USA > Indiana > Kosciusko County > Progressive men and women of Kosciusko County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography > Part 27
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by the Modoc Indians and lived with them for five yours. He learned their language and ghed great hiddence with them, night- ing in their wars, and in all modes of living became as one of them. In 1858 he left the Indians and went to San Francisco, where he studied law, and in 1860 was ad- mitted to the bar in Oregon. In 1866 he was elected a county judge in Oregon and served four years. Early in the seventies he began devoting a good deal of time to literary pursuits, and about 1874 he settled in Washington, D. C. He wrote many poems and dramas that attracted consider- able attention and won him an extended reputation. Among his productions may be mentioned " Pacific Poems," .. Songs of the Sierras," "Songs of the Sun Lands," ". Ships in the Desert," " Adrianne, a Dream of Italy, " ". Danites, " "Unwritten History," " First Families of the Sierras " (a novel), " One Fair Woman " .a novel), "Songs of Italy," .. Shadows of Shasta," "The Gold- Seekers of the Sierras, " and a number of others.
EORGE FREDERICK ROOT, a noted music publisher and composer. was born in Sheffield, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on August 30, 1820. While working on his father's farm he found time to learn, unaided, several musical instru- theits, and in his eighteenth year he went to Boston, where he soon found employ- ment as a teacher of music. From 1839 and . The Haymakers." He died in 1890.
BIOGRAPHIES
PROGRESSIVE MEN AND WOMEN
OFF
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
INDIANA
MYTHUOO Ox201020)
AMAICAI
.1
Paul Williams.
COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHY.
GEN. REUBEN WILLIAMS.
It is a recognized fact that the most powerful influence on public life is the press. It reaches the people in greater numbers and thus has been a most important factor in moulding public opinion and shaping the destiny of the nations. The gentleman whose name introduces this review is prom- inently connected with the journalism of Indiana and is now the publisher of the Northern Indianian and Warsaw Daily Times. This section of the state recognizes Him as one of its ablest representatives and his connection with the affairs which affect the general welfare has been of such a char- water that the public has long acknowledged His power and beneficial support. During the period of the Civil war the nation ac- knowledged its indebtedness to him for his able services on the field of battle and his hame will always adorn the roster of Indi- una's distinguished military men.
The Williams family has long been con- Lected with the history of this country, hav- ing been established here during colonial Gays. The grandfather of the subject was numbered among the heroes of the Revolu- con serving as a volunteer in the Mary-
land Continental Line. Again the family was represented in its country's service when the second war with England broke out in 1812, the father of General Williams serving as sergeant in command of the guard for the prisoners of war captured by Com- modore Perry at the battle of Lake Erie, later being transferred to Chillicothe, Ohio, then the capital of the state. Hostilities having ceased, Sergeant Williams located in Tiffin, Ohio, where in 1833 was born the subject of this review.
When a lad of twelve years Reuben Williams began to earn his own livelihood. His parents being in limited circumstances he wished no longer to burden them with caring for him, consequently from that age dates the beginning of his career as an in- dependent factor in the world of affairs. After a few short winter terms of school and a three months seminary course, he en- tered the printing office of Andrew J. Bair, where he began to learn the trade that in one form or other was to be his life-work. Four years were spent as an apprentice, after which for a short time he published the Warsaw Democrat. He then traveled through the West, wishing to see something of the country, and worked for some time
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in printing offices in lowa, after which, in 1856. he returned to Indiana. AActing upon the solicitation of many prominent citizens. he returned to Warsaw, Indiana, and es tablished a paper for the purpose of setting forth the views of the newly organized Re- publican party. This work from the be- gaming prospered. The editorials of the new paper, the Northern Indianian, uphek! the principles of the new party and sap- ported with unfaltering allegiance the Chion CHUNG.
