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 40
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 40
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 40
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The Woody family sprang from one John Woody, who came to America soon after the Pil- grim Fathers and settled in North Carolina. He had two sons, John and James, and the Woodys of Indiana were descendants of this son John, who caine to Parke County in 1829, and settled on a spot of ground where Thomas Nelson Gordon now is. There he lived two years until he was enabled to purchase the farm belonging to Dr. Goldsbury, where he lived until 1847. At this time he moved to Howard County, where he en- tered one hundred and sixty acres of Government land, on which he made his home until the time of his death, which occurred February 21, 1856. His wife died six years prior to that time. He was one of the few who originated the Quaker Church of Penn Township, and served as Elder in that church for a number of years. Gov. Wright, of Indiana, called at this John Woody's residence, on account of a wager having been made that he could reap grain as fast as Mr. Woody. The last- named gentleman was a native of North Carolina, where he was married and reared a large family. The names of these children were: Thomas, James,
Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, Mahlon (the father of our subject), John, Ruth, Elmer, Han- nah and Samuel.
Mahlon Woody was born in North Carolina and migrated to Parke County with his parents when very young. He remained at home until he was married, receiving, meanwhile, a common-school education. For a few years after his marriage he remained on his father's farm, until he was given eighty acres of good land where our subject's hotel now stands. By going security for his brother, as also did his father, he lost the entire tract. About 1849 he moved to Howard County, Ind., where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the Government. After improving this farm he went to New London, where he assumed the proprietorship of a hotel, and subsequently went to Tippecanoe County, where he carried on farming quite extensively. But not being satisfied with his location, he returned to Parke County, where he remained a short time. He then moved to Edgar County, Ill., thence to Champaign Coun- ty, and finally to Livingston County, Mo., where he died. His wife passed away at Pilot Grove, Ill., in Edgar County. He was a member of the Soci- ety of Friends, and in politics was a Whig until the time of the formation of the Republican party, when he cast his vote for its nominees.
Mahlon Woody was the father of the following children by his first wife: William C., George W., Mary E., John M., Martha J., Sarah E., Isabella C., Agnes A., Mahlon N., Thomas B., Hannah A. and James S. Those born to his second wife, who was Miss Susie Lindley in her maiden days, were: Levi H., Nathan S., Lydia L., Rufus K., Ira H., Elva H., J. M. D. and Luther G.
William Woody, subject of this sketch, received his education in the district schools in Parke County and attended one term at the academy in Bloomingdale. He was married December 27, 1859, in Illinois, to Miss Mary Ginnett, who was born December 7, 1839, and died March 6, 1865. After the decease of his first wife Mr. Woody married a Miss S. A. Tomlinson, who bore him two children: Mary A. and Lizzie B. This lady survived but six years after her marriage, and Mr. Woody again married, the young lady being Miss
Ellen Martin
John. S. Martin
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Amanda Norris, who is the mother of one child, Laura D., now deceased. Six years after his first marriage Mr. Woody returned to Parke County, where he has since made his home. He now has charge of the hotel, of which he has been "mine host" for the last ten years. He is a member of the Society of Friends, in which he has used his influence both financially and spiritually for a number of years. He was chosen Township As- sessor and held that position for about ten years, after which he was elected Road Superintendent and Township Marshal of the village of Blooming- dale, which offices he has held ever since.
OHN S. MARTIN, a highly respected and representative farmer and progressive citi- zen of Richland Township, Fountain Coun- ty, Ind., has been greatly prospered in the pursuit of agriculture, and through energetic and efficient management has become the owner of a val- uable and large landed estate. As an enterprising business man our subject was interested in the or- ganization of the bank of Wingate, and is now a substantial stockholder in that flourishing insti- tution. Mr. Martin has been a resident of the county for sixty years, and during that time has been one of the chief promoters of its upward progress, laboring harmoniously with other co- workers in the march of improvements, and win- ning, in his efforts for the common good, the esteem of the community by whom he has been surrounded.
