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 46
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 46
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 46
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
The Hon. Mr. Kelly was chosen a member of the State Legislature by the Republican party in 1879 and '80, in which session he introduced five bills, the most important one being that concerning Pub- lishing Legal Advertisements. The others were concerning school affairs, temperance and guard- ianship. In the first named bill Mr. Kelly made a very able speech. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee, they being all lawyers, and they decided in favor of the indefinite postpone- ment of the bill, whereupon Mr. Kelly appealed to the House and made a speech in its favor. When the vote was taken every member in the House ex- cept one voted for the bill and it became a law. Wbile a resident of Missouri Mr. Kelly was one of the leading politicians of that state, being chosen delegate for the state at large to the national con- vention at Philadelphia which nominated Gen. Grant for his second term. Mr. Kelly has always taken an active part in politics and never voted a scratched or mixed ticket in his life. He has the
most unbounded confidence in his political friends, who are always sure his vote will be on the right side. In 1866 Mr. Kelly went to Missouri, where he located in Mt. Vernon, Lawrence County, and assisted by his wife, published a paper known as the Spring River Fountain. He continued in this business for eight years, when he returned to his former home.
Mr. Kelly was one of the founders of the McClure Institute, of which he was the first President, serv- ing in that capacity for sixteen years. When the erection of this institute was proposed Mr. Kelly and William G. Coffin were the first to make the start for the raising of $500, which was to be in- vested in books, and now this institute is not only an excellent place for instruction but is celebrated as being possessed of a fine corps of instructors.
W ILLIAM P. COLLINGS. Among those who are tilling the soil of Parke County in such a manner as to secure by their efforts a good livelihood and make pro- vision for declining years is William P. Collings, whose home is in Washington Township. For almost a decade he has been engaged in agricult- ural pursuits, and so successful has he been that he now owns a valuable estate on Section 16. His residence is a comfortable and home-like structure, while conveniently arranged near it are the barns, granaries, etc., which belong to a well regulated farm.
Mr. Collings, who comes of a very much re- spected family of this county, was born in Parke County, February 10, 1863. His father, John D., was born near the same place in the year 1836. He here received his limited education in a primi- tive log school-house, such as has so often been de- scribed, and remained with bis father on the home estate until his marriage to Amanda, a daughter of Thomas and Millie (Coulter) Moore. She is also a native of this county aud bore her husband three children. One daughter died when young; the two remaining are William, our subject, and Edward, who married Pauline Woodward and is engaged in farming. After his marriage John
409
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Collings rented a portion of his father's farm, subsequently purchasing a tract of eighty acres, and some time later, or in 1865, he sold to ad- vantage and moved to his present home, which at that time comprised five hundred acres. The greater portion of this large body of land he cleared and improved before his death, on it rais- ing some of the best stock to be found in the county. He was called to his eternal rest on June 8, 1885, missed and mourned by a large number of friends and acquaintances. He was a public- spirited man and was elected County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket, serving one term of two years. He was the first one elected on that ticket for twenty five years, and also was sent as a dele- gate to both state and district conventions. The grandparents of our subject on the paternal side bore the names of William and Elizabeth (Jolın- son) Collings, and like their descendants were suc cessful and honorable tillers of the soil. The par- ents of the mother of our subject were natives of Kentucky and came to Indiana in an early day, settling finally in Parke County, where they spent their last days.
William P. Collings was educated in the district schools of his native township, and on attaining older years he was in attendance at the Terre Haute Commercial College, where he received a splendid and practical knowledge of business, which has since served him to good purpose. As above stated, shortly after attaining his majority, he started out for himself on one hundred and sixty fertile acres of his father's land, which was left him at his father's death. To this tract he has subsequently added from time to time until he is now the happy possessor of three hundred and thirty acres, all under an excellent state of culti- vation. He, like his father, is an admirer of fine stock, and in consequence keeps on his place some of the best breeds.
