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 42
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 42
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 42
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 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88
****
ALENTINE E. LIVENGOOD, attorney-at- law. With a strong, healthy and vigorous intellect, a capacity for logical reasoning' and sound judgment, it is not to be won- dered at that, though still young, Mr. Livengood has distinguished himself in the practice as a con- scientious aud capable adviser. He possesses re- markable aptitude for dealing in a practical and eminently successful way with the issues involved in general litigation, and his care and conservatism in reaching conclusions in accordance with which he advises his clients were noted early in his pro- fessional career, as was also the fact that he was seldom in error in his constructions of the law, or applying it to cases at bar.
Mr. Livengood was born in Jackson Township, Fountain County, Ind., June 22, 1859, a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Day) Livengood, the for- mer of whom was born in North Carolina and the latter in Indiana, their marriage taking place in
Parke County, of this state. Solomon Livengood became a resident of Indiana in 1834 and with his parents settled in Fountain County, their names being Thomas and Mary (Shuler) Livengood. Solomon was but a child at that time, but is still residing near the farm on which his parents settled and is now about sixty years of age.
Valentine E. Livengood assisted his father on the farm until he was about seventeen years of age, at which time he entered the Normal College at Valparaiso, from which he graduated in the class of 1880. But in the meantime for two years he was also at Lagoda Academy. At the early age of sixteen years he had begun teaching school and he followed this occupation off and on for five years in the neighborhood in which he resided. With the money thus gained he paid his way through college and in 1881 for one year he was the Principal of the Hillsboro school, in which ca- pacity he showed himself to be an able and suc- cessful educator and a fine disciplinarian. Fol- lowing this he was Superintendent of the schools of Covington for five years, but during this time a great deal of his spare time has been devoted to the study of law and in 1687 he was admitted to the bar and soon after began the practice of that profession, entering upon his work with the advan- tages of a liberal education and a natural aptitude for his chosen calling.
Mr. Livengood formed a partnership with J. A. Lindley, which lasted for three years, and since that time has been alone until recently, when he entered into a co-partnership with his brother, the style of the firm being Livengood & Livengood. He has established himself in a comfortable and remunerative practice, and is looked upon by both the profession and general public as a lawyer of high character and more than ordinary ability. He has been a member of the School Board ever since 1887, and although a Democrat, is not active politically. A cultured, alfable and genial gentle- man, he gains friends rapidly, attracts clients through his fairness and candor in dealing with them, as well as by reason of his acknowledged legal ability, and has laid the foundation for a highly successful legal career. He was married September 13, 1883, to Miss Ida E. Johnson, a
377
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daughter of Hon. James G. Johnson, of Montgom- ery County, Ind., her birth having occurred in the same county. Their union has resulted in the birth of two sons: Aurelian S., who died at the age of five weeks, and Forrest E. Mr. Livengood and his wife are members in good standing of the First Presbyterian Church and he is an Elder in the same. They move in the highest social circles of Covington and have many warm friends who de- light in gathering beneath the shelter of their hos- pitable roof.
*
F RANCIS W. MACOUGHTRY. In these days of money-making, when life is a con- stant struggle between right and wrong. it is a pleasure to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied record of an honorable man. To the youthful it will be a useful lesson-an in- centive to honest industry. Such a person we find in the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is at present the popular and efficient Clerk of Fountain County, and a man classed among the representative citizens of the same. He is a native of West Virginia, born in Jefferson County, May 18, 1841, and the son of James and Mary (Timber- lake) Macoughtry, both natives of the Old Domin- ion and descendants of representative families of that state.
The father passed away in his native state when our subject was about a year old, and in 1848 the mother removed to Warren County. Ind., where she subsequently married James L. Hamilton. The latter followed farming near West Lebanon and there received his final summons. The youth- ful days of our subject were spent in Warren County for the most part, aud he attended Wave- land Academy until advanced far enough to enter the Sophomore class. In the year 1862, when the war cloud had settled upon the nation, he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-sixth Indiana Regiment, organized in Warren County, and was in service in Kentucky and Tennessee. He took part in the battle of Perryville, and was in a number of severe
skirmishes. He was disabled and was in the hos- pital when the battle of Stone River was fought, and later was in the hospital at Nashville. . In the latter part of 1863 he was honorably dis- charged.
