One of the most important industries in Middletown, Henry county, Indiana, is the manufacture of the Favorite Washing Machine, of which James Groenendyke is the capable manager and John T. Burk the competent secretary and bookkeeper of the company that bears the same name.
James Groenendyke was born in Fayette county, Indiana, July 6, 1838, and when five years old was brought to Henry county by his parents, Michel and Anna Groenendyke, who settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jefferson township, where the boy was reared to manhood.
On April 9, 1862, he married Miss Mary J. Painter, daughter of Samuel D. and Anna Painter, and to this union four children were born, of whom two died in infancy, the surviving two being Sarah Louretta, who was married to James McMullen, but was called away in 1893, leaving one son, Merta, and the second surviving child, Bertha G., is the wife of Frank Smith, of Fall Creek township.
Mr. Groenendyke in 1875 began making drain tile on his farm of two hundred and twenty acres which he had purchased in Fall Creek township, where he also owns one of the finest dwellings in the neighborhood, his plant being known as the Bell Creek Tile Factory. In 1880 he added a stream sawmill and a few months later discarded the manufacture of tiling and took the initial step in his present extensive business, in which he secured a half interest in 1882 as far as the right to manufacture is concerned, but in this right to manufacture his sole interest is concentrated or consists. And for this reason: Some years ago Mr. Groenendyke met with financial difficulties that necessitated an assignment, but this trouble did not last long. Mr. Groenendyke being a man of the strictest integrity, matters were satisfactorily adjusted and he was permitted to resume business as a manufacturer, his output being considerably augmented by the increased popularity of the "Favorite" and the consequent demand for it on the market. But the name of Mr. Groenendyke has been submerged and that of his wife substituted, and she is now the ostensible head of the business and its sole owner, while Mr. Burk attends to the details of the manufacturing and Mr. Groenendyke devotes his attention to the outside interest of the concern. Although the plant is situated about three miles from Middletown, it is nevertheless classed as among the substantial industries of the thriving little city.
When Mr. Groenendyke started in life for himself he first rented a farm and next, in 1868, purchased eighty acres of the Coffman farm, giving fifty-six dollars per acre for it, but going in debt about nine hundred dollars. At that time wheat brought two dollars per bushel and hogs ten dollars per hundred weight. Later on his wife received one thousand dollars from her father and he seven hundred dollars from his father. These two sums went to pay for the farm in part, and another farm was purchased, until at last he owned two hundred and twenty acres, at a cost varying from seventy-one to thirty-seven dollars per acre. He continued manufacturing tiles until about ten years ago, the output being disposed of to the local trade, but he has laid many rods on his own property. He has also made a specialty of grass growing and of fattening cattle.
The Favorite Washing Machine plant netted Mr. Groenendyke about ten thousand dollars and has a capacity for turning out fifteen thousand dollars worth of these popular household machine annually. The wood, beech, poplar and cottonwood, is grown on the premises, but large quantities are also shipped from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cairo, Illinois. Sales of the machine are made through hardware dealers, as well as local agents, a Mr. Neff selling about one hundred the first year, and the sales increasing annually until 1883, when Mr. Groenendyke started on the road himself. He made exhibits at many fairs and in the year mentioned was awarded a silver medal at Cincinnati. Many car-loads are shipped to local agents and as an illustration of the extent of the trade which these local dealers carry on it may be mentioned that one dealer at Richmond recently ordered two hundred and fifty as one consignment, total sales averaging three thousand per year.
John T. Burk, the secretary and bookkeeper for the Favorite Washing Machine Company, is a native of Virginia and was fifteen years old when he came to Indiana with his mother, a widow. About a year later, in May, 1877, he entered the Groenendyke family and acquired a common school education, worked on the farm for some time and was then placed in the factory until his leg was broken by a runaway horse in April, 1892, and in the following December it was amputated below the knee. Since his recovery his work has been in the office and he is practically the manager of the business for Mrs. Groenendyke.
In 1901 Mr. Burk was united in marriage Miss Mary A. Corey. Mrs. Groenendyke's parents, Samuel D. and Anna (Rader) Painter, were among the most respected pioneer families in Indiana. Samuel Painter was a son of Absalom Painter, one of the original settlers. Mary J. (Mrs. Groenendyke) was born on the old homestead of Absalom Painter at Foyer's Mill November 13, 1840, and is the eldest of a family of eight children, of whom she and an elder brother are the only survivors. One brother, John Painter, died in his twenty-first year: the father, Samuel Painter, was called from the scene of his earthly labors to his reward on high July 12, 1876, leaving a name that is still honored among the descendants of the original pioneers.