Five years thus passed and Mr. Will- iams then went to the defense of his coun- try in the field. The day that Fort Sumter surrendered be caused to be published a call for volunteers and April 19. 1861, the first company from Kosciusko county started for the field and became a part of the Twelfth Inchana Regiment, Mr. Williams being chosen second lieutenant. After the first battle di Bufi Run the order came for the regiment to proceed at once to Harper's Ferry. in the meantime the three months term had expired, but with characteristic promptitude Mr. Williams at once began the task of reorganization and within a week almost all of the original force had re-en- listed. He was afterward made captain of the company, which he commanded in a number of minor engagements in Virginia. In the spring of 1862 the regiment com- posed the advance guard of the Union army when it occupied Winchester. Virginia. On the Erth of December, 1861, Captain Will- jam, was captured by a Confederate force under Stonewall Jackson and sent to Libby prison, where he remained. until exchanged the following March. Upon the reorgan- ization of the regiment he was commissioned lieutenantcolonel and after the battle of pliments. General Williams was an excel-
Richmond became colonel. Viter stecconi- ing to the colonelcy of his regiment. he was inquently called upon to take command of the brigade by virtue of his being the rank- ing officer, and throughout the Atlanta cam- paign his service was in this capacity. After the fall of the city he was selected as one of the court martial convene to try the Indi- talat conspirators, or "Knights of the Golden Circle" a treasonable organization existing in Indiana and other states. In this ca- pacity he strongly favored capital punish- ment for the offenders. This daty being ended. Colonel Williams rejoined his regi- ment at Savannah and commanded ition the march through the Carolinas and on to Washington, where it had the honor of lead- ing in the grand review, by special order from Gen. John A. Logan, and was the first to pass before the President and the thousands of visitors from all portions of the country. Its appearance as it marcher down Pennsylvania avenue in columna of companies was so impressive as to Grall forth storms of cheers from the spectators, while oficers and men were almost covered. with the bouquets and wreaths of flowers be- stowed by the fair ladies of Washington. During the advance through the Carolinas it became necessary to destroy certain rail- roads and the task, a most difficult and dan- gerous one, was assigned to Colonel Will- iams and his commands. The work was so faithfully executed that he not only re- ceived the personal thanks of Generals Sher- man and Howard, but upon his arrival in Washington he was appointed brevet briga- dier general, whose commission of appoint- ment the president requested Gen. John .1. Logan to deliver in person with his com-
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en precipitation, and the troops which he twentyfive years of more at an, ale. R. hast commanded had but few rivals in the Williams, has been associated with him in the newspaper work and at present time is the business manager of the firm. fond. His men were so well drilled, so Soldier's in appearance and so thoroughly understand the laws and demands of war- fare that they want the most favorable com- brott wherever seen, and for bravery, fol- inatt & the example of their leader, they were arevedled. Upon his return home General Williams engaged in the book and Stationery business for a short time, but kanalsin was the field in which he had be- come best known and in which he had Hetleven such high success. Many of his of friends solicited him to become the editor the Northern Indianian and almost con- Entously since he has been at the head of hat well-known and able journal. In 1867 he was chosen circuit court clerk of Kos- dasko county and after a four-years term was re-elected. 1
On the 5th of April, 1857, Generai Will- Cias was united in marriage to Miss je- mina Hobler, daughter of Major Henry Hubler. now deceased, a veteran - dier of the war with Mexico and the war of the Rebellion. To General Willians' union with Miss flubier six children were born. viz: Ida Evelyn, deceased, was the wife . i S. B. Frasier: Mei R. is the partner di his Rather: Thomas Bramwell resides in Chi- cargo and is an attache of the American Press Association: Logan He is city editor of the Times and Indianian in his father's office: George B., of Ligonier, Indiana, is the assistant cashier in the Citizens Bank of that city, and Paul R. the youngest of the family, is a practical printer and resides in the city of Warsaw. General Williams is a member of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, also belongs to the Henry Chipman Post. G. A. R., and for a number of years has been identified with the Method- ist church.
1 .: 1875, upon the urgent solicitation of Frominent Republicans in the city of Ft. Wayne, He consented to take charge of the Daily viazette there and continued to edit hat paper until the following December. when he received the appointment of deputy serial comptroller of the United States reasury at Washington, which office he Add the seven months. At the expiration SILAS W. CHIPMAN. " that time he again hearkened favorably the urgent solicitation of old friends in Silas W. Chipman, president of the State Bank of Warsaw, Indiana, is a native .. i 36 resuming control of the Northern Indi- " Vermont and was born in Addison county. that state, on the 16th day of March, 1820. The parents from when he descended were Isaac and Sarah H. (Hemingway) Chip- man, both natives of Vermont and of Bag- lish descent. Their ancestors were among the early pioneers of New England. immi- Sisciusko county by returning to Warsaw onian, which paper he has since edited. General Williams, in 188r, established the Warsaw Daily Times, which he has also milished since in connection with the Northern Indianian. The Northern Indi- asian has a circulation of four thousand and the Daily Times nine hundred. For ` grating to the United States in the colonial
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days, some of whom came over on the "May- flower." Isaac and Sarah H. Chipman were married in Addison county, Vermont, and settled in Shoreham township where he owned and conducted a fine farm of about three hundred acres. He was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit all his life. He was a Whig, and later a Re- publican in politics and figured very prom- inently during his day in the political his- tory of his state and county. He was a justice of the peace for many years before he died and also served several terms in the leg- islature and senate. He and wife were de- voted members of the Congregational church nearly all their lives and were among the highly respected people of the community in which they resided. They were the parents of seven chiklren, of whom three are now living, viz. : Hannah A., widow of Edgar S. Catlin, resides in Warsaw : Sarah J., wife of William S. Smart, resides in Brandon, Vermont, and Silas W., the subject of this review, the next to the eldest member of the family.