Following the war Mr. Macoughtry engaged in milling near Rob Roy, Fountain County, with Alanson Greenwood, and conducted this for about nine years. In connection with this he also en- gaged in the live-stock business, and was very suc- cessful in this, the business sometimes amounting to $440,000 per annum. He bought all over the country and shipped largely over the Wabash Rail- road. Mr. Macoughtry continued this until about five years ago. He was made executor of his un- cle's estate, worth $60,000, and this he settled up satisfactorily. In 1883 he was elected to Attica Council, and in 1885 was elected to the responsi- ble position of Mayor, which position he held for two years, refusing renomination.
In 1890 Mr. Macoughtry was elected by the Democratic party, whose principles he advocates, to the position of County Clerk, coming within twelve votes of carrying his township, although the Republican majority is usually about one hundred and seventy five. As County Clerk he received one hundred and twenty majority over his oppo- nent. His ancestors were Whigs in their political predilections, but Mr. Macoughtry votes with the Democratic party. His first presidential vote was cast for Lincoln in 1864. While modest and un- assuming in his demeanor, he is endowed with those very rare qualities of good sense and good judgment, which, together with his genial and pleasing manners, not only fit him for any position to which he may be elected, but congregate around him many warm friends. He is one of the pleas- ant, whole-souled men of the community.
While his office is in Covington, Mr. Macough- try resides in Attica in one of the most charming and attractive homes in the place. This is presided over by his accomplished and refined wife, for- merly Miss Rachel Plowman, of Attica. Their nup- tials were celebrated on the 23d of May, 1871. Mr. Macoughtry is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and a Master Mason.
378
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
OHN G. L. MYERS, M. D., of Blooming- dale, was born in Hillsdale, Mich, April 29, 1857, and is of German parentage. Andrew and Rosina Myers, his parents, removed, when he was six months old, to Goshen, Ind., and there they still reside. In that place he received such educational advantages as fitted him for the prac- tical duties of life. In 1878 he was graduated from the County Normal. For three years prior to that, as well as for four years afterward, he followed the profession of a teacher, in the schools of Indiana and Texas.
In the spring of 1884 our subject was graduated from the Medical College of Indiana, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine and standing among the highest in a class of forty. His theoretical knowledge acquired, he commenced the practice of medicine in 1883 at his home in Goshen, and re- mained there until, at the earnest solicitation of the leaders of Prohibition work in the state, at the begin- ning of the year 1886, he became editor of the Pha- lanr, the official Prohibition organ of Indiana. He was also practically "the power behind the throne," so far as the management of the campaign for that year was concerned, and largely as the result of his efforts, the Prohibition vote increased over three hundred per cent. At the close of the cam- paign he resigned control of the Phalanx, the cir- culation of which he had increased forty per cent. He then located at Bloomingdale, Ind, for the practice of his profession.
The Doctor has served as Health Officer at Bloomingdale since 1890. In 1886 he was nomi- nated for the Legislature from Marion County, and four years later he was the candidate for Congress from the Eighth Indiana District. Because of his services for the cause, he has been twice offered the leadership of the Prohibition State Central Committee, but refused to accept. Since October, 1889, he has managed the appointments of Hon. M. V. B. Bennett, of Kansas, who is constantly on the platform in the United States and Canada, aud averages more than one speech a day the year around. From 1886 to 1892, inclusive, the Doctor was Secretary of the Indiana State Christian Tem- perance Union.
In the autumn of 1891 the Bloomingdale World
came into the possession of Dr. Myers and still remains his property. In January, 1891, he as- sisted in organizing the Citizens' Building Loan Fund and Savings Association, and has served as Secretary from the date of organization. At the age of ten he became a member of the Methodist Church, and four years later was an officer in one of the largest Sunday-schools in Indiana. He has always been an active church worker aud enjoys the confidence and esteem of those who know him. Though radical and aggressive for the truth, he is careful to govern his acts and words by the spirit of Christ. Since 1887 he has been a member of the Society of Friends and often takes part in the public services.