Born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1829, Mr. Mar- tin came with his parents to the west when he was but three years old, and located on the farm where he now lives, and which he has owned ever since the death of his father. His parents, Ephra- im and Rhoda (Sayers) Martin, were natives of the east, Mr. Martin having been born in New Jersey, where his parents, the paternal grand- parents of our subject, were also born. Grand- father John Martin early located with his family in Pennsylvania, and there Ephraim met and married his wife Rhoda, who was a native of the Quaker State. John was their youngest child in
the family of six children, who grew to mature years. Louisa married Joseph D. Pierce, of Fountain County; Charlotte is the wife of Jacob Luse, of Montgomery County; Amos is a resident of Fountain County; Harriet died unmarried; Be- linda, now Mrs. O. H. Palen, lives in Attica.
John Martin, since 1832 a resident of the old homestead, grew up on his father's farm, and went to the little subscription schools of the im- mediate neighborhood, and was early trained in the useful duties of agriculture, which pursuit he has followed with successful continuance ever since. Mr. Martin inherited one hundred and sixty acres of good land from his father, the most of his valuable property having been gained by his own exertions and prudent care.
In 1852 Mr. Martin and Miss Ellen Mehary were united in marriage. Mrs. John Martin was a daughter of Thomas Mehary, a well known citi- zen, and was a most excellent woman and a de- voted wife and mother, who shared with her hus- band about four hundred acres of land. The family of sons and daughters who came into the pleasant home were Rhoda, the wife of A. C. Schermerhorn, a resident of the county; T. Ephra- im, who married a Miss Fisher, named in honor of his paternal grandfather; Ida, who married E. J. Kirkpatrick; Jesse and Aunette, single. Jesse Martin, a popular and energetic business man, and efficient cashier of the Farmers' and Mer- chants' Bank at Wingate, was born in Fountain County, September, 1867, and was the fourth child of John and Ellen Mehary Martin. Mr. Martin, who is yet in the early prime of manhood, has already made for himself a most honorable record in social life and the general business world. His father gave him excellent educational advantages, which he industriously improved, and well fitted himself for the active and able dis- charge of the responsible duties of the position he now holds.
Mr. Martin attended the Depew University at Greencastle, and afterward completed the course of instruction in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Chicago. Having graduated from the latter institution, he received employment as a clerk iu the Citizens' National Bank in Attica,
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where he remained two years. In 1891 Mr. Mar- tin engaged in the hardware business, which he conducted successfully until February, 1892, when he was tendered and accepted the position of cashier in the bank at Wingate.
Jesse Martin was married to Miss Lydia E. Thompson, of Fountain County, in 1890. His bride is an accomplished and attractive lady, and has a large circle of friends. Mr. Martin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in whose doctrines he was early trained by his par- ents, who were ever foremost in the good work of that religious organization. He also affiliates with the political party to which both father and son have long given their hearty support. They are ardent Republicans, and are deeply interested in national and local issues and the general con- duct of public affairs. Jesse Martin is a citizen of to day, thoroughly imbued with the progressive spirit of the times, and is ever ready to aid and encourage in all public, social and benevolent en- terprise. He and his wife are among the promi- nent factors in the social life of Wingate and its immediate neighborhood.
W ILLIAM N. STEVENSON. More than seventy years have come and gone since the subject of this sketeh opened his eyes to the light of day. Time, in its flight, has witnessed his growth to manhood and descent into the twilight of old age. It has witnessed, also, his attainment of an honorable place among the business men of Rockville, as well as the accumulation of a competency. Now, after a busy and useful career, he has retired from active busi- ness enterprises and, surrounded by the comforts gained in years of toil, passes his time quietly and tranquilly at his home in Rockville.
In Woodford County, Ky., William N. Steven- son was born March 1, 1820. His father, James Stevenson, was a farmer of that county, who in 1826 removed to Indiana and located at Green- castle. Purchasing a farm there be devoted his attention to its improvement, and made it bis home until called from earth in 1827. His wife
survived him a few years, dying in 1824. A farmer by occupation, James Stevenson devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, with the exception of the period of his service in the War of 1812. He participated in the battle of Tippecanoe, and was also in the Harrison campaign in the Wabash valley. Through exposure and the hardships incident to a soldier's life he lost his health, which he never permanently regained.