Silas W. was reared on his father's farm in Vermont and resided there until his twen- ty-third year, meantime receiving his edu- cational training in the district schools of his neighborhood. In May, 1849. he came to Kosciusko county, Indiana, and found em- ployment in the store of Atwood & Potten- ger, of Warsaw, as a clerk, in which ca- pacity he continued about six months. At the expiration of that time he went in part- nership with his brother, Samuel H .. who had come to this county in 1836, and en- graged in the mercantile business at Warsaw under the firm name of Chipman & Brother. The two continued together for some time and then sold out, after which Silas W. en-
gaged in business with Messis. Funk and Upson under the name of Chipman, Funk & Company. This partnership continued for ten or twelve years, when Mr. Funk re- tired and the firm continued under the name of Chipman & Upson until 1881, when it was dissolved, Mr. C. L. Bartol purchasing the stock.
In 1881 the First National Bank of Warsaw was reorganized and incorporated under the name of the State Bank of War- saw and a few years later Mr. Chipman was elected its president, in which capacity he has served ever since. This bank was re- organized in December, 1901, and incor- porated under the name of the State Bank of Warsaw, with Mr. Chipman still its presi- dent, Edgar Haymond, vice-president, Abe Brubaker, cashier, and Walter W. Chipman, assistant cashier. The bank has a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars and is one of the strongest and safest financial institutions in northern Indiana. Mr. Bra- baker resigned his position as cashier in March, 1902, since which time the place has been filled by Ashbel O. Catlin.
Mr. Chipman was united in marriage in Warsaw on April IS, 1867, to Miss Sarah M. Wilson, of Ohio, whose birth occurred. March 6, 1850, the daughter of Thomas and Juliette Wilson. To this union five chi !- dren were born, viz: Wilbur, who died in infancy; Walter W .. assistant cashier in the State Bank of Warsaw: Arthur, who diet in infancy: Antoinette died at the age of thirteen, and Helen M .. an accomplished musician who still makes her home under the parental roof.
Mr. Chipman and wife are both consist- ent members of the Presbyterian church. in which he has been an elder for more than
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fifteen years. He is a Republican in politics and while he takes an active part in the wei- fare of his party has never been an aspirant for public office. Mr. Chipman is a gentle- man of pleasing personality, amiable in dis- position. affable in manner and has long been noted for honor and integrity in all of his relations with his fellow men. Hle is respected by the community, beloved as a neighbor and friend and recognized as one of the successful men and representative citizens of the county of Kosciusko.
Although enrolled among the well-to-do men of the city in which he lives. Mr. Chip- man is one of the most unostentatious of men, open hearted and candid in manner and retaining in his demeanor the simplicity and candor of the old-time gentleman. Such is the brief life story of one who is cheered by the retrospect of a long and useful career, who has indelibly stamped the impress of his strong personality on the community where so many of his years have been spent and whose record will stand as an enduring monument long after his labors are ended and his name becomes a memory.
REV. GEORGE H. THAYER, DECEASED.
One of the most talented, eloquent and porus clergymen who ever filled a pulpit in the city of Warsaw. Kosciusko county, Indi- wat .. was the late deeply mourned George H. Thayer, who, though somewhat skeptical in his earlier days, became deeply imbued with a religious fervor at the age of about seven- .ven or eighteen years, united with the Meth- Het Episcopal church, and in 1836 entered the ministry.
