Harrison Township
View a history of Terre Haute.

Under this head we propose to give extended biographies or personal sketches of a large number of the leading citizens of Terre Haute and vicinity, not only of early settlers, but also of the more modern. The items have been obtained, as far as possible, from the parties themselves, or their intimate friends, and are believed to be perfectly reliable. Many of the subjects have already been mentioned in the preceding pages, but we believe it will add vastly to our work as a book of reference and as a basis for the future historian, to give to this department a most minute detail. As far as practicable, the sketches have been arranged in chronological order or rather than in the order of coming to the township or county.--[Ed.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 159

JOHN S. BEACH, banker, whose name stands among the foremost of Terre Haute's leading citizens, is a native of Newton, Sussex county, New Jersey. He became a resident of Jersey City, but emigrated from there to St. Louis in 1847, where he resided until 1851, and then removed to the then small town of Terre Haute. He secured a position in the Prairie City Bank and opened the books for that institution. From bookkeeper he was promoted to the position of cashier, and was subsequently made president. In 1861 he bought the controlling interest in the bank, and has since remained at the head of the institution. From 1868 to 1878 he was interested with Mr. Theo. HUDNUT in the large hominy mill of Terre Haute. He took an active interest in establishing the system of water-works of the city, and is at present the president of that company. The Terre Haute street railway also claimed a share of his attention, in which he is the largest stockholder. In 1869 he was instrumental in organizing the Terre Haute Savings Bank, and has, since it was organized, held the office of treasurer and secretary, Col. DOWLING being the first president. Mr. BEACH has for many years been largely interested in real estate, and has built many of the finest business houses of the city. The whole of the east side of Sixth street, between Ohio and Main, are among the improvements that he has made. This block includes the United States post-office building, the Prairie City Bank and the Terre Haute Savings Bank, of the former of which he is president. As said in the opening of this sketch, Mr. BEACH is one of Terre Haute's most enterprising citizens, and there are probably but few of the citizens who have ever been identified with the building up and improving the Prairie City that have taken a more active interest in her growth and prosperity than he. Mr. BEACH was married in 1856 to Miss Harriet GILBERT, daughter of Curtis GILBERT, who was one of the early and prominent pioneers of Vigo county.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 227

J.J. BELT, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, April 2, 1836, where he has resided all his life except two and a half years, which he spent in Wisconsin. At seventeen years of age he served an apprenticeship as blacksmith, and after completing his trade followed it for about ten years, since which time he has been engaged in farming and dealing in stock. In 1862 he married Miss Mary PARSONS, daughter of Wm. and Isabel (HOPKINS) PARSONS. She was a native of Edgar county, Illinois, and died September 14, 1876, leaving a family of two children, Emily and Josephine.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 188

O.C. BELT, a farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, April 1, 1838, and is the son of Jaroll and Mary BELT, who were among the early settlers of the county, and who came to the county in 1818, and resided until their deaths. Mr. BELT has been a resident of the county all his life except six years which were spent in Wisconsin and Illinois. In 1866 he married Miss Elizabeth BALDING, daughter of Anson and Mary BALDING. She was born in Richland county, Illinois, in 1848. They have four children; Elva, Nellie, Maggie and May.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 194

J. BEHRINGER, grocer, Terre Haute, No 832 Main street, has by his own energy and economy established a good business. He is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, where he was born June 26, 1851. He received a fair education, and learned the trade of a blacksmith and of a weaver in Germany. In 1871 he came to the United States. After his arrival he spent a couple of years at farming in Oxford county, Indiana, and in 1873 came to Terre Hatue and began clerking in a grocery, which he followed for a time and then engaged in business on his own account. June 5, 1877, he was married to Miss Elizabeth GREINER, a native of Ripley county, Indiana, and of German parentage.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 222-223

