Henry Lycurgus Powell.It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record of the well-known gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of the county in which he has his home. He is the son of Simon T. Powell, a biography of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. Henry L. Powell was born in New Castle, Indiana on the 23rd of December 1842. He attended the public schools and also attended the old academy and was two years in the State University at Bloomington. When the states of this great republic became engaged in civil strife and the honor of the flag was threatened, Mr. Powell cast aside all personal interests and enlisted in his country's service. His first engagement was at the battle of Rich Mountain,
where he received a severe wound in the right ankle, breaking the bone and disabling him in a measure for life. At the time of the injury the surgeons wished to amputate the foot and it was saved only by the interference and protests of General Grose, who was present in the capacity of a private citizen.
Upon his return home Mr. Powell read law in the office of Judge Millette, but was afterward associated with his father. He has for many years been engaged in farming and stock raising. He makes a specialty of shorthorn cattle and found this business a profitable source of income. In politics he is an earnest Republican. He has taken an active part in the campaign work of his party and has a number of times served as a delegate to conventions. His methods are in keeping with the progressive spirit of the twentieth century and his present prosperity is a monument to his thrift and well-directed efforts. He is a man of broad humanitarian principles, of earnest
purpose and upright life and does all in his power for the uplifting of his fellow men and the promotion of the moral welfare of his community. He is widely known and by all is highly esteemed for his genuine worth.
In 1867 Mr. Powell was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Clift, the daughter of Elisha Clift. Her death occurred in 1892, and in 1894 he married Mrs. Emma L. Ogle. Nee Martin. The latter was born in Wayne County, this state, and was reared there and in Hancock County. To Mr. Powell's first marriage was born one son Howard, now at Savannah, Georgia. He was a soldier during the recent unpleasantness with Spain, was stationed at Camp Chickamauga, near Chattanooga, and finally went to Savannah, Georgia, as an inspector of lumber and to oversee the loading of lumber at the wharf for E. B. Hunting & Company. He now resides in that city. Mr. Powell is a member of George W. Leonard Post No. 148, G A. R., New Castle.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Henry County, Indiana
HON. JOHN A. DEEM
Hon. John K Deem was the eldest son of Thomas Deem and Phebe (Hutzler)Deem, and was born March 9, 1840, in Greene county, Ohio, near the village of Oldtown, a locality renowned in history as the birth-place of the famous chieftain Tecumseh, and as the scene of Daniel Boone's captivity among the Shawnee Indians. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His mother was born in Virginia, but reared in Ohio. She was of Scotch-Welsh extraction. The ancestors of both parents were Revolutionary patriots, some of them soldiers. The subject of this sketch removed with his parents to Spiceland township, Henry county, Indiana, in the autumn of 1848. Here he grew to manhood, working on the farm in summer and attending the district schools in the winter. His thirst for knowledge was intense, and by close application succeeded in acquiring a good English education under adverse circumstances. He began teaching school before he had reached his majority
and taught a number of terms. In 1862 he married Miss Elizabeth Cloud, by whom he has three children: Wallace K., Ernest C. and Nora M. The eldest son became the founder and first publisher of the Knightstown Sun, which paper he sold and purchased the Banner, formerly his father's newspaper. The second son, Ernest, is a progressive farmer, living near Dunreith. and has held positions of trust, both political and civil. Nora, the daughter, married J.E. Symons, and resides near Ogden on a fine farm, the management of which was the subject of an interesting article in the Cincinnati Gazette. She is an elder in the society of Friends, of which religious denomination she is a zealous member. Before his marriage Mr. Deem applied himself to learning the printing art, and in the spring of 1867 located at Knightstown and commenced the publication of the Banner. By untiring effort he succeeded in placing his newspaper upon a prosperous footing, and continued its publisher
for about fourteen years. It became noted for its radical views and red-hot editorials. While a citizen of Knightstown he was three times elected school trustee and labored zealously to effect the building of the magnificent structure which adorns the school grounds of that town. The design is his own. the want of such an edifice had long been felt, but it required some energetic public men to urge it forward: He gave this public improvement his earnest support from its beginning to its dedication. In 1878 he was elected justice of the peace, but resigned after serving about ten months. In the spring of 1880 Mr. Deem returned to Spiceland township and engaged in farming and the rearing of fine stock. His stock has never failed to receive first premiums at the surrounding county and district fairs. In 1882 he was chosen by the Republicans as heir candidate for representative in the legislature and was elected by one thousand five hundred majority, running ahead
