Randolph County Indiana Biographies Surnames Starting with G

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JAMES PUTNAM GOODRICH , Governor of Indiana, a lawyer by profession and a successful business man, was born at Winchester, Indiana, February 18, 1864, the son of John Bell Goodrich and Elizabeth Putnam (Edger) Goodrich. He was educated at Depauw University; studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1886, practicing at Winchester and Indianapolis. He had held a prominent place in Republican politics for a number of years, having served as chairman of the State Central Committee for eight years, and as member of the National Executive Committee. He is president of several insurance and banking corporations.
I do not know any more about this family, I just typed for those that are researching this surname.
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Bought book on Ebay,
No Cover, no Index,
Just the insides, full of biographies
Typed by Lora Radiches

JOHN B. GOODRICH . The measure of a man is in the way he meets life's duties. The truest and noblest men are not necessarily those most constantly in the limelight. More often the lives of the purest patriots and of those who confer the greatest good and exert the best influence upon the community are unheralded by the blare of trumpets nor given even the recognition which their services merit. Even in these days when men's deeds are exploited in the daily press there are modest, retiring men whose devotion to duty and service to their fellow men are proverbial. They may not make the "front page" in the newspapers, but they have the satisfaction of duty well done. Their family and their friends know and accord them the honors earned, while sooner or later the public comes to appreciate them for their true worth. One of the sterling young businessmen of Winchester and an overseas veteran of the World war, John B. Goodrich, belongs to the class mentioned above. As secretary of the Peoples Investment & Guarantee Company, and a private citizen of loyal worth, he is doing his full duty and setting an excellent example. John B. Goodrich was born at Winchester, March 10, 1894, a son of John B. and Charlotte (Martin) Goodrich, also natives of Winchester; and grandson of John B. and Elizabeth (Edger) Goodrich, he born in Virginia and she at Deerfield, Indiana. The maternal grandparents, Elisha B. and Margaret (Doyle) Martin, were horn in Randolph County, Indiana. The father of Mr. Goodrich of this review is a substantial grain merchant of Winchester. Until he was eighteen years old John B. Goodrich, the fourth in direct descent to bear the name in Randolph County, attended the grade and high schools of Winchester, after which he entered Wabash College, and was a student there for a year. Leaving college, he became a salesman, at Indianapolis, for the Ohio-Indiana Stone Company, and had made an excellent start in business when he enlisted, in June, 1917, in the Indiana National Guard. In July he was sworn into the Federal service and assigned to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. From there he was transferred to Camp Hancock, Georgia, and thence to Camp Stuart, Virginia. On July 12, 1918, he sailed overseas, arriving in France in time to participate in the Saint Mihiel and Meuse Argonne offensives, and was stationed in the Toul sector. In July, 1919, he sailed for the United States, and was honorably discharged that same month as sergeant. Returning to Winchester, he took up farming and was so engaged until 1921, when he became secretary of the Peoples Investment & Guarantee Company, and has continued to hold that office ever since. He is unmarried. The Presbyterian Church holds his membership. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Columbian Club of Indianapolis, Indiana, the Forty and Eight and the American Legion, and is popular in all of these organizations. Mr. Goodrich is a broad-minded, progressive and able man, and one of those who have helped to make Winchester more prosperous and its people more contented and happy.
This book has no cover, and no index, and no author. I bought it on Ebay; it just has the insides, but it is full of Indiana biographies. I am not researching this family, just thought I would share. I do not know anymore about these families or these surnames. NOTE: I don't know if there is any additional mention of this family in the book, it has no index. I do not want to sell this book. I am typing the biographies from it.
Typed by Lora Radiches

Absalom Gray entered eighty acres of land in the year 1826, about a mile west of the present Jericho Meeting-house, adjacent to the land of Benjamin Cox. Absalom Gray was the son of James Gray who came to America with his father, William, before the American Revolution. James Gray died in North Carolina in his 96th year. Absaloin Gray was the ninth child by James' first marriage to Elizabeth Raper. Ahsaloin Gray came to Randolph County as a young man. His marriage to Margery Cox, daughter of John and Patience (Piggott) Cox, was the second civil marriage in Randolph County and took place on June 11. 1819. Absalom and Margery had four sons who lived. These were John, James, Elias, and Simon, born between 1821 and 1826. Margery Gray died possibly at the birth of the last child, on April 6.1826. She was buried at the White River burying-ground near her parents' home. The child Simon, and possibly his three brothers, were taken into the home of Simon Cox, brother to Margery (Cox) Gray. A little later Absalom married Mary Pickett, sister of William Pickett and daughter of John Pickett and Rebecca Woody of North Carolina. By this marriage there were ten children, names not known. Absalom Gray took his family by his second marriage to Salem MM in Iowa in the year 1843. The four boys by the first marriage seem to have remained in Randolph County. Absalom Gray died in Iowa in 1875. Mary (Pickett) Gray was still living there in 1880. Whether or not he first lived in the place shown on the map or on 80 acres which he purchased from Jesse Roberts on September 10, 1825, (SE1/ 2 NE1/4 S25 T2ON R14E) is not entirely clear.
Jericho Friends Meeting Page 15 And Its Community Randolph County, Indiana 1846
Submitted by: Lora Radiches

