- lar organizations and enterprises of the day, whether local, county, state or national. He was in turn president, vice-president and secretary of all of them. He assisted in establishing the first sue- cessful nursery of fruit and ornamental trees in his section of the state and also assisted, in 1856, in the organization of the first live stock company for the importation and sale of blooded stock and was the largest purchaser at the first sale. His stock always took first premiums, and on fruit he took over one hundred and fifty first premiums in money and silver cups.
On August 23, 1838, Isaac DeGroff Nelson was united in mar- riage with Elizabeth Rockhill, daughter of Hon. William Rockhill, an early settler of Fort Wayne, who was a Van Buren elector in 1836, and subsequently a representative in both branches of the Legislature and a member of the thirtieth Congress. He was always a Democrat. By vocation he was a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were born four children, namely: A son, the late ex- Sheriff DeGroff Nelson, died in May, 1887; Mrs. Henry W. Bond and Miss E. R. Nelson reside in Fort Wayne, and William R. Nel- son is editor and owner of the Kansas City Times and the Kansas City Star.
In religion Mr. Nelson was an Episcopalian and served as a vestryman for many years, more than four decades, being senior warden at the time of his death, as he had been for many years previously, always having the most earnest solicitude for the wel- fare of the church and the advancement of its interests. By re- quest of the vestry of Trinity church, Hon. Franklin P. Randall prepared a memorial on the life and services of the deceased, whom he had known for more than a half century. Mr. Randall said: "In the death of its late senior warden, I. D. G. Nelson, this church has lost one of its oldest, most active, exemplary and revered members. His connection with Trinity church dates from its first organization and for nearly fifty years he has been a use- ful, devoted and highly esteemed member of the same; and during all that time his Christian zeal never grew weary, nor did his de- votion to true religion ever abate. In his family he was an in- dulgent father and a most kind and devoted husband. In his inter- course with the world the justice, propriety and benevolence of his conduct caused all to regard him as a model citizen, whilst the
-
443
ease and frankness of his manners, a constant observance of the amenities of life, and a sedulous regard for the feeling of others, made for him personal friends of all with whom he came in con- taet. Always candid, always pleasant, always courteous, he never offended by rudeness or wounded by unkind remarks.
"In his varied relations in life he received that respect from others to which the excellence of his own character so eminently entitled him. Kind and forbearing himself, he paid respectful regard to the opinions of others.
"During his long life he experienced prosperity and adver- sity, but his practical good sense enabled him to meet every emer- geney with calmness and self-control. Without ostentation or ob- trusion, in his own quiet way, he had lived among us, a true Chris- tian gentleman.
"The truth of the Christian religion, impressed on his youth- ful mind, cherished and matured in his riper years, did by the blessing of God vouchsafe to him in his last moments its hope and its consolation.
"He has gone to his eternal rest. A noble granite shaft looks down upon his new-made grave. Yet all of Lindenwood, that beautiful home for the dead, is his monument. Those pleasant walks, those shady groves, those green and delightful lawns, those lovely flowers, have all taken shape and form and made their growth under his guiding and fostering hands, and while grass grows and flowers bloom they will remain to him a memorial.
"Several days before his death lie became satified that his life's work was done, and he so told his family and kindly and affectionately assured them that he was prepared, ready and even anxious to depart. No doubts or fears disturbed the Christian serenity of his last hours. Death came to him, not as the king of terrors, but as a kind friend to open for him the doorway to the home of the blessed. In the stillness of the sick chamber he heard a heavenly voice, in subdued and melting accents of tenderness and compassion, saying: 'Fear not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God,' and he might in truth have adopted the words and sentiment of the great apostle: 'I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. * Hence- * forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.' How
444
many years of an ordinary life docs such a dying moment over- balance."
Many splendid tributes to the character and worth of Mr. Nelson were offered by the press, among which we quote the fol- lowing sentences:
Fort Wayne Sentinel-"A citizen whose very name was the synonym of all that is esteemed in the eyes of inen."
Fort Wayne Gazette-"Men of this kind are an inspiration to the community and, dying, require no monument to perpetuate their deeds or their memory."
Indianapolis Sentinel-"He was a man of the highest per- sonal character, of excellent ability, of strong convictions, of great industry, and in every respect a most useful and worthy citizen."
Indianapolis News-"He was a fine type of citizenship; one of the kind that contributes most largely to the sturdy body of impulse that makes real progress."
Indianapolis Journal-"The most prominent man in north- ern Indiana, as far as active connection with the development of the country is concerned, was the Hon. Isaac DeGroff Nelson."
Indiana Farmer-"He was one of the oldest, best known, most enterprising, public spirited, upright and honored citizens of the state."
GEORGE WHITING PIXLEY.
This vital, progressive age is one that demands of men a distinctive initiative power if they are to attain to success worthy the name, and in addition to this power is required self-reliance, determination and consecutive application in the pursuit of a def- inite purpose. All these attributes have been exemplified in the career of George Whiting Pixley, who has gained success and prestige in the business world and who is distinctively the archi- tect of his own fortunes. Appreciative of the attractions and ad- vantages of the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, he has here found it possible to gain a position as one of its leading financiers and substantial men of affairs, and has always enjoyed unmistakable personal popular esteem in the city which he elected to make his home and the scene of his well directed endeavors. Since one of the designated functions of this publication touching the history of the leaders of affairs in this state is in according recognition to those who stand representative in their various fields of business activity and other arenas of endeavor, there is propriety, from this consistent viewpoint, in noting the salient points in the ca- reer of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch, who, after a long and eminently successful, useful and honorable career is living practically retired at this writing, but whose influence is still potent in the general progress of the city long honored by his residence.
Mr. Pixley was born March 1, 1834, at Kirkland, Oneida county, New York. He is the son of David and Charlotte (My- gatt) Pixley, the father born May 28, 1798, at Stratford, Connecti- cut, and he died March 20, 1884; the mother was born in Clinton, New York, March 27, 1805, and died July 5, 1885. They grew to maturity in the East, received good educations in the schools of their communities, and they were married at Clinton, New York, September 7, 1830. The mother of the subject was the daughter of Austin Mygatt, who was a manufacturer at Kirkland, New York. The father of the subject, David Pixley, was postmaster for forty years, merchant and manufacturer at Kirkland, New York. He was one of the earliest commercial travelers known,
446
selling his goods from his own cotton mills. In 1880 he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Kirkland, New York.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.