of the state ticket. He served his constituents acceptably and in 1884 was again elected for the same position. He received the largest vote ever given by the voters of his township to any man and ran far ahead of the national ticket of that year. In speaking of his re-election Col. Cyrus T. Nixon, a close observer of public men and the doings of the Indiana legislature, said, This is a very fine and a very just compliment. Mr. Deem was one of the most useful members of the last house, and his re-election will place in the house one of the most competent, upright and fearless legislators to be found anywhere in the state. He was the first of the Republican members to secure the passage of acts through both branches of the general assembly during his first and second terms. He served on the committees for benevolent institutions, county and township business, agriculture, and other important ones. He is the author of the town election law, and an act for the
better education of children confined in poor houses and orphan asylums, as well as other good legislation. He secured an appropriation for the erection of the mechanical building at Purdue University and also one for fire protection at the Soldier's and Sailor's Orphan's Home. In 1889-90 Mr. Deem was the editor and publisher of the Home Journal. during which time it was the largest and finest institution paper in America, if not in the world. He has been an occasional contributor to the public journals, and was the first man in Henry county to publicly advocate the possibility of finding natural gas in this section of the state. In a series of articles he showed by geological data, scientific facts and analogous reasoning the existence of the gaseous treasure, and his writings assisted greatly in carrying conviction to the minds of thoughtful and enterprising men. He possesses a fine library, filled to overflowing with books covering every department of human
knowledge. He is passionately fond of reading, study and research, and spends the leisure hours of a stirring life with his books, magazines and newspapers. Mr. Deem is a gentleman pleasing in appearance, courteous in demeanor, but firm in his Convictions of right. He possesses clear opinions, is devoted to duty and the accomplishment of good in the world. He attracts the attention of men by his earnestness, and convinces by his undaunted and outspoken adherence to the principles he is pleased to advocate. He possesses a very fine constitution and enjoys splendid health, which he attributes to temperate living and an active life.
Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920
ISAAC M. SMITH, M. D.Professional success results from merit. Frequently in commercial life one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or gift. but in what are known as the learned professions advancement is gained only through painstaking and long-continued effort. Prestige in the healing art is the outcome of strong mentality close application. thorough masters- of its great underlying principles and the ability to apply theory to practice in the treatment of diseases. Good intellectual training, thorough professional knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities and attributes essential to success. have made the subject of this review eminent in his chosen calling and he stands to-day among the scholarly and enterprising physicians in a county noted for the high order of its medical talent. Dr. Isaac M. Smith was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on the 5th of July, 1854, the son of Isaac M. and Catherine (Monroe)
Smith. The grandfather of the subject was a native of England, but came to America when a young man. He settled in Ohio and there married and reared a family. One of his sons, Isaac, the father of the subject, was reared upon his father's farm and upon reaching mature years married Miss Catherine Monroe. About the time of their marriage they came to Indiana and settled in Hancock county, where he entered land from the government. The land was all wild and unimproved and to make a cultivate farm of it meant much hard work. Filled with ambition and energy, however, the father commenced the task and eventually found himself the possessor of as fine a farm as could be found in this part of the county. He added to it from time to time as he was able until he had in his pos session at one time four hundred and twenty acres of valuable land on which he carried on extensive agricultural operations and also paid considerable attention to stock raising. He was careful
in his business affairs and held the high regard of all who knew him. He was a faithful member of the Christian church and his death occurred in the month of February, 1892. To him and his wife were born the following children: Mary, James C., Sarah E., Robert A., Alpheus M., Isaac M. and Nancy C. Isaac M. Smith, the immediate subject of this review, was reared upon the paternal homestead, obtaining his education in the district schools of that neighborhood. So proficient was he in his studies that at the age of seventeen years he was granted a license to teach and followed that occupation for three years, being a part of that time principal of the Warrington schools. The science of medicine had an attraction for him, however, and in 1872 he commenced the study of medicine in the office of his brother at Greensburg. He continued his studies here two years and then matriculated at the Physio-Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, completing the course there in six
months. He then entered upon the practice of medicine and in 1877 Eclectric Medical College at Cincinnati, graduating with the class of 1878. He then located in Tyner City, Marshall county, Indiana, and remained there five years. At the end of that time he removed to Garnett. Anderson county, Kansas, remained there four years, was at Winfield, that state, four years, back at Garnett four years, and then returned to Indiana, locating in 1900 at Kennard, this county, where he has since remained. Successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. He has paid close attention to the duties of his calling and has built up an extensive and satisfactory- practice. His genial manners and eminent fitness for his calling have gained for him the confidence of the entire community and the warm personal friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. The subject has been twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Emerick, and her death occurred at Winfield, Kansas, in 1891.