A lad of six years when he accompanied his parents to Indiana, our subject was orphaned when quite young. At the age of fifteen he accepted a clerkship in a general store at Greencastle, and was thus occupied until 1844. Removing at that time to Terre Haute, he engaged in the mercantile business for two years, and then proceeded to New Albany, this state. He followed mercantile pursuits there for five years, at which time he engaged in business for himself, forming a part- nership with W. W. Pennington, under the firm name of Pennington & Stevenson. Five years later our subject disposed of his interest in the store and returned to Greencastle, where he en- gaged in merchandizing from 1854 until March, 1879.
After twenty-five years spent at Greencastle, Mr. Stevenson disposed of his establishment there and came to Rockville, where he at once opened a dry-goods store, uniting it with a branch establishment at Rosedale. In January, 1891, he retired from business with the esteem of all those who had been associated with him and the confidence of the community. He was identified with the 'mercantile business from the age of fifteen until his retirement in 1891, and, as may be imagined, is familiar with all the "ins and outs " of that line of work.
May 23, 1850, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stevenson to Miss Emma Norris, who was born in New Albany and received her education in the private schools of that city. She is the daughter of Daniel W. Norris, a contractor and builder of New Albany. The marriage has been blessed by the birth of seven children, six of whom are living, as follows: Jefferson C., who is a traveling salesman; Mary, who was educated at Greencastle and is now the wife of the Rev. H. A. Buchtel,
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Pastor of the Central Avenue Methodist Episco- pal Church at Indianapolis; Charles N., a travel- ing salesman and a resident of Indianapolis; Frank E., manager of W. N. Stevenson Sons' store; William T. and Albert A., who are salesmen in the above-named establishment. The large store at Rockville, with which the sons are con- nected, is well stocked with dry-goods, clothing and house-furnishing goods, and is conducted on the same wide awake and excellent business principles which contributed to the success of the father.
In former years Mr. Stevenson was a Republican in his political preferences, but he is now an ardent adherent of the Prohibitionists. In re- ligion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he united in 1837, and his wife is also identified with that denomination. Be- sides his generous donations to the church, he has also been a liberal contributor to De Pauw University and to various benevolent enterprises. He was always a stanch Abolitionist, even in the days when the term was one of reproach. His father, who was the owner of nine or ten valuable slaves, was so opposed to slavery that he granted them their freedom, and they, as soon as they had earned sufficient money, emigrated to Liberia, where they are now prosperous and happy.
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S AMUEL GRINLEY is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his fine farm of four hundred and thirty-seven acres, located on Section 34, Washington Town- ship, Parke County. He is Assistant Postmaster in the village of Nyesville, where he has been en- gaged in general merchandising for the past nine years. He carries a stock of about one thousand dollars' value, and has a large trade in the sur- rounding country. His desire to please his cus- tomers has brought to him their good-will and patronage, for they see that he does not, as so many merchants do, make it his sole object to ac- cumulate wealth regardless of correct and honor- able methods.
Our subject was born in Allegheny County, Pa.,
in the year 1857, being the son of John and Ann (Dufore) Grinley, who were both born in the southern part of France. The former was reared in a village, with but limited educational advan- tages. In his native country he was a coal- miner, and when he came to the United States, about the year 1852, he located in Pennsylvania. Four years later he sent for his wife and family. They were the parents of nine children, two of whom died in France when young, one while crossing the Atlantic, and three were called from this life in this country. The living members of the family are: Lewis, Samuel, our subject, and Mary, wife of J. B. Fouchat. The father of these children died in 1867, but his wife is still living and making her home with her daughter in Penn sylvania. Mr. Grinley was a supporter of the Whig party, and, religiously, both he and his family were all members of the Catholic Church.