At Leesburg, Ind., in 1881, Mr. Myers met Miss Laura Sanderson and in 1886 they were married near Arvonia, Kans. The Doctor considers his wife the great blessing of his life, and he certainly has a right to be proud of her, as she is a lady of lovely character, They have four children, namely: Marie, Leonard, Paul and Beulah.
T HOMAS J. GRIFFITH, M. D., a promi- nent man and skilled physician of Mont- gomery County, is the gentleman of whom this sketch is written. He is well known through the state, for in every convention of the Prohibition party Dr. Griffith's voice is heard in denunciation of the traffic in spirits.
Dr. Griffith was born near Frankfort, Ind., April 2, 1837, and he was the son of Thornton and Mary A. (Hall) Griffith. The former was a native son of Chester County, Pa., and the mother was born in Newberry County, S. C., and both came with their parents to Montgomery County when young. Abraham Griffith, the grandfather of our subject, came to this county about 1820, and erected the first jail that was ever built here, but it is not standing, as it burned down. He died in this place about 1832-33 and had carried on a busi- ness as cabinet-maker.
Grandfather Hall came here in 1830, be- came a prominent farmer in Ripley Township, and died in 1848. He had for fifty years been an
379
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Elder in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Mary Hall married Thornton Griffith in this county in 1836 and the same year the young couple moved into Clinton County. Mr. Griffith was a mechanic, but he opened up a farm in Clin- ton County. In 1846 he returned to Montgomery County and settled in Crawfordsville, in 1850, five miles northeast of the village, and remained for eighteen years and saw the village grow into a city. In 1868 he moved to Darlington, where he died June 23, 1869. His skill as a carpenter is attested by several houses which still stand in Crawfords- ville built by him in 1835, the old Elston home- stead being one. In his political opinions he was a Whig, and was a candidate for Representative to the Legislature at one time, and was always a strong Abolitionist. In his religious belief he was a Friend, his mother having been a member of that gentle sect. His widow survived him until November 2, 1886, and three children were born to them: Thomas J., Joanna M., and Nancy E. Joanna died in 1865, aged twenty-five years. Nancy is Mrs. Joseph Binford, of Crawfordsville.
Thomas J. Griffith was reared upon a farm and lived with his parents. He attended a seminary at Crawfordsville, and then entered a store and clerked for one and a half years for William Bowers. In 1863 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and soon after was promoted to be Commissary Sergeant and was located at Lexington, Ky. He served through Tennessee and Alabama for four months, and was discharged in the fall of 1864. At this time he entered the office of Dr. James S. Mc- Clellan, 1865-66, and attended lectures at Aun Arbor, Mich., continuing his studies until he gradu- ated in the class of 1867 at the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati.
In 1867 Dr. Griffith opened an office at Dar- lington, where he practiced medicine for twenty- one years. In the fall of 1889 he came to Craw- fordsville, and has had a general practice here. Through the county and state he has been very active in medical matters and has given special attention to the treatment of diphtheria by what is known as "the ice treatment." He has read details of such treatment before the societies, and
has written treatises upon it in various medical journals. His theory is that the diphtheritic membrane requires heat above the normal condi- tion of the body in order to develop, and the use of ice rednces that heat and prevents the membra- nous growth. In support of the efficacy of his treatment in twenty-five years of practice Dr. Griffith has lost but one patient from diphtheria. He applies the same theory to scarlatina when any throat trouble exists.
Dr. Griffith was married October 4, 1871, to Miss Martha E. Hutchings, M. D. He is a man of genial disposition, much given to independence of thought and habits of study and investigation. The bent of his mind is toward Spiritualism, although he holds Unitarian views. In his polit- ical belief he is a Prohibitionist and now is Chair- man of the County Committee, and in every cam- paign he is found on the stump in the interest of the cause of temperance. His social nature has brought him into connection with the Masonic fraternity, and he is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post. Dr. Griffith is a member of the Indiana State Medical Society.
***
H ENRY H. DOCHTERMAN. There was something essentially American in the life and character of the gentleman who is the subject of this sketch. The United States has given rare opportunities to men with courage, honesty of purpose, integrity and energy, to achieve success. The bulk of the public men and those who have made their mark in the world have been men of the above characteristics, and Mr. Dochterman was most certain one of that stamp.