December 27, 1892. the Doctor married Miss Lillie Cooper, a well-educated lady, who was a native of Kansas. Fraternally he is a member of Knox Lodge No. 296. Knights of Pvthias. In politics he is a Republican. but takes little active interest in politics. aside from the casting of his ballot. The Doctor has made many friends in Henry County and is a forceful factor in the higher -life of the community in which he lives.
Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920
JAMES L. BRADBURY. One of the leading citizens of Franklin township. also one of its oldest and most highly esteemed residents, is the gentleman whose name furnishes the caption of this re view. David Bradbury, grandfather of the subject. was a native of New Jersey, born of Welsh parentage. He was left an orphan when quite young and at the early age of fourteen entered the American army and served until the close of the Revolutionary war. After the cessation of hostilities he went to Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, where he married and purchased a farm, remaining there until about the year 1820, meantime purchasing land to the amount of one hundred and sixty acres in the county of Hamilton. He also had a farm near the towvn of Lebanon which he sold and in an early day moved to Miami county, Indiana, where he bought about one thousand acres of land of the government. The Wabash val1ey being a very unhealthy locality in which to live, he did not long remain on his Miami
county land but moved to a more favorable locality in the county of Wayne. David Bradburv was the father of seven sons and two daughters, namely: Josiah. David, James, John, Abner M, Daniel, Ezekiel, Phoebe and Sally. Abner M. Brabury went to Wayne County when a young man. but did not long remain on account of failure to get into the business he had in mind. He joined his father in what is now the county of Miami, thence returned to the county of Wayne and received a clerkship in a dry goods store at Richmond. After serving in that capac ity from June of 1821 until the following fall he went to what is known as Greens Fork, where he found employment in a fulling mill. After becoming a proficient hand he worked at various places and later became deputy sheriff of Wayne county. While discharging the duties of this position he became acquainted with Miss Mary Boyd, daughter of Rev. Samuel Boyd. and subsequently he and the young lady were made husband and wife. The Boyd
family were prominently identified with the pioneer history of several states, notably among which were Kentucky and Indiana, where the name is still held in grateful remembrance. Several of the ancestors distinguished themselves in the war for independent, among whom was Abraham Boyd, who settled in Kentucky in an early day and became quite prominent in the history of a certain county of that state. He had a son, the Hon. Linn Boyd. who served in the Kentucky legislature and afterwards was elected to the United States congress, where he achieved a national reputation as a statesman. He was the contemporary of Clay. Calhoun. Webster and other notables, served eighteen years in congress and for a considerable length of time was speaker of the house of representatives. Rev. Samuel Boyd was a near relative of this distinguished man and lived in that part of Kentucky where the family originally settled. He disposed of his possessions as ear1y as 1811 and with his wife and
nine children migrated to the wilds of Wayne county, Indiana, settling near the present site of Jacksonburg where he lived in a tent until a rude log cabin could be erected. He was one of the first, if not the first, minister of the gospel to penetrate the wilderness of western Indiana and he preached for a number of years to the Indians, besides organizing churches and building houses of worship among the early settlements of Wayne and neighboring counties. He was an able preacher and a most excellent and God-fearing man, his courage never forsook him amid his trying pioneer experiences and through his fearless and faithful preaching he attacked many of the evil practices of the times and led numbers of people to the higher life. He was one of the notables men of his day and generation in Indiana and died the 27th day of November, 1835. The family of Abner and Mary Bradbury consisted of thirteen children, whose names are as follows: Isabella, wife of James Leason;