On reaching his majority, Samuel Grinley, whose name heads this sketch, started out to make his own way in the world, coming to Parke Coun- ty, near the place where he now lives. In com- pany with a brother and brother-in-law he pur- chased a small tract of land where they opened up a coal bank. They continued mining until 1882, when they left the business for two years, and again engaged in mining until 1886. In the year 1884 Mr. Grinley and Miss Sarah M. Batty were united in marriage. The lady is a daughter of John and Ann (Sneath) Batty, and to them have been born three children: Maud A., John S. and William L. In his various business enterprises our subject has been quite successful, and is justly esteemed one of the solid men of this community. He is a supporter of the Republican party, and, socially, belongs to Lodge 66, Knights of Pythias of Rockville.
SAAC RICE STROUSE. Throughout Parke County the Rockville Tribune is a welcome guest in hundreds of homes, and the name of its editor is a household word. Mr. Strouse was born in Rockville, Ind., December 12, 1859, and enjoyed the advantages of the public schools
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until he was sixteen, when he apprenticed himself to George W. Collins, as " devil " in the office of the Indiana Patriot. He remained in that con- nection until the paper was purchased by J. B. Cheadle, when he finished his trade in the office of the Tribune.
At the age of nineteen Mr. Strouse became local editor of the Tribune under John H. Beadle, and worked two years in that capacity. For several months afterward he fired a freight engine on the L. C. & S. W. Railroad, then known as the crooked- est and ronghest railroad in the United States. In the year 1881, on December 22, he married Miss Juliet Virginia Humphreys, an accomplished and talented lady, who has already won considerable fame as a poetess. Many of her poems have been published in the magazines and copied by the leading papers through the United States. Two children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Strouse, Marcia Frances and Sarah Kather- ine.
In addition to his editorial work, Mr. Strouse has written articles on historical and economic sub- jects which have been published in Eastern papers and the Magazine of American History. As a writer he is clear and animated, vigorous in thought and forcible in expression. In 1882, the year following his marriage, he purchased a half- interest in the Tribune and was associated with J. H. Beadle as editor for five years. He was then in partnership with W. W. Grimes for two years, since which time he has been sole proprietor of the paper.
In his political connections Mr. Strouse was first a Republican, but he became convinced that free trade rather than protection would secure the best interests of our country, and accordingly changed his paper to correspond with his changed opinions. Since 1884 he has voted the Demo- cratic ticket, and has been even more loyal than before, in his free trade sentiments, since Grover Cleveland sent his famous tariff reform message iu 1887. The Tribune is now conducted as an independent Democratic paper, but never refuses to give other parties a hearing, especially the Prohibitionists and those beliefs that have no offi- cial organ in the county. Mr. Strouse is a member
of the Executive Committee of the Indiana Free Trade League, and is otherwise identified with the interests of his party in the State. He was Captain of Company B, First Regiment, National Gnards, " MeCune Cadets," and is now a member of the Rockville Light Artillery. Last winter he was selected by Gov. Matthews as trustee of the Indiana Institute for the Education of the Blind, an honor that was conferred upon him without his seeking.
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A MOS MARTIN, whose early recollections are closely interwoven with the pioneer struggles and rapid growth of the state of Indiana, is numbered among the represent- ative citizens, and prosperous farmers of Davis Township, Fountain County. For over three score years a constant and valued resident of this portion of the state, he has carefully stored his mind with interesting fact and curious reminiscence of by- gone day.
The paternal ancestor of our subject, great- grandfather Martin, was a native of England, and came to America before the Revolutionary War had decided the question of our national independ- ence. The worthy Englishman here founded the American branch of the Martin family, to which Amos Martin undoubtedly belongs. Ephraim and Rhoda (Sayers) Martin were the parents of our subject. Father Martin was born in New Jersey, in 1798, but his excellent wife was a native of Pennsylvania. The father came to the Quaker State with his parents, John and Charlotte (Nelson) Martin, when he was a very little child. The grandparents of our subject reared a family of five children, three boys and two girls, Peter, Amos, Ephraim, Charlotte and Ruth.