~~~~~
*Above sketch is from the book:
'Biographical Memoirs of Henry County, Indiana'
'Embellished with Portraits of Many National Characters and Well Known Residents of Henry, County, Indiana'.
B. F. Bowen Publisher
Logansport, Indiana-1902
(pages 385, 386)
~~~~
(submitted by 1st-cousin-3x-removed,
t.garlow--findagrave member 47596724)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**The 'below' letter includes some details of the tramatic Civil War event affecting James and his parents: the family would not have seen this particular letter; until now. James' current relatives are seeing it here.
James' slightly younger brother was Amos Groenendyke.
Amos was wounded in the leg at the below 1864, Battle of Franklin, Tenn. The leg was amputated and Amos died a few days later. Part of his biography with his photo in uniform is on his findagrave memorial, linked up here.
_____________________
The below letter, written soon after the battle, is from; 'THE MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for the SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD CONGRESS.1893-1894. IN FORTY VOLUMES.'
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1895.
pages 424, 425
~~~
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., Third DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with orders received from headquarters Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade during the battle of the 30th ultimo:
The brigade went into position at about 9 a.m., east of the Columbia pike, forming the center of the division, facing south, in the following order: Sixty-fifth Indiana, Lieut. Col. J. W. Hammond commanding, on the right; Sixty-fifth Illinois, Lieut. Col. W. S. Stewart commanding, in the center; One hundred and twenty-forth Indiana, Col. John M. Orr commanding, on the left; and the Fifth Tennessee, Maj. D. G. Bowers commanding, in the reserve; and threw up strong works, with an abatis of Osage orange. The enemy attacked in force at about 4 p.m., engaging the whole line. The firing was kept up with great vigor until dark, during which time the enemy made several distinct charges, but were repulsed each time with terrible slaughter. Soon after dark the firing ceased and a skirmish line was advance, when a large number of the enemy's killed and wounded were found; among the former was Brigadier-General Adams. During the engagement quite a number of prisoners came over our works and were passed to the rear, but it is impossible to form any correct estimate of the number taken by this brigade.
Our loss in killed and wounded was as follows: Sixty-fifth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; One hundred and twenty-forth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; Sixty-fifth Illinois, 1 wounded; Fifth Tennessee, 1 killed, 5 wounded; total 3 killed and 16 wounded. Among the wounded was Lieut. Amos Groenendyke, Company F, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana.
Both officers and men did their whole duty; not a man left the works unless ordered to do so, which accounts for the small loss.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. S. CASEMENT,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. THEO, COX, Assistant Adjutant-General.
~~~
**James with his parents, placed the below inscription on Amos' grave marker.
_____
IN MEMORY OF AMOS, SON OF MICHAEL & ANNA GROENENDYKE
1st LIEUT IN CO. F. 124 REG. IND. VOL. INF.
I Gave my life to freedom's cause
that my country and those that follow
may be free.
AMOS GROENENDYKE
DIED DEC. 27, 1864
FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED AT THE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN, TENN.
AGED 24Ys. 1Mo. 13Ds.
________________________
(submitted with respect, by 1st cousin 3x removed, t.garlow)
James Groenendyke was born in Fayette county, Indiana, July 6, 1838, and when five years old was brought to Henry county by his parents, Michel and Anna Groenendyke, who settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jefferson township, where the boy was reared to manhood.
On April 9, 1862, he married Miss Mary J. Painter, daughter of Samuel D. and Anna Painter, and to this union four children were born, of whom two died in infancy, the surviving two being Sarah Louretta, who was married to James McMullen, but was called away in 1893, leaving one son, Merta, and the second surviving child, Bertha G., is the wife of Frank Smith, of Fall Creek township.
