HENRY S. TOUSLEY, train dispatcher, Pan Handle Railroad, is a native of Logansport, and the son of Isaac and Julia (Murdock) Tousley; parents born in Michigan. Isaac Tousley came to Logansport about the year 1851, and was a painter by trade. He was a skillful workman, and did a good business for a number of years. He abandoned painting late in life, and engaged in merchandising, which he followed until his death in 1870. Henry Tousley was educated in the city schools, and at the age of nineteen began learning telegraphing, in which he soon became quite proficient. In 1870 he engaged with the Pan Handle Railroad Company as operator, and, by his proficiency and strict attention to business, was in 1883 made chief train dispatcher, which responsible position he still holds. Mr. Tousley is one of the most skillful operators in Indiana, and has the confidence of the large corporation by which he is employed. He was married, April, 1874, to Laura E. Nicol, daughter of Hiram Nicol, a union which has been blessed with two children: Gertie, born February 19, 1873, and Harry, born April 8, 1877.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


CHARLES UHL was born in Allegheny County, Md., October 20, 1841, and is the second son of Joseph and Caroline (Miller) Uhl, natives of Pennsylvania and Germany, respectively. Joseph Uhl came to Cass County in 1851, and settled in Washington Township. He subsequently moved, to Logansport, and engaged in the milling business. He is a resident of the city at the present time, and one of its most successful business men. Charles Uhl was educated in the common schools, and spent the years of his youth partly upon a farm and partly in his father's mill in Logansport. He came to the city in 1859, and worked in the Empire Mills until 1865, at which time, in partnership with his brother, Dennis Uhl, he took an interest in the enterprise, with which he has since been connected. The Empire Mills is one of the most successful mills in northern Indiana, and the firm of Uhl Bros. has much more than a local reputation in business circles. The mill manufactures a superior grade of flour, made by the roller process, and has a capacity of 200 barrels per day. Mr. Uhl was married, September 20, 1865, to Miss Evaline Kistler, of Boone Township, this county. The following children have been born to this marriage: Etta M., Emma, George and Jesse. Mr. Uhl is a Democrat in politics.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


MILLER UHL, manufacturer of carriages, buggies, etc., fourth son of Joseph and Caroline (Miller) Uhl, was born in the city of Logansport July 6, 1860. His education was acquired in the city schools supplemented by a thorough commercial course in Hall's Business College and he early learned milling, which he followed until 1880, having had charge of the Empire Mills for a period of three years. In 1880 he abandoned milling, and engaged with Charles Holbruner in the manufacture of carriages and buggies which he still carries on. The firm do a wholesale and retail business, have a large and constantly increasing trade, and their manufacturing establishment is rapidly coming to the front among the important industries of the city. Mr. Uhl was married, in August, 1883, to Miss Jessie, daughter of W. E. Haney, of Logansport. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. having "passed all the chairs" in that order, and in politics votes the principles of the Democratic party.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


