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 31
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 31
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 31
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On the 3d of November, in the year 1837, when Mr. Ross was but little past his majority, he wed- ded Martha Lewis, daughter of William and Mary Lewis. To them were born nine children: Adelia, wife of Henry Clark, of Kansas; Henry; Walter; Mary, Mrs. James Stowey; George W., Jr., Lincoln, Winfield, and Martha A., deceased. These chil- dren have all been given good school privileges, thus fitting them for the battle of life. Mr. Ross cast his first ballot for Andrew Jackson, and has since that time been a firm Republican. No man in this community is more respected or more worthy of the confidence and good-will of all than is our subject, whose life has been above reproach and one well worthy of emulation.
G
C HRINEYANCE SCHENCK, a representa- tive farmer of Montgomery County, is con- ducting an extensive farming business af- ter the most approved modern methods, and his large farm on section 25, Wayne Township, is among the best-equipped and most valuable estates in this locality. Mr. Schenck is a native of War- ren County, Ohio, and was born in the year 1828. His father, who was born in New Jersey, was a soldier in the War of 1812, enlisting as a substitute for his father, Capt. Wilham Schenck, who was an officer in the Continental army during the Revolu- tion.
The parents of our subject had five children be- side himself: Eliza A., the eldest, who was born in 1822, and married Edward Shaw, who was a far-
mer, and is now dead; Sarah, who was born in Ohio, and married James Sisson, who is also dead; Harriet, who was born in Ohio, and married Francis C. Long; Frances, who married J. J. Syse, a farmer; and Margaret Ellen, who married John R. Talmage.
The Schencks have been identified with the agricultural interests of Montgomery County since the early years of its settlement, and a part of the land now owned by our subject was entered from the Government by his father during the Presi- dency of Andrew Jackson. The remainder of his farm he bought himself, and he has three hundred and seven acres of land of exceptional fertility, which has been placed under a high state of cul- tivation, and is provided with a fine set of build- ings. There is a neat and tastefully built resi- dence of eight rooms, supplied with all the modern improvements and conveniences that add so much to the comfort of living. One of the largest barns in the county is on this farm, and it is substan- tially built and well arranged for the various pur- poses for which it is intended. Mr. Schenck has his land well drained, having laid about five hun- dred rods of tile at a great expense, and thus in- creased its fertility. He devotes it to raising stock of various kinds, selecting the best breeds, and he also raises grain.
In the year 1853 the marriage of our subject with Miss Margaret, daughter of Joseph and Patsey Hance, was solemnized. They have made their home the centre of an abiding hospitality, as they understand full well the art of entertaining pleas- antly, and their social qualities have drawn to them many warm friends. The following children have blessed their union: Sarah, who was born in 1853, and is now the wife of Ben F. Ball, of this town- ship; Joseph, who was born in 1856, married Nannie E. Westfall, and is engaged in farming; Edgar, a farmer in this township, who was born in 1861, and married a daughter of James Mckinley; and Oliver, who was born in 1868, and lives with his parents.
Mr. Schenck is a practical man, of large experi- ence and sound wisdom in farming matters, whose counsel is worth following, and his neighbors have often profited by his advice. They hold him in high regard, knowing him to be straightforward
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and honorable, true in friendship, and a public- spirited, law-abiding citizen. He is not connected with any church, but his money is freely given for the furtherance of religious and other objects that will in any way benefit the community. Polit- ically, he is a strong Democrat, who has the inter- ests of his party very much at heart. [Ie was elceted to fill the office of County Commissioner in 1880, and performed its duties very acceptably during the three years that he was an incumbent thereof. He has also served as Assessor of the township, and has served his township as Super- visor for two terms.
ENRY D. SERVIES. Although it is often said that dwellers in a large city do not know their nearest neighbor, it is equally true that an observing visitor will not be long in a community, however large it may be, without becoming familiar with the names of some who have gained prominence for various reasons. The gentleman whose life will be briefly sketched below is one who has the honor of being classed among the leading and successful business men of New Market, a man interested in the best enter- prises of the place, and one who is always ready to promote any undertaking that will benefit his fel- low-citizens.