Henry H. Dochterman, one of the prominent legal lights of Fountain County, Ind., was a native of the Hoosier State, born near Laurel, Frank- lin County, June 9, 1847, and the son of Charles A. and Hulda (Potts) Dochterman, the father probably a native of Pennsylvania and of German origin. His father, Jesse Dochterman, died in Iowa, in about 1890. The father of our subject removed to Montgomery County, Ind., in 1849,
380
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and there followed his trade of millwright for some time. Later he began the study of medicine with Dr. Green, and when about ready to begin practicing, died of consumption.
The subject of this sketch was but two years of age when he came with his parents to Montgom- ery County and was only seven years of age when his father passed away. His mother, with her four children, then went to reside with her broth- er, Samuel Potts, on a farm, and our subject, when nine years of age, took up his residence with Abner Gray, a miller on Black creek, remaining with him for two years. His mother was married in 1856 to Garret Harlow, a farmer, and our sub- ject made his home with his step-father until six- teen years of age. He attended school regularly and being possessed of an unusually bright and active mind, began teaching school when seven- teen years of age, near Wesley, Montgomery County. After one winter spent as a wielder of the ferrule, he entered De Pauw University in 1866 and graduated at that institution in 1869. Sanford Gray, of near Wesley, had purchased a scholar- ship for him and he worked his own way through, graduating with the degree of B. S.
Following this Mr. Dochterman taught during the winter months and in the summer season worked on a farm. By March, 1871, he had saved $450 and in the spring of that year he came to Covington, where he began the study of law with Stillwell & Woods. In the fall of 1871 he taught school again but returned to law in 1872 and was admitted to the bar. He then began practicing in partnership with Hon. S. F. Wood, continued with him for three years and then became connected with Thomas L. Stillwell, with whom he continued in partnership until 1881. In that year he formed a partnership with Lucas Nebeker and remained with him until 1887 when Mr. Nebeker moved to Kansas.
In January, 1891, our subject formed a part- nership with Daniel W. Simms, which continued until his death. They had a very large and lucra- tive practice and one of the most complete libra- ries in the county. Our subject was elected Township Clerk in 1872 and held that office several terms. His early education, his intellectual bent,
his legal training and his self discipline, combined to fit him most admirably for the position which he was called upon to fill. He was also School Trustee for six years. His knowledge of the law was broad and comprehensive and his careful investi- gation of facts, courteous and dignified demeanor, strong and forcible manner of speaking, placed him among the most prominent members of the bar in Fountain County. He was a Democrat in politics and had been a delegate to district and state conventions. Socially be was a member of the I. O. O. F.
On the 27th of March, 1873, Mr. Dochterman was married to Miss Hannah Smith, a native of Montgomery County, Ind., and the daughter of Jasper Smith, now a resident of Crawfordsville. Of this union there is one child, Charles G., who is now eighteen years of age and a student in the Sophomore class of Wabash College. Mrs. Doch- terman and son are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Dochterman was well informed on religious history and was liberal in his views. He was a gentleman in every sense of the term, hon- est, reliable and esteemed by all.
***
W ILLIAM T. CLARK, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, resides on Sec- tion 22, Walnut Township, Montgomery County, where he has a productive and well-conducted farm. He is a native of Shelby County, Ky., and was born July 27, 1830. His father was Campbell P. Clark, who was born in Virginia, and was a son of William Clark, who moved from Virginia to Kentucky when his son Campbell was four years old, and settled in Shelby County, eight miles from Shelbyville.
Campbell Clark was reared in Shelby County, and was married there to Miss Mary Lee, whose father was a farmer. In 1832, three years after their marriage, he came to Indiana, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land of the Government, in Parke County. He was one of the earliest set- tlers of the county, aud resided there until his death at a ripe age, January 1, 1881. He was very successful in his pioneer labors, cleared his
LEWIS OTTERMAN
383
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
land and brought it to a high state of cultivation, and added to it by further purchase until he owned a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, upon which he erected good buildings. Mr. Clark was a member of the Old School Baptist Church. In early manhood he was a Whig polit- ically, but after that party became a thing of the past he identified himself with the Republican party. After his first wife's death he married Mrs. Jones, a widow and the daughter of John Lee, a Baptist preacher of Montgomery County. She followed her husband to the grave twelve years after his demise. Mr. Clark was the father of seven children, all of whom grew to maturity, namely: William T .; Elizabeth Francis, who be- came the wife of Lindsey McMuller, and died in 1864; Sarah Ann, wife of Simeon Van Cleave; James Franklin, who died in 1885; Matilda, who married Francis McMuller, and is now dead; Abraham, a farmer in Parke County, and Henry H., a farmer in Cass County, Mo. Mr. Clark also reared a niece, Harriet Ellen Miller, now the wife of Bart Douley of Parke County.