CAPT. CYRUS VIGUS is a native of New Glasgow, Amherst Co., Va., and was born on the 4th of September, 1793, the son of James and Elizabeth B. (Tate) Vigus, natives, respectively, of the city of London, Eng., and of the State of Virginia. His father was educated in London, and, subsequently, upon his arrival in this country, was engaged in preaching and teaching in Virginia, his adopted home. Cyrus, at the age of twelve years, left Virginia, and went to Lexington, Ky. His educational privileges, though not the best, were equal to those accorded to youths of that age and locality. When at the age of about thirteen years, he commenced the trade of saddle-tree making at Lexington, but abandoning that he soon after engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and continued in that business until 1818, when he came to Corydon, Ind., and opened a hotel there, and did a good business as long as the State capitol was located at that place. He did not leave there, however, until 1829, when he came to and settled in Logansport, at that time but little more than one year old. Becoming acquainted with Gen. John Tipton, while that gentleman was sheriff of Harrison County, in 1818, and at this time agent for the Indian tribes of the locality, with headquarters at Logansport, he availed himself of the opportunity thus presented, and was soon after appointed the General's assistant in the management of Indian affairs, continuing in the position until 1831, when Mr. Tipton was elected to the Senate of the United States, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of James Noble, late senator from Indiana. In the meantime he had opened a hotel in Logansport, at the southwest corner of Market and Third Streets, known then, and for years afterward, as the "Washington Hall," more recently the "Old Barnett House," continuing in business here until 1849, when he moved to his farm, south of the city. Among his early boarders was "Tom" Marshall, Gen. Tipton's successor in the Indian agency. He resided on his farm until 1881, when he again returned to Logansport, making this place his permanent home. In October, 1820, he was married, at Corydon, Ind., to Miss Alazana Cook Heth, a native of Pennsylvania, whence she had come to Harrison County at an early age. As the issue of this marriage they had nine children, of whom four are now living. Of these children, four sons (Thomas P., Henry W., James M. and Carter L. Vigus) served in the war with Mexico, in 1846-47, during which war Carter L. was severely wounded in the battle of Cerro Gordo. In the late rebellion he was represented by six sons: Henry W., James M., Carter L., Cyrus J., Jabez D. and John H., all of them excellent soldiers. His wife died at their home in Washington Township, on the 3rd of January, 1872. In his political affiliations, Capt. Vigus was originally a Whig, and cast his first vote for James Madison for President of the United States, and saw that distinguished gentleman at Washington City in 1814, but since the organization of the Republican party he uniformly acted with and supported its principles and measures. Possessed of a desire for military life, he became n member of the regiment commanded by Col. Trotter, of Lexington, Ky., in the war of 1812, and belonged also to the regiment of Mounted Riflemen that defeated Proctor and killed Tecumseh, the great Shawnee warrior, remaining in the field until the close of the war on Canada ground. It is but just to say that in his whole military experience he displayed the characteristics of a brave and true soldier. When the call was made for soldiers to serve in the Mexican war he sent four sons to represent him in that service and was himself appointed regimental commissary. From 1834 to 1835 he was interested in and ran the first line of mail stages from Indianapolis, Ind., to Niles, Mich., a distance of .about 150 miles, carrying the mail from home both ways over the whole route. In 1858 he was elected a member of the board of commissioners of Cass County, and served his constituents faithfully through one full term of three years. At this time he is the oldest Mason in the State, if not in the United States, having received the degrees in Baltimore in 1814, but n short time after attaining his majority, and with that order participated in the ceremonies incident to laying the corner-stone of the Washington Monument at Baltimore in 1816. Capt. Vigus now resides with his widowed daughter in this city, and notwithstanding he is now past ninety-three years old, to one not personally acquainted with him he would readily pass for sixty. His general health is good and he lives quietly in the enjoyment of hosts of friends.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


JAMES W. VINEY was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., July 28, 1850, and is the second son of George and Rachel (Lewis) Viney; parents natives of the same State. George Viney came to Indiana in 1864, and from that time until his death, August, 1870, was a resident of Cass County. The subject received a fair English education in the Logansport schools, which he attended at intervals until his eighteenth year, at which time he engaged as clerk in the mercantile house of John Lux, for whom and others he worked until twenty-two of age. He then learned the candy-maker's trade, and manufactured confectionery for two years, working for John D. Ferguson and others during that time. In 1881 he was made captain of the Fifteenth Street Engine-House (fire department) , and in December, 1883, was promoted chief of the department, in which capacity he served until May, 1886. He now has charge of the Fifteenth Street house, and is considered one of the most skillful firemen in the city. Mr. Viney was married, November 15, 1871, to Miss Sarah Sweet, of Rochester, Ind., who has borne him four children, viz.: Bertrand, Harold, Floyd and Nellie. Mr. Viney is a member of the K. of P., and in politics votes the Democratic ticket.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