Our subject is the son of W. T. and Nancy C. (Jones) Servies, both natives of Kentucky, who came to this county with their parents in an early day, and were married in this county, where they have passed their lives. Our subject's father was one of a family of five children born to Anderson and Eliza (Pilsher) Servies, who came from Ken- tucky to Montgomery County, and engaged in agriculture.
The subject of our sketch grew to mature years in this county. His first engagement in mercan- tile business was in Ladoga. and after two years spent in this line he came to New Market, and here opened a general merchandise store, in which en-
terprise he was interested until the year 1879. His next venture was the purchase of a farm. which he managed successfully for ten years, after which time he accepted the position of Secretary of the American Spoke & Wheel Company, in which capacity he remained for two years, having full charge of their books and employes.
The marriage of Mr. H. D. Servies and Miss Bell Howard occurred in the year 1875, and the result of this union has been six children: Lettie M., Charles M., Walter L., Ernest O., Cora A. and Ruth C. In the year 1891 Mr. Servies became in- terested in the drug business, and he made a sig- nal success of his embarkation in this line. He is a man possessed of splendid business ability, capa- ble and energetic, and his integrity is acknowl- edged by all who have had any dealings with him. His prosperity is due to his own industry and foresightedness. Ile has not only been successful in a business way, but fortune smiled on him when he obtained for a wife her who has so faithfully stood by his side during the years of their mar- ried life. Many men owe a great deal of their hap- piness and prosperity to the life partner their choice may fall on, and our subject has been sig- nally blessed in the choice he made. Both he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Servies enjoys the love and admiration of a large circle of friends, not only for her many womanly qualities, but for the sweetness of her disposition, and the kindness of heart which she displays toward all who come in contact with her. Mr. Servies is a strong ad- herent of the principles of the Democratic party, and is sincere in his convictions.
LLEN BYERS, a prominent and well- known public official of Montgomery County, is a practical and prosperous farmer, with a well-ordered and finely im- proved farm on section 6, Ripley Township. A native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born September
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18, 1847, he comes of the old pioneer stock of that State. llis paternal grandfather was John Byers, who was born in Ohio, and resided there thirty years. lle then left the country to establish him- self in the tannery business at Valparaiso, South America, where the remainder of his life was spent, his death occurring in 1857. The parents of our subject were James and Sophronia (Barnes) Byers, the former a native of Hamilton County. Both died of the cholera in 1849, while yet in the prime of life.
Thus sadly bereft of father and mother when most he needed their fostering care, our subject went to live with his grandfather, with whom he remained until his fifteenth year. At that early period of his life he began to fight its battles single-handed, animated by a sturdy, self-reliant spirit and a desire to make the best of himself. His struggles in gaining his present position need not be deseribed on these pages. Suffice it to say he rose superior to circumstances, and while yet in the full vigor and prime of life had secured an ample competency. Ile has devoted himself assidu- ously to agricultural pursuits, and is now the for- tunate proprietor of a farm that compares favorably with the others in the township in excellence of cultivation, in fertility of soil, and in regard to substantial modern improvements. It comprises one hundred and six acres of fine farming land, and its well-tilled fields and rieh pastures yield a good yearly income.
Mr. Byers' amiable wife, formerly Mary Little, has contributed no little to his success, comfort and happiness. Three children complete their pleasant home circle: Estella, who was born August 20, 1872, and is a graduate of the Ripley High School; James, who was born in 1877; and larry C., born in 1888. Coral L. is deceased.
Mr. Byers is active in politics, and is influential in the ranks of the Democratic party, to which he gives unswerving allegiance. Ile is the present County Commissioner of Montgomery County, and has about one hundred miles of turnpike roads under his supervision, their excellent condi- tion betokening the constant care and attention that he gives them. He has the full confidenee and respect of his fellow-citizens, and all agree,
without respect to party, that he is the right man for the place. He has held other official positions, and has been Assessor for nine.years. Our subject has social relations with Alamo Lodge No. 144, A. F. & A. M., at Alamo, and with Commandery No. 25, K. T., of Crawfordsville; also with Lodge No. 316, K. P. He is open-hearted and generous, and his contributions to religious and charitable objects are in proportion to his means.
