This gallant veteran and ex-soldier of the Civil war and now a citizen of Middletown, Henry County, Indiana was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1836, and is a son of a soldier, his father having had his shoulder crushed in the war of 1812. The parents of Lieut. Shedron Jacob and Sarah (Martin) Shedron, were both natives of the state of New York, but lived for some years in the Keystone state, where the father did such work at farm or common labor employment as his disabled shoulder permitted. In 1847 the family came to Indiana and settled in Middletown, in which city the father died at the age of sixty-six years, the mother surviving until ninety-two years old and dying at the home of her son William in Carroll county, in which county William still lives, his home being at Camden. Charles C. Shedron passed his boyhood years from the age of eleven in attending school at Middletown. New Castle and Knightstown. In 1849 he was apprenticed
to Jacob Mowrer at New Castle, to learn the tailor's trade, hut received no specified sum for wages yet was allowed six months of schooling and a new suit of clothes at the end of four years, when his apprenticeship terminated. He then started a tailor's shop at Knightstown and conducted it until 1860, when he came to Middletown, opened a shop here and also commenced reading medicine under Dr. Roland T. Summers, with whom he studied until his enlistment in the summer of 1862 in Company H, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Fred Hoover. The latter took the company through to Richmond, Kentucky, being later succeeded by Capt. David S. Yount, and there the entire regiment was captured by the Rebel general, Kirby Smith, but was at once paroled and sent to Camp Wayne. Richmond, to await exchange, which was effected in September. The Sixty-ninth Indiana was next ordered to Chickasaw Bluff, near Vicksburg, Mississippi, then back to Young's Point
and forward to capture Arkansas Post in January 1863; then to Milliken's Bend, and thence to James's plantation in Louisiana and Grand Gulf, Mississippi. There it crossed the Mississippi river into the state of Mississippi, where it chased Gen. Pemberton's army in Vicksburg. At the famous siege of this city the Sixty-ninth Indiana was placed in the rear on the east of the town. In the meantime Mr. Shedron had been promoted from sergeant to second lieutenant at Milliken's Bend for gallantry and meritorious behavior in the face of the enemy, and at Perkin's plantation, in Louisiana, he was made ordnance officer of the Ninth Division and attached to Gen. Osterhout's staff, holding this position until the close of the Vicksburg siege. The Ninth Division then returned to Black River bridge, where Lieut. Shedron was taken sick and Sent home on a furlough of thirty days; at the end of that time he was not able to return and the furlough was extended thirty days,
at the end of which time he reported for duty at Indianapolis. The surgeon, however, ordered him home again for twenty days, but at the end of ten days he reported for duty with his regiment at New Iberia in the Bayou Teche country in Louisiana. He was sent to New Orleans, thence across the Gulf of Mexico to Indianola, on Metaguka bay, Texas, and on to the Red river to cover Gen. Banks' retreat from Shreveport. Lieut. Shedron succeeded in rejoining his company, however, as second lieutenant. He was ordered to Alexandria, Louisiana, where dams were built to liberate the gunboats that had been bottled up. While there he would drive back the Rebels each evening, but they would return each night. One bold Confederate officer, mounted upon a white horse of great beauty, seemed to be oblivious of fear and often would be far in advance of his command. When ordered by the Union forces to surrender he refused to do so and was shot. Letters were found on his
person, which represented the Black Swamp roads as passable and suitable for the transportation of artillery and this news decided the Federal commander to march through the quagmire to the Mississippi river. On the person of this officer was also found a letter from his wife, which cautioned him to be less risky in exposing his life. On the march through the Black Swamp Lieut. Shedron was placed in charge of the sick and wounded of his regiment and brought them all in safety to the Mississippi river, while the officers of other regiments reported from four to twelve men lost in this dreary march. The troops eventually reached Morganzia Bend on the Mississippi river, whence it was sent to Natchez, Mississippi, next to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and from there to Dauphin Island, opposite Mobile, Alabama. The regiment here landed and approached the doomed city from the rear to within twenty-nine miles, then fell back to East Pascagoula, where the battalions
were concentrated and embarked for Baraneas, Florida, and Pensacola, whence they marched to Fort Blakely and assisted in the siege of Mobile until its fall on April 9, 1865, the day on which General Lee surrendered to Grant. The prisoners taken in Mobile were conducted to Ship Island by the battalion, which then went to Selma, Alabama, then returned to Mobile and was mustered out July 5, 1865. Lieutenant Shedron, though one of the bravest of the brave and although he took part in many a hard-fought battle in which his conduct in front of the enemy was truly meritorious and for which he was rewarded with justly deserved promotion, escaped any serious injury, but sustained a slight wound in the last charge at Mobile, which lasted from three o'clock in the afternoon until long after dark. He was an aid-de-camp on Gen. Smith's staff at Mobile and also did some court-martial duty at Malagorda Island, being always regarded as a discreet and reliable officer.
