White County INGenWeb

COUNTIES OF WHITE AND PULASKI, INDIANA, HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL, Published by F.A. Battey & Co, Chicago, 1883, pg 226

LOUGHRY FAMILY.-Among those who have become very actively engaged in the manufacturing interests Of Monticello during the past few years, are members of the family whose name forms the subject of this sketch. N. B. Loughry, father of the - brothers who so successfully operate the Monticello Mills, is a native of Indiana County, Penn., as were also his parents, Joseph and Sarah N. (Howard) Loughry; but his grandfather, William Loughry, was born in Northern Ireland, and, in about 1780,- emigrated to the United States and settled in Indiana County, Penn., then a part of Westmoreland County. Joseph Loughry made farming and merchandising his principal occupation through- life, but by an election on the Anti-Masonic ticket to the office of County Sheriff in his native county, served in that capacity three years. N. B. Loughry was born February 13,.1815, and is the only issue of his parents' marriage. At the age of twelve years, he moved with his parents to Blairsville, where he received the greater part of his education, and at the age of fourteen years was sent alone to Philadelphia to purchase a stock of goods, which he did, displaying rare business qualities in one so young. November 13, 1838, he married Miss Rachel Wright, who was born in what is now Juniata County, Penn., July 21, 1816, and to them have been born a family of six children Sarah L. (deceased), Joseph E., Clara, Mrs. Rev. Edwards, Albert W., Amy and Cloid. Succeeding his marriage for a number of years, Mr. Loughry was engaged in merchandising, at the same time taking an active part in all public matters, especially politics. He cast his first vote with the Whig Party in 1836, but on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, and has since been identified as one of its members. While a resident of Blairsville, he was elected to the office of County Prothonotary and served in that position three years. In 1855, he and family emigrated to LaFayette, Ind.. and from there moved to White County four years later. The family resided in Monon Township until 1872, engaged in different pursuits, then removed to Monticello and engaged in milling, having traded their farm as part payment on the Monticello Mills. - The mill at that time only had a capacity of about seventy-five barrels per day, and needed many improvements to make it first class. Being strangers in the place, without credit, and with a -heavy debt overshadowing their efforts, the Loughrys began work under adverse circum- stances. By their united efforts, the father-managing the financial part, together with the practical experience of J. E. Loughry as a Miller, and the invaluable assistance of the other two sons, A. W. and Cloid, they have produced a wonderful change. The mill is a three-story and basement frame structure, 4Ox6O feet, is operated by water-power, runs both night and day, and gives employment to thirteen hands, including three experienced millers, and is what is known as a fixed mill, operating both stone and rolls. It is one of the best equipped mills in Northern Indiana, possessing all the latest and best improvements known to the business, and has a capacity of 150 barrels per day. They convert into flour about i25,000 bushels of wheat per annum and, besides supplying home demand with their product, which is not excelled in quality by any mill in the State, they ship large quantities to Great Britain. Their head miller, Frank P. Berkey, began work shortly after they obtained possession, and by honesty and a faithful performance of his duties has advanced step by step to @is present position, which he fills with entire satisfaction. In addition to their milling interests, the Loughrys own and operate a furniture factory directly opposite their mill, and also a furniture store up town.' For the past ten years, these gentlemen have done far the largest business of any firm in either White or Pulaski County, and to their enterprise and sagacity the town of Monticello is largely indebted for the greater part of her manufacturing interests. N.B. Loughry and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. A Standard History of White County Indiana, W.H. Hamelle, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1915, page 474. Nelson B. Loughry, one of the most prominent citizens in White @County, was born in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, February 13, 1815. Was married to Rachel Wright November 13, IS34, at Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, with whom he lived for more than half a century. In 1855 he came to Indiana and after four years spent in Lafayette, he moved to White County where he lived until his death on August 24, 1890. Several years prior to his death he retired from active business, that of milling, and turned his affairs over to his sons, who are yet in business in Monticello. His was a life well spent. He let his influence for good be felt in the Presbyterian Church of which he was an earnest member and in the community in which he lived. Ms three sons,; Joseph E., Albert W. and Cloyd, have for several years conducted one of the largest milling and. grain trades in the state.

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