Our subject was but two years old when his father came to Indiana. He was reared in Parke County, near Waveland, and remained at the paternal home until he was forty years of age, af- fording his father valuable assistance on the farm. He was married February 14, 1861. to Miss Nancy B. Van Cleave, daughter of Benjamin Van Cleave, who was a cousin of old Jonathan Van Cleave. Our subject lived on his father's farm until 1870, when he removed to Walnut Township, Mont- gomery County, and located two and a half miles west of New Ross, where he resided for over thir- teen years. His farm at that point consisted of eighty acres of land, the most of which he im- proved himself, remaining thereon until 1883, when he sold that place and purchased the farm which he has since made his home. It consists of one hundred and ten acres of land, which Mr. Clark, by his industry, perseverance and good management, has brought to a fine state of tillage, and its improvements are of a substantial charac- ter.
Our subject having lost his first wife by death, he married Catherine Duke, daughter of George
Duke, a shoemaker of Montgomery County. Mr. Clark is the father of the following children born of the first marriage, four of whom are living: Henry Clay, a grain merchant at Fredericksburg, who married Minnie, daughter of Jacob Johnson, a farmer of Walnut Township; George W., who married Martha, daughter of William Lawter, and lives in Clark Township; Nancy Ann and Charles, who reside at home; Catherine died when seven years of age. Mary Ellen and John died in in- fancy.
Our subject affiliates with the Republican party. Religiously, he is an influential member of the Old School Baptist Church, in which he holds the offices of Treasurer and Trustee. He is a strong temperance man and is warmly interested in the success of the movement.
EWIS OTTERMAN. Among the venerable pioneers of Montgomery County who are still living amid the scenes of their early hardships and later triumphs is Lewis Otterman, who is eminently worthy of representa- tion in this biographical record. He acquired wealth while assisting in the development of the rich agricultural resources of this region, and is spending his declining years surrounded by com- fort and plenty on his large and well-ordered farm on Section 15, Clark Township.
Mr. Otterman was born September 1, 1811, in what is now Putnam County, W. Va. His father, who bore the same name as himself, was born at Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pa., and was reared in the Old Dominion. He married Miss Glory Null, the daughter of Philip Null. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and migrated from that state to North Carolina, where he married Miss Margaret Bushong. He followed farming and the tanning trade until the Revolutionary War broke out and then entered the Continental Army. He served throughout the entire conflict waged by the Colonists for freedom, fighting un- der command of Gens. Marion, Washington and Morgan and for bravery on the field was pro- moted to the rank of Captain.
384
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
After his marriage Lewis Otterman, Sr., returned to his native town and subsequently moved from there to Putnam County, in the western part of Old Virginia, now West Virginia, where he fol- lowed farming some eighteen years. At the end of that time he came with his family to Indiana and first located on land that he entered from the Government in Clark Township, comprising eighty acres of timber, which he at once began to clear and put under tillage. Three or four years later he sold that and removed to another farm about five miles east of Ladoga, where he lived until his life was brought to a close by his death in 1858. In boyhood Mr. Otterman was a member of the Lutheran Church, but after coming to Indiana he became convinced that immersion was neces- sary to his soul's salvation and he was admitted to membership in the Christian Church by the rite of baptism. His first wife died and he married for his second wife Mrs. Jessie Ruth. He was the father of twelve children, all of whom grew to ma- turity and six of whom are still living: John, who is eighty-three years old; our subject; Philip, who is seventy; Elisha and Eliza, who are sixty-seven, and Joseph, who is sixty years old. George, Mary, Elizabeth, Sam, Henry and Elijah are dead. Elijah, Elisha and Eliza were triplets.
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.