USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Portrait and biographical record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain counties, Indiana : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens : together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 24
USA > Indiana > Montgomery County > Portrait and biographical record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain counties, Indiana : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens : together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 24
USA > Indiana > Parke County > Portrait and biographical record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain counties, Indiana : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens : together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 24
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business on the Chicago and Cincinnati boards of trade. Ile is a shrewd, careful, clear-headed finan- cier, invests his money judiciously, invariably securing good returns, and whatever his judgment sanctions is sure to be sound and safe.
Our subject is very pleasantly situated as re- gards his domestic life, as his wife is a true home- maker, who knows how to guide her household affairs so as to contribute to the comfort and well- being of lier family, or of any friend or stranger who may be the recipient of their charming los- pitality. Mrs. Davis bore the maiden name of Eliza E. Bennifield, and, like her husband, she is also a native of this county, of which her father, George Bennifield, was one of the original settlers. Hle came here from Jefferson County, having pre- viously come to the State from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had three children. George E., who lives on his father's place, married Miss Amelia Seaman, of this county; Millie is the wife of Dr. J. L. Beatty, of New Market, one of the leading physicians of Montgomery County; and Henry died at the age of four months.
Mr. Davis is a gentleman of honor and high "personal standing, ever courteous and considerate in his intercourse with others, and charitably dis- posed towards the needy and unfortunate. Hc is imbued with a generous public spirit, having always the dearest interests of his native county at heart, and his hand has fostered many an enter- prise for the promotion of its growth. 1Ie is identified with its financial institutions as one of the directors of the Citizens' National Bank at Crawfordsville and as a stockholder in the Live- stock Insurance Co. of that city, that has a capital of $100,000.
As a leading member of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, our subjeet has played an important part in raising the standard of agri- culture in this section of the country. He was one of the original stockholders of the society, and it is largely due to the progressive and en- lightened policy that he has pursued in the vari- ous offices that he has held, from Superintendent of Floral Hall to that of President of the society, that it has so completely fulfilled the purposes of such an organization. He has spared neither time
nor money to make the Crawfordsville Fair what it now is, the best in the State. During his term as president, by his untiring efforts and the able assistance of Secretary F. L. Snyder, enthusiast- ically seconded by their fellow-members, the Craw- fordsville Fair for 1891 far exceeded in number and value of exhibits any fair in Indiana, except the State Fair.
Mr. Davis is a Republican of decided politieal views, and he has been an active worker in his party. Ile is one of the most prominent Masons in the State, one of the chief members of Mont- gomery Lodge, and he has taken the thirty-second degree of Masonry. He has been Treasurer of the commandery, of which he was a charter member and as standard-bearer he has carried the banner at six triennials of the order-once at Baltimore twenty years ago, and at Cleveland, Chicago, San Francisco, St. Louis, Washington and Denver.
ILL B. REED. Of the younger element of our prominent, energetic and influential citizens, none are better known than Will B. Reed, one of the distinguished attorneys of Fountain County. During the years he has prae- ticed his profession here, he has shown himself to be endowed with superior ability, and his comprehensive knowledge of the law, together with the soundness of his judgment, secured him almost immediate recognition at the Bar. From that time to the present he has so identified him- self with the affairs of the place, that its history can not be recorded without according him a con- spicuous and honorable part.
Mr. Reed was born in Delphi, Ind., March 1, 1856, and his father, Joseph C. Reed, D. D., was a native of Ohio. Ilis mother, Emma (Boothroyd) Reed, was a native of England, and they were married in the State of Indiana. Rev. Joseph C. Reed was twice a Representative to the general conference, and prepared a history of the North- western Indiana Conference, mainly biographical
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. of the men with whom he was associated. It was left in writing and has never been published. Ile was a natural poet and a born orator, with en- larged views, and he often delivered his whole sermon in rhyme. Ilis entire life was passed in ministering to the spiritnal wants of his fellow- men in Indiana. The degree of D. D. was con- ferred upon him by Asbury University, about ten years before his demise. Ile was Secretary of the Northwestern Indiana Conference for twenty-five years, and was presiding Elder for eight years after the war and again a few years later. Ile had a pastorate at Attica in 1878, and lived in that city for two years. His widow is now a resident of that place. This good and noble man passed away in October, 1889, after a life spent in doing good deeds.
