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

SYLVESTER OWEN, blacksmith, Terre Haute, has for eleven years been connected with the smithing business of Terre Haute. This, however, has been a business with him since his boyhood. He is a native of Lawrence county, Indiana, his people being among the pioneers of that county. When he was fifteen years old his father died, leaving to him the care of the family and the responsibility of conducting the business left by him. This he did by stepping into the shop as proprietor and running it successfully since that time. For about thirty-eight years he has been actively engaged in the business until within the past few years he has not done so much work over the anvil. In 1852 he went to Paris, Illinois, and for about four years was engaged in business there. He then removed to New Goshen, Vigo county, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Terre Haute. Mr. OWEN is a member of Goodwill Lodge, No. 520, of K. of H., of Friendship Lodge, No 41, K. and S. of H.; of the latter lodge he is a charter member. He is also a charter member of Royal Arcanum order, and a member of Wabash Lodge, No. 1, A.O.U.W. In 1864 Mr. OWEN went out with Col. HUDSON in his 133d reg. of Ind. Vol. Inf., a regiment comprised almost entirely of Terre Haute citizens.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 260

JOHN PADDOCK, boot and shoe dealer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county in 1845, and is the son of Mr. Louis PADDOCK, who was one of the early pioneers of Vigo county. His location as a resident of the county dates back to 1818. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent on a farm, where, in addition to attending to such duties as devolved upon him, he spent the time attending the district schools until about sixteen years of age. He had arrived at this age about the time of the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, in which he at once enlisted for three years in company D, 43d reg. Ind. Vol. Inf., under Col. W.E. McLEAN. Before his three years' term of enlistment had expired he veteranized for another three years, and but for receiving a serious wound at the battle of Mark's Mill, Arkansas, would probably have remained in the service until the close of the war. From the effects of the wound received by him at Mark's Mill he lost his right leg. After returning from the war and becoming so far recovered as to be able, he began attending school. This he continued for a time and then taught one term, after which he went to Terre Haute and took a business course at the Terre Haute Commercial College. In March of 1867 he accepted the position of deputy county auditor, which office he held for something over four years. He was then elected to the office of city treasurer of Terre Haute, and held that office for three successive terms. After serving three terms as city treasurer he was appointed to the office of deputy United States revenue collector in the seventh district (Terre Haute). One more change, which occurred in October of 1878, established him in the boot and shoe trade at No. 407 Main street, where he is occupying a building 25 feet front by 84 feet deep, two floors and basement. The success that he has made of this business would warrant the belief that he had made merchandsing a study from boyhood, as he is now one of the leading boot and shoe merchants of the city.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 210-211

WILLIAM PADDOCK, miller, Terre Haute, of the firm of Wm. PADDOCK & Co., is a native of Clark county, Ohio, though when but a child he was brought to Vigo county by his parents, who came to the county about the year 1819 or 1820. His parents being among the early pioneers, Mr. PADDOCK's opportunities were such as the country afforded at that time. His experience in the milling business dates back to 1865, when Samuel McKEEN and himself built and began running the mills now operated by McKEEN Bros. They were associated together until about 1875, though previous to this he had been engaged at pork packing and in the grain trade from 1851 until he engaged in his present line of business. In 1874 the firm of Wm. PADDOCK & Co. built and began operating their present mill, which is known as the St. Louis Mills. When first built it was what is known as a six-run mill, but in 1879 was remodeled and changed to eleven run of stone. Their flouring capacity now is about 250 barrels per day. They are also manufacturing by what is known as the patent process. Their business is entirely merchant milling. The demands for their brands of flour may be imagined when we state that their mill is kept running night and day. Mr. Wm. PADDOCK has now been a resident of Vigo county for about sixty years, and has seen and helped to make many of the improvements in the development of the county.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 164-165