Mr. Groenendyke in 1875 began making drain tile on his farm of two hundred and twenty acres which he had purchased in Fall Creek township, where he also owns one of the finest dwellings in the neighborhood, his plant being known as the Bell Creek Tile Factory. In 1880 he added a stream sawmill and a few months later discarded the manufacture of tiling and took the initial step in his present extensive business, in which he secured a half interest in 1882 as far as the right to manufacture is concerned, but in this right to manufacture his sole interest is concentrated or consists. And for this reason: Some years ago Mr. Groenendyke met with financial difficulties that necessitated an assignment, but this trouble did not last long. Mr. Groenendyke being a man of the strictest integrity, matters were satisfactorily adjusted and he was permitted to resume business as a manufacturer, his output being considerably augmented by the increased popularity of the "Favorite" and the consequent demand for it on the market. But the name of Mr. Groenendyke has been submerged and that of his wife substituted, and she is now the ostensible head of the business and its sole owner, while Mr. Burk attends to the details of the manufacturing and Mr. Groenendyke devotes his attention to the outside interest of the concern. Although the plant is situated about three miles from Middletown, it is nevertheless classed as among the substantial industries of the thriving little city.
When Mr. Groenendyke started in life for himself he first rented a farm and next, in 1868, purchased eighty acres of the Coffman farm, giving fifty-six dollars per acre for it, but going in debt about nine hundred dollars. At that time wheat brought two dollars per bushel and hogs ten dollars per hundred weight. Later on his wife received one thousand dollars from her father and he seven hundred dollars from his father. These two sums went to pay for the farm in part, and another farm was purchased, until at last he owned two hundred and twenty acres, at a cost varying from seventy-one to thirty-seven dollars per acre. He continued manufacturing tiles until about ten years ago, the output being disposed of to the local trade, but he has laid many rods on his own property. He has also made a specialty of grass growing and of fattening cattle.
The Favorite Washing Machine plant netted Mr. Groenendyke about ten thousand dollars and has a capacity for turning out fifteen thousand dollars worth of these popular household machine annually. The wood, beech, poplar and cottonwood, is grown on the premises, but large quantities are also shipped from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cairo, Illinois. Sales of the machine are made through hardware dealers, as well as local agents, a Mr. Neff selling about one hundred the first year, and the sales increasing annually until 1883, when Mr. Groenendyke started on the road himself. He made exhibits at many fairs and in the year mentioned was awarded a silver medal at Cincinnati. Many car-loads are shipped to local agents and as an illustration of the extent of the trade which these local dealers carry on it may be mentioned that one dealer at Richmond recently ordered two hundred and fifty as one consignment, total sales averaging three thousand per year.
John T. Burk, the secretary and bookkeeper for the Favorite Washing Machine Company, is a native of Virginia and was fifteen years old when he came to Indiana with his mother, a widow. About a year later, in May, 1877, he entered the Groenendyke family and acquired a common school education, worked on the farm for some time and was then placed in the factory until his leg was broken by a runaway horse in April, 1892, and in the following December it was amputated below the knee. Since his recovery his work has been in the office and he is practically the manager of the business for Mrs. Groenendyke.
In 1901 Mr. Burk was united in marriage Miss Mary A. Corey. Mrs. Groenendyke's parents, Samuel D. and Anna (Rader) Painter, were among the most respected pioneer families in Indiana. Samuel Painter was a son of Absalom Painter, one of the original settlers. Mary J. (Mrs. Groenendyke) was born on the old homestead of Absalom Painter at Foyer's Mill November 13, 1840, and is the eldest of a family of eight children, of whom she and an elder brother are the only survivors. One brother, John Painter, died in his twenty-first year: the father, Samuel Painter, was called from the scene of his earthly labors to his reward on high July 12, 1876, leaving a name that is still honored among the descendants of the original pioneers.
~~~~~
*Above sketch is from the book:
'Biographical Memoirs of Henry County, Indiana'
'Embellished with Portraits of Many National Characters and Well Known Residents of Henry, County, Indiana'.
B. F. Bowen Publisher
Logansport, Indiana-1902
(pages 385, 386)
~~~~
(submitted by 1st-cousin-3x-removed,
t.garlow--findagrave member 47596724)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**The 'below' letter includes some details of the tramatic Civil War event affecting James and his parents: the family would not have seen this particular letter; until now. James' current relatives are seeing it here.
James' slightly younger brother was Amos Groenendyke.
Amos was wounded in the leg at the below 1864, Battle of Franklin, Tenn. The leg was amputated and Amos died a few days later. Part of his biography with his photo in uniform is on his findagrave memorial, linked up here.
_____________________
The below letter, written soon after the battle, is from; 'THE MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for the SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD CONGRESS.1893-1894. IN FORTY VOLUMES.'