William P. Collings, on January 28, 1885, was married to Miss Mary Siler, a native of this county, who was born Jannary 22, 1865. She is a daughter of Rev. Elwood C. and Martha (Mor- ris) Siler, both of whom came to this state from North Carolina. They are early and respected pioneers of Parke County and are now making
their home in the town of Bloomingdale. Mr. Siler is a minister of the Friends' Church at that place and is highly regarded by all who know him. Two children, bearing the names of J. Frank and George C., have come to bless the home and fire- side of Mr. Collings and his amiable wife. Socially Mr. Collings is one of the prominent members of the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Marshall Lodge, No. 133. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat.
P ETER RUTLEDGE is a prominent farmer in Washington Township, Parke County. He is the son of Levi and Magdalene (Knupp) Rutledge, and was born in Vir- ginia, April 10, 1838. Levi Rutledge was a na- tive of Virginia, probably born in Rockingham County, and was of foreign ancestry. While vet in early youth he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he continued to follow till he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he began for himself and pursued his occupation. He was married a few years later to a daughter of Philip Knupp, after which he came to Parke County, where he made his home with his son a few years, but became dissatisfied and returned to Virginia. He was a member of the Dunkard Church, and always lived a quiet and unassuming life. His political affiliations were with the Dem- ocratic party. He reared a family of six children: Peter, Philip, Anna, Mary, Betty and Susan F.
When Peter Rutledge began in life for himself he had but a small amount with which to start, for from his early youth he had worked by the month to assist his parents in making a living for the family. In 1865 he came to Parke County, locat- ing where he now lives in Washington Township, and at once began working out by the month in a saw-mill. A few years later he bought the mill and operated it until the business ran down so that there was no longer any profit in it. He then decided to try agriculture for a time. While operating the mill Mr. Rutledge, in clearing away some litter, canght his sleeve in the saw, and barely escaped with his life. His left arm was
410
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
severed, and several deep gashes were ent in his head and neck. The blow on the head not only laid open the_flesh, but also took a piece of the skull bone. This serious and unfortunate acci- dent has crippled Mr. Rutledge for life, but he bears his affliction with great fortitude and patience.
In July, 1882, Mr. Rutledge was united in mar- riage to a daughter of Monroe and Eliza A. (Law- son) Archer, both natives of Kentucky. The lat- ter bore the given name of Dora, and was born in Shelby County. Mrs. Rutledge became the mother of three children: Peter and John, who are twins, and William T. During the late war Mr. Rutledge was compelled to join the Southern Army, and served in Company F, First Brigade of the Fifth Virginia Regiment, under Stonewall Jackson's command. He went out in 1862, and on the 9th of June received a wound at Fort Re- public. A minie-ball weighing one and a fourth ounces entered the small of his back, and fourteen and a half years later it was taken from his thigh. When wounded, in order to avoid going to the southern hospital, he deserted the rebel army and came west, locating in Ohio just one year before coming to Parke County.
The splendid farm which belongs to Mr. Rut- ledge comprises one hundred and fifty-five acres of fertile land, and is divided and subdivided into tields of convenient size, some of which are tilled, and others devoted to pasturage. Mr. Rutledge bears a wide and unblemished reputation as being a man of sterling business qualities, and in what- ever position he has been placed by his fellow-citi- zens he has been noted for his fidelity and discre- tion. Mr. Rutledge and his worthy wife are con- nected with the United Brethren Church, in which they rank among the leading members. In poli- tics Mr. Rutledge is a Prohibitionist and a great temperance worker.
*********
W ILLIAM H. JOHNSTON, a member of the firm of Johnston & Johnston, of Crawfordsville, Ind., was born June 9, 1858. near Greencastle, Ind., acquired an academical education at Darlington Academy and
entered the Michigan University in 1879. He graduated from this institution in the class of 1881 and became a member of the firm of Johnston & Johnston, with his brother Charles.
William Johnston possesses the characteristic qualities of an analytical attorney, who is a close reasoner and prepares the cases that come before the firm with great care and thoroughness. He never jumps at conclusions but gives his opinions after careful consideration, his conclusions being arrived at only by deductions from logical reasoning on sound premises. At the bar he is a strong man and his expressions carry great weight with judge and jury. While he does not possess to any eminent degree the power of a popular orator, his arguments are well and forcibly made and at this time there are few men at this bar who excel him in forensic oratory.