After Lieutenant Shedron's return from the war he engaged in merchandising for two years, but his military life had affected his health and culminated in kidney and heart trouble. This caused him to seek relief by residing on his farm in Delaware County, three and a half miles from Middletown, and on this farm he has erected one of the finest buildings in the neighborhood. Lieutenant Shedron was united in marriage December 28. 1868, with Miss Maria Van Matre, a daughter of David Van Matre, of Delaware County, and this marriage has been crowned with seven children, namely: Arthur; Osee, a dry-goods clerk; Elroy, on a farm in Delaware County; Charlie, in Middletown; Josie, a senior in the high school; William and Lola, both also attending school. In politics the Lieutenant is an ardent Republican, but has never sought an office, his political principles being the result of his convictions. Appended is a list of the principal engagements in which the
Lieutenant participated during the Civil war: Richmond, Kentucky, August 30, 1862; Chickasaw Bluffs, Mississippi, December 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 1862; Arkansas Post, Arkansas, January 4, 1863; was detailed by Gen. Osterhout as ordnance officer of the Ninth Division, Thirteenth Corps, April 22, 1863; was ordnance officer in the battles and siege of Vicksburg until July 2, 1863; was then relieved on account of sickness; was in the fights near Alexandria, Louisiana, in May, 1864, and siege and charge of Blakeley, Alabama, on the 9th of April, 1865.
Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920
A representative of one of Henry County's oldest families and a gentleman in every way entitled to the high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors and the public generally, the name of Andrew J. Baker is eminently worthy of a place in the list of Liberty township's representative men. The Bakers are of Irish descent and were first represented in this country by ancestors who settled in Virginia when that state was a colony of Great Britain. The names of the first of the family in America are not known as no care was ever taken to preserve a connected genealogical history. Isaac Baker, father of Andrew J., was born in the Old Dominion state shortly after the Revolutionary war and then grew to maturity and received his education. When a youth in his teens he began teaching school and continued educational work in Virginia for some years, earning the reputation of a very able instructor. In his young manhood he married a lady of high social
position and by her had six children, none of whom are now living. Some time after the death of his first wife, Isaac Baker chose a second companion, who bore the maiden name of Jemimah W. Cochran, her family being one of the oldest and socially one of the best connected in the part of Virginia where the Bakers and Cochran's lived. Shortly after this marriage Mr. Baker sold his possessions and migrated to Henry County, entering a large tract of land in Liberty Township, a part of which is known at the present day as the L. P. Mitchell farm. Mr. Baker reached his new home in the wilderness about 1823 and was one of the first permanent settlers in what is now the Township of Liberty. The Indians were still here in numbers, the woods were infested with game of all kinds and the few pioneer cabins at remote distances from each other appeared to add to the wildness of the scene and heighten its primitive grandeur. New Castle was not then in existence,
and around where the beautiful and thriving little city now stands was comparatively a dense wilderness, into which but few white men had penetrated. Isaac Baker built his little log cabin, furnished it with a few utensils of the simplest manufacture and addressed himself to the formidable undertaking of clearing a farm; a task from which the stoutest hearted of the present day would shrink. He prosecuted his labors with energy during the spring, summer and early fall and during the winter months taught school, which was patronized by all the families for several miles around. He continued to teach for several years and among his pupils were many boys and girls who afterwards became the leading men and women of the county, several indeed acquiring state and even national reputation. Among the latter was General William Grose, who received his first instruction in the mysteries of the alphabet, reading, spelling and writing from this well known and,
for that time, eminently successful pioneer pedagogue. While teaching, Mr. Baker devoted all of his leisure time to a careful perusal of such medical books and treatises as he could procure and the knowledge thus obtained, together with his original investigation and practical tests of the medical properties of various herbs and plants, etc., enabled him in the course of a year or two to engage in the practice of the healing art. He was one of the pioneer doctors of Henry County and, from what can now be learned, appears to have been quite successful in his treatment of the various diseases with which the early settlers were afflicted. There were principally chills, ague and different kinds of fevers, for all of which Dr. Baker had quick and sure specifics. During the period of his practice he rode over all parts of the country and frequently spent days and nights in the saddle, with but slight opportunities for sleep or rest. He was successful
financially, as is attested by the fact of his having accumulated a large estate in lands and personal property, valued at over twelve thousand dollars. Isaac Baker was one of Henry County's early public men and took an active part in promoting the material resources of the country. He possessed sound judgment and a wide knowledge of business, so that he was frequently retained to settle estates, appraise property, draw up legal writings for his neighbors, and in many other ways he proved a valuable man to the community. Originally one of the leaders of the old Whig party in this part of the state, he afterwards became a Republican and as such did effective service for the party as long as he took an active interest in political affairs. Dr. Baker assisted to organize the first Masonic lodge at New Castle and was one of its charter members. He was a bright and enthusiastic Mason, believed with all his heart in the purity and dignity of the order
and always endeavored to exemplify its beautiful and sublime principles in his daily life. He was also very religiously inclined and his conception of an all-wise and merciful Father was so exalted that he could never reconcile the idea of eternal punishment with the nature of a being so pure and good. Accordingly he embraced the beautiful doctrine of Universalism, remained true to its teachings through life and when the time came for him to depart, calmly passed to the great unknown cheered by the hope of a triumphant resurrection. In addition to his career as a teacher, farmer, physician and public man, Isaac Baker also had a military record of which his descendants feel proud. When the war of 1812 broke out he left home, though but a youth, joined the American army and fought as a true patriot until the close of the struggle. He was the father of twelve children by his second marriage, his wife dying when the youngest was but half an hour old.