The early education of our subject was received in the high schools of La Fayette, and later he be- gan reading law with Isaac E. Schoonover, being admitted to the Bar in 1881. After this he was connected with Mr. Schoonover for about five years, but was in his office for about three years prior to that, and since 1886 he has practiced his profession alone. In the same year he was elected Proseeut- ing Attorney for the Twenty-first Judicial District by the Republican party, and in 1888 he was re- elected without opposition. In 1886 his oppon- ent was Daniel W. Simes, and our subject was elected with eleven hundred majority, when the ordinary majority was about six hundred. He is at present City Attorney, and is an earnest advo- cate of the principles of the Republican party. He has been a delegate to State and Congressional conventions, and is one of the leading young men of the county.
Mr. Reed is Secretary of the Attica Building and Loan Association, was one of its originators in 1883, and has always been its Secretary and Attorney. Socially, he is a Royal Arch Mason and is a Thirty-second Degree Mason. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, being Master Exchequer and Past Chancellor. He is a member of the Grand Lodge and the first representative to the same. On the 3d of April, 1884, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Carrie L. Hay, of Attica, daughter of Dr. D. K. Ilay, formerly a
prominent physician of Attica. Mrs. Reed was born in that city on the 20th of April, 1857. The union has been blessed by the birth of one child, a little girl of six named Nayne. Mrs. Reed is a worthy and consistent member of the Methodist Church, and a lady of taste and judgment.
In Mr. Reed the community has a faithful and unswerving friend, ever alert to serve her best in- terests and generous in his contributions toward every movement tending to the general advance- ment. He is an accomplished and polished gentle- man, both by instinct and training, and possesses generous, true-hearted and hospitable instinets.
AWRENCE O. GRAY, the junior member of the firm of Pence & Gray, is the gentle- man whose name introduces this sketch. Hle was born near Birmingham, Ala., September 28, 1863, to Andrew W. and Elizabeth Gray. The" former was a farmer by occupation, but in his younger days was a successful school teacher, and was born in 1819. After leaving the public schools our subjeet completed his education at the Central Normal College, of Danville, Ind. After the com- pletion of his course at the Normal, he became one of the few successful teachers of the county.
Mr. Gray has followed this occupation for nine years, in both common and graded schools, and at the close of his scholastie labors he held a per- petual certificate entitling him to teach anywhere in the State during his lifetime. Ilis services as a teacher were always in demand, and he could command the best wages paid to any of his class. He was principal of the graded schools of JJessup, Ind., and also of Poland, subsequently accepting a position as an instructor of languages at Catlin. After closing his school labors he purchased an interest in a general merchandise store at Bridge- town, Parke County, and entered into partnership with Mr. W. R. Pence. As has been stated in the sketch of his partner, the storeroom was enlarged
Elizabeth la. Fullinsider.
1 auch
Fullinwider
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and a good stock of boots, shoes, clothing, etc., was opened up in June of 1892.
July 15, 1891, Mr. Gray became the husband of Miss Ella May Brown, a young lady resident of Florida Township, and a daughter of William Brown, a representative farmer, who is the posses- sor of two hundred and fifty acres of fine farming land. Mrs. Gray was born May 8, 1874, and after her marriage became the fond mother of one child, a son, Claude B., who was born September 25, 1892.
Politically, our subject is a Democrat, but not one of those politicians who aspire to political prominence. Hle is a member of the Christian Church, while his good wife is a devoted mem- ber of the Methodist Church. He is well posted in regard to national topics, and is a strong advo- cate of Republican principles. This enterprising young business man is possessed of sagacity, fore- thought and energy, and is attractive alike to friend and stranger. He always takes a lively in- terest in his mercantile operations, and is deserv- ing of a representation among the business men of the county.
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AVID FULLINWIDER, who was one of the most prominent farmers of Parke County, now resides on section 4, Greene Township, where he and his sons are en- gaged in raising principally wheat and corn. Be- sides growing cereals, he devotes considerable at- tention to live-stock, having kept some of the best varieties, and does a large business in that line. On the farm may be found at the present time about three hundred sheep, the majority be- ing of the Shopshire breed. Mr. Fullin wider takes a great interest in everything relating to the com- munity, and has used his influence for the exten- sion of railroads through the county. Ile gave $500 to help the construction of the Monon Route, and was also very liberal in getting the Vandalia Line through, being one of the local di- rectors. This was at the time when it seemed as
though the whole enterprise would be a total fail- ure. His township, particularly, owes a debt of gratitude to him for the building of the Vandalia Road. He is also a promoter of the building of the gravel roads.