Unto Ephraim and his wife Rhoda was born upon April 4, 1823, in the state of Ohio, County of Miami, their son, our subject, Amos Martin. Amos migrated from the Buckeye State to Fountain County with his father and mother in 1832, and this county has been his constant home ever since. His early home was in Richland Township and there he attended the subscription school, whose
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house of instruction would surprise the modern scholars of to-day. Slabs were used as seats for the pupils, in those primitive times. In the build- ing where our subject learned the primary studies and carefully repeated them over and over, one log was left out of the entire side of the house, and window panes places in the rough frame to furnish light. Having grown to man's estate and being fully trained in the ways of agriculture and stern economy, Mr. Martin determined to found a home of his own, and to that end united himself in mar- riage with Miss Mary Stewart.
This wedding was solemnized in 1855, and a few months later the young wife died. Our subject was again married, his second wife being Hannah, daughter of Henry and Hulda Hunt, in Henry County, Ind. This umon was blessed with the birth of six children, of whom five are yet living. Cora, the eldest born, is dead; John R. is a pros- perous farmer of the county; Elmer is engaged in the pursuit of agriculture; Frank is also a suc- cessful farmer of the county; Charles E .; Pearl is the wife of Newman Merlatt, of Richland Town- ship.
These sons and youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin occupy responsible positions in life, which they fill with intelligence; respected and useful, they are valued members of the various com- munities in which they make their homes. In 1853, two years prior to his first marriage, our subject engaged in farming for himself, near the old home- stead where he was reared. The farm which he bad purchased gave him good returns, and he there remained, engaged in general agriculture, until 1877, when he disposed of his well tilled farm and located on valuable land which he owns in Rich- land Township. In 1889 Mr. Martin erected a handsome residence in Davis Township, opposite his old home. The locality is desirable, and the surrounding acres are under a high state of culti- vation. At one time our subject owned a section of fine land, but he aided his children in their start in life, and retains only a portion of his former landed property. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are promi- nent members of the United Brethren Church and do their full share in the support of the organiza- tion. They are earnest Christian people, and ever
ready to asssist in the good cause. Our subject has been a Republican ever since 1856. He is not an active politician but he is, like all good citizens, interested in the management of our national af- fairs, and also desires to see the best local offices worthily filled. Mr. Martin has many friends and well-wishers and deserves the respect which he has gained through his upright and conscientious walk in life.
W ILLIAM W. MORGAN, of Crawfords- ville, is one of the prominent men of Montgomery County. Besides conduct- ing a flourishing real estate and insur- ance business, he is Secretary of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society and also holds the same position in the Montgomery County Savings Association.
Mr. Morgan was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 7, 1850. He is the son of Nathaniel and Amelia (Harrison) Morgan, who settled in Craw- fordsville in 1854, and the father was engaged in the business of contracting and building until his death in 1885. William lost his mother when but an infant and was reared two miles from this place. At the age of eighteen years he learned the trade of a painter and worked at that for a period of four years, then served for the same length of time as a Department Clerk. Following this be be- came Deputy Recorder and Deputy Treasurer for four years more and then became a candidate for Treasurer on the Democratic ticket, but was de- feated. He has filled the office of Township Trustee acceptably for two years, and after his de- feat as County Treasurer he went into partnership with Mr. William L. Lee.
Mr. Morgan has figured in politics and has been on important committees for many years, and was elected to his office of Township Trustee in the township where there was a Republican majority of three hundred votes. The Montgom- ery County Agricultural Society, of which Mr. Morgan is the very efficient Secretary and to whom much of the grand success of the fair of 1891 was due, has a most beautiful location within the city
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limits of Crawfordsville, with grounds fifty-six acres in extent and with the city water-works within its boundary, where also is a beautiful nat- ural grove. During the late fair there were over six thousand entries and in some of the depart- ments were the finest exhibits ever made in the state outside of the State Fair; $8,000 were paid in premiums and the Association is entirely self- sustaining. The management of this gigantic en- terprise was in the hands of a few capable men and much of the work fell upon the shoulders of Mr. Morgan. That it was all satisfactorily per- formed may be inferred from the fine catalogue issued by the Association, in which all those inter- ested may find the details of one of the most suc- cessful enterprises of Montgomery County.
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