THOMAS H. BLAKE, janitor of the second ward city schools, Terre Haute, was born at Vincennes, Knox county, Indiana, March 20, 1820. He was bound out to Fredrick CLAYCOMB, of Knox county, Indiana, when three years of age, and served until of age on a farm. He then went to Vincennes and engaged in packing pork with John MATTOX for several years. He removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1846, and followed the business of packing barrel pork until the winter of 1869, when he received the position of janitor of the second ward city school, which position he continues to hold at present. He joined the A.M.E. church January 3, 1841, and is still an honored member of that society. He also joined the Masonic fraternity in May 1854. He was married June 8, 1843, to Miss Elisabeth CORTWRIGHT, of Vincennes, Indiana, and lived with her until she died, December 23, 1858. He afterward married a Miss Loisa SIMS, June 5, 1859. They have two children living, Charlotte and Freddie. The daughter has finished a course in the city schools and has attended the high school for three years, and will graduate in one year. They are in comfortable circumstances.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 367

E. BLEEMEL, dealer in groceries, flour and feed, corner Ninth and Poplar streets, Terre Haute, is a native of Prussia. In 1853 he came to the United States and direct to Terre Haute, and until 1875 was engaged in the brewing business. At this date he engaged in his present line of trade. He has been wholly dependent upon his own resources in accumulating his property. He now owns real estate in different parts of the city. His residence and business house, corner Ninth and Poplar, is all the same building, the residence part being 20x64 feet and the store being 42x42 feet, making together a fine large building. He is an active, energetic business man, and is enjoying a good trade. October 16, 1861, he was married to Miss Louise REINHART, of Baden, Germany. Mr. BLEEMEL is giving his whole time and attention to his business, believing the best way to succeed is to first understand his business and then attend to it.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 242

NICK BOLAND, dealer in boots and shoes, Terre Haute, who has now been engaged in the boot and shoe trade in Terre Haute since 1866, is a native of Germany, from which country he emigrated to the United States in 1844, he at that date being about twelve years of age. For about four years after his arrival he was a resident of Albany, New York. From that city he went to Detroit, Michigan, and there for three years learned the trade of a manufacturer of boots and shoes. Much of his success in business in the boot and shoe line probably depends upon his being a thoroughly practical workman. He remained a resident of Detroit about four years, and then went to Sandusky, Ohio, and from there to Cincinnati. From the latter place he removed to Terre Haute in 1854. He followed work at his trade in Terre Haute from the time of his arrival until 1866, when he engaged in business on his own account. He has now been identified with the boot and shoe trade of Terre Haute for as great, or a greater, number of years than any dealer in the city. He is now located at No. 509 Main street, where he is doing a good business. From 1873 to 1877 he ran a branch store on Fourth street. Mr. BOLAND is a shrewd, careful merchant, and while many of the merchants in his line have become bankrupt during his time, he has gone quietly and steadily on in his business, until now he is known as one of the most successful men in his line. His career is a fair demonstration of what can be accomplished by energy, enterprise and a stern determination to succeed in the face of all difficulties.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 248-249

B. BOOTH, retired merchant, Terre Haute, is one of the old-time merchants of the city of Terre Haute. He was born in the State of Connecticut in 1793, New Haven being his native county. He came west as early as the year 1817, and settled in Washington county, Indiana, where for many years he was engaged in the mercantile trade. In 1842 he removed to Terre Haute, where he continued the mercantile business until 1850. His first trip to Terre Haute was in 1818, and he was in the "city" when, at a meeting of the commissioners, the county seat was located at Terre Haute. He returned to Washington county, however, and in 1842 became a permanent resident, as above stated. Since 1850 he has not been actively engaged in any kind of business, and he is now one of the oldest men of the city. During his residence of thirty-seven years in Terre Haute he has probably made as few enemies as any man that has ever done business in the city. He is the father of Senator S.B. BOOTH of California, who is now about fifty-three years old. He was educated at Greencastle, Indiana. After graduating at Greencastle he began and completed the study of law, and was admitted to practice at the Vigo county bar. In 1850 he went to California and engaged in the wholesale grocery trade, and at present is holding the office of United States senator from that state.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 199-200

