Shelby County, Indiana - Chapter 7: Compii.ed by William R. Norris, 1887 (part 5 of 5)

Hon. Squire L. Vanpelt. - Among the many illustrious men of Shelby County, few are entitled to more prominent mention than the gentleman whose brief biographical sketch is herewith presented. Mr. Vanpelt was born near the city of Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, September 21, 1819, and is descended from an old and highly respectable Holland famih', several members of which came to i\merica in the early part of the last century and settled in the eastern colonies, where they enjoyed much more than ocal distinction. Daniel Vanpelt, the grandfather of subject, was born in New Jersey about the year 1750. He served with distinction in the War of Independence, and fell while charging the enemy at the bloody battle of Long Island in 1776. His son, Alexander Vanpelt, father of the subject, was born in New Jersey, 1773, and was also a soldier, having done valiant service on many a battle field in the last war with Great Britain in 1812. He emigrated to Ohio in an early day, and from thence in 1821, to Shelby County, Indiana, having been among the first pioneers in this part of the State. He was a farmer by occupation, a man of more than ordinary powers of mind, and died in the county of his adoption in 1849. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Pearce, was born in New Jersey in 1781, and departed this life at her home in Shelby County about the year 1825. Squire Vanpelt was the third child by his father's second marriage. When two years of age, he was brought to the county, where amid the stirring scenes of pioneer life were spent his early years, and where in the rugged school of experience were developed those powers of perseverance and industry which have made him conspicuous among his fellow men. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in 1844, began life for himself, choosing for a vocation that most useful of all occupations, farming, to which he has devoted the greater part of his attention, and in which he has met with encouraging success. In connection with the farm he was for several years engaged in buying and shipping grain in this cit}^ but this branch of trade was not entered into for the purpose of making it a permanent business. Mr. Vanpelt early became interested in politics, and as an active worker in the Democratic party, his abilities as a leader in local affairs soon began to be felt and appreciated by his friends and political enemies. His first official position was that of Justice of the Peace, the duties of

Avhich he discharged in such a manner as to recommend him to a more responsible phice, according!}', in 1S54, he was elected Sheriff of Shelby County, which position he held until 1858, having been re-elected in 1856. In 1858, he the Democratic nominee for County Auditor, and after a spirited contest was triumphantly elected. His record in that office justified the party in renominating him four years later, with the same result, and he discharged the duties of the position in an eminently satisfactory manner until 1867. For several years after the expiration of his term as Auditor, Mr. Vanpelt did not present himself for the suffrage of the people, but in 1878, at the earnest solicitation of his party friends he was nominated for the Legislature, and elected by the unprecedented majorit}- of over more than 2,000 votes, a fact which attests his great popularity throughout the county. His career as a legislator is similar to that earned in his other official positions, and the records of the Assembly show that he was always at his post ready to participate in the deliberations and discussions of all measures coming before the House for consideration. Since the expiration of his term in the Legislature, Mr. Vanpelt has devoted considerable attention to the pohtical questions of the day, on all of which he is well informed, being considered one of the' party leaders in Shelby County. He enjoys great personal popularity, and is a man of intelligence and generous impulses. He is a representative Democrat of the old school, and while an active partisan, against his official record no breath of suspicion has ever been uttered. He married, in 1844, Miss Mary Major, who was born in Ireland in the year 1819. Mrs. Vanpelt died in December, 1863. Mr. Vanpelt's second marriage was solemnized in 1864, with Emily M. Shank, of this county. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, belonging to the Shelby ville congregation.

Benjamin j. Weakley,^ one of tht? successful self-made men of Shelby County, is a native of Shelbyville, and dates his birth from the'27th day of September, 1850. ' His father, Jerry Weakley, son of John Weakley, was born in Scott County, Ky., December 5, 1826, and died in Shelby County, Ind., February, 1884. The grandfather, John Weakley, was born in the year 1800, and departed this life in 1885. Subject's mother, Martha A. (Fisher) Weakley, was born in the State of Delaware, April 23, 1831, and died in Waldron, Ind., December 30, 1885. Benjamin J. Weakley is the eldest of a family of six children. He was educated in the common schools and a't the age of nineteen engaged to learn th^ tinner's trade, in which he soon acquired great proficiency an^ which he has since successfully carried on. In 1881, he engage in the stove and tin trade at the Town of Waldron, and four years later removed to Shelbvville, where in March, 1886, he opened his present business house, one of the largest stove and tinware establishments in the citv. Mr. Weakley has made commendable progress in his business, his present substantial trade having been built up by his own efforts, as he started in life with no capital save a determination to succeed. October 3, 1872, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Jackson, w^ho was born in this county, August 22, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Weakley have one child, Lora B., born January 19, 1874, died November 6, 1879.