In Shelby County, Ky., Mr. Fullinwider's birth occurred on October 15, 1814. Ile was a son of Jacob Fullinwider, who was born in Washington County, Pa., and was the son of Rev. Peter Fullin- wider, a preacher of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, who came to this country from Switzer- land and was in Ft. Rice, on Buffalo Creek, Washington County, Pa., where the settlers were attacked by one hundred braves. The Indians, who were repulsed, loaded a wagon with flax, intending to push it up to the block-house and set it on fire, but a rain coming on wet the flax and it would not burn, so they were foiled in their attempt to burn the fort. Our subject's father was born in 1765, removed to Kentucky about the year 1796, and was married two years later, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Catherine Winter. Returning to Shelby County, Ky., where they were among the earliest settlers for a number of years, he and his family were obliged to make their place of abode for two years in a block- house or fortress. During the War of 1812 he served under Anthony Wayne in the North- west, and in the frontier campaign he took part in the battles of River Raisin and Tippecanoe. He entered land of the Government in Shelby County, on which he brought up his large family of six- teen children, fifteen of whom lived to be fifty years of age. At the present time the following survive: Dr. Samuel, of Creston, Iowa, who is nearly ninety years old; David; llenry W., a far- mer in Kentucky; and Mrs. Catherine Mount, of Crawfordsville, Ind. The father was a large land- owner, a Whig, and strong Anti-Slavery man. He was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was an Elder. His death occurred on the farm he had entered in Shelby County, in the year 1847, aged eighty-two.
The deceased brothers and sisters of our subject are as follows: Rev. Peter Fullinwider; John, who was reared in Washington County, Pa., as was also his elder brother; Elizabeth, the wife of Lewis
11
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Beatty, a tanner; Ann, wife of Asa Tucker, a far- mer in Kentucky; Eleazer, an agriculturist of Montgomery County, Ind .; Mary, wife of Robert Cooper, who lived in Henry County, Ky .; Lucinda, Mrs. Mount, who died in Montgomery County; Christopher, a farmer, who was one of the '49ers in California, and whose death occurred at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Gamaliel; Nancy, wife of Ilenry llarris, a farmer in Shelby County, Ky .; and Jacob C., a farmer in Henderson County, Ky.
Mr. Fullinwider was educated in the old log schoolhouse of pioneer days in the Blue Grass re- gion, and remained by the old fireside until 1838, when, on October 9, he wedded Elizabeth C. Mox- ley. She was a daughter of George and Cathar- ine Moxley, of Shelby County, Ky. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Moxley was a prominent farmer and active busi- ness man of that county. Both he and his wife died in Shelby County. Mr. Moxley was a Virginian by birth, his wife from Bourbon County, Ky. He was politically an old-line Whig. Mrs. Fullinwi- der was educated in the schools of her native county. The year following their marriage the young couple came to Indiana, settling in Greene Township, Parke County, where the young man bought a farm of two hundred acres, which was one of the best-im- proved farms in that region. For twelve years he made his home there, afterward making a per- manent settlement on an adjoining farm, where he now lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Fullinwider were born ten children, five of whom grew to ma- turity. The same number still survive. Those living are William II., who is in the grocery busi- ness at Waveland, and was in the Union service during the late war, being wounded and taken prisoner at Richmond, and subsequently released; Mary C., who married Sidney B. Davis, who is recognized as the leading attorney of Terre Haute; Samuel Winter, who lives at home; Emma, wife of Canby Speed, of Louisville, Ky., who is engaged in the building and loan association business, and is a nephew of old Gen. Canby and of Atty .- Gen. Speed; and Irving, who married Miss Rhoda Hobsen, and lives at home. The deceased mem- bers of the family are George M., who died aged eight years; Susan O., whose death occurred on
the same day at the age of six years; Samson E., who was about five years of age; Martha N. and Lillie, who were cach about three years of age.
