Samuel A. CHENOWETH, ex-County Auditor of Martin
County, a prominent citizen of Shoals, and an estimable gentleman is a
son of Wilson Chenoweth, a central figure in the commercial and
industrial history of Shoals in ante bellum, bellum and post bellum days.
The latter was born in Washington County, Indiana in 1827. In 1857
he cast his lot with Martin County people. He was engaged in milling, merchandising
and farming near Shoals, becoming a merchant in 1867. He was successful
in business, and when he died he left a modest estate to be divided among
his children. He was a strong Union man during the war and gave aid and
comfort to the friends and defenders of the flag at every opportunity.
He was a son of Joseph Chenoweth of Kentucky stock, who died in
Washington County, Indiana about 1882, aged 85 years. Wilson
Chenoweth married Mary, a daughter of James McIntosh,
of Scotch extraction. Mrs. Chenoweth has been a widow thirteen years, and
is enjoying her last years in the society of her children, viz.: John
A., Daniel A., Samuel A., and Laura (wife of Charles A. Gorsuch).
Samuel A. Chenoweth
was born in Washington County, Indiana March 13, 1856. His boyhood was
spent in Shoals, and his education finished in the State University of
Indiana, having reached the junior year in that institution, when he was
forced to cease his studies for lack of funds. He engaged in farming, at
which he succeeded, and in the course of time drifted into buying and shipping
horses and mules. To this latter business he is especially adapted. He
is a natural trader, being the possessor of the most unique and at the
same time honest methods for driving a good bargain. His judgment regarding
the value of a horse is as good as the best. His earnings in this business
have been such as to enable him to own two of the best bottom farms in
Martin County.
Mr. Chenoweth became interested in
politics in 1884, when he was named by the Republican party for the office
of Township Trustee. His election to this office in a Democratic township
by a majority of 91 votes was a compliment to his popularity and
integrity as a citizen. His first term was filled with such efficiency
as to secure a re-election in 1886. He was nominated in 1888 for County
Auditor, and was defeated, but in 1892 he was again made the Republican
candidate for this office, and was this time elected by a plurality of
139 votes. He succeeded Philip McGovern, and made
one of the most efficient officers the county ever had. His service merited
the gratitude of all, and he retired to private life with the confidence
of his party and his people. In 1884 and 1888 Mr. Chenoweth was chairman
of the Republican Central Committee of this county.
September 4, 1889, Mr. Chenoweth married
Susan B., a daughter of Dr. J.C.L. Campbell, of Loogootee, Indiana.
The children of this union are: Ida A., Laura A., Wilson, and Enslie
C.
Mr. Chenoweth has passed the chairs
in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Shoals, and is a Master Mason.
In matters of public affair Mr. Chenoweth
associates himself with the side of progress and liberality yet not to
the point of extravagance, and no meritorious cause appeals to him and
leaves his presence without a courteous hearing. He is economical in the
administration of his private affairs, but by no means to the extent of
parsimony. Socially, he is genial and affable, and possesses a warm and
sympathetic nature for those in affliction.
Pages 33-34, "Living Leaders An Encyclopedia of Biography.
Special Edition. Daviess and Martin Counties, Indiana" American
Publishing Company, 1897