History of Madison County, Indiana From 1820 to 1874 By Samuel Harden Markelville, Indiana 1874
Submitted by Bev Davis
Judge John F. McClure was born near Brookville, Franklin county, Indiana, December 24,1852, and is the oldest of nine children, five of whom are living. His father James McClure, was born in Ireland in 1818, and came to this country when he was two year old. His mother Ann McClure, was a daughter of David McCall, one of the pioneers of Franklin county. The father is still living, but the mother recently deceased. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, where he devoted his time to the labors incident thereto until he was twenty-one years of age, when he entered De Pauw University, taking a classical course. His careeer at this institutuin was marked by close application to his studies and in 1879 he graduated with high honors, being selected as salutatorian of his class. Immediately after his graduation he entered the law office of Berry & Berry at Brookville, and at the expiration of two years came to Anderson, where he found a partnership for the practice of law with
Isaac Carter under the firm name of Carter & McClure. This partnership lasted but a short time, however, as Mr. McClure was elected Principal of Anderson High School in 1883 and taught one year, when he formed a law partnership with the Hon. F. P. Foster. In 1886 he received the Republican nomination for Mayor of Anderson and was elected. It was during his incimbency that natural gas was discovered at Anderson and it was largely through his untiring efforts that many of the large business enterprises which now contribute to the city's importance were located. His services as an active, faithful official were appreciated by his fellow citizens and he was re-elected in 1888. Upon retiring from the office of Mayor he purchased an interest in the Anderson Herald newspapaer, which property he managed for one year. In 1894 he was elected City Attorney by the common council and served two years. Judge McClure is unassuming both in his bearing and conversation, liberal in his views but firm as need be
in matters when decision is necessary. He is candid and cordial, but under no circumstances forgets he is a gentlemen. Judge McClure was married to Miss Mary Falknor December 12, 1888 and resides on West Seventh Street, Anderson.
Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison, County, Indiana
by: John L. Forkner & Byron H. Dyson
Anderson, Indiana 1897
Submitted by Bev Davis
HOWELL D. THOMPSON
The subject of this sketch was born May 6, 1822, in Center county , Pennsylvania. In 1829 his father removed to Clinton county, Ohio, and here the son passed his boyhood, attending school whenever it was possible until it became time to select a trade, when he went to work at carpentry and followed it wuntil 1844, whe he came to Indiana and began teaching school. Randolph and Grant counties were the scenes of his labors in this vocation until 1857, when he entered Farmers' College, near Cincinnati. He devoted himself assiduously to his studies and graduated from this institution in 1849. After graduating he returned to Indiana and taught a select school at Pendleton. In December, 1849, he commenced the study of law under Judge David Kilgore and afterwards completed his prepatory course under the laste Judge Hervy Craven. In March 1851, he was admitted to the Anderson bar; May, 1851, to the Supreme Court of the State,
and in November of that year to the Circuit Court of the United States. It was also during this year that he re- moved to Marion, Indiana, where he began the practice of his professkion. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War in 1861 he enlisted a company of which he was captain in April of that year, but being in feeble health he was compelled to resign in the following November and return home. In May, 1862, he removed to Anderson and formed a partnership in the practice of his profession with the late Judge W. R. Pierse. This firm remained in existence for many years and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. In 1871 Mr. Thompson was elected County School Superintendent and looked after the duties of that office for two years with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. No citizen of the county, perhaps, takes deeper interest in the education and proper training of the young than Mr. Thompson. His influence has always been exerted in
behalf of good schools, as it has in the interest of every enterprise having for its object the general diffusion of knowledge and the welfare of society. For a period of thirty five years Mr. Thompson has been identified with the Madison county bar as one of the ablest and most honored members. He is still actively engaged in the practice and occupies a position among the members of the profession of which he may well feel proud. Politically, Mr. Thompson is a Democrat; religiously, he is a Presbyterian. He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, believes in the principles it inculcates, and without ostentation endeavors to observe them in his intercourse with the world. His in liberal in his views and believes in enjoying life within the pale of propriety. His elegantly furnished home consequently is one of the most hospitable in anderson. His friends are always graciousley received and entertained with a cordiality as sincere as it is enjoyable.
He was married on the 5th of December, 1852, to Miss Eliza J. Butler. Of this union two children have been born, Mrs. E. E. Newton and Mrs. Charles L. Sherman, both of whom are residents of Anderson.
Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison, County, Indiana
by: John L. Forkner & Byron H. Dyson
Anderson, Indiana 1897
Submitted by Bev Davis
No man in Madison county, perhaps, has done more to preserve its early history than Samuel Harden. He has always taken great interest in the achievements of the first settlers as well as in matters generally pertaining to the pioneer period of the country and therefore honorable mention of his efforts to secure from the spoiler Time the names of the first comers here, their unpretentious deeds, customs and interesting incidents connected with their lives, is cheerfully accorded in these pages. He wrote the first history of the county under certain disadvantages that but few can appreciate who have not engaged in such an undertaking. The work is not perfect by any means, and neither is this, nor any other history that has been or ever will be written of the county, but within its modest pages much is contained that would have been lost no doubt had it not been for his painstaking research. Mr. Harden was born in Hamilton county,
Indiana, November 21,1831, and at the age of fourteen years was apprenticed to learn the saddler's trade with an older brother. He served an apprenticeship of two years, when he took a "tramp" East as far as Ithica, New York, with a party of drovers. In 1852 he made the overland trip to California, where he engaged in mining with "varied success" until 1855, when he returned to Indiana, after a brief residence at Huntsville, this county, married a daughter of the late J. T. Swain. He soon after located at Markleville, where he worked at his trade for fifteen years. In 1862 he enlisted in the Sixth-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and was wounded at the battle of Richmond, KY. He was discharged soon after this and returned to Markleville, where he was appointed postmaster.
In 1874 he published a history of Madison County. In 1880 he commenced writing the history of Hancock county, but sold his interest in the work to J. H. Binford, who, in
connection with J. K. King, completed and published it. In 1887 he published a volume entitled, "Early Times of Boone County, Indiana", and in 1888 another book entitled, "Those I Have Met, or Boys in Blue." In 1896 he published his last work, which he named, "The Pioneer". All of these works contain many interesting sketches of the first settlers of Madison , Hancock, Hamilton and Boone counties, as well as much valuable and important historical information. Mr. Harden's efforts are being appreciated more and more as the years roll by and after his pilgrimage is over will perpetuate his memory longer than would marble or bronze. It may be said in this connection that he has one of the finest collections of Indiana and other interesting relics in the county; in fact there are probably but few, if any, finer private collections in the State.
Mr. Harden is a resident of Anderson, where he pursues the "even tenor of his way", enjoying the esteem of all who know him.
Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison, County, Indiana
by: John L. Forkner & Byron H. Dyson
Anderson, Indiana 1897
Submitted by Bev Davis
The subject of this sketch was born October 24, 1868, in the town of Elwood. His parents were John W. and Jean DeHority, both of whom were born in Madison county. The father died August 28, 1891; the mother is still living at the old homestead at Elwood.
Mr. DeHority's boyhood was passed in the usual occupations which engaged the attention of the young in country villages. In 1855 he entered Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana, where he remained until 1887. In 1887-8 he took a commercial course at Louisville, Kentucky, where he acquired a knowledge of practical business methods, which, together with unlimited energy and good sound judgment, have contributed very largely to his success in the various enterprises to which he has given his attention. Owing to many advantageous circumstances he was chosen as the Democratic candidate for Mayor of Elwood after its incorporation as a city in 1891, and on the 9th of June of that year was triumphantly
elected, being the first Mayor of that city and the youngest at the time in the State. During his administration the Elwood electric light plant was put in operation, his little son, John W. DeHority, having the honor of pulling the throttle that set the machinery in motion for the first time. This interesting event took place at 2 o'clock p.m., August 1, 1891. The electric street railway and water works system were also begun and completed during his term of office- improvements which it now affords him great pleasure as a citizen to know that he assisted in promoting. At the time of his election Elwood had a population of 2,500; it is now a city of 11,000 population.
Mr. DeHority was married June 27, 1888, to Miss Frances C. Metts, daughter of Rev. M. S. Metts, who was at the time pastor of the M. E. church at Elwood. The fruits of this union have been four children, three boys and one girl - John W., Ruth M., J. Loomis and Walter C. F., all of whom are living.
Mr. DeHority is actively engaged in various business enterprises and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is nothing if not practical and comes as nearly observing the Golden Rule as any man in Madison County.
Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison, County, Indiana
by: John L. Forkner & Byron H. Dyson
Anderson, Indiana 1897
Submitted by Bev Davis
Of all the men who enlisted in the service of their country from Madison county during the great struggle for the preservation of the Union, non has a more interesting or thrilling history than Capt. A. I. Makepeace. His experience if given in detail and properly elaborated, would require a volume of itself, but a brief sketch is all that can be expected or given in a work of this character, however, much the authors might desire to preserve all the incidents of his military career. Capt. Makepeace is a native of Madison county, having been born at Pendleton, April 9, 1833. His parents, Alfred and Hannah Makepeace, were among the early pioneers of the county who settled in Fall Creek township. They subsequently (1836) moved to Anderson, where Alonzo, of Lon. as he is familiarly called, was reared, the greater portion of his time being devoted to farming. His education was acquired in the common schools of Anderson, On the 1st of
April, 1856, he was one of a party of young men who left Anderson for California, by the Nicaragua route, and landed at Graytown, Central America, on the 18th of the same month. There was great excitement in Central America at that time owing to the efforts of General Walker, the famous filibuster, to secure control of the government of that country. Neither life nor property was considered secure on account of the disturbed condition of the people, and the party of fortuneseekers concluded to return home. Arriving at New York, Mr. Makepeace went to Canada on a prospecting tour, and returned to his home in Indiana by way of Niagara Falls. After his return he worked at carpentry until his father built the large flouring mill on North Central avenue, which is now owned and operated as a brewery by T. M. Norton & Sons, when he engaged in the milling business for a while. In the meantime the clouds of the great civil war were gathering and casting their somber shadows over all the land. It was
not long until hostilities began and the country was involved in the greatest struggle of modern times. The patriotic young men of the land responded to the call of the President for troops, and marched away to defend the flag of their country. Among the number was the subject of this biography, who enlisted July 5, 1861, in Company A. 19th Indiana volunteers. He was mustered into the service at Indianapolis on the 29th of July, and on the same day was elected second lieutenant of his company.