Caroline, wife of James Russell; William married Jane Kinley; Elizabeth became the wife of Isaac Harned; James L., the subject of. this review; Martha was the wife of Josephus Mundell; Samuel married Margaret A. O'Neal; Daniel married Sarah Ballinger; Burns married Sarah Townsend; Albert married Francis Hatfield: Allison married Sarah Burr, and Emma, the youngest, is still single. James L. Bradbury, the direct subject of this notice, was born in Wayne county, Indiana. June 7, 1829. He grew to maturity near the place of his birth, received as good an education as could be acquired in the subscription schools and remained with his parents. assisting with the farm work until reaching the years of young manhood. On the 23d day of March, 1851, he was joined in marriage to Miss Eveline Nicholson and six years later moved to Randolph county where he made his home until 1861, then returned to Wayne county and became a citizen of Henry county in 1862 settling on the farm in Franklin
township where he has since lived. His first wife died in January,1887, leaving three children, Luther E.. Emma H. and Edith J. Subsequently, February 28, 1891, Mr. Bradburv married his present companion, Miss Anna M. Brown, daughter of. Moses Brown, a union without issue. The life of Mr. Bradbury has been one of great industry and he is now in a situation to enjoy some of the well earned fruits of his many years of toil. He has been successful as a farmer, having accumulated a sufficiency of worldly wealth to make his remaining days free from labor and care and his career presents little to criticize and very much to commend. Among his friends and neighbors he is held in the greatest respect and his name has always been a synonym of honorable dealing and manly conduct. Politically he is a Republican and religiously with his good wife belongs to the society of Friends. Luther E. Bradbury, oldest child of James L. and Evaline Bradbury, was born in Wayne county, Indiana,
August 23,1856, and spent the first five years of his life on his father's farm in the county of Randolph. In 1862 he was brought by his parents to Henry county and from that year to the present time he has been very closely identified with the growth and development of Franklin township. As soon as old enough he became a pupil of the public schools and after attending the same at intervals during his minority he attended the Spiceland Academy, after which he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has since followed with success and financial profit. Mr. Bradbury assisted to cultivate the home farm until his twenty-first year when he rented the place and continued its management until about 1890. He was married in May. 1888, to Miss Emma J. Windsor, a native of Hancock county, born on the 16th day of May, 1868. Mrs. Bradbury's parents were natives of North Carolina, but left that state during the war on account of their opposition to the Confederacy and came
to Hancock county, Indiana, where they afterward resided. Mr. Bradbury spent the two years following his marriage on the paternal homestead, but at the expiration of that time removed to his own farm in the township of Franklin. taking possession of the same in the spring of 1890. The place is admirably situated in one of the most favored agricultural regions of Henry county and the improvements, including good buildings, substantial fences and other accessories together with the high state of cultivation to which the soil has been brought, show it be the home of an intelligent, wide-awake and enterprising agriculturist familiar with every detail of his vocation. In addition to general farming Mr. Bradbury raises live stock quite extensively, devoting especial attention to blooded horses and high grade swine, from the sale of which he realizes the major part of his income. Personally he is a most pleasing and agreeable gentleman, easily approachable. and his fine social qualities
have won him the warm friendship of the people oi his community. He has always taken an active and prominent part in local affairs and gives his influence as well as his financial support to all enterprises for the public good. He is an earnest advocate of educational, benevolent and religious institutions and never fails to respond when approached in behalf of anything which promises to advance the moral, intellectual and spiritual condition of his fellow men. His industry in the pursuit of his own business affairs, his spotless private life and character have elevated him to a high position among the citizens of his township and he has shown himself worthy of the esteem and confidence in which he is held. A Republican and to a considerable extent an active party worker. lie has never aspired to official honors, preferring to live the quiet and contented life of a farmer and to be known merely as a private citizen. His religious views are embodied in the teachings of the society of
Friends, of which church his wife is a member. Mr. and Mrs. Bradbury have two children, Oran C., born March 29. 1889, and Ernest E., who first saw the light of day May 9, 1892.
Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920