Since the above was written our subject has been re-elected for a term of three years for County Commissioner.
h ON. BEN T. RISTINE is a pioneer citizen and the oldest member of the Crawfords- ville Bar, both in age and practice, and the senior member of the law firm of Ristine & Ristine, composed of himself and son.
The subject of this sketch was born in Gallatin County, Ky., on the Ohio River, January 19, 1807. He is the son of Henry and Naney (Grey) Ristine, the latter of whom was a native of Virginia. The former was born in Albany, N. Y., of Dutch an- cestry, his forefathers belonging to the Dutch com- panies that came to New York at an early day, probably about 1690.
When our subjeet was one year old his parents went to Madison, Ind., and settled on a farm, but later started one of the early hotels of Madison. The father, Henry, served one year in the War of 1812, and after this he continued as " mine host " until he moved to the present site of Crawfords- ville, in 1823. Maj. Whitlock and Judge Dunn had laid out the town in February, and in June lots were sold, although the country was a wilder- ness of woods. Mr. Ristine bought and erected a log cabin, and in the following October the family came and opened a hotel just opposite the present Nutt House. Ben had accompanied his father in May, but in the latter part of July returned to Madison, and in the following October came to Crawfordsville. The father continued hotel-keep-
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ing until within four years of his death, which oc- eurred in 1846. In 1829 he sold his first hotel, and entered land on Shawnee Prairie, where now the town of Columbia stands. After a few years Mr. Ristine returned to the city, and purchased another hotel. He served in the State Legislature in 1829 as a Whig, and again in 1837. He was identified with the growth of the city; and estab- lished a name in the county which his descendants have upheld.
The mother of our subject survived the fa- ther five years, and their family consisted of two sons and four daughters: Henry is at present a physician of Cedar Rapids, lowa; Eliza, who became the wife of Dr. Holmes, is now a widow and resides here; Jemima married Dr. Green- wood, of Attica, and after his death married the Rev. Amasa Johnson, and her death occurred in La Porte, this State; Jane married Hiram Al- len, a lawyer of Delphi, and both are deccased; Mary married John Sloan, a physician, and is now a widow, residing in Crawfordsville. The only survivors of the family are Mary and our subject, Ben.
The subject of this sketch received a limited education in the Madison High School, and at the age of twenty-one began to teach school in the log schoolhouse, eight miles east of Crawfordsville, and in the mean time began to read law alone. After reading law for one year, he abandoned it for a time and entered the store of William Bine- ford. That was in 1830. At the end of three years he engaged in merchandising on his own account, which he continued until 1838, then resumed read- ing law, and in 1840 was admitted to the Bar. At this time Thomas D. Beard and Jacob Angle were practicing here.
August 17, 1837, the subject of this sketch was married in Hartford County, Conn., to Miss Florinda Humphrey, whose brother, Hosea D., was an attorney-at-law at Crawfordsville, and later be- came a professor in Wabash College. By this union the following children were born unto them: Harley G .; Albert, who died at the age of twenty- six after serving four years in the war, during which time his health failed, and he died two years later; Hosea H .; Warren II .; Charles W .; and Flora, who
is the wife of William Frazer. Having met with poor success in mercantile life, in 1838 Mr. Ristine resumed the profession of law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1840, as before stated, before Judge Naylor. He entered into partnership with the brilliant Hosea Humphrey, his brother-in-law, which connection continued until the latter's death in the fall of 1845. A year later he became a partner with Alexander Thomson, and that partnership existed for the lengthy period of thirty-five years. This venerable attorney has probably done more probate business than any in the county, as through his life he has given but little attention to criminal practice, giving his time to the Probate Court, and as a chancery law- yer he has for many years been recognized among the able lawyers of the State.
Since abont 1880 Mr. Ristine has been in part- nership with his son. He has been a prominent man in the affairs of the county, and is well known throughout the State. In 1850 he was a candi- date for the Constitutional Convention, and in 1869 a candidate for County Clerk. For many years he has been connected with the Presbyte- rian Church. In early life he was a Whig, and was one of the organizers of the Republican party in the State. He was a Fremont man and a strong personal friend of Henry S. Lane and Oliver P. Morton. Although now eighty-six years old, he is yet hale and hearty, a very agreeable gentle- man, who has a fund of interesting reminiscences relative to the early history and growth of Craw- fordsville.