HENRY WEIRICK (deceased). Mr. Weirick, one of the early residents of Logansport, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in the year 1789. He remained in his native city until twelve years of age, at which time (1801) he went to Kentucky, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed with good success until 1830. In the latter year he came to Cass County and engaged in farming in Eel Township, near Logansport. He followed agricultural pursuits for a number of years, and subsequently engaged in the grocery and provision trade, which he carried on until his death, November, 1852. Mr. Weirick was a substantial business man and prominent citizen. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and took an active interest in all measures and movements having for their object the public good. In the year 1836 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Patterson, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, near the city of Chillicothe. The following children were born to this marriage: Anna, Sophia and Edward. Mrs. Weirick is still living, having reached the ripe old age of seventy-four years.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


GEN. WALTER WILSON, late of Logansport, Ind., was born in the vicinity of Harrodsburg, Mercer Co., Ky., on the 18th of January, 1782. His father came from Virginia to Kentucky, in the year 1776, with a small colony of frontiersmen. Less than half a century previous the paternal ancestors of the Kentucky pioneer had left the shores of Scotland and settled in the Old Dominion. The opportunities for acquiring even an introductory knowledge of the primary branches of learning were extremely rare in the locality where Mr. Wilson spent his youth. He had but little school discipline, but that discipline enjoyed by one of his practical good sense and mental balance was sufficient to lay the ground work of a successful life. His mind was of that eminently practical type which readily compensated for any deficiency in acquisition by intuitively adapting means to the necessities of the situation. His peculiarity became one of the leading features of his eventful life. His occupation was that of a farmer. The demands of the public service, in the field or in the halls of the Legislature, did not wean him from these pursuits in his later days. While still a young man his family settled at "old Post Vincennes," in what is now Knox County, Ind., then the center of the civil and military affairs of the Northwest Territory. His superior qualifications as a pioneersman soon became apparent. In 1811 Gov. Harrison sent him on an important mission to the Prophet's Town, on the upper Wabash. On his return from the successful accomplishment of this daring feat, he was again sent out by the Governor to meet Tecumseh and express to him Gov. Harrison's disapprobation of that warrior's conduct in violating his agreement to visit Vincennes for the purpose of a conference attended by a few only of his wisest counselors. He met the notable warrior on his approach to Vincennes, about twenty miles above the Post, July 11, 1811, and by promptly delivering the message, according to instructions, prevented Tecumseh's contemplated display. The same year he was appointed, at a public meeting of the citizens of Vincennes, one of a committee to carry out the spirit of a series of resolutions declaring the danger to which the people of the Territory were exposed, on account of the numerous acts of hostility on the part of the Indians at the Prophet's Town, and to request the President of the United States to forcibly disperse them. An expedition, of which he was the leading spirit, was rapidly fitted out and started to execute summarily this purpose. Proceeding up the river, they halted and built Fort Harrison. They reached the Prophet's Town on the evening of November 6. The battle of Tippecanoe, the following day, attested the material of which the expedition was composed. In that bloody fight Mr. Wilson bore a conspicuous part. Subsequently, in the attack upon the Mississinewa towns, Col. Wilson commanded the left flank in the advancing column in the battle which occurred in July, 1813. He continued in active service during the succeeding campaigns against the Indians until the cessation of hostilities, acquitting himself with the highest credit as an officer and soldier. In recognition of his ability he was elected a member of the Legislative Council of the Territory, from Knox County, in 1810, and continued a member during several sessions. He was also a member of the first session of the Legislature after the organization of the State government in 1816. About 1821 he became a resident of Gibson County, and in 1828 removed to Cass County and purchased a tract of land north of Eel River, within the present limits of Logansport. In 1831 and 1832 he represented his district, Carroll and Cass Counties, in the State Legislature. Gen. Wilson was an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and probably received the first degrees in Vincennes Lodge, No. 1. When the Eel River Seminary Society was organized he took an active interest in its affairs, and assisted, according to his means, in promoting its usefulness. Gen. Wilson was above the medium height, muscular, and of a robust constitution. His manner was reserved and positive, get courteous, affable and dignified. Honest and straight forward in his dealings with others, faithful to his convictions of right, he was one of nature's noblemen. After a short illness, he died March 18, 1838, and was buried by the members of Tipton Lodge, with the usual Masonic honors. Gen. Wilson married, April 10, 1804, Mary Williams, by whom he had seven children, all of whom are now dead, excepting one son, William, who now resides near Logansport.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