For sixty-five years the gentleman of whom we write has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has for many long years been Elder. In early days he was a Henry Clay Whig, and sinee the organization of the Republican party has been a stanch supporter of its principles. During the war he was a stanch Union man. When the sec- ond church at Waveland, the Presbyterian, was be- ing constructed, he gave the generous sum of $1,000 to the cause, and has always been a very liberal supporter of the church, foreign missions and all benevolent enterprises. Hle voted for the estab- lishment of our present public school system in this State, and has always been a friend to schools, seminaries, colleges and religious works that would tend to advance Christ's kingdom in the world. IIe was appointed a commissioner by the Presbytery of Crawfordsville, and in 1860 he attended the General Assembly of his denomination at Roches- ter, N. Y. Ile was the owner of the first reaper of the region, buying one about 1853. The career of Mr. Fullinwider has always been marked by the utmost integrity and the highest sense of honor. lle needs no eulogy, as his good works are his best memorial.
R EV. FRANK WELCH, whose residence is on section 2, Adams Township, Parke Coun- ty, became a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church in 1886, and was licensed to preach on the 9th of January, 1890, since which time he has been active in the work. He organ- ized a church in Raccoon Township and has preached there regularly ever sinee. Ile is rec- ognized as an able speaker, being principally known as an evangelist. He holds meetings nearly all the time during the fall and winter, and has been very successful as a revivalist. Frequently
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he is called upon to preach funeral services in dif- ferent parts of the county, and is altogether a worthy representative of the church to which he belongs.
Mr. Welch was born in Rockbridge County, Va., November 17, 1841, the son of Robert Welch, who was born wear Richmond. The latter was reared in Virginia, where he married Miss Susan Ferris. Af- ter this event he removed to Rockbridge County, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1857, his wife having died the previous year. They had seven children, of whom five grew to maturity, namely: Frank, John, Alexan- der, Joseph and Nancy. Until his seventeenth year our subject remained in his native county, where he received the most of his education, though he went to school soon after coming here.
When the war broke out, Mr. Welch was one of the first to respond to the call for troops, enlist- ing in the first company which went from this county, as he volunteered in April, 1861, in the Fourteenth Indiana Infantry, being a private in the company under the command of Capt. Foote. For over three years he was in service, being wounded in the battle of Antietam by a bullet. He re- turned to Rockville as Orderly-Sergeant of his company. Among the battles in which he took part were the following: Fredericksburg, the Battle of the Wilderness, Gettysburg, Spottsyl- vania and Harrison Landing, besides many other important and minor engagements. Altogether, his army record is one of which he may well be proud, as he was ever found at the post of duty.
Returning to Rockville on leaving the army, our subject engaged for a time in working on the farm of Mr. Ott, and afterward went into the store of the same gentleman in Rockville, where he re- mained until his marriage, August 11, 1864, to Miss Mary, daughter of James Allen. an early settler of the county. Mrs. Welch was born and reared in Parke County, and here her death occurred in March, 1876. She was the mother of four children, all of whom are living. Mattie is the wife of George Strickler, who is a farmer in Cedar County, Iowa; Louie is the wife of Oscar Boos, a farmer of Adams Township; Willie and Alice reside at home. After his first marriage Mr. Welch located on the
farm where he now lives, and of which he after- ward became the owner.
November 15, 1881, Miss Mattie Swaim became the wife of our subject. Her father, George Swaim, lived in Washington Township, and was an early settler of the county. Mrs. Welch was a native of Parke County and was educated in the com- mon schools. Her two children, Laura and Homer, are attending the schools of the neighborhood. Mr. Welch owns a fine farm of about four hundred acres in one body. and his residence is situated in a pleasant spot surrounded by shade trees. Aside from this homestead, our subject owns a farm of one hundred and two acres in Cedar County, Iowa. As an agriculturist and stock-raiser he has been successful to a marked degree. He deposits his ballot in favor of the Republican nominees, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In this locality, where he is so well known, he is much respected and highly thought of.
0 LIVER P. BROWN. Time lias dealt kindly with this gentleman and his wife, and has enabled them to lay aside the labors they bore in former years and settle down to the enjoyment of the physical comforts and social pleasures their adequate means and good taste make possi- ble and agreeable. They have an extended ac- quaintance and have long been known as among the best representatives of the agricultural class in Reserve Township, Parke County. The estate, which is a very valuable one, comprises over three thousand three hundred acres in this township and one hundred and ninety acres near Rockville.