ILLIAM A. MUIR. Among those who are gaining a livelihood by tilling the soil in Raccoon Township, Parke County, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Muir was born at Greencastle, Ind., July 10, 1843, and was the youngest in a family of five children born to John and Elizabeth (Gilkis) Muil. His parents were genuine Scotch people, having
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both been born in that country. The grandfather of our subject, who died in his native land, was a weaver by trade. To himself and wife were born eight children. John, the father of our subject, was the fifth eldest in the family. Robert and Thomas were twins. Robert went to Missouri with his family, reared a large family, and died in about 1883; Thomas was by occupation a weaver, and died many years ago near Indianapolis. James, a prominent merchant of Indianapolis, died in that city; Margaret married a man by the name of Blain, who died in Indianapolis, and she is still living, enjoying the ample fortune left her by her husband. John was by trade a weaver, like his father, and married in Scotland Elizabeth Gilkis. Of the five children all but W. A. were born in the Old Country. The father, after coming to this country, followed his trade for a time, but having accumu . lated a large fortune, he purchased a tract of land in Jackson Township, this county, and in 1858 re- tired to it. Ilere he spent the remainder of his life, living quietly and happily, and doing but little work himself, leaving the farm work to his sons. He was a man of sterling worth, with a life- long membership in the Presbyterian Church. IIe was three times married, five children being the result of his first union. Thomas, a son, in early lite was a weaver by trade, but went into the army with the Forty-third Indiana Infantry, dur- ing which service he was injured in a railroad wreck. At the close of the war he went to Kan- sas City. Agnes married Mr: Woodville Brown- ing, of Greencastle, and both died in that place, leaving three children, two girls and one boy, all of whom are living at Greencastle. Mar- garet married Eli Coble, and lives in Hendricks County, Ind. James is a traveling salesman for a wholesale mercantile house of Indianapolis; and our subject is the youngest. The mother of this large family died when William A. was a small child, and his father married a second time. By this union three children were born, two of whom are living: Henry, a resident of Indianapolis, where he has been in business, and is reputed to be quite wealthy; and John, who is a business man in the last-named city. The second Mrs. Muir passed away in 1855, and the father married again and
became the father of seven children, five of whom are living: Sarah, wife of Charles Brimlet; George, a resident of Brazil, this State; Robert, who lives in Carbon, this State; Leonard, who resides on the homestead in Jackson Township; and Ella, who married Otis Ames, and lives at Carbon. The mother of these children survives, and lives on the estate in Jackson Township; the father died in June, 1892, at the age of eighty years, leaving a large estate. In polities he was a Democrat, but would never accept any office.
Mr. Muir of this sketch had in early life the advantages of a good education, and remained on his father's farm up to the time he entered the army, which was on October 4, 1864. He enlisted in Company B, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, as a private, and was put on guard duty at Indianapo- Jis. While transporting a train load of pris- oners south to be exchanged, the train collided with another near Piedmont, Ohio. Mr. Muir was in charge of the commissary car, which was next the engine and was smashed to kindling wood, and he and his brother with several others were badly injured, himself receiving injuries on his head from which he has not, and never will, re- cover. Notwithstanding this accident and the injuries received therefrom, our subject served until the close of the war, and was discharged June 14, 1865. Just about one year later he was married to Naney Winchester, who passed away the following September, and April 2, 1867, he again chose a companion in the person of Miss Melinda Martin, daughter of Seba Martin, who was a native of North Carolina, and among the early settlers of this county. By this second marriage he became the father of four children. Charles, the eldest, received his education at Cincinnati, and is engaged in a wholesale house in that city; Inas is deceased; Elmer is at home, being educated in the local schools; Oscar was educated in the public schools of this locality, and completed his education at Cincinnati. These last-named boys, Oscar and Elmer, look after their father's large farm, as he is suffering from his injuries in the late war, and has not been able to do anything for sev- eral years.