Charles F. Webster was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, December 9, 1837; son of George and Martha (^Gath) Webster. The parents of Mr. Webster were also born in the same EngHsh State. Father born in 1809, and died in 1874; mother born in 1 8 10, and died in 1862. The Webster family came to America in 1843, and settled in Shelby County, Ind., and here the parents of our subject died at the time as stated above. The subject is the fifth of seven children. Received a common school education. At the age of nineteen he began teaching school and continued in that occupation for six terms, and during this time studied surveying,, which in after years became so beneficial to him. Later, he held the position of Deputy County Surveyor of this county. In 1874, he was elected Surveyor of Shelby County; re-elected in 1878, and elected again in 1880 - serving three full terms. For quite a number of 3^ears he held the office of City Engineer of Shelbyville. It is stating the fact without exaggeration to say, that Mr. Webster was one of the most efficient Surveyors the county has ever had. During 1870, Mr. Webster made and had copyrighted a Surveyor's Record. During the winter of 1885, he made and had copyrighted a General Index of Roads. Mr. Webster continued surveying and engineering until April, 1886, when he engaged in the grocery business, which he now continues. He was married in 1861 to Miss Minerva Shaffer, a native of Pennsylvania. To this union seven children were born: Cora M., Fannie M., George W., Gracie, Daisy, Gertrude H. and Bessie. He is a Democrat and an honorable man.

James Wiles, Ex- Auditor of Shelby County, is a native of Warren County, Ohio, and the third of a family of four children born to Edwin A. and Catherine F. (Wood) Wiles, parents both natives of the same State. Edwin A. Wiles was born in the year 1809, was by occupation a tanner and cabinet maker, and died at Lebanon, Ohio, July 28, 1858. The mother was born in 1813, and departed this life in Shelbyville, Ind., on the 8th day of September, 1 881. James Wiles was born in the city of Lebanon, July 13,

1 84 1. He acquired a good English education in the city schools, and at the age of eighteen entered the office of The Western Star, to learn the art of printing, in which he soon accjuired great proficiency, and which he continued uninteruptedly until 1S63. In that year he accepted a clerkship with the Paymaster of the United States Navy, at Cairo, 111., in which capacity he continued until the close of the war. In 1867, he came to Shelbyville, Ind., and after working at his trade a short time was appointed Deputy County Auditor, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner for a period of twelve years, having served two terms as City Clerk and once as member of the City Council in the meantime. On severing his connection with the Auditor's office, Mr, Wiles became Deputy Treasurer of Shelbv County, and four years later, 1882, was nominated and triumphantly elected to the office of Auditor, an office he recently vacated. He is an accomplished business man, and as a painstaking and accommodating official, is highly esteemed by the citizens of the county, irrespective of politics or part}' afliliations. Politically he is a Democrat, and is one of the recognized leaders of his party in both count}' and city. January 11. 1871, was solemnized his marriage with Sarah E., daughter of J. M. Randall, of Shelby County, a union blessed with the birth of two children: Jessie B., born Juh^ 22, 1877, and Harry, born March 10, 1874, ^"^ ^^^^ August 9, 1876.

"Uncle" Isaac H. Wilson, as he is famiharly known throughout Shelby County, was born in Jefferson County, Ind., May 20, 1807, and was the son of James and Nancy (McCarty) Wilson. William Wilson, his paternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia. He, with four brothers, entered the Colonial Army in the War for Independence, and was the only one who survived that severe strufj^-le. He married in Virmnia, a Miss McKav, and came to Franklin County, Ind., a number of years before the State was organized. James Wilson, father of Isaac H., was born near the James River, in the Old Dominion, in 1779. He came when a young man to Jefferson County about 1800. He met and married Nancy McCarty in 1801. They then removed to Franklin County, where the family resided until November, 1818, whence they came to what is now known as Shelby County. He died here February 5, 1824. His wife, and the mother of the subject of our sketch, was a native of Nelson County, Kentucky, born February 24, 17855 ^"*^ died in Adams County^ 111., December 30, 1S74. Isaac, at the time of his father's death, w^as nearly seventeen years old. In the fall of 1825, he came to Shelbyville and engaged to learn the cabinet maker's trade with Jacob Shank, with whom he remained five years. Portions of the four following years he spent in the south investing the money he had earned in government lands which he still owns. September 26, 1836, Rebecca A. Montgomery became his wife. She bore him six children, four of whom are now living, Martha A., Susan E., Sarah Z., and J. Marshall. James W. died at the age of thirty-three in 1881. He lost his beloved wife in 1S60. He was elected Treasurer of Shelbv Countv in 1854, and served one term, hi after years, he was elected Trustee of Addison Township, and served a number of terms. He was also elected Assessor of the same township, serving two terms. Uncle Isaac is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a conscientious Christian gentleman. He is the repositor\' of county lore and tradition, and the publishers of this history seek this opportunity of thanking him for many past favors.