WILLIAM H. PAIGE, dealer in musical merchandise, Terre Haute, was born near Cleveland city, Ohio, October 8, 1836. He removed with his parents when quite young, to Oberlin, Lorain county, Ohio, thirty-three miles southwest of Cleveland, where he lived until of age, working on a farm and going to school winters. He also attended the college at Oberlin, and afterward attended the Ohio State Normal School of Music, where he received a thorough course in music. He was also engaged in teaching school several years. He was married in the spring of 1861 to a Miss Mary GORHAM, of Ashland, Ohio; after which they removed to New Castle, Henry county, Indiana, and he engaged in teaching in the city schools for a number of years. He removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, in the year 1868, where he has since resided. He had charge of the city schools of Terre Haute for five years as teacher of vocal music. While engaged in the schools his leisure hours were devoted to the sale of musical instruments, and in 1871 he, together with W.B. WHARTON, formally opened a house for the sale of musical instruments and music goods. Afterward his brother-in-law, Prof. E.O. KILBOURNE, came to Terre Haute and bought out the interest of W.B. WHARTON, and the business increased to such proportions that in 1873 he was obliged to resign his position in the schools in order to attend to the more arduous labors of the music business. He has made a specialty of the sale of the Chickering piano and the Mason & Hamlin organ. Of the former his sales have averaged over $16,000 per annum, and the latter about $10,000 per annum. He has also kept on hand an assortment of other standard instruments and music goods, and has been a publisher of sheet music. He bought out the interest of Prof. KILBOURNE in September, 1878; since which time he has managed the business. He has built up a large and extensive business, and by fair dealing and courteous deportment has won for himself the good will of the public and a liberal share of their patronage.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 320-321

A.B. PEGG, Terre Haute, nurseryman, was born in North Carolina in 1821. His parents dying when he was quite young he came to Hendricks county, Indiana, with his uncle, in 1831, and in 1837 came to Vigo county a poor boy, and engaged as a laborer on the National Road, breaking rock for three months. After learning the cooper's trade with Jabez CASTO, who was one of the early settlers of this county, he purchased 160 acres of land of Ransom MILLER, going in debt for it, and built a cooper shop. He went to work, and continued for thirteen years, and in 1857 sold out and purchased his present farm, since which time he has been engaged in the nursery and fruit-growing business. Although commencing poor, by never-tiring industry he has provided for himself property to the amount of $40,000. In 1842 he took a life partner, his choice being Miss Ann BROWN, a native of Ohio, born in 1828. They both have been constant members of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, and Mr. PEGG a member of the A.F. and A.M.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 191-192

A. PENCE, druggist and physician, Terre Haute, who is so well known in Terre Haute, has practiced medicine in the city and in Vigo county for a longer period than any physician who is now engaged in practice. He began the study of medicine in 1887 under Dr. John L. DUNYAN, of Springfield, Illinois. In 1841 he went to Danville, Illinois, where he practiced until 1844, when he removed to Terre Haute and began the practice, and has since done only an office practice. On the corner of Ohio and Second streets he has a large brick block, the principal part of the building being used for his drug store, office, and Pence's Hall. The doctor has been one of the able financiers of the city. While he is willing to accord to others the liberty of thinking, acting and believing as they may choose, he also claims the same right. These freely expressed ideas on his part have placed him, in the estimation of some, on the eccentric list, though all unhesitatingly claim him one of the enterprising and go-ahead citizens of the city.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 203

L.F. PERDUE, ice dealer, Terre Haute, another of the enterprising business men of Terre Haute, has since 1872 been owner and manager of that part of the business industries of the city known as the Terre Haute Ice Company, which is an institution dating its organization back to 1868. Mr. PERDUE is now giving employment to about ten men, and requires five teams in the daily distribution of the congealed aqua. He does the principal business in the city in his line, and is very careful in selecting ice that has been frozen from pure water. He is now increasing his storage capacity to 20,000 tons. His office is 611 Main street. Mr. PERDUE is a native of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and is a man now about thirty-nine years of age. He was educated at Madison, Indiana, and learned telegraphy in that city. His people were natives of Kentucky, his grandfather having emigrated from that state to Indiana as early as 1798 and settled near the Ohio Falls. During the war of the rebellion L.F. entered the service in 1862 in the telegraph corps. He remained in the service until 1867. He remained engaged at telegraphing until 1872, during which period he for a time had charge of the Western Union office at Terre Haute. He also for a time held the position of superintendent of telegraphy with the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company. Since engaging in the ice trade in 1872 he has given it his time and attention. He is an enterprising, energetic man, and is operating in the ice trade in a manner both conducive to his own success and a credit to the city.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 321