THOMAS H. WILSON was born May 31, 1818, near the village of Denton, Caroline Co., Md. His parents, John and Sarah (Hopkins) Wilson, were of English descent and members of the Society of Friends. His father was a farmer. Mr. Wilson was the sixth of ten children, was left an orphan when eleven years old, and went to live with an uncle, Thomas Hopkins, who was his guardian. A common school education and the practical knowledge gained in his uncle's mill and store ended in the development of an aptitude for mercantile pursuits, and in 1834 he became a clerk for Messrs. Miffin & Atwell, at Camden, Del. They kept a general stock of merchandise, and agreed to pay him $50 per annum for three years in addition to his board. Early in 1837 the firm closed their business, and Mr. Wilson, then in his nineteenth year, went with one of the partners, Daniel Atwell, to Logansport, where he resided until his death. He was first employed by Anderson & Atwell, and afterward by Daniel Atwell, until the latter's death in 1840. He next formed a partnership in mercantile business with Philip Pollard. In 1843, Pollard & Wilson built a grain warehouse on the Wabash & Erie Canal, and carried on a forwarding and commission business in the farm products of the Wabash Valley. Ten years later Mr. Pollard retired, and the firm became Wilson, Merriam & Co. Pollard & Wilson continued in the produce trade until 1856, when by the death of Mr. Pollard, the firm was dissolved. His duties as Mr. Pollards executor and his own failing health necessitated Mr. Wilson's leaving the firm of Wilson, Merriam & Co., but he continued in the produce trade until July, 1875. In May, 1865, Mr. Wilson was chosen president of the Logansport National Bank, which position he held until his death, December 27, 1877. He was originally a Whig in politics, and was a Republican from the formation of the latter party until his death. He continued his membership in the Society of Friends, though separated from any organized meeting of the society. Until his health failed he was a regular attendant of some one of the churches of Logansport, and was connected with its temperance and charitable associations. Mr. Wilson was active and vigilant in his care for the interest of his business, and though prudent and conservative, he was active in most of the enterprises that tended to the improvement of the trade or influence of the city where he lived and the development of the country in its neighborhood. The worthy poor of Logansport found in him a friend, and many of the younger business men of the place are indebted to him for encouragement and counsel. By diligence and care he accumulated a reasonable competence, and his long and honorable business career gave him a name which his children prize as a priceless heritage. In October, 1842, Mr. Wilson married America Weirick, of Logansport, who survived him but three years. In January, 1849, he married Mary I. A. Dexter, of Parkersburg, W. Va. She died September 18, 1854, and in April, 1856, he married Elizabeth E. Hopkins, of Burlington, N. J., who is still living. He leaves surviving him four sons: William I., Ellwood G., Thomas N., Jr. and John Charles, all now of mature years and engaged in business at Logansport.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