David B. Wilson. - Among the successful business men of Shelbyville, we may class the gentleman for whom this biographical sketch is prepared. David B. Wilson is a native of Ohio, born in Montgomery County, November 27th, 1836, the son of David B. and Cordelia A. Wilson. David B. Wilson, Sen., was born in the Cit}' of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1797, came to the United States in 1820, and died in Paducah, Ky., in the year 1881. His wife whose maiden name was Cordelia A. Brown, was born in Virginia, in 1815, and is still living, making her home at this time in the City of Shelb3'ville. D. B. Wilson, the subject of this sketch, spent the greater portion of his early Hfe in the City of Dayton, Ohio, receiving in the public schools an education which, although not of a high scholastic order, was of a character that has since enabled him to participate successfully in the details of an active business life. In 1852, he went to Paducah, Ky., and after several years' residence in that cit}^ returned to Indiana, locating in Shelbyville in 1872. Mr. Wilson's business prior to 1880, in this cit}^, was that of carriage making, which he abandoned the above year, and engaged in undertaking, being at this time the proprietor of the largest establishment of that kind in the place. Mr. Wilson enjoys great personal popularity, and is well known and universally respected throughout the county for his sterlinij qualities and manly intefrrity. His poHtical views have ever been in sympathy with the principles of the Democratic party, and his first presidential vote was cast in 1856, for James Buchanan. He was Whisky Inspector during the administration of Andrew Johnson, and in 1879 and 1880, held the position of Door Keeper of the Indiana House of Representatives. He is pre-eminently identified with the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities, and in religion holds to the creed of the Presbyterian Church. On the i6th day of August, 1858, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Ellen Bolan, a native of Ireland, and daughter of Thomas and Maria Bolan. Mrs. Wilson was born in the year 1S39, and is the mother of two children, viz.: Emma C. and Thomas D. She is a worthy member of the Episcopal Church.

David Leonidas Wilson. - The grandfather of David L. Wilson w^as David Wilson, a native of Kentucky. He moved to Rush County, Ind., in 1S24, w^here he lived until 1858. He then moved to Shelby County and settled in Union Township. In 1S65, he came to Shelbyville, where he resided until his death, which occurred in the summer of 1867. The father of David L. Wilson - John W. Wilson - was born in Rush County, Ind., in 1825, where he grew^ to manhood. In 1846, he w^as married to Miss Martha A. Mauz}-, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Gooding) Mauzy, natives of Kentuckv, who settled in Rush Countv in 1829. Mrs. Wilson was born in Kentuck}' in 1828. They have reared a large family, to-wit - ten children, of whom David L., the subject of this sketch is the second. John W. Wilson, after marriage, settled in Laurel, Franklin Count}', Ind., where he engaged in the harness trade until 1849, "^vhen he moved to Shelby Count}', and settled in the southern part of Addison Township, where he has since devoted his attention to farming. Here, on the farm, David L. Wilson was born, January 34, 1850. He was raised on the farm, assisting his father in tilling the soil until his twenty-first year, at which time he entered Harts\'ille University, in Bartholomew County, Ind. He spent three years in college life, during all of which time he strove to attain the tirst position in his classes. Bv his untiring efforts and courteous treatment of others, he always enjoyed the confidence and respect of his fellow-students, and it was with great reluctance that the Faculty saw him quit the college, when but one term more was necessary for him to graduate with high honor. He taught five winter terms of school in all, giving entire satisfaction, and in 1874, he entered the law office of Hord & Blair, where he remained until the spring of 1877, teaching school in the winter season for the purpose of pa^'ing his expenses while a student. On the 5th day of March, 1877, the day of the inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes as President of the United States, " he swung out his shingle " as an attorney at law, and since that time he he has been actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. Politically, he is a Republican, and was nominated, in 1878, by that party for Prosecuting Attornev of the Sixteenth Judicial District. The District being- strono-ly Democratic he was defeated, although he greatly reduced the majority, and even carried Johnson County by a small majority. He now devotes himself exclusively to the law practice, which he finds steadily increasing. He is a close student, and is always to be found about his office. Among the people, he is known as an honest and upright young man. Among the attorneys, his reputation for fair deahng and honorable practice in his profession, is estabhshed. He was elected Ma^'or of Shelbvville in 1885, and served one term, June 11, 1885, he married Marv C. Jonas, who has borne him one child named Irene. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and K. of P., fraternities.