JAMES N. PHILLIPS, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Terre Haute, Vigo county, Indiana, in 1839, and has been a resident of the county all his life except while in the late rebellion, which time he served in company F, 68d Ill. reg., enlisting as second lieutenant, but by his meritorious conduct was promoted to first lieutenant. His father, A. PHILLIPS, was a native of Queen Anne county, Maryland, and came to Terre Haute in 1835, thence removing to Otter Creek township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1875. Mr. PHILLIPS was married in 1865 to Miss Julia BALDING, daughter of Nathan BALDING, who was an early settler of this county. They have six children, three sons and three daughters; Helen, Charley, Ransom, Frank, Edith and Linnie. Mr. PHILLIPS is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 195-196

I.N. PIERCE, a prominent member of the Vigo county bar, and who for twenty-one years has occupied an office at No. 302 1/2 Main street, is a native of Muskingham county, Ohio, though he is almost a "Hoosier born," having been brought to Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1831, by his parents, he being at the time four months old. There the early part of his life was spent, and an education obtained at the old subscription schools of that date, as Lafayette, at that time, could boast of no Perdue (sic) college nor high schools. Though during his boyhood he had but little chance of attaining an education, he later in life succeeded in doing so. Choosing the legal profession as a business, he in 1858 became a resident of Terre Haute, and the same year was admitted to practice at the Vigo county bar. During the first year of his practice he was elected prosecuting attorney of Vigo county, which office he held until 1861. In 1867 he was appointed by Chief Justice CHASE to the office of register in bankruptcy, which office he filled until 1868 and then resigned. During the years of 1869-70, he represented Vigo county in the state legislature. For seven years subsequent to his duties to the public as their representative, he was quietly engaged in the practice of his profession, but in 1877 he was again called upon to fill a public office, by again being appointed to the office of register in bankruptcy, this time by Chief Justice WAITE. This office he is now holding, the duties of which he is attending to in connection with his practice of law. Such has been his political career. In 1864, during the civil war of 1861-5, he entered the Union army, enlisting in Co. D, 133d reg. Ind. Vol. Inf., one-hundred-days service. His reputation is that he has made it by an honorable practice of his profession in the community for twenty-one years. He is an honorable and trustworthy attorney and a friend to any enterprise pertaining to the good of the public.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 274-275

WILLIAM POTHS, carriage-maker, Terre Haute, of the firm of Wildy & Poths, a sketch of whose business is found in connection with the sketch of J.M. WILDY, is a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. At the age of seventeen years, or in 1858, he came west and located at Terre Haute, where he at once began work for the firm of Welch & Wright, manufacturers of carriages. He remained with them until 1868, when he became interested in the construction of carriages on his own account, the firm then being Harper, Wildy & Co., which was afterward changed to Wildy & Poths. In August 1861, he entered the army, enlisting in Co. E, 31st Ind. Vol. Inf., three years' service, under Col. Chas. CRAFT. He remained in the service a little over one year, when he was discharged on account of disability. He participated in some of the heavy battles, among which were Fort Donelson and the battle of Shiloh; at the latter place he was wounded in one knee by a gunshot, which wound so unfitted him for further duty that, October 17, 1862, he was discharged. Upon returning to Terre Haute, and after recovering from his wound he again resumed work at his trade. Since then he has worked hard and steadily at this business, and in company with Mr. WILDY has established a trade that is second to none in their line in Terre Haute. This has been brought about by their energy, industry and honorable dealing.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 271-272