JAMES S. WILSON. Prominent among the self-made men of northern Indiana is James S. who was born at Elizabethtown, Allegheny Co., Penn., October 9, 1823. His parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Schooley) Wilson, were natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and England. Mr. Wilson attended the common schools until twelve years of age, and then began life for himself as salesman in a drug store, in which capacity he continued about three years. During that time he acquired a practical business education and cultivated habits of industry and application, which have served him well through life. On quitting the drug business he began the study of medicine, but abandoned it after a short time and engaged as steward on a packet, which business he followed from 1840 until 1845. He came to Logansport in 1845, as master of a boat on the Wabash & Erie Canal, freighting principally between this city and Toledo. He abandoned the canal in 1850, and became clerk for William Beach & Co., in the Forest Mills, and seven years later, in partnership with George Cecil, took charge of the mills, which he operated successfully until 1883. In that year he assumed entire control of the business and continues the same with gratifying success. Mr. Wilson has probably manufactured more flour and handled more grain than any other man in Indiana, and during his long residence in Logansport his business record has never been impeached. He began life, if not in the field of adversity, at least unaided and dependent wholly upon self-effort. His capital consisted of a full share of brain power, energy and an inbred determination to succeed among men. Possessing a strong appreciation of the value of integrity and justice and well defined purity of purpose, it has won for him an enviable distinction in business circles. Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics, and has been an active member of the I. O. O. F. He was married, May 21, 1844, to Miss Delilah Creeling, of Akron, Ohio, by whom he has two children, viz.: Indiana, wife of Robert Conolly, and Virginia, wife of G. W. Stevens.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


WILLIAM T. WILSON, attorney at law and eldest son of Thomas H. Wilson, was born in the city of Logansport in 1834. He received his rudimentary education in the city schools, and at the early age of sixteen entered Princeton College, New Jersey, from which institution he graduated. He began the study of law in 1875 under the late Hon. D. D. Pratt; was admitted to the bar the same year, and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession, which he has since successfully continued. He is now a member of the well known law firm of Dykeman, Taber & Wilson, which does an extensive business throughout the counties of northern Indiana. Mr. Wilson has made a creditable record as a lawyer and stands high among his professional brethren of the Cass County bar. He has been called to fill several positions of trust, in all of which he has shown marked wisdom and administrative ability of a high order. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha L. McCarty, a daughter of Joseph C. McCarty, of Logansport.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


MAURICE WINFIELD. Judge Winfield was born in Ulster County, N. Y., January 27, 1841, and is a son of Zenas and Mary (Terwilliger) Winfield. Mr. Winfield received his early education in the common schools, from which, at the age of fourteen, he was promoted to the academic grade. He entered the academy at Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y., where close application enabled him to complete his preparatory course in little less than a year. He then became a student in Princeton College, New Jersey, in the fall of 1860. The college course required four years, but in consequence of bad health he was obliged to discontinue his studies twelve months, and this lengthen the time of his attendance one year. He graduated with the class of 1863, being specially noted for his proficiency in Greek, in which subject he received the prize. In the following April he removed to Logansport, where he was engaged for one year as one of the teachers in the Logansport Presbyterian Academy. While thus employed he occupied all his leisure in preparing himself for the profession of tile lam, reciting to Judge H. P. Biddle, under whom he studied. Having completed his preparatory course, Mr. Winfield commenced the practice of his profession in Logansport in 1867. Since that time, by close application to business and commendable studiousness, he has gradually surmounted the obstacles in the course of every professional man, and has won for himself a reputation as a successful practitioner. In 1882 he was elected to the circuit bench, assumed the duties of the judgeship two years later, and is the present incumbent of the office. Politically his inclinations are Democratic, but he prefers the triumph of principle to the dominance of party, and refuses to accept the role of politician. On the 7th of May, 1868, he married Miss Jennie M. Johnson, daughter of the late Israel Johnson and sister of William H. Johnson, a leading business man of Logansport. In personal character Mr. Winfield occupies a high position among his fellow-citizens, and has a strong hold on their confidence and respect. He is regarded as an honorable and worthy citizen and safe counselor.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