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1895.
pages 424, 425
~~~
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., Third DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with orders received from headquarters Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade during the battle of the 30th ultimo:
The brigade went into position at about 9 a.m., east of the Columbia pike, forming the center of the division, facing south, in the following order: Sixty-fifth Indiana, Lieut. Col. J. W. Hammond commanding, on the right; Sixty-fifth Illinois, Lieut. Col. W. S. Stewart commanding, in the center; One hundred and twenty-forth Indiana, Col. John M. Orr commanding, on the left; and the Fifth Tennessee, Maj. D. G. Bowers commanding, in the reserve; and threw up strong works, with an abatis of Osage orange. The enemy attacked in force at about 4 p.m., engaging the whole line. The firing was kept up with great vigor until dark, during which time the enemy made several distinct charges, but were repulsed each time with terrible slaughter. Soon after dark the firing ceased and a skirmish line was advance, when a large number of the enemy's killed and wounded were found; among the former was Brigadier-General Adams. During the engagement quite a number of prisoners came over our works and were passed to the rear, but it is impossible to form any correct estimate of the number taken by this brigade.
Our loss in killed and wounded was as follows: Sixty-fifth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; One hundred and twenty-forth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; Sixty-fifth Illinois, 1 wounded; Fifth Tennessee, 1 killed, 5 wounded; total 3 killed and 16 wounded. Among the wounded was Lieut. Amos Groenendyke, Company F, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana.
Both officers and men did their whole duty; not a man left the works unless ordered to do so, which accounts for the small loss.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. S. CASEMENT,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. THEO, COX, Assistant Adjutant-General.
~~~
**James with his parents, placed the below inscription on Amos' grave marker.
_____
IN MEMORY OF AMOS, SON OF MICHAEL & ANNA GROENENDYKE
1st LIEUT IN CO. F. 124 REG. IND. VOL. INF.
I Gave my life to freedom's cause
that my country and those that follow
may be free.
AMOS GROENENDYKE
DIED DEC. 27, 1864
FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED AT THE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN, TENN.
AGED 24Ys. 1Mo. 13Ds.
________________________
(submitted with respect, by 1st cousin 3x removed, t.garlow)
One of the most important industries in Middletown, Henry county, Indiana, is the manufacture of the Favorite Washing Machine, of which James Groenendyke is the capable manager and John T. Burk the competent secretary and bookkeeper of the company that bears the same name.
James Groenendyke was born in Fayette county, Indiana, July 6, 1838, and when five years old was brought to Henry county by his parents, Michel and Anna Groenendyke, who settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jefferson township, where the boy was reared to manhood.
On April 9, 1862, he married Miss Mary J. Painter, daughter of Samuel D. and Anna Painter, and to this union four children were born, of whom two died in infancy, the surviving two being Sarah Louretta, who was married to James McMullen, but was called away in 1893, leaving one son, Merta, and the second surviving child, Bertha G., is the wife of Frank Smith, of Fall Creek township.
Mr. Groenendyke in 1875 began making drain tile on his farm of two hundred and twenty acres which he had purchased in Fall Creek township, where he also owns one of the finest dwellings in the neighborhood, his plant being known as the Bell Creek Tile Factory. In 1880 he added a stream sawmill and a few months later discarded the manufacture of tiling and took the initial step in his present extensive business, in which he secured a half interest in 1882 as far as the right to manufacture is concerned, but in this right to manufacture his sole interest is concentrated or consists. And for this reason: Some years ago Mr. Groenendyke met with financial difficulties that necessitated an assignment, but this trouble did not last long. Mr. Groenendyke being a man of the strictest integrity, matters were satisfactorily adjusted and he was permitted to resume business as a manufacturer, his output being considerably augmented by the increased popularity of the "Favorite" and the consequent demand for it on the market. But the name of Mr. Groenendyke has been submerged and that of his wife substituted, and she is now the ostensible head of the business and its sole owner, while Mr. Burk attends to the details of the manufacturing and Mr. Groenendyke devotes his attention to the outside interest of the concern. Although the plant is situated about three miles from Middletown, it is nevertheless classed as among the substantial industries of the thriving little city.