CHARLES A. POWER, dealer in agricultural implements, Terre Haute, who has a varied experience in the sale of agricultural implements, is now located at Nos. 104-10 West Main street. Mr. POWER is a native of Mason county, Kentucky, where he was born in 1839. His father, Wm. H. POWER, left that state in 1856 and migrated to Indiana, principally on account of his disliking the principles of slavery. He settled near Sullivan, on a small farm, and with the help of his boys prepared a quiet and pleasant home. He remained quietly at his business until the war of the rebellion, when he and three sons entered the army. He was a lieutenant in Col. McLEAN's 43d Ind. Vol. Inf. Charles A., the subject of this sketch, enlisted in 1861, for a three years' term of service, Co. D, 31st Ind. Vol. Inf., under Col. (afterward Gen.) C. CRUFT. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and remained in the service about eighteen months. Of the four, but one was lost, one brother having been killed at the battle of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in August 1862. Mr. POWER became a resident of Terre Haute in 1872, where his home has since been. For one year he made a specialty of selling Fish Bros' wagon, of Racine, Wisconsin. He then began traveling for them, and for four years was on the road. This four years of travel gave him a wide and varied experience in regard to qualities, kinds and prices of machinery which has since proved of value to him. Leaving the road he established himself in Terre Haute, and, as before stated, is occupying the premises Nos. 104-10 West Main street, where he is doing an extensive business. He has become well known, and is very popular among the citizens of Vigo county. By the persuasion of his friends he has permitted himself to become the republican candidate for nomination to the office of clerk of Vigo county. He is a member of Fort Harrison Lodge, No. 157, I.O.O.F., of Vigo Lodge, No. 1260, K. of H., and of Morton Post, No. 1, G.A.R.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 339-340

I.V. PRESTON, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1887, where he resided until fifteen years of age, after which he came to Waupun, Wisconsin, and engaged as clerk until twenty-one years of age. He then went in the drug business, in which he continued for fifteen years, and in 1874 came to Vigo county and commenced farming. He raises Jersey stock, of which he has some of the finest in this part of the country, some of them having been imported from the Isle of Jersey. In 1868 he married Miss Caroline JACKSON, daughter of Jacob JACKSON, now deceased, who was one of the early settlers of Vigo county. Mr. PRESTON has been a resident of the county but for a few years; but by his honest dealings and courteous treatment to his neighbors he has made a wide circle of friends.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 346-347

SILAS PRICE, Terre Haute, fruit grower, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1820. His parents were natives of New Jersey, and came to that county in 1817, thence to Butler county, Ohio, and to Vigo county in 1837. His father went to Minnesota, and died in 1858, his mother dying in this county in 1855. Mr. PRICE has spent the most of his time in agricultural pursuits. In 1851 he married Miss Sarah A. MAHAN, daughter of W.H. and Mary (DAVIS) MAHAN, who were early settlers of the county. The issue of their marriage is one son and three daughters: Mary A., Ada M., Margaret L., and James L.

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

E.L. PROBST, dealer in stoves and tinware, Terre Haute, is another of the young business men of the city who furnish a good example of what may be accomplished by energy, economy and a close attention to business. He is a native of Dearborn county, Indiana, where he was born in 1854. In 1863 his people moved to Terre Haute, where his father, Christopher PROBST, has since been a teacher in the public schools of the city. E.L. received a good literary and business education, and in 1870 began learning the tinner's trade under Mr. S.R. HENDERSON, who is now editing the "Saturday Evening Peoria Call," of Peoria, Illinois. Since learning the trade of a tinner Mr. PROBST has spent his time working in the stove and tinware business. He has worked his way from a stove-blacking boy up, until now he is having a good trade at No. 26 South Fourth street, having recently purchased the business from W.P. MYERS. He is now employing regularly about five men. He is a member of the A.O.U.W., and is one of the organizers of the Young Men's Literary Club. In 1876 he was married to Miss Antoinette LAW, daughter of John W. LAW, who was one of the early and prominent pioneers of Vigo county. Mr. LAW was well known among the older citizens of the county whose residences date back to the building of the Wabash and Erie canal. Mr. LAW was one of the contractors, and built that portion from Sullivan to Riley township, Vigo county.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 289