B.F. BORING, school teacher, Terre Haute, was born in Marion county, Indiana, in 1840. His father, Thomas W. BORING, was a local preacher in an early day and was subject to the orders of Peter CARTWIGHT. He was transferred from place to place, and finally became a resident of Russelville, Illinois, where he died in 1846. B.F. BORING, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in Lawrence and Crawford counties, Illinois, and in 1856 went to Hudsonville, Illinois, and served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, which he completed but never worked at. In 1861, at the breaking out of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 80th reg. Ill. Vol. Inf., Co. D, and soon after was sent to the field of action, and participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged; the battle of Bellmont, where he received a slight wound, and Fort Henry, February 6, 1862, at the siege of Fort Donelson from February 11 to 16, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, and at Vicksburg when Sherman was repulsed; they then went to Memphis, Tennessee, and he was in the engagement at Little Black river, Magnolia Hill, Raymond, Edward station, Clinton and Jackson, May 16, 1863, at Champion Hills. By his meritorious conduct he was promoted to fifth sergeant, May 17, 1863, at Black River bridge, and May 18, 1863, they began the investing of Vicksburg, and he was in the intrenchments forty-seven days, after which he received a thirty days' furlough, and after the expiration of that time he rejoined his regiment at Vicksburg and went all through the Red River march, and was under fire every day and night until the evacuation of Atlanta. He served his time out and was discharged at Chattanooga, and soon after came to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he has been engaged as teacher of the public school for some time. In politics he is a staunch republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 299-300

JOHN BOSSOM is of the firm of Bossom & Wilkes, house, sign and ornamental painters, grainers and paper hangers, 315 Ohio street. This firm is a leading one in their line of business. Mr. BOSSOM emigrated to the United States in 1869. He was born in Oxford, England, where his business education was obtained. In February, 1876, he commenced business in company with Mr. WILKES. They are now in the full tide of a successful business. Mr. BOSSOM's life is another example of what can be accomplished by energy and diligence. Both he and his wife are members of the First Baptist church, Terre Haute. He is also a Mason, member of Social Lodge, No. 86.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 328

J.J. BRAKE, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Owen county, Indiana, March 5, 1822. His parents, Leonard and Mary JACKSON BRAKE, were natives of Virginia, and came to Owen county, Indiana, in 1820, and thence to Vigo county in 1826. Mr. BRAKE was born October 28, 1792, and Mrs. BRAKE was born December 1, 1797. Mr. BRAKE resided in this county until his death, which occurred March 28, 1875. Mrs. BRAKE resides in this county, on the farm where they settled when they came to the county. J.J. BRAKE came with his parents to the county in 1826, and here he has ever since been a resident. In 1854 he married Miss Elizabeth RODGERS, daughter of Jonathan RODGERS, who came to Vigo county in 1828, and lived here until his death, which occurred in 1860. His wife, Nancy DAWSON, died in 1865. Mr. BRAKE is a member of the A.F. and A.M. of Terre Haute Lodge, No. 19, and in his political views he is a democrat.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 178

Another of the active business men of Terre Haute, and one who represents the produce trade, is Mr. J.H. BRIGGS. He is a native of Washington county, New York, where the early part of his life was spent. About the year 1858 he came west, and located at Alton, Illinois, where he remained about seven years. He then removed to Terre Haute and engaged in the hardware trade, which he continued about four years and then began his present line of business. His produce house is located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Cherry streets, where he does an extensive business in the handling of fruits and produce, both buying and selling and on commission. In addition to this he has another house located corner of Ninth and Cherry streets, which is devoted to the handling of eggs and poultry, in which he also does an extensive business. Mr. BRIGGS takes an interest in social affairs, and is a member of the order of A.O.U.W., Lodge No. 60, and of the A.F. and A.M., Terre Haute Commandery, No. 16.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 304

C.B. BRILE, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and at nineteen years of age served an apprenticeship as millright, which he followed for fifteen years. In 1845 he came west and located in Owen county, Indiana, and in 1855 came to Terre Haute, Vigo county, and engaged in the grocery business for three years. He then removed to where he now resides, where he has a fine residence which is of his own construction. Mr. BRILE being industrious in his early life is now able to enjoy the fruits of his labor. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. NEWOUMEYER, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, born in 1818. By their happy marriage they have been blessed with two daughters, Elouisa, wife of C.W. LOCKMAN and Emeline, wife of Wm PUGH. Mr. and Mrs. BRILE have long since been members of the Christian church.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 252