Lee F. Wilson, attorney at law and prominent member of the Shelby County Bar, is a native of Jackson County, Ind., and son of William T. and Sarah (Hosea) Wilson, the father born in Maysville, Kentucky, in 1829, and the mother at Jonesboro, Tennessee about the }-ear 1831. The subject is the oldest of a family of six children, and was born in the town of Seymour, February 8, 1850. At the early age of nine years he began learning the shoemaker's trade, from which time until 1S69, he continued the same, attending school at intervals during that period. In the latter year he entered the Hartsville University, Hartsville, Indiana, where he pursued his literary studies for one year, providing himself with books and defraying his necessary expenses in the meantime by working at his trade. In 1870, he began teaching in the public schools, and in connection with the duties of that calling took up the study of law, continuing both until 1879, '^*- '^vhich time he abandoned the former and entered upon the active practice of the legal profession. He was elected City Attorney of Nashville, Brown County, in 1879, ''"^ ^"^ year later went to Danville, where for four years he was editor of The Hendricks Coiuiiy Gazette, the Democratic organ of Hendricks Count}-. Abandoning the held of journalism in 18S4, he went to Indianapolis, and the following year came to Shelbyville, where he has since resided in the active practice of his profession, having at this time an extensive business in the courts of Shelby and adjoining coujities. Mr. Wilson's legal career presents a series of continued successes, and since locating in this count}', has been an important factor in the Shelbyville Bar, standing deservedly high in the profession. Mr. Wilson was married in 1883 to Miss Fannie Tucker, daughter of Judge N. W. Tucker, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, by whom he is the father of one child, viz. : Harrold T. Mr. Wilson is a Methodist in his religious belief, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, being one of his party leaders in this county. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Episcopal Church.

John J. Wingate, Business Manager of the S/icJby Republican, and one of the contracting stockholders, was born in Shelby County, Indiana, Juh' i, 1839. He is the son of Smith and Catherine (Titus) Wingate, who came to this count}' from Owen

Shei.Byville Sketches

County, Kentucky. The latter remained a resident of this county until her death, but the former married again, and moyed to Taylorsyille in Bartholomew, where he died in 1S82. In 1856, our immediate subject engaged to learn the printer's trade with Solomon Alter, who was then the publisher of the Inde-pendcnt Banner, with whom he continued until the election of Mr. Lincoln, as President. Mr. Alter receiying an appointment under the new administration, went to Washington, leaying the Banner in charge of young Wingate. The latter soon suspended publication of his paper, and accepted the position of foreman in the Vohinteer Office where he continued until 1863. From this time until 1865, he was engaged in the grocery business. In January, 1S66, the Shelby Refnbliean was founded by Mr. James Cumback, as editor. The subject of our sketch accepted a position on that paper then, and has been eyer since in different capacities wdth the exception of eighteen months, during which time he filled an appointment in the mail service. In 1872, the proprietorship of the Repuhliean passed oyer to S. J. Thompson. In 1884, Mr. Thompson sold his paper to the Shelby Printing Company. This was a Stock Company, and chose Charles X. Mathews, Editor, and John J. Wingate, Business Manaffer. Mr. Wincjate now owns a large number of shares of stock in this company. September 3, 1861, Mr. Wingate was married to Miss Lucy A. Lacy, at Edinburg, Indiana. They haye only one child, William L. Both Mr. Wingate and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of this city. The former is also a charter member of Chillon Lodge No. 129, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Wingate has always been an ardent Republican. He is a first rate business man, sociable and friendly, and consequently is yery popular among many in both parties.