When Mr. Groenendyke started in life for himself he first rented a farm and next, in 1868, purchased eighty acres of the Coffman farm, giving fifty-six dollars per acre for it, but going in debt about nine hundred dollars. At that time wheat brought two dollars per bushel and hogs ten dollars per hundred weight. Later on his wife received one thousand dollars from her father and he seven hundred dollars from his father. These two sums went to pay for the farm in part, and another farm was purchased, until at last he owned two hundred and twenty acres, at a cost varying from seventy-one to thirty-seven dollars per acre. He continued manufacturing tiles until about ten years ago, the output being disposed of to the local trade, but he has laid many rods on his own property. He has also made a specialty of grass growing and of fattening cattle.
The Favorite Washing Machine plant netted Mr. Groenendyke about ten thousand dollars and has a capacity for turning out fifteen thousand dollars worth of these popular household machine annually. The wood, beech, poplar and cottonwood, is grown on the premises, but large quantities are also shipped from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cairo, Illinois. Sales of the machine are made through hardware dealers, as well as local agents, a Mr. Neff selling about one hundred the first year, and the sales increasing annually until 1883, when Mr. Groenendyke started on the road himself. He made exhibits at many fairs and in the year mentioned was awarded a silver medal at Cincinnati. Many car-loads are shipped to local agents and as an illustration of the extent of the trade which these local dealers carry on it may be mentioned that one dealer at Richmond recently ordered two hundred and fifty as one consignment, total sales averaging three thousand per year.
John T. Burk, the secretary and bookkeeper for the Favorite Washing Machine Company, is a native of Virginia and was fifteen years old when he came to Indiana with his mother, a widow. About a year later, in May, 1877, he entered the Groenendyke family and acquired a common school education, worked on the farm for some time and was then placed in the factory until his leg was broken by a runaway horse in April, 1892, and in the following December it was amputated below the knee. Since his recovery his work has been in the office and he is practically the manager of the business for Mrs. Groenendyke.
In 1901 Mr. Burk was united in marriage Miss Mary A. Corey. Mrs. Groenendyke's parents, Samuel D. and Anna (Rader) Painter, were among the most respected pioneer families in Indiana. Samuel Painter was a son of Absalom Painter, one of the original settlers. Mary J. (Mrs. Groenendyke) was born on the old homestead of Absalom Painter at Foyer's Mill November 13, 1840, and is the eldest of a family of eight children, of whom she and an elder brother are the only survivors. One brother, John Painter, died in his twenty-first year: the father, Samuel Painter, was called from the scene of his earthly labors to his reward on high July 12, 1876, leaving a name that is still honored among the descendants of the original pioneers.
~~~~~
*Above sketch is from the book:
'Biographical Memoirs of Henry County, Indiana'
'Embellished with Portraits of Many National Characters and Well Known Residents of Henry, County, Indiana'.
B. F. Bowen Publisher
Logansport, Indiana-1902
(pages 385, 386)
~~~~
(submitted by 1st-cousin-3x-removed,
t.garlow--findagrave member 47596724)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**The 'below' letter includes some details of the tramatic Civil War event affecting James and his parents: the family would not have seen this particular letter; until now. James' current relatives are seeing it here.
James' slightly younger brother was Amos Groenendyke.
Amos was wounded in the leg at the below 1864, Battle of Franklin, Tenn. The leg was amputated and Amos died a few days later. Part of his biography with his photo in uniform is on his findagrave memorial, linked up here.
_____________________
The below letter, written soon after the battle, is from; 'THE MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for the SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD CONGRESS.1893-1894. IN FORTY VOLUMES.'
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1895.
pages 424, 425
~~~
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., Third DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with orders received from headquarters Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade during the battle of the 30th ultimo:
The brigade went into position at about 9 a.m., east of the Columbia pike, forming the center of the division, facing south, in the following order: Sixty-fifth Indiana, Lieut. Col. J. W. Hammond commanding, on the right; Sixty-fifth Illinois, Lieut. Col. W. S. Stewart commanding, in the center; One hundred and twenty-forth Indiana, Col. John M. Orr commanding, on the left; and the Fifth Tennessee, Maj. D. G. Bowers commanding, in the reserve; and threw up strong works, with an abatis of Osage orange. The enemy attacked in force at about 4 p.m., engaging the whole line. The firing was kept up with great vigor until dark, during which time the enemy made several distinct charges, but were repulsed each time with terrible slaughter. Soon after dark the firing ceased and a skirmish line was advance, when a large number of the enemy's killed and wounded were found; among the former was Brigadier-General Adams. During the engagement quite a number of prisoners came over our works and were passed to the rear, but it is impossible to form any correct estimate of the number taken by this brigade.