On the 8th of August, the Nineteenth Indiana was ordered to Washington, and on November 11, 1861, he was promoted to the position of First Lieutenant. He was subsequently (February10,1862,) promoted to the Captaincy of his company. The Nineteenth Indiana was one of the regiments composing the famous Iron Brigade and suffered as much, if not more, than any regiment engaged in the war, Captain Makepeace participated, along with his company, in all of the principal battles of the south-east. He was at
Lewinsville, Gainsville(lost thirty-one men out of forty-two in this battle), Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, South Mountain, Antietam, Manassas, Cedar Mountain, and many other battles, including the battle of Gettysburg, where he was captured on the first day of that decisive engagement. This was on the 1st of July, 1863. He, with several thousand other soldiers, who were captured at the same time, was to Libby prison where he remained ten months, when he was transferred to Danville, Virginia, from that prison to Salisbury, North Carolina, thence to Macon Georgia. While enroute to the latter prison, he escaped from the train near Augusta, but was recaptured. After remaining in prison at Macon for a short time, he, along with three hundred other captains, was taken to Charleston, South Carolina , for the protection of that city which was being shelled by Federal gunboats. Intelligence was conveyed to the Federals of their location in the city by Union sympathizers and the presence
of the prisoners did not result as anticipated. The firing was kept up by the vessels, but no shell exploded in the vicinity of the prisoners. Captain Makepeace was afterward transferred to Columbia, South Carolina, where on November 4, 1864, he again escaped, and, in company with three others eluded the Rebels for forty-eight days, notwithstanding they were pursued by blood-hounds a portion of the time. They traveled only at night and in that time walked over four hundred miles, encountering many dangers and suffering innumerable hardships. They were at one time within a few miles of the Union army, but fate was against them and they were recaptured in the Smokey Mountains, near Delonaga, Georgia. He was taken back to Columbia, and transferred thence to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he escaped again, but being sick and discouraged by his previous experience he concluded to return to prison. From Charlotte he was taken to Raleigh, North Carolina, thence to Wilmington, in the same state
where he was finally exchanged on the 1st of March, 1865. Captain Makepeace was a prisoner just twenty months to a day and was transferred from time to time to nearly every prison in the Confederacy. He was discharged at Washingtom in May, 1865, and returned home, after an experience that fell to the lot of but few men in the army. Soon after returning home he engaged in the hardware business as a clerk with Nichol & King, but subsequently became a member of the firm, Mr. King having retired. This firm is still in existence and does a larger business in its line than any other firm in the county.
In 1886 Captain Makepeace received without solicitation on his part the Republican nomination for Sheriff of Madison county , and was elected, overcoming an adverse majority of eight hundred. He is a member of Anderson lodge I. O. O. F., and was the first commander of Major May Post, G. A. R., but is not connected with any other organization, social, fraternal or religious. He was
on the staff with General Veazy at the Grand Encampment of the G. A. R., at Detroit, in 1880, and has attended every encampment of that organization as well as every reunion of his old regiment for the past twelve years. Captain Makepeace was married to Miss Margaret Robinson, a sister of the late Colonel M. S. Robinson, on the 16th of September, 1858. The fruits of this union have been two children, Frank and Harriett, both of whom are married and living in Anderson. Mr. Frank Makepeace is one of the proprietors of the Anderson Daily Bulletin (newspaper). Harriett is married to Mr. T. N. Stillwell, a son of Colonel Thomas N. Stillwell, deceased.
Captain Makepeace is an unpretending gentleman , not given to vaunting his achievements, and it is safe to say that but few, even of his intimate friends, are acquainted with the facts related in this sketch. Considering his military experience he is remarkably active. He has a large circle of friends and had laid by a competency against old age.
Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison, County, Indiana
by: John L. Forkner & Byron H. Dyson
Anderson, Indiana 1897
Submitted by Bev Davis