Gray, Isaac Pusey. Of all the brilliant sons that Indiana has produced, no name on the pages of her history shines with greater luster than that of Isaac P. Gray. As a citizen, he was beloved, as a statesman, admired, and at his death was mourned by the whole commonwealth. As governor of the state, Mr. Gray was always true to the best interests of the people, whom he tried faithfully to serve.
Isaac P. Gray was the son of John Gray, who was born in Chester county, Pa., and died at New Madison, Darke county, Ohio. His occupation was that of an inn-keeper and he was a Quaker, his ancestors having come over with William Penn. On his father's side, the family held several important positions in connection with colonial government under Penn.
Mr. Gray's mother's maiden name was Hannah Worthington. She was also of Quaker descent, her ancestors likewise coming over with Penn.
Isaac P. Gray was born October 18, 1828, in Downingtown, Chester county, Pennsylvania. There were no special traits of character in his childhood days, or early youth, of any particular importance, or personal peculiarities, which would lead us to suppose that he would be the man of mark that he was in his future years.
Mr.s Gray's father moved from Pennsylvania, when he was about eight years old, to Urbana, O., in 1836. Shortly afterward they moved to a place near Dayton, O., and in 1842 moved to New Madison, O. He came to Union City, Randolph county, Indian, November 30, 1855.
Mr. Gray's first business experience was as a dry goods clerk in a store at New Madison, O. He afterward went to Portland, Jay county, Indiana, and was there a short time, returning to New Madison, where he continued as a dry goods clerk and then proprietor until his removal to Union City. In this city he started a dry goods store and grain-buying business of his own, and continued either alone or with partners until after the close of the civil war, when he sold out. With Nathan Cadwallader, he organized in 1865 at Union City the Citizens' Bank. He continued the banking business only a few years, when he entered the practice of law, for which he had been preparing himself for several years.
When the civil war broke out, Mr. Gray was appointed colonel of the 4th Indiana cavalry, but was compelled to retire on account of ill-health. He afterwards organized the 147th Indiana infantry and was offered the colonelship, but declined the same. He had charge of the state guard (Minute Men) during the Morgan raid.
Mr. Gray was always a Republican in politics until 1872, when he became a Liberal Republican, and after affiliated with the Democratic party. He became active in Republican politics after the close of the war. He was a candidate for nomination against George W. Julian, who was then at the zenith of his influence, and came within a few votes of defeating him. In 1868 he was nominated and elected state senator from Randolph county, serving four years, and while senator, and president pro tem. of the senate. It was while acting as president of the senate that he secured the ratification by the state of the fifteenth amendment. In 1870 he was appointed consul to St. Thomas by President Grant, and confirmed by the senate, but declined. In 1872 his candidacy was urged by his friends for nomination of congressman at large, but it was withdrawn by his orders. In the same year he was a delegate to the Liberal Republican national convention at Cincinnati, which nominated Horace Greeley, and was also a member of the national committee for the Liberal party, whose nominee was endorsed by the regular Democratic convention at Baltimore. In 1874 he was offered the nomination of attorney-general of Indiana, but declined.
In 1876 Mr. Gray was unanimously nominated by the Democratic state convention for lieutenant-governor on the ticket with James D. Williams. His majority at the ensuing election was greater than that of Gov. Williams. In 1880 he was a candidate for the nomination of governor, and upon his defeat by only four votes, he was unanimously re-nominated for lieutenant-governor. Upon the death of Gov. James D. Williams, he served as governor from November 22, 1880, to January 12, 1881.
Mr. Gray was nominated by the Democratic legislative caucus of 1881 for United States senator to succeed Hon. Joseph E. McDonald as the Democratic nominee against Gen. Benjamin Harrison, the Republican nominee. His party, however, was in the minority. In 1884 he was nominated for governor against Hon. David Turpie, and the late Mahlon D. Manson, the hero of two wars. In 1877 he was the choice of the majority of the Democratic members of the legislature for United States senator, but owing to the contest over the lieutenant-governorship and for fear a Republican might succeed him in the governorship, he declined to be a candidate and directed the nomination of Hon. David Turpie. In 1888, at the St. Louis convention, his name was presented by his friends for vice-president, and by many it has been claimed that, had he been nominated, the ticket would have been successful. In 1892 he became a prominent figure in national politics. He was considered the possible Democratic candidate for the United States presidency. In 1893 he was appointed United States minister to Mexico by President Cleveland, his first diplomatic appointment.
On a visit to the states he caught cold which developed into pneumonia during his return trip. He was unconscious the morning of his arrival in the city of Mexico and died at 7 p.m. the same day, February 14, 1895, in the American hospital. The body was removed next day to the American legation, remaining there a day and night under a military guard of honor promptly sent by the Mexican authorities. The remains of Minister Gray started north on the morning of February 16, 1895, being escorted to the depot by a full division of the Mexican army. President Diaz, members of his cabinet, the entire diplomatic corps in uniform, government and city officials and the American colony in line, and all afoot, marched to the Central railway station, fully a mile from the legation. In a interview President Diaz said that Mr. Gray was as able a minister as the northern republic had ever sent to Mexico, although the United States had sent many strong men. He ordered by wire every government building in Mexico to fly the flag at half-mast. Numerous buildings in the City of Mexico, including government buildings, American residences and business houses and the American club were draped in mourning, and all festivities were postponed. Many resolutions of condolence were adopted. The American congress passed a resolution of thanks to Mexico for the honors paid Minister Gray. At Ciudad Juarez there were demonstrations in honor of the funeral cortege as it left Mexico. It was met at Chicago by an Indiana reception committee. The remains lay in state at Indianapolis in the capital one day and were viewed by thousands. The interment took place at Union City, Ind., February 22. All business was suspended and an immense throng attended the last sad rites. Gov. Matthews, state officials, members of the legislature, prominent public men and a host of friends from over the state went from Indianapolis on the funeral train.
Mr. Gray was a member of the Hendricks club from the date of its organization to the time of his death. He was not a member of any secret order, never having belonged to one, except the Odd Fellows for a short time and was not a member of any church organization.
Isaac P. Gray was married September 8, 1850, to Eliza Jaqua of Yankee Town, O. Her father's name was Judson Jaqua, a native of Columbia county, New York, and her mother's name was Lucinda Braffett, a native of Bradford county, Pa., both being of New England descent. They were married on December 15, 1816, in Bradford county, Pa., and came west to Lebanon, O., where they remained about a year, when they moved to a farm near Yankee Town, about two miles south of New Madison.
There were four children, two of whom, Lyman and Warren, died young, and two are still living, Pierre Gray of Indianapolis, Ind., and Bayard Gray of Frankfort, Ind.
Mr. Gray was pre-eminently a self-made man, never having had the advantages of a college education, and only a few weeks in the public schools. His opportunities of attending any school were very limited by the pioneer conditions existing in the days of his youth, but he never lost a chance to acquire knowledge. He always made the best of everything within his reach, and was trained and educated in that broader school of human experience. In this is found a reason for his success in life, and as he grew toward manhood, his habits of industry grew in activity, developing great for ?? of character, combined with ambition and aggressiveness. When he entered politics he became a master hand. With his keen foresight and discriminating judgment of human nature, he constantly arose in the confidence of the people and developed the greatest personal following attained by anyone in the Democratic party. By reason of the close touch in which he kept himself with the people, he ever had a strong following among the Republicans, which accounted for his greater majorities.
As to Gov. Gray's personality, it has been said: "He was engaging and pleasant. Those who met him day after day always found him ready to open a neighborly conversation. His manner was suave, gentle and encouraging. He had a pleasant recognition for every one. He had an excellent recollection of names and faces. Mr. Gray's proverbial caution prevented him from disclosing in a casual meeting any party secret or deep political policy. He was neat and unostentatious of dress. He usually wore a dark frock coat buttoned low, disclosing a low-cut vest and ample shirt front with a single diamond stud. He was a forcible speaker and especially strong in debate, being one of the most noted political canvassers Indiana ever had, and always in demand. He was rugged, physically, easily withstanding the vicissitudes of campaigning. No man ever had a more devoted following. He possessed that indefinable magnetism that attached men to him. He was fair to his enemies, true to his friends."
Men of Progress Indiana on-line at HeritageQuest pages 581-4. Transcribed by Andrea Long