Our subject, who is perhaps the wealthiest resi- dent of Parke County, is a native of Ohio, his birthplace being near Venice, Butler County. He was born to Samuel and Polly (Herren) Brown November 18, 1823. The grandfather of our sub- ject, John Brown, was born in Ireland, and went to Mifflin County, Pa., where he settled in Colonial
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days. Here he reared three sons and one dangh- ter to nseful and industrious manhood and wo- manhood, and here he died.
The father of our subject, Samuel, was born in Miflin County, Pa., May 27, 1782. In 1809, in partnership with another party, he built a boat and descended the Ohio River with his team and household goods on board. Landing at Cincin- nati, he immediately made his way to Butler Coun- ty, and purchased a small farm near Venice. In 1824 he sold eighty acres of this farm and moved to Parke County, Ind., locating on section 18, range 9, where he entered eighty acres and subse- quently purchased forty adjoining acres, the whole of which he finally improved. During these years of hard toil he was enabled to accumulate two hundred and eighty acres of land in the township where he resided, besides clearing a portion of wild and unsettled land near Logansport. He was a stanch worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. To himself and wife were born ten children, whom they named William H., Nelson, Rachael, Nancy, Elvira, Margaret, Samuel, Mary A. and Sidney. The devoted wife and mother was born September 22, 1783, and died at the age of seventy- four years.
The gentleman of whom we write was reared on his father's farm, receiving a fair education in the district schools of the locality. In 1850 he started in hfe for himself, buying two hundred acres of unbroken land, and by closely applying himself to the pursuits of farm life, at the same time extensively speculating in grain and stock, he now ranks among the best agriculturists of this section, and is proud of the fact that his posses- sions are the result of his own energy and good management. In politics he is a warm supporter of the Democratic platform and principles, and is in favor of all elevating measures in his community. He was highly honored with the gift of the respon- sible office of County Commissioner, being the first Democrat elceted to that position in the long per- iod of twenty years.
Mr. Brown has been twice married, his first un- ion occurring November 1, 1849, to Mary, daugh- ter of John and Rebecca ( Wade) Moore, who was an honored pioneer resident of Rock County, this
State. Mrs. Brown was born in Parke County and was one of three children, the others bearing the names of Isabel and Rebecca. This estimable lady passed away October 23, 1856. Mr. Brown chose for his second wife a lady who was known as Miss Nancy Warner, their union being celebrated Feb- ruary 12, 1857. Mrs. Nancy Brown is the daugh- ter of .Joel and Susannah Warner, of this county. By this union were born four children, three of whom reached mature years, namely: Einma, Samuel and Mattic. The deceased one, Charles, died at the interesting age of two years. Emma is the wife of John Adams, and they make their home in Reserve Township; Samuel died at the promising age of twenty years; and Mattie is yet under the parental roof. The Methodist Church finds in Mrs. Brown an active and influential mem- ber. The handsome and spacious residence of Mr. Brown is replete with all the conveniences of life, and to his innumerable friends and acquaintances a gracious hospitality is extended.
YRE L. HANNA is a respected and honored resident of Waveland, Montgomery Coun- ty. Probably there is not a community in the United States which is not the home of one or more men who have carved their fortnne single- landed, and to whom great credit is due for the result achieved. He whose name heads this biog- raphy ranks with the self-made men of this State, and in consequence of an industrious, energetic and enterprising career is to-day the owner of quite a snug fortnne.
Our subject was born in this county in the year 1834, being a son of William and Elizabeth (Glenn) Hanna, both natives of Shelby County, Ky., at which place they were married. They were pioneers of Indiana, settling in this portion of the Western wilderness in the year 1829. The wife and mother departed this life in 1839, Leaving a family of six children to mourn her loss, Mr.
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Hanna married again, Miss Mary D. Watson be- coming bis wife. She became the mother of eight children, seven of whom are still living. The Hanna family have generally engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. They trace their lineage back for more than the customary one hundred years, and delight in the fact that their ancestors were sturdy Scotch Highlanders, natives of the land of Burns, and clanmen always ready to answer the call of the pibroch. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Adam Hanna, was one of three brothers who emigrated from the Old Dominion to Shelby County, Ky., where all of them reared their fami- lies.
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