Politics comes naturally to one of his bent of mind and his ability as a manager of close cam- paigns is recognized by his compeers, who have imposed upon him the Chairmanship of the County Committee. The marriage of Mr. Johnston took place in 1886 to Miss Ella May MeMullen, of Frankfort, Ind., and his family now consists of a little daughter, Lois June.
Mr. Johnston's tastes are largely social, and having a natural love for home life, he became as- sociated with fraternal orders where the sacred- ness of home is made a principle. In the Knights of Pythias he has been an active and influential member and has held the responsible position of Recorder of the Uniformed Rank.
**** **
AMES SIMMERMAN, ex-County Sheriff. Wherever there are human beings there will be among them a certain proportion who are evilly disposed, and in large communities it has always be found necessary to appoint gnard- ians of the peace. In Fountain county, Ind., the most popular and efficient guardian of the peace, or in other words the County Sheriff, is James Simmerman, who has discharged the duties of his responsible position in a manner reflecting credit upon himself and upon his constituents.
411
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Simmerman is a Hoosier by birth, was born six miles east of Covington, in Van Buren Town- ship, May 19, 1840, and comes of good old Vir- ginia stock, his parents, James and Marga- ret (Shaeffer) Simmerman, being natives of that state. The elder Simmerman brought his family to Wayne County, Ind., in 1832, but moved from there to Fountain County, where they passed the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1867 at the age of sixty seven, and the mother dying in 1873, also aged sixty-seven years. The father en- tered land from the Government, and it is still in the family, his sons, John and William, owning two hundred and forty acres, the old homestead. Fourteen children were born to this estimable couple, eight of whom lived to be grown, but only two, beside our subject, who was fifth in the order of birth, are now living. Emeline, the only daughter, married Henry Crane, of Osborn Prairie. The father of these children was a man of much energy and push, no doubt inheriting these char- acteristics from his Teutonic ancestors.
The youthful days of James Simmerman were divided between assisting his father on the farm and in attending the common school, where he secured a good practical education. He remained under the parental roof until March, 1865, when he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty- fourth Regiment, and was in service for six months, mainly at Harper's Ferry, Va. He was mustered out in Angust, 1865, and on the 23d of September, of the following year, he married Miss Ruth Whole, a native of Fountain County, Ind., and the daughter of J. Whole, also of that county. After marriage Mr. Simmerman remained on a farm near his father until after the latter's death, or in 1873, when he went to Veedersburg, where he worked at the carpenter trade for three years, erecting stores and other buildings.
Mr. Simmerman was Assessor for the township for nine years continuously, and in 1890 he was elected Sheriff of the county, on the Democratic ticket with a majority of sixty-five. This was an extremely close contest, both men being very prominent in the county. Mr. Simmerman as- sumed the duties of the office on the 22d of No- vember, 1890. The residence and jail (both are
together) is a very fine building, and no man is more capable of filling the position of Sheriff in a satisfactory manner than the original of this notice. He is fearless and determined in dis- charging his duties, is possessed of excellent judgment, and is the right man for the right place. As a citizen and neighbor he has no superior, and by his genial, pleasant manner has won many friends.
In his domestic relations Mr. Simmerman is in- deed fortunate, his wife being a lady of superior attainments, and his family all that heart could wish. He has the following interesting children: Joseph O., Deputy Sheriff; Orville Victor, D. D.S., at Veedersburg, attending college; Quincy Byron, Addie, Mary and Dalie. Mr. and Mrs. Simmerman are prominent church members and are deeply interested in all church work.
***
AMES W. WILSON, a representative farmer and highly respected citizen, of Kirkpat- rick, Montgomery County, Ind., is well known throughout Madison Township as a most genial gentleman and obliging friend and neighbor. The family record of his ancestry shows him to be of Scotch and Irish descent, a fact fully verified by the ready wit and quaint humor of our subject.
Away back in the latter part of the seventeenth century, among the rugged hills of " Old Scotia " David Wilson, the paternal ancestor and great- great-grandfather of James W., was born. A sturdy lad, full of native energy and manly resolu- tion, he early became self-supporting, and seeking where best to establish himself during the future struggle of life, left Scotland, and drifted into the neighboring kingdom of Ireland. In "Erin's Isle " he found employment and a life-time home. Earning his daily bread by steady, honest toil he prospered, and with prudent management was en- abled to marry and rear a large family of ambi- tious, enterprising and self-reliant children.