Key. Thayer was born in Browne conn- ty, New York, December 29, 1857, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elma G. Fribley, in Bourbon. Marshall county, Ja- Giana. December 6, 1899. His father. James Thayer, was a native of Massachusetts and descended from an ante-Revolutionary iam- dy: during the war of 1812 he had com- mand of a company of militia, for which reason he was always known as Captain Thayer until the day of his death, which occurred in the state of New York.
George H. Thayer, although born in Browne county, was reared in Onondaga county, New York, and was graduated from the Onondaga Academy. He taught school prior to and after graduation. In the earlier days of his ministry he sometimes walked five miles to fill an appointment, and after- ward went on horseback as far as twenty- five miles to keep an appointment. regardless of weather and bad roads and with no com- pensation in a monetary sense, as he gained his livelihood in secular pursuits. having been reared a farmer. He was a pioneer of Indiana and located in Peru in 1845, his family following him in 1847. He taught school in Pera two years and then removed to Marshall county, where he had previously bought a tract of land in a timber district. and this tract he at once cleared up and de- veloped into a valuable farm. From this farm he removed to Bourbon. Kosciusko county, in 1859, and laid out Thayer's au- dition to that then village. He was a re- markably public-spirited gentleman, took great interest in public education, and gave to the town the ground on which now stands the elegant school edifice.
Rev. Mr. Thayer was twice married. For his first wife he selected Miss Hannah
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Game of Hover. New York, who died in of. Frinternally he was a Mange Masem a Bretten Instant, in 1805, the mother of Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar; his children and grandchildren were with him in these pages. But his Hie work was in the case of religion, and for forty-eight years he preached the Gospel gratuitonly. He was very se cial in hi- inbit- mail enje get Le companionship of his friends tant weigh- horse This good man seemed to have been. fully aware of his approaching denise. .. on the Sunday before his demise, while at church and actively engaged in the service. he remarked that he believed it would be the last time that he would be permitted to mingle with worshipers in the house of God, and this premonition proved to be true.
Arve GMXen: Hon. Henry ( .. Inte state Senator: aler. Jan D., who died in Warst, BAR E in .865, and Frances Augusta, With But in Endid. New York, in 1813. Mrs. Hitta deriding Thayer was called it m the entity have and loving family in 1805. Was The END; Rev. Thayer married Mr -. Sanda Crockett. who bore hint two daugh- 1. LE He and Elma G. Mrs. Amelia Thay- passed away in 1881, and the father then made his home with his son in Plymouth. where he lived for thirteen years, and then for the five years just prior to his death. with his daughter. Mrs. Elma G. Fridley. Mr. Thayer left ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The former are George II. Jr. : James W .: Mrs. Angelica Yang of Plymouth ; Mrs. Hattie Hendee. of Andersen: Misses Jessie and Mary. of Warsaw: Harry D., f Chicago: Helen. Frances and Eleanor Fribley, of Bourbon. The great-grandchildren are Edgar M. Y'all M .. Frances .... Walter W. and Florence Nee Young, of Plymouth, and Marie and J. am Mendee, of Anderson.
The Rev. George H. Thayer took a de- cided interest in the political affairs of the state and nation, but he never craved public office. He was an original and profound tinker on all subjects and politics came within the scope of his cogitations. His Erst presidential vote was given for Andrew Jackson, but he was an abolitionist at a time when it required unwavering moral courage i declare Himself to be such. He joined the White party at its organization and later the Republican party when it came into exist- once. Of the thirteen presidential candi- time for whom he voted, eleven were elect-
The funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church. Bourbon, Indi- ana, Friday, December 8. at one o'clock I. Mi .. the Rev. Charles E. Davis, pastor. 85-
sister by Kew. W. W. Raymond, of St. The ma- Episcopal church, and Rer. W. B. MeKinzie. of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Plymouth, Indiana, Reis. J. C. Breckenridge and C. H. Spiller and W. H. Rittenhouse. J. N. Martin and Charles Frib- ley, of Bourbon, and A. J. Daryee, of Etna Green, all of whom acted as pall bearers. The pastor's sermon was an eloquent and heartich tribute to the Mie and character of the deceased, dwelling particularly apon the completeness of his long and useful Mie spent in the service of God and in the ex- amplification of the Christian virtues. He spoke with deep feeling of his personal loss in the death of one whose vigor of intellect. kseen spiritual insight and powers of clear and logical expression were of great help to his ministerial co-workers, and whose kind- is loving tand sympathetic nature endeare ! him to all who knew him. This peaceful
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villa surrounded by loving relatives and Erunt, was, the speaker said, a fitting con- chsten to his upright, consistent Christian He and furnished an example which all
The other ministers present followed sa krist tributes to the worth of their de- her friend and brother, all of them speak- with deep emotion di their love for him i aned and heart, especialy acknowledge- Betyder hadebteines to him for help and. marathon m their chosen work. The chair war the palpit which the deceased had for- methy occupied was appropriately draped reminded all present that this grand, good man would meet with them no more on earth, though the sweet memory of his wick here will jong remain as an inspiration isso live that all may meet him beyond the Stave where partings are unknown. Rev. W. W. Raymond said it seemed to him like a benediction to come into the kindly pres- aver i the venerable man of God who had just been called home. He then read the blowing letter from the Rev. J. A. Max- weh, formerly pastor of the Methodist Epis- spal church of Plymouth :
KEWANNA, IND., December 7, 1899. .N. H. G. THAYER, Plymouth, Ind.