In 1874 Mr. Muir came to the place where he now
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lives, and has one of the finest farms on the Big Raccoon, which has yielded him a large annual in- come, whereby he has accumulated a goodly for- tune. IIe is comfortably sitnated in a happy home, where he is surrounded by a happy family. Socially, Mr. Mnir is a member of Kalley Post, G. A. R., at Bridgeton. In politics, like his father, he is a Democrat, and has the reputation of being one of those pleasant, retiring, polished gentlemen whom it is a pleasure to meet.
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ILGHMAN HOWARD ANDERSON is the owner of two farms which adjoin, and which comprise three hundred acres, two hundred of which are in Washington Township, and one hundred in Adams Township, Parke County. Our subject, however, resides at Rock- ville, the county seat, having a fine place of fif- teen acres, which is within the limits of the village, and here Mr. Anderson makes a specialty of rais- ing fruit and fish.
Our subject was born on the old homestead owned by his father, Henry H. Anderson, who was the oldest settler of the county when he died, as he arrived here in 1819. He settled with his par- ents on a farm three miles south of Rockville, on the Little Raccoon River, and cleared a farm in the wilderness. The father of our subject was born in Logan County, Ky., November 28, 1813, and is the son of Henry Anderson, who emigrated to the Blue Grass region from Tennessee at a very early day. Our subject's grandfather was the first Sher- iff of Parke County, and one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church in Rockville. IIe mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Balch. He entered land of the Government after his arrival in this locality, and on this he resided until his death. about the year 1846.
Our subject's father grew to manhood in this county, and lived under the parental roof nntil his marriage to Melinda, daughter of William Al-
len, who was a native Kentuckian, where he re- sided until his death. After Mr. Anderson's mar- riage he located on the Little Raccoon River, where he lived a few years and then removed to a place near Rockville. This was his home until he was called from this life, June 25, 1889. He had a family of eight children, two of whom died in in- fancy and four are left surviving. Marcellus H. lives on the old homestead, as does his brother Henry H. The daughters who died were Mary and Margaret. Our subject's mother departed this life July 2, 1888. The father owned about three hundred acres of land, a very fine farm and well improved, the most of which was cleared by him- self. He was a Democrat, and religiously was a Presbyterian. A man of temperate and moral habits, he was possessed of great strength and in- tegrity of character, and so well did he bring up his children, that none of them have ever even used tobacco.
T. H. Anderson was born March 7, 1840, on huis father's homestead, and his education was acquired in the common schools of Rockville. In 1862 he wedded Miss Mary, danghter of David Elder, who was a well-known farmer and cattle-dealer of the locality. After his marriage, our subject settled on the farm belonging to his wife's father, as she was the only child and her parents desired her to live with them. They were quite successful as long as they continued together, but Mr. Ander- son preferred to leave at the end of three years, for his wife was called from this life May 25, 1864, leaving one child, who died soon after the mother. For the four succeeding years our sub- ject continned in farming, after which he removed to the village, where he still turned his attention somewhat to agricultural pursuits. He was so successful in his business undertakings, that he felt justified in erecting a fine residence, which was built at a cost of $10,000, but this was unfor- tunately destroyed by fire. In 1885 he removed to the place where he still resides. August 12, 1866, Mr. Anderson married Miss Martha Johnson, who was born in Union Township, where her fa- ther, David, had a well-cultivated farm. Four children were born to them. two of whom died in infancy. Mamie became the wife of Frederick
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Heath, of Indianapolis. She departed this life April 6, 1892. The other child, Everett J., lives at home. The mother died March 9, 1893, at Mor- ristown, Tenn., where she had gone for her health. She had been for many years a member of the Bap- tist Church, and was a lady of culture and noble character.
At the present time Mr. Anderson is engaged in looking after his farming interests, and in trading, buying and selling real estate. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is a Democrat in his political faith.
AMES H. MOORE was at one time owner of four hundred acres of land in Sugar Creek Township, Parke County, but unfortunately going security for a party, was compelled to take Wilkins' Mills and by this transaction lost several thousand dollars, being obliged to sell his farm. He was chosen to fill the office of Trustee of Sugar Creek Township and was also elected Treasurer of the same by a unanimous vote. Though not a strong partisan, he is a Democrat in principle, and, fraternally, is an Ancient Free & Accepted Mason, belonging to the lodge at An- napolis.
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