William Wilson, a son of the old Scotchman, was born in Ireland, in the year 1722, and there pursued the uneventful tenor of his way, in due
412
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
time marrying, and providing for the large family which soon surrounded him. One of his sons, Solomon Wilson, the grandfather of our subject, became deeply interested in the success of the colonists beyond the sea, and, satisfied that he could better his fortunes in the New World, re- solved to emigrate thither. Bidding friends and relatives farewell, he embarked for America, and soon left his native shores far behind him. The journey across the stormy Atlantic was in those days exceedingly tedious, and often perilous, but Mr. Wilson was young, hopeful, and courageous, and occupied his time on ship-board in planning for his future.
Landing safely upon this side of the ocean, the young Irishman settled in the "Old Dominion " and following the custom of his family, married early in life, and in Virginia founded the Ameri- can Wilsons, direct descendants of the old Scotch- man, David Wilson. Solomon Wilson took an active part in the struggles for independence from the mother-country, and no colonist was more en- thusiastic in the holy cause of liberty than he. There is recorded in a faithful diary kept at that time, and now in the possession of the family, the interesting historical fact that Mr. Wilson's patriotism was further practically demonstrated by his donation to the cause of freedom of a most valuable possession, the weights of the old family clock, which had peacefully ticked away the hours in the Virginia home. These weights, weighing respectively sixteen and fifteen pounds, were molded into bullets, and handled by the resolute patriots of the Revolution.
Cornelius Wilson, son of Solomon Wilson, was the father of our subject. He was a native of Hardy County, Virginia, and was born in 1802. He married at an early age Miss Betsey Taylor, also a resident of Virginia, and with his wife mi- grated to Ohio, where he located in Brown County. In 1834 the attractions of Montgomery County, Ind., caused his removal thither, and with wife and children about him he lived to a good old age, enjoying the respect and confidence of the entire community which surrounded him. Cor- nelius Wilson held a commission under Gov. Jeremiah Morrow, as First Lieutenant, the time
of service extending from 1825 to 1834, when Mr. Wilson exchanged his home in Ohio, for one in Indiana.
James W. Wilson, born December 14, 1829, was the second child in a family of ten, and now re. sides near the spot where he spent the days of boyhood. In 1854 he was married to Miss Sarah C. Ermentrout, a daughter of one of the early pio- neers of the county. Two children were raised to maturity, in their pleasant home upon the farm, which our subject has cultivated many years. The Wilsons have been Presbyterians from time im- memorial, and in old Scotland devoutly attended the nearest " kirk."
Our subject is not a politician, but he votes for "the best man " and both he and his good wife are interested in the welfare and prosperity of the world at large. Passing year after year in their quiet home, they have witnessed so many events in the upward progress of their State that they are possessed of a wonderful and most interesting store of reminiscence.
*******
J AMES T. BUCK, editor and proprietor of the Parke County News of Bridgeton, " a paper without politics or religion," was born August 3, 1857, in Raccoon Township, about three miles south of the village of Bridgeton. His father, the Rev. T. M. Buck, is known as the "fighting and marrying parson." The first part of the title was given him during the Civil War. Being a strong Republican and Abolitionist, his Scotch blood would fire in a minute when he heard any- one upholding slavery, and the first he knew he - was threshing the earth with his opponent's body. He received the latter part of his name from the unusual number of couples he had united in mar- riage-more, it is said, than any other preacher in the state of Indiana, the number being nearly five thousand couples.
T. M. Buck was born in Carroll County, Ohio, January 2, 1887. His forefathers were Scotch people, but left their native land during the relig- ions troubles and settled in the North of Ireland. Thomas Buck, grandfather of our subject, came to
John Lockridge
415
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this country about the close of the Revolutionary War and settled in Carroll County, Ohio, where he remained until death. Religiously he was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. "The Parson" is a man of liberal education and an impulsive na- ture, but like all genuine Scotchmen is a true friend or a bitter enemy. In 1854 he he came to Parke County, Ind., where for a time he engaged in teaching school. He held religious meetings in school-houses, cabins, etc., and in 1859 was ordained to preach. For one year he was in charge of the San- ford circuit, north of Terre Haute, and in 1860 re- turned to his farm near Bridgeton. He went to Bra- zil, Ind., in 1867, where he engaged in business and had charge of various churches, among them Bridgeton, Salem and Bee Ridge, until 1883. He then retired to his farm, but still has charge of a local circuit and preaches occasionally. In 1890 he was nominated by his party as a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. He is a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor and Chosen Friends. His wife, Mary A. McCourt, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1836, and was of Irish extraction.