Our loss in killed and wounded was as follows: Sixty-fifth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; One hundred and twenty-forth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; Sixty-fifth Illinois, 1 wounded; Fifth Tennessee, 1 killed, 5 wounded; total 3 killed and 16 wounded. Among the wounded was Lieut. Amos Groenendyke, Company F, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana.
Both officers and men did their whole duty; not a man left the works unless ordered to do so, which accounts for the small loss.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. S. CASEMENT,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. THEO, COX, Assistant Adjutant-General.
~~~
**James with his parents, placed the below inscription on Amos' grave marker.
_____
IN MEMORY OF AMOS, SON OF MICHAEL & ANNA GROENENDYKE
1st LIEUT IN CO. F. 124 REG. IND. VOL. INF.
I Gave my life to freedom's cause
that my country and those that follow
may be free.
AMOS GROENENDYKE
DIED DEC. 27, 1864
FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED AT THE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN, TENN.
AGED 24Ys. 1Mo. 13Ds.
________________________
(submitted with respect, by 1st cousin 3x removed, t.garlow)
James Groenendyke was born in Fayette county, Indiana, July 6, 1838, and when five years old was brought to Henry county by his parents, Michel and Anna Groenendyke, who settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jefferson township, where the boy was reared to manhood.
On April 9, 1862, he married Miss Mary J. Painter, daughter of Samuel D. and Anna Painter, and to this union four children were born, of whom two died in infancy, the surviving two being Sarah Louretta, who was married to James McMullen, but was called away in 1893, leaving one son, Merta, and the second surviving child, Bertha G., is the wife of Frank Smith, of Fall Creek township.
Mr. Groenendyke in 1875 began making drain tile on his farm of two hundred and twenty acres which he had purchased in Fall Creek township, where he also owns one of the finest dwellings in the neighborhood, his plant being known as the Bell Creek Tile Factory. In 1880 he added a stream sawmill and a few months later discarded the manufacture of tiling and took the initial step in his present extensive business, in which he secured a half interest in 1882 as far as the right to manufacture is concerned, but in this right to manufacture his sole interest is concentrated or consists. And for this reason: Some years ago Mr. Groenendyke met with financial difficulties that necessitated an assignment, but this trouble did not last long. Mr. Groenendyke being a man of the strictest integrity, matters were satisfactorily adjusted and he was permitted to resume business as a manufacturer, his output being considerably augmented by the increased popularity of the "Favorite" and the consequent demand for it on the market. But the name of Mr. Groenendyke has been submerged and that of his wife substituted, and she is now the ostensible head of the business and its sole owner, while Mr. Burk attends to the details of the manufacturing and Mr. Groenendyke devotes his attention to the outside interest of the concern. Although the plant is situated about three miles from Middletown, it is nevertheless classed as among the substantial industries of the thriving little city.
When Mr. Groenendyke started in life for himself he first rented a farm and next, in 1868, purchased eighty acres of the Coffman farm, giving fifty-six dollars per acre for it, but going in debt about nine hundred dollars. At that time wheat brought two dollars per bushel and hogs ten dollars per hundred weight. Later on his wife received one thousand dollars from her father and he seven hundred dollars from his father. These two sums went to pay for the farm in part, and another farm was purchased, until at last he owned two hundred and twenty acres, at a cost varying from seventy-one to thirty-seven dollars per acre. He continued manufacturing tiles until about ten years ago, the output being disposed of to the local trade, but he has laid many rods on his own property. He has also made a specialty of grass growing and of fattening cattle.
The Favorite Washing Machine plant netted Mr. Groenendyke about ten thousand dollars and has a capacity for turning out fifteen thousand dollars worth of these popular household machine annually. The wood, beech, poplar and cottonwood, is grown on the premises, but large quantities are also shipped from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cairo, Illinois. Sales of the machine are made through hardware dealers, as well as local agents, a Mr. Neff selling about one hundred the first year, and the sales increasing annually until 1883, when Mr. Groenendyke started on the road himself. He made exhibits at many fairs and in the year mentioned was awarded a silver medal at Cincinnati. Many car-loads are shipped to local agents and as an illustration of the extent of the trade which these local dealers carry on it may be mentioned that one dealer at Richmond recently ordered two hundred and fifty as one consignment, total sales averaging three thousand per year.