J. FRED. PROBST, dealer in picture frames, Terre Haute, has by his diligence and close application built up the representative business in his line in the city, his specialty being frames and frame work. His place is located at No. 26 South Fourth street. He is one of the class of business men who have depended upon honesty and hard work to establish a business, and a short sketch of his early history is herewith given. He is a native of Bavaria, Germany, where he was born in 1846. In 1858 he was brought to the United States by his people, who remained about eight months in the city of New York after their arrival from Germany. They then removed to Aurora, Indiana, at which place the subject of his sketch was educated and learned the trade of a wood turner. In 1862 he became a resident of Terre Haute where he resided until 1867 and then spent most of the time in travel until 1873. In September, 1874, he was married in Chicago, to Miss Lena KEUNGOT, she also being a native of Germany. Mr. PROBST has been wholly dependent upon his own resources in building up his trade. He has now been engaged in the business for about six years, three of which were with Mr. R. GAGG, and three on his own account.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 282

FRANK PROX, steam fitter and coppersmith, Terre Haute, of No. 677 Main street, does the largest or representative trade in his line, although he has been engaged in his present line in Terre Haute but about four years. He is a native of the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, where he was born about the year 1840. At the age of nine years he began learning his trade. In 1866 he emigrated to the United States, and first located at Cincinnati, where he remained until 1868. He then removed to Terre Haute, where he has since resided. Shortly after his arrival he accepted the position of foreman in the McGREGOR distillery, where he was employed about six years. While under his supervision the distillery was changed from a capacity of 200 bushels per day to 1,800 bushels in the same length of time. After leaving the distillery he formed a partnership with a Mr. WATSON in the gas-fitting trade. They did business together for about one year and eight months. He then engaged in his present business. He is now occupying a space 25 feet front by 140 feet deep, and has usually from three to four men employed. He is now doing a good trade, which is the result of his own energy and good workmanship.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 323

H.C. PUGH, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, in 1838, and has always been a resident of the county. In 1869 he married Miss Mary SOULES, also a native of Vigo county, born in 1840, and the daughter of William and Almira (PARKER) SOULES. By this union they have three children: Lucy E., William M. and Mary. Mr. PUGH is the owner of a fine farm consisting of 160 acres, on which he has made most of the improvements. He is a member of the A.O.U.W., and politically he is a republican.

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

JAMES F. QUIGLEY, justice of the peace, Terre Haute, has been a resident of Vigo county for the past sixteen years and a resident of Terre Haute since 1870. He was born in 1837 in Newark, New Jersy. At the age of four years he was made an orphan by the death of his mother. He then went to live with an uncle in New York city, who, a short time after, moved to Muskingum county, Ohio. There James F. resided until twelve years of age, since which time he has been dependent upon his own resources. He began at learning the trade of a carpenter and millwright. He continued to work at his trade until the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861, when he enlisted for three months, but was in the service five. He enlisted in Co. G, 16th Ohio Vol. Inf. A portion of this service was spent in the capacity of scout. He returned to Ohio and reenlisted as a scout in the 78th Ohio, three years' service. He was in the army this time about eighteen months, when he was wounded at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing. This unfitted him for duty for about seven months. He was then sent back to Ohio and discharged from regular service, but remained in the secret service by Gov. TODD, of Ohio. He was sent to Indianapolis on duties of that nature. There he engaged in the work of his trade the better to facilitate success in the service of the United States. In January, 1864, he again enlisted in the regular service, this time in Co. G of the 43d Ind. Vol. Inf. He remained in the regular service with this regiment until the close of the war. In the fall of 1866 he was sent to New York city in the secret service, where he spent one year. He then went to Newton, Jasper county, Illinois, and spent about two years in work at his trade. From there he went to Clinton, Vermilion county, Indiana, following which he spent about four years in the employ of the Evansville, Terre Haute & Cincinnati railroad and the Terre Haute & Cincinnati railroad as superintendent of bridges. He then came to Terre Haute and began work at his trade. He continued this about one year, and was then made a member of the special police force. In the fall of 1874 he was elected constable, which office he filled for about two years. In the fall of 1876 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and is still engaged in the discharge of the duties of that office. He has been wholly dependent upon his own resources, and whatever he may have succeeded in doing for himself financially, or whatever position he may have held under the government of the United States, has been due to his own meritorious conduct and honesty of purpose.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 322-323

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