R.B. BROTHERTON, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, January 4, 1844. He is the son of Abel BROTHERTON, who came to the county in 1822, and of whom a mention is made in the sketch of R.W. BROTHERTON. Mr. BROTHERTON has resided in the county all his life except while in the army, which time he served in the 85th Ind. Vol. Inf., company G, as a non-commissioned officer, and participated in most of the prominent battles: Chicamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Pea Ridge, Mission Ridge, Peach-tree Creek, Atlanta and others, twenty-seven in all. He was with SHERMAN on his march to the sea, and then marched from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Washington, District of Columbia, and took part in the general review. He returned home in June, 1865, where he has been engaged in farming. In 1868 he married Miss E.J. PHILLIPS, a native of Vigo county, Indiana. Mr. BROTHERTON is a member of the Knight of honor, and is a staunch republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 202

C.W. BROWN, bookbinder, Terre Haute, who dates his residence in the Prairie City back to 1839, and who is one of the old newspaper men of the city, is now running a large establishment in the line of job printing and bookbinding on the corner of Fifth and Ohio streets. Though he became a resident of Terre Haute in 1839, he has since resided in other cities. He learned his trade in Terre Haute under G.A. & J.P. CHAPMAN, and afterward went to Indianapolis, where he resided for a time and then removed to Greencastle, Indiana, and there established the "Greencastle Banner," which he edited for about fifteen years. During eight years of this time he also held the office of postmaster under the administrations of Lincoln and Johnson. Returning to Terre Haute in 1866, he engaged in the job printing business, and became interested with Mr. W.H. BUCKINGHAM in a book store. In 1871 he started "The Gazette" in company with O.J. SMITH. In 1871 he sold out, after one year of exciting journalism, SMITH being shot through the leg, and he in the right breast, by a ball which still remains in his body. Mr. BROWN was shot by Edwin S. EARNEY. Changing his business, he once more engaged in the business of job printing, bookbinding, paper box making, etc., at which business he is still engaged, his being the largest establishment of the kind in the city.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 196

DANIEL BROWN, dealer in queensware, Terre Haute, is another of the old pioneers of the Wabash valley. He was born in Ontario county, New York, March 12, 1818, and with his people came to Vermillion county in 1823. His father settled at Clinton, which became the home of Daniel until 1842. He had but little opportunity of obtaining an education, his total attendance at the public schools not exceding six months. He, however, obtained a good practical education behind the counter, as his time was principally spent at clerking until he came to Terre Haute in 1842. After his arrival in Terre Haute he opened a store on his own account and engaged in the sale of a general line of merchandise. He continued in business about fifteen years, and then in 1856 went to Kankakee, where his wife died. Her maiden name was Kezah LYONS, and they were married in 1847. After the loss of his wife Mr. BROWN returned to Terre Haute, and in 1857 was married to Mrs. Susan MELVIN, after which event he returned to his farm in Otter Creek township, and there resided about four years, and then again removed to Terre Haute, where he has since resided. He again engaged in business upon his return to the city by buying a stock of queensware and engaging in business in the Early block. Since then he has been engaged in the queensware trade and is now located at No. 28 North Fourth street, the establishment being known as the Fourth street queensware store. Mr. BROWN has been a close observer of the gradual growth of the improvements that have been made in the Wabash valley. He is recognized as one of the few remaining pioneers of whom the people are learning to be proud.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 200

ELVIN J. BROWN, dairyman and fruit grower, Terre Haute, was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1823. At sixteen years of age he enlisted in the regular army, in the second dragoons, and went to Florida to fight the Indians, where he remained five years. After this he went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and while there entered eighty acres of land, but soon got tired of farming in that country and came to Vigo county in 1853, where he has been engaged in farming and following dairying. In 1856 he married Miss Phoebe G. GRAHAM, a native of Ohio, born in 1827, and came to this county in 1833. They have one son and one daughter; George M. and Elvinnette.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 240

N.G. BUFF, attorney, Terre Haute, whose natural talent and ability have placed him among the leading attorneys of the Vigo county bar, is a native of Clermont county, Ohio, and is a man now about forty-three years of age. He is of Welch parentage, though the name of BUFF is of French origin. He was educated at Antioch College, of Yellow Springs, Ohio. He began the study of law in 1858, which he finished under Judge D. McDONALD, of Indianapolis, and was admitted to practice in 1861. The same year that he was admitted to the bar he entered the federal army. He enlisted in the 1st Ind. Heavy Art. for a three years' term of service. Returning from the army, he became a resident of Sullivan, Indiana, and began the practice of his profession. In 1875 he returned to Terre Haute, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of law. Though a resident of Terre Haute but for a few years, Mr. BUFF has already become well and favorably known.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 351