In a family of six children our subject was the second. He received a fair education and at the age of fifteen years commenced to learn the print- er's trade at Brazil, in the office of the Western Mirror. After remaining thus occupied for three years, he returned to his father's farm near Jessup, Parke County, and resided there for two years; was elected Constable and served under Squire J. C. Gilkerson. Afterward he was variously engaged and followed the trade of a tinner much of the time for six years. In 1882-83 he was in Missis- sippi, Louisiana and Arkansas in the secret service. In 1883, after his return to Indiana, he engaged in business as a tinner at Brazil.
August 10, 1885, Mr. Buck was united in marriage with Miss Emma Graber, of Clay City, Ind. About the same time he purchased the Clay City Reporler, which he published until January, 1889, and then sold the paper. Meantime his father-in-law died. At the time of his demise he had been operating a large tile factory, and after his death Mr. Buck managed this business in con- nection with his paper. In August, 1888, he was 20
elected Marshal of Clay City. October 5, 1888, his wife died, leaving two children-Mary and Grace. His second marriage took place March 18, 1890, and united him with Miss Martha A. Beau- champ, of Bridgeton. In November, 1889, in com- pany with J. N. Seybold, he built a large tile fac- tory at Minshall, but the venture did not prove a success. In December, 1890, he purchased the Parke County News, which he has since been con- ducting with great efficiency. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Red Men, I. O. O. F., and was one of the organizers of the Royal Eclampsus Levitas. In his political opin- ions he is Republican.
OHN W. LOCKRIDGE, who has long been prominent in agricultural affairs in Mont- gomery County, and is one of the oldest citi- zens residing within its borders, is now living a retired life in one of the pleasant, comfort- able homes of the village of Mace. His father, who bore the name of William Lockridge, was one of the early settlers of this part of Indiana, whither he had migrated from Augusta County, Va., of which he was a native. He in turn was a son of John Lockridge, a Virginian, who married Miss Ann Ray, who was born in Bath County, that state. John Lockridge was one of the brave sol- diers of the Revolution, serving throughout nearly the whole of the contest, taking part in thirty battles, facing the enemy on the field at Cowpens, and being present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He was the father of five children, named William, John, James, Betsy and Mar- garet.
William Lockridge was the eldest of the family. He grew to man's estate in his native Virginia and, following in his father's footsteps, became a soldier in his country's service during the War of 1812, belonging to an independent rifle company. He was married in Virginia to Rachel, daughter of David Chambers, who was an early settler of Augusta County, that state, and was one of the heroes of the Revolution. William Lockridge and his bride began life together in Augusta County,
-
416
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and continued to live there until September 13, 1830, when they started on an ever memorable journey through a wild and sparsely settled coun- try for Indiana, arriving at Crawfordsville the 20th of the following October. They entered a quarter section of land in Walnut Township, and moving upon it the following spring, made it their home until death, Mrs. Loekridge dying in 1842, and he in 1844.
Mr. Lockridge had proved himself a valuable pioneer in developing the agricultural resources of the county, and had eleared and put under cul- tivation a goodly portion of his land. He was helpful also in promoting the cause of religion in this section, as a charter member and a liberal sup- porter of the Union Presbyterian Church. He was politically a Whig. The following are the children born to him and his wife, of whom four are living: Eliza married Jackson Smith and lives in Iowa; Margaret, deceased, was the wife of David Reed; Rebecea, deceased, was the wife of Samuel Martin; Ellen was the wife of John C. Bowman, of Boone County, Ind. ; Isabella was a resident of Iowa, Harry died at the age of seven- teen, John W., James (deceased), and two sons that died in infaney - Robert and William - com- plete the list.
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.