GusTAVE G. Winter, Doctor of Philosop}', is a native of Germany, born at Leimbach, August 22, 1841. His father was Rev. Carl G. Winter, born at Bueschdorf, Germany, in 1796. He was a minister in the Lutheran Church for more than fifty years. The mother of the subject here treated, was Wilhelmine Winter, whose maiden name was Kaiser, a native of Leimbach, Germany, born in 181 7, and died in her native town, in 1849. "^^e earh' education of Dr. Winter was acquired at the common schools at Leimbach. Later, he received private instructions, which was sufficient to admit him to the fourth class in the G}mnasium at Eisleben (the famous place where Martin Luther was born and died), in 1854, ^"^ from which he graduated in 1863. Subsequenth". Dr. Winter entered the University at Halle, and prepared himself for the ministry, and was ordained in 1868. During 1866, he was an Acting Lieutenant in the German Army, and was in the Prussian- Austrian conflict. Since 1868, Dr. Winter has been preaching; came to Shelbyville, Januar}- 3. 1869. For seventeen years he has been Pastor of St. Zion's Church, in Union Township, this county, and since 1S80, Pastor of the EvangeHcal Lutheran Church, of Shelbyville. Since 1873, he has been connected with the Shelbyville High School as teacher of languages, and for two years past, has been Principal of Building No. i, Shelbvville High School. Without question, he is one of the most efficient teachers of lang'uag'es in Indiana. The marriajre of Dr. Winter took place in 1S72, to Miss Rosa Thebold, a native of Shelby County, born in 1856. To this marriage are three children, in this order: Carl G., born September 28, 1873; Paul G., born September 22, 1880, and Emil G., born October 3, 18S5. Dr. Winter was made a Mason in 1879; ^ member of the Chapter, Council, and a Knight Templar in 1880. He is a forcible preacher, a leading teacher and a true Christian gentleman.

Albert F. Wray, attorney at law, is a native of Shelbv Countv, born near the city of Shelb^wille, December 4, 1852. He is the son of Isom Wray, also a native of this countv, and a very prominent and wealthy citizen, ^^'ho was born April 5, 1829. Isom Wray's father was James Wray, a North Carolinian, born in 1793. The old gentleman came to this countv in an early dav, and died in 1869. Mr. A. F. Wra3'^'s mother's maiden name was Miami Bowen, and she was born in Ohio, in 1828. Her father was a captain in the War of 181 2. The subject of this writing is the eldest son of four children. He was raised on his father's farm, and attended the common school. In 1868, he entered Asbury University, now De Pauw, and graduated therefrom in 1873, with the degree of A. B., and in 1876, was further honored with the degree of A. M. He began the study of law in the spring of 1874, in the office of Love & Conner. Here he remained until 1877. He was admitted to the bar during the latter year. In 1S79, ^^ formed a co-partnership with the Hon. E. P. Ferris, which continued for two vears. Then Mr. Wray formed another partnership with David L. Wilson, and this partnership lasted for three years. Since the fall of 1884, he has been alone in the practice of the law. In the fall of 1882, he was appointed Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Sixteenth Judicial District, and reappointed in 1884, and again in 1886. He has exclusive control of all the criminal business of this countv. In politics, Mr. Wrav is a Democrat, and voted first for Tilden in 1876. He was made a Mason in 1875, ^^^ '^^ Odd Fellow in 1S80. Mr. Wra}- was employed in the famous criminal case, " The State z's. Edward Kennedy," for the murder of Sheriff Albert McCorkle in 1S80, and made himself quite prominent. He is one of the leading young members of the Shelby County Bar.

Matthias Wright, a leading, substantial citizen of this county, was born in Ross County, Ohio, at what is now Frankfort, October 22, 18 18. He is the son of Caleb and Mary A (Sleeth) Wright, who were natives of New Jersey and Virginia, respective!}'. Mr. Wright was reared to manhood in Logan Countv, Ohio, his parents were in limited circumstances and could not offer him manv advantages for obtaining an education, but he improved every one that was afforded, and the knowledge obtained was the germ of a liberal education acquired latter bv close application and hard stud}' without the aid of a teacher. He taught for several years in Ohio and this State; he had determined to make the law his profession, and in 1839, entered the office, as a student, of Cvrus Wright, then located at Lebanon, this State. He pursued his legal studies at such intervals as he could, being compelled during the time, to continue teaching for a livlihood. In 1845, he reached Shelbyville, with a cash capital of fifty cents and a library valued at $30, with which to begin the practice of his profession. Owing to failing health he was compelled in 1S50, to retire and seek a less sedentary pursuit. He then removed to a farm now occupied by his sons, Charles M., and David A., where he remained until January, 1887, when he removed to Shelbyville. November 5, 1846, he married Miss x\manda Young, by whom he is the father of eight children, these three now living, David A., Charles M., and Nancv M. In his farmintj, the same effort characterized his work as did everv undertakino- made durinir his life, and it is almost unnecessar}' to say that he was very successful. He is now the proprietor of 340 acres of well improved land. Politicallv he is a Republican, and during his career as a lawyer served efficiently as Prosecuting Attorney.