JOHN B. WINTERS, boot and shoe dealer, and one of Logansport's representative business men, is a native of Preble County, Ohio, and is the third son of John S, and Prudence Winters, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Virginia. Subject's paternal grandfather, Thomas Winters, was a native of Vermont, and left that State shortly after the war of Independence, immigrating to Ohio, and settling in Darke County. He subsequently moved to Preble County, and died in the town of Lexington about the year 1848. John S. Winters was born in Darke County, Ohio, in the year 1812, and resided in his native State until 1850. In the latter year he moved to Wabash, Ind., and five years later he located in Miami County in of which he was a resident until his removal to Cass County in 1860. He was for a number of years engaged in the sawmilling business in Cass and Miami Counties, and early in life identified himself with the Christian Church, for which he preached until within a short time of his death, April 8, 1883. He was married, in Preble County, Ohio, in 1832, to Miss Prudence Harris, daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (Gipson) Harris, by whom he had the following children, viz.: Eli (deceased ) , Isaac S., Maria, John B., Marvin, Theophilus R., Sophia, (deceased), Francisco (deceased) and Ella. Mrs. Winters departed this life July 6, 1866. John E. Winters was born January 5, 1842, and accompanied his parents to Indiana in 1851. He passed the years of his youth and early manhood in the counties of Wabash and Miami; received a good practical education in the common schools, and later attended the high school of Logansport several terms, coming to Cass County in 1860. He entered the army in 1863, enlisting in Company E, One Hundred and Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and served with the same until honorably discharged in March, 1864. In January, 18 65, he re-enlisted as second lieutenant of Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana; was subsequently promoted first lieutenant, and remained with his regiment until the close of the war. On leaving the army he returned to Cass County and engaged in the carpenter's trade, which he carried on until 1876, teaching school at intervals in the meantime. In the latter year he came to Logansport and engaged as salesman in a boot and shoe store, and in January, 1873, purchased the stock, and has since conducted a very successful business, his store on Broadway being one of the best known mercantile houses in the city. Mr. Winters is a man of great personal popularity, eminently sociable, and in every respect a courteous gentleman. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the G. A. R., and is an active member of the Christian Church, in which he has held various official positions. He takes considerable interest in politics, voting the Republican ticket, but has never been an aspirant for official honors. On the 18th of November, 1866, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Lydia H. Davidson, daughter of John and Sarah Davidson, of Fulton County, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Winters have had five children, whose names are as follows, to wit: Carrie L., Harry (deceased), Gertrude, Wilbur and Harris.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


HON. WILLIAMSON WRIGHT, is a native of Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, at which place he was born in May, 1814, the son of Rev. John Wright and Jane (Weekley) Wright, both natives of the State of Pennsylvania, the former of Cumberland and the latter of Westmoreland County, in that State, and of Scotch-Irish blood. His early educational advantages were good. Having taken the necessary preparatory course, he entered Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, and graduated at the age of eighteen years, immediately thereafter commencing the study of law in the office of William W. Irvin, at one time judge of the supreme court of Ohio, finishing his course with Henry Stansberry, afterward Attorney-General of the United States, at Lancaster, his native town. In 1835 he came to and settled in Logansport, where he was admitted to practice on the 10th of August of the same year, and is, consequently, the oldest attorney at this bar, though he has not practiced for thirty-five years. Because of what he deemed the uncertainty of the law, growing out of the removal, by statute, of many of the common law principles, he became disgusted, and eventually abandoned the practice. In the meantime, however, he had embarked in politics, and in 1840 was elected State senator from the district composed of the counties of Cass, Miami and Fulton, and served a term of three years. While a member of that body, he was chairman of the committee on revision of the statutes. In 1849 he was nominated by the Whigs of the Ninth Congressional District, for Congress, but was defeated by Dr. Fitch. In 1852 he abandoned politics, and feeling that the people of the county would be greatly benefited if a railroad were located through it, he set about working up the project of such a thoroughfare, laboring diligently to get the prospective road from Chicago to Cincinnati - now known as the Pan Handle - located through Logansport, and Cass County. In this he was eventually successful, since it is known that he was largely instrumental in the construction of the road. As president of the company in 1853, he performed an arduous task in working up the necessary interest, and when this road transferred its stock to the Cincinnati, Logansport & Chicago- which was done in order to get the road extended on to Cincinnati, and was known as the New Castle & Richmond extension of this road - he was vice-president and superintendent. Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Searing, a daughter of John S. Searing, cashier of the old Bank of Madison, and afterward of the Madison Branch of the State Bank of Indiana, also a niece of the late Gov. Samuel Bigger. To them three children were born only one of whom is now living, John M., who read law with the present member of Congress from the Pittsburgh District, Pennsylvania, and afterward went to Chicago, where he was burned out in the great fire of 1871. Subsequently, he was a clerk in the office of the sixth auditor of the United States Treasury, where he remained from 1873, until March, 1885, when he resigned his position. His first wife died in 1847, and he was again married to Miss Kate W. Swift, a daughter of Dr. Swift, of Alleghany City, Penn., by whom seven children have been born to him. Of these five are now living: Katie, Lizzie G., Swift, Luttie and Ettie. Mary, the eldest, died many years since, and Elisha was killed by a horse, on the 10th of November, 1885, in the twenty-first year of his age. When Mr. Wright came to this county, he had not money enough to buy his breakfast - only 12-1/2 cents. Now, as the result of his persevering energy and thrift, he is the owner of 1,889 acres of land in Cass County, and 300 in Fulton County, Ind. And, although well advanced in years, since the death of his youngest son he still manages the affairs of his large landed estate. Politically he is a stanch Republican. Religiously he and his family are members of the First Presbyterian Church of this city.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