With the assistance of kind neighbors he raised his family and lived long enough to see the majority of them filling useful stations in life. The names of these sons and daughters are as follows: William, Eliza, Catherine, Elizabeth, Thomas, Mary, Harriet, Hester, Andrew J., David, Nancy and Isaac W. Reverting to the personal history of Andrew J. Baker, it is learned that his birth occurred in Liberty Township. Henry County, Indiana, on the 27th day of April. 1837. He grew up a strong and vigorous lad, bore his full share of the labor required to clear and cultivate the farm and in the county schools received only a fair education. On attaining his majority he engaged in the manufacture of lumber, a business which proved successful, as is proved by the fact that within a few years after starting the mill he was financially able to purchase and partially pay for eighty acres of land of his own, although he continued to live at home until thirty
years of age. On April 16 1881, Mr. Baker was happily married to Miss Mary J. Rogers, daughter of Edward and Lavina Rogers. Mrs. Baker was born in this county July 15, 1851 and received a good education in the common schools, which she attended until finishing the prescribed course of study. Edward Rogers was one of Henry County's well-known men and successful farmers. He came here as early as 1828 and for many years was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also his wife, both having been noted for their religious zeal and good works. Mr. Rogers died in 1897, his companion in the year 1900. Since his marriage Mr. Baker has been industriously engaged in agricultural pursuits and as a farmer ranks with the enterprising and progressive men of his township and County. His place is admirably situated for general agriculture and stock purposes and the substantial improvements as well as the fine condition of the fields bear evidence
of the industry, thrift and successful management of the owner. Mr. Baker is one of the oldest of Henry County's native sons, having been a continuous resident of the same ever since his birth, sixty-five years ago. During this time he has witnessed many remarkable changes in the country, nor has he been an idle spectator of the same, having contributed all within his power to bring about conditions, as they today exist. He sprang from a sturdy ancestry and combines within himself many of their strong characteristics and sterling qualities. As a man he has always stood for advancement along the line of material things and in the equally great if not more important matter of the moral growth of the community his influence has ever been upon the right side. He has discharged the duties of citizenship as every true lover of his country should, and his life has been singularly free from faults. In his own neighborhood he is highly esteemed for his
genuine manly worth and no resident of Liberty Township occupies a surer place in the confidence of the public. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have one child, Hazel K., who was born on the 18th of May 1882. After acquiring a good education she was united in marriage with Harry Schildtknecht and is now the happy mother of a bright little daughter, Mary Genevieve, whose birth occurred August 23 1901. In his political faith Mr. Baker is a steadfast Republican and as such has been an active worker for his party in the County of Henry. He is a well-read man on the issues of the day, firm in his allegiance to principle and has long been recognized as one of his party's leaders in Liberty Township.
Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920
The biographer always reverts with pleasure to the life histories of those brave men who, in the hour of their nation's struggle for perpetuity, bravely laid aside all personal interests and went forth to offer their lives if need be that the unity of the republic might be preserved. Among this number was the gentleman whose name appears above. Lambert Macy is the son of Benedict and Rebekah (Gordon) Macy and was born in Henry County, Indiana on the 19th of September 1843. His ancestors were natives of England and were among those who settled at Nantucket. Massachusetts. Later they removed to North Carolina and there the immediate ancestors of the subject were born. Enoch Macy the subject's grandfather came from that state to Indiana purchasing land in this County. Benedict Macy accompanied his parents and was reared upon their farm five miles north of Knightstown and here obtained his education in the common schools. Upon attaining his mature years
he bought a farm of his father, upon which he remained for several years. He then sold that place and bought what was known as the Hinshaw place. Subsequently he removed to Hamilton County, this state, where he now resides. He has always been a quiet, unassuming man and was a faithful and consistent member of the Friends church. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Rebekah Gordon and to their union were born the following children: Bartlett, deceased; Richard, deceased; Lambert, the subject. Mrs. Macy died when the subject was but seven years old, and the father wedded Miss Mary Jessup, who is also deceased. When the subject was a lad of but nineteen years he entered the military service of his country, which was then threatened with disruption, enlisting in the Nineteenth Indiana Battery. Their first engagement was at Perryville, Kentucky, and they were afterward at Milton, Tennessee, and were sent in pursuit of General Morgan. They participated in the
battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamauga and Kenesaw Mountain. He was then taken sick and was sent back to Nashville and then to Jeffersonville Indiana, on a furlough. He was not able to join his command again until the occasion of their discharge at Indianapolis' in 1865. During the interim he had been sent to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and was on duty in Joe Holt hospital until the close of the war. He now receives a pension of twelve dollars per month. After the close of hostilities Mr. Macy came to Henry County and found employment at farm work and at other labor and. then started to farm on his own account. He also ran a sawmill and a threshing machine and followed that with another period on a farm. Then he went into the buggy business, repairing and painting, and was afterward in the undertaking business in conjunction with the sale of drugs and groceries. He has always been active in public affairs and held for some time the office of justice of the
peace and was also trustee of his township for four years, discharging the duties of the office with marked ability. During President Harrison's administration he was appointed to the position of postmaster of Greensboro and has ever since held that position. On November 18, 1868, Lambert Macy was united in marriage with Miss Susan L. Newby, a daughter of Larkin Newby, a well-to-do stock dealer. To this union were born two children, both of whom are deceased. Fraternally Mr. Macy is a member of the Masonic order, Lodge No. 175, at Greensboro, and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed through all the chairs in the local lodge of the last named order and been a representative to the grand lodge. Politically he is a firm and uncompromising Republican and has been active in his efforts to advance the interests of that party. In the subject are embodied those characteristics which insure success to any man and he has by a
straightforward course of living won the esteem and regard of the entire community.
Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920
Among the enterprises which have had a marked influence upon the business prosperity of New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, the Hoosier Manufacturing Company stands among the best, not only on account of the amount of business transacted, but also because of the beneficent work it is doing in lightening the burdens of thousands of housewives all over the United States. The company's motto is Steps saved in the kitchen gives woman strength and energy for other things, and in the designing of the article of kitchen furniture which they manufacture they have taken this fact into consideration and have put upon the market the most compact, convenient and best arranged kitchen cabinet ever manufactured. The Hoosier Manufacturing Company was established February 27, 1900. The citizens of New Castle offered the promoters of the enterprise two thousand dollars bonus if they would locate in this city and guarantee to employ twenty-five men eight
months each year. This offer, together with the fact that New Castle offered superior shipping facilities, decided them upon this location. The plant is located in the southern part of the city and consists of two buildings, a main building, built of brick, two stories and a basement, seventy by one hundred and forty-two feet, and a wareroom, sixty by seventy-two feet. A capital of about fifty thousand dollars is invested in the enterprise and forty-five men are employed every working day in the year, the pay-roll and expense for local material amounting to about one thousand dollars a week, all of this money going directly into local circulation. The output of the factory now amounts to nearly two hundred complete kitchen cabinets each week, and sales are made of the article in every state in the Union, and many foreign countries. The stockholders and present officers of the concern are: President, J. M. Maring, of Muncie; vice-president, T. F.
Hart, of Muncie secretary and treasurer, J. S. Mc Quinn. The secretary and treasurer, J. S. Mc Quinn, was born in Fayette County, Illinois, and was there reared and educated. In 1886 he went to Findlay, Ohio, for the purpose of engaging in window glass manufacturing, and remained there for seven years. In 1894 he went to Albany, Indiana, where in 1896, he organized the Albany State Bank, was elected its cashier and remained in that position for four years. While in the bank his attention was called to the kitchen cabinet and, seeing the fine opportunity open to the person who should take hold of its manufacture, he sold his interest in the bank and concentrated his energies upon the manufacture of this article. That his judgment at that time was not at fault is attested by the wonderful success, which has attended the enterprise. The growth of the business has far surpassed all expectations and its present relative growth is greater than ever
before. The subject's son, Emmett G. Mc Quinn, is advertising manager and has entire charge of the fieldwork, devoting his entire attention to the details of the business. Since becoming interested in the enterprise the subject has removed to New Castle and has attained to a high standing among the businessmen of the City. Fraternally he is a Mason belonging to both the blue lodge and the chapter. He and his son are both men of ripe business experience and have demonstrated their fitness for the positions they occupy as the managers of the enterprise described in the foregoing lines.
Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920