TOUISSANT C. BUNTIN is one of the few old settlers of Terre Haute who is still actively engaged in business. He is a native of Knox county, Indiana, where he was born in September 1815, and is the only one now living of a family of thirteen children. His father was a native of the north of Ireland, and brother to Lord Baltimore; his brother being the oldest, inherited the title and estates. At the age of twelve years he emigrated to the United Stataes. In after years he became a personal friend of Capt. BRADFORD, who fell in battle at the defeat of St. Clair, Ohio. After Capt. BRADFORD was shot he gave to Capt. R. BUNTIN his sword, and at the same time gave him instructions verbally as to the disposition of his property. He complied with the request of Capt. BRADFORD, and about two years after (1793) the defeat of St. Clair, he became a resident of Vincennes, Indiana. At Vincennes he was married to Miss Mary SHANNON, her father having settled at that place as early as 1785. During the early trouble with the Indians at Vincennes, his mother's people were massacred by them, her father happening to be away from home at the time. She also would have shared the fate of her mother and sisters but for a timely exclamation of horror that she happened to make in French. This exclamation and a colored handkerchief, such as were used by the French, that she was wearing about her head at the time, were the means of saving her life, as it led the Indians to suppose that she was a French girl belonging to one of the French families in the settlement, the French and Indians at that time being allied together. Through friendly relations with some of the French families, his mother had learned to speak the language, which was luckily afterward the means of saving her from massacre. During the early life of T.C. BUNTIN, the advantages for procuring an education were very meagre (sic), his education having been attained principally through business experience. When still a boy he entered the store of his brother-in-law, who was engaged in business at Carlisle, Indiana. He remained with him until he had grown to man's estate, and then returned to Vincennes, where he continued in the mercantile business for a time. In 1840 he went to Grayville, White county, Illinois, where he engaged in business in company with a Mr. ALLISON, the firm name being Buntin & Allison. From Grayville he went to Shawneetown, Illinois, and for one year was engaged in the hotel business. He removed from there to Terre Haute, thence to Greencastle, Indiana, and in 1846 went to New Orleans, Louisiana, returning one year later to become a permanent resident of Terre Haute. His first business after returning to Terre Haute was in the capacity of clerk for Jacob D. EARLY. He afterward opened the Prairie House, which had been closed for eight years. That house he managed for about three years, and then opened the Buntin House in 1852. He remained proprietor of that house until 1861, when he gave up hotel-keeping and entered the army as quartermaster of the 14th reg. Ind. Vol. Inf., three years' serivce, under Col. N. KIMBALL. After about one years' service he was commissioned captain and assistant quartermaster, and assigned to Gen. KIMBALL's staff, Col. KIMBALL having been promoted to the rank of general previous to his being commissioned captain. He served his country in all about four years and one month, and left the service at Paducah, Kentucky, where he remained for about three years after being mustered out of the service. He then returned to Terre Haute and took charge of the Terre Haute House, became a member of the hotel company (owner of the property), and for three years, or until 1871, was proprietor of the Terre Haute House, which is still the only first class hotel of the city. In 1871 he took an interest in the Vigo Abstract Company, which business he is now actively engaged in pursuing. In 1878 he was made president of the board of trustees of the Terre Haute Savings Bank, and that office he still holds. There are few people in Terre Haute or vicinity who are not acquainted with him. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman who has won for himself an honorable reputation and the friendship of the people by his honest and upright adherence to the right, both in public and private life.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 218-219

J.A. BURGAN, farmer, Terre Haute, is the son of SAMUEL BURGAN, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1804. December 27, 1832, Samuel BURGAN was married to Miss ALMIRA WEST, a native of the same county, born November 3, 1812. In October, 1854, they came to Vigo county, where they resided until their deaths; Mr. BURGAN dying January 25, 1862, and Mrs. BURGAN, August 15, 1878. They left a family of nine children, now living: James A., Samuel W., Eunice A., William C., Elizabeth J., Lyman M., Josephine R. and Joseph A. The deceased children of the family were Almira A. and Daniel A.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 244-245

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