Lewis S. GRAY , undertaker and funeral director, for the past ten years has conducted a model establishment at 51 South Washington Street at Hagerstown. He is a native of Indiana, born in Randolph County in 1892, son of Sherman and Ida (Cecil) Gray. His parents were born in the same county and his father for many years has been a carpenter and contractor at Farmland. Lewis S. Gray attended public schools only to the age of sixteen, after which he worked with his father on the farm. His apprenticeship in his profession began with three years of work with a funeral director at Winchester, Indiana, and during that time he attended the C. G. Askin Embalming School at Indianapolis. After completing his training he worked a year at Farmland, then took charge of the W. R. Jones Son undertaking establishment at Red Key, Indiana, and from there in October, 1919, moved to Hagerstown, where he established the business which he has since developed, giving careful attention to every phase of the service and has a complete funeral home with modern chapel. Mr. Gray married, in 1911, Mabel Gable, who was born in Delaware County, Indiana, daughter of Edward and Norm (McAllister) Gable. They have a family of four children: Dolores, born August 22, 1912, Lewis Edward, born July 14, 1915, Leah Fern, born April 4, 1920, and Bettie Lou, born August 1, 1924. Mr. Gray and family attend the Christian Church. He is a Republican, is a member of the Masonic Order, Encampment and Rebekahs, the I. 0. 0. F., and he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star of the Masonic fraternity. He is a member also of the Modern Woodmen of America.
This book has no cover, and no index, and no author. I bought it on Ebay; it just has the insides, but it is full of Indiana biographies. I am not researching this family, just thought I would share. I do not know anymore about these families or these surnames. NOTE: I don't know if there is any additional mention of this family in the book, it has no index. I do not want to sell this book. I am typing the biographies from it.
Typed by Lora Radiches