REV. C. P. WRIGHT (deceased.) Rev. Charles Perry Wright was born near Xenia, Greene Go., Ohio, July 5, 1826, and was the son of Merritt and Nancy (Omen) Wright; parents natives of Virginia. Mr. Wright's ancestors were Methodists from the time of the earliest organization of that church in Virginia. His father was a farmer, and his youth was consequently passed in the labors of the paternal farm and on his own place until he entered the ministry. His educational advantages were such only as were given by the instructions of an intelligent, pious mother, by the common schools of the time, by studious habits, and a bright and consecrated intellect. He was converted in January, 1840, in his fourteenth year, and immediately united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He became a regular attendant upon all the means of Grace, and his life-long faithfulness in the Master's service early became manifest. As he grew older, he became convinced that it was his duty to preach, and in 1832 he entered the ministry, and was received on trial the following year, having, in the meantime, served as a supply on the Pendleton Circuit. In 1836 he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Baker, and an elder by Bishop Allies in 1838. His fields of labor were the following, viz.: Pendleton, Greensburg, Union City, Hagerstown, Whitewater, Lanesville, North Street, at Indianapolis, Bluffton, Winchester, Muncie Circuit, Lima, Mishawaka and Elkhart. In 1872 he was appointed pastor of the Market Street Church, Logansport, and later had charge of the Wheatland congregation, his work between the two societies, and subsequently as conference tract agent, covering a period of twelve years, while a resident of the city. Mr. Wright was an able and effective minister of the Word for thirty-two years, and during that long period of service accomplished an incalculable amount of good in leading hundreds of souls to the higher life. He was greatly esteemed by all the citizens of Logansport, and in this city alone officiated at nearly 500 funerals and almost as many marriages. He died in Logansport April 29, 1884, aged fifty-nine years, nine months and twenty-four days. His marriage with Miss Fannie Gerhart was solemnized on December 25, 1854. Mrs. Wright is a native of Philadelphia, Penn., and daughter of Abraham and Barbara (Weber) Gerhart, the father born in Berks County, January 8, 1793, and the mother in Lancaster County, February 15, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Gerhart came to Logansport in 1872, and resided here until their respective deaths, which occurred as follows: Mrs. Gerhart on July 6, 1880, and Mr. Gerhart on June 2, 1882. They were most estimable Christian people, and had lived together as man and wife for a period of over sixty-two years.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
City of Logansport


Deb Murray