My Dear Sir :- I have the notice of your father's .... ra .. I regret very much my inability to attend. wie so much to be present and pay some F. Hethis worth. In preaching, his face was al- ways an inspiration to me. His approval or disap- : retter was very marked in his expressions . ... Ways take me more thoughtful. Few men ... ve ever known had a more logical mind. Through at a marvelous age he has lived. We cannot regret , for he had reached an unusual age and was Horas heavenly home. God's picture of a fin- par de tight well be his epitaph-
"Thou shalt come to thy graceful age, The as a shock of corn cometh in his season."
conformed to God's law and service. A serche and happy old age comes only to the Christian.
"It is not death to Close The eyes long chambred by tears And wake in potions repose To spend eternal yours." I shall wond remember your waved and honored father. Yours fraternahy, JOHN A. MAXWELL .. The Rev. MeKinzie, pastor of the Mesh-
after an document tribute of love and respect. read the following ietter ir a: Rev. Lewis S. Smith, formerly pastig of the Methodis Episcopal church at Plymouth:
DEMPHI, IND., December 7, 1-1. REV. C. E. DAVIS, Bourbon, Inc.
Dear Brother :- Announcement of the death of Rev. George H. Thayer at noon yesterday and of the funeral services under your charge tomorrow just anw received He was ready for this translation. He literally walked with God. He was venerable, anke for great age, for great intelligence, and for Any char- acter. He reveled in lofty thoughts. God madle han perfect in love. His work was done and well done. : count it a privilege extraordinary to have known Kev. George H. Thayer for more than five years. re_ard him the most unique character and one of the holiest men I have ever known.
Give my sincere regards to his son and daughter and their families.
Fraternally, LEWIS S. SMITH, Pastor M. E. Church. Rev. J. C. Breckenridge, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Bourbon, speaking of his great love for the deceased and the he he had received from him in the under- standing of many questions, referred to the breadth of his Christianity, which knew a; section bounds, but embraced att who tried in follow in the Master's footsteps. The Ress. C. A. Spieler. W. H. Rittenhouse. T. N. Martin. A. J. Daryce and Charles Frib- ley then gave personal testimony of their
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friendslap and love for "Rather Thayer." from whom each had received valuable ideas regarding the Christian faith and lessons of the Bible, and all gave expression of their expectancy to meet him and strike glad hands with him in the paradise of God. Prof. Bish, who led the choir in the beautiful and appropriate hymns which were sung, then spoke feelingly of his associa- done with the deceased. A touching and sigatteint feature was the large number . f dia dren who came to the hotte to call i; the last tine on "Grandpa Thayer," who was always their kind and loving friend. Among them were some little girls who brought flowers, as had been their custom during his illness.
The casket was covered with beautiful flowers, tokens of love from relatives and friends. At the conclusion of the cere- montes at the church the interment took place in the Odd Fellows' cemetery, where the beautiful and impressive Masonic cere- aunties were performed by Bourbon Lodge, A. F. & A. M. assisted by Plymouth Kil- winning Lodge. A. F. & A. M., Brother J. N. Wilson, of Plymouth, acting as master. It was a fitting end to a long, honorable and well rounded life on earth, which end here is but the beginning of an endless life of. perfect bliss in the bright realms of the im- mertat souls of the blest, prepared from the foundation of the world for all the faithful followers of the Lamb.
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