John T. Burk, the secretary and bookkeeper for the Favorite Washing Machine Company, is a native of Virginia and was fifteen years old when he came to Indiana with his mother, a widow. About a year later, in May, 1877, he entered the Groenendyke family and acquired a common school education, worked on the farm for some time and was then placed in the factory until his leg was broken by a runaway horse in April, 1892, and in the following December it was amputated below the knee. Since his recovery his work has been in the office and he is practically the manager of the business for Mrs. Groenendyke.
In 1901 Mr. Burk was united in marriage Miss Mary A. Corey. Mrs. Groenendyke's parents, Samuel D. and Anna (Rader) Painter, were among the most respected pioneer families in Indiana. Samuel Painter was a son of Absalom Painter, one of the original settlers. Mary J. (Mrs. Groenendyke) was born on the old homestead of Absalom Painter at Foyer's Mill November 13, 1840, and is the eldest of a family of eight children, of whom she and an elder brother are the only survivors. One brother, John Painter, died in his twenty-first year: the father, Samuel Painter, was called from the scene of his earthly labors to his reward on high July 12, 1876, leaving a name that is still honored among the descendants of the original pioneers.
~~~~~
*Above sketch is from the book:
'Biographical Memoirs of Henry County, Indiana'
'Embellished with Portraits of Many National Characters and Well Known Residents of Henry, County, Indiana'.
B. F. Bowen Publisher
Logansport, Indiana-1902
(pages 385, 386)
~~~~
(submitted by 1st-cousin-3x-removed,
t.garlow--findagrave member 47596724)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**The 'below' letter includes some details of the tramatic Civil War event affecting James and his parents: the family would not have seen this particular letter; until now. James' current relatives are seeing it here.
James' slightly younger brother was Amos Groenendyke.
Amos was wounded in the leg at the below 1864, Battle of Franklin, Tenn. The leg was amputated and Amos died a few days later. Part of his biography with his photo in uniform is on his findagrave memorial, linked up here.
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The below letter, written soon after the battle, is from; 'THE MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for the SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD CONGRESS.1893-1894. IN FORTY VOLUMES.'
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1895.
pages 424, 425
~~~
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., Third DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with orders received from headquarters Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade during the battle of the 30th ultimo:
The brigade went into position at about 9 a.m., east of the Columbia pike, forming the center of the division, facing south, in the following order: Sixty-fifth Indiana, Lieut. Col. J. W. Hammond commanding, on the right; Sixty-fifth Illinois, Lieut. Col. W. S. Stewart commanding, in the center; One hundred and twenty-forth Indiana, Col. John M. Orr commanding, on the left; and the Fifth Tennessee, Maj. D. G. Bowers commanding, in the reserve; and threw up strong works, with an abatis of Osage orange. The enemy attacked in force at about 4 p.m., engaging the whole line. The firing was kept up with great vigor until dark, during which time the enemy made several distinct charges, but were repulsed each time with terrible slaughter. Soon after dark the firing ceased and a skirmish line was advance, when a large number of the enemy's killed and wounded were found; among the former was Brigadier-General Adams. During the engagement quite a number of prisoners came over our works and were passed to the rear, but it is impossible to form any correct estimate of the number taken by this brigade.
Our loss in killed and wounded was as follows: Sixty-fifth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; One hundred and twenty-forth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; Sixty-fifth Illinois, 1 wounded; Fifth Tennessee, 1 killed, 5 wounded; total 3 killed and 16 wounded. Among the wounded was Lieut. Amos Groenendyke, Company F, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana.
Both officers and men did their whole duty; not a man left the works unless ordered to do so, which accounts for the small loss.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. S. CASEMENT,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. THEO, COX, Assistant Adjutant-General.
~~~
**James with his parents, placed the below inscription on Amos' grave marker.
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IN MEMORY OF AMOS, SON OF MICHAEL & ANNA GROENENDYKE
1st LIEUT IN CO. F. 124 REG. IND. VOL. INF.
I Gave my life to freedom's cause
that my country and those that follow
may be free.
AMOS GROENENDYKE
DIED DEC. 27, 1864
FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED AT THE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN, TENN.
AGED 24Ys. 1Mo. 13Ds.
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(submitted with respect, by 1st cousin 3x removed, t.garlow)
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