Person:Henry Meredith (2)

Henry Clay Meredith. In the death of Henry Clay Meredith not only Wayne County, but also Indiana, lost one of its most valued citizens. Few men of his age have done more for the advancement of the agricultural interests of the state than he. The prairie states of the Mississippi Valley owe their prosperity in a very large measure to the development of their rich lands, and one who has promoted the farming interests has therefore benefited his fellow men. Throughout his business career Mr. Meredith studied agricultural questions from all standpoints, and his practical conclusions were given to the world in many valuable contributions to the press. He was the proprietor of Oakland Farm, one of the finest country seats in Wayne County, and in its management displayed marked business ability and executive force. Born in Cambridge City, July 17, 1844, almost his entire life was here passed. His father was General Solomon Meredith, a native of North Carolina, who rendered to his country distinguished service during and after the Civil War.

Henry C. Meredith spent his youth on his father's farm and thus gained a practical knowledge of the business pursuits which were afterward to claim his attention. He was a student in the State University when the south was attempting to overthrow the Union, but during the months of vacation he served as a member of his father's staff. He also rendered valued service when General Morgan brought his rebel forces into Indiana in 1864. He was graduated in the university in the class of 1866, and then went to Helena, Montana, where his father was on duty as surveyor general. He served as his deputy and was frequently in service with different field parties. In 1867 Mr. Meredith returned to his native town and purchased the Cambridge City Tribune, devoting his energies to journalistic work until 1873, when he sold the paper and joined General Meredith in the business of breeding registered stock. They were very successful in this enterprise, and in it our subject continued until his life's labors were ended. With the exception of the intervals mentioned his entire life was spent on Oakland Farm. The many sales of registered short-horn cattle which he held attracted people from various sections of the United States and he became widely known as a stockman, building up a large and profitable business, which is still carried on by his widow. He gave a hearty support to every movement tending to advance the agricultural interests of the state and was renowned throughout the west as a writer for the agricultural press. His opinions were received as authority on nearly all matters connected with farming and stock raising, and at the time of his death he was serving as president of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture, having been elected a member for the third time in January, 1882.

On the 28th of April, 1870, Mr. Meredith was united in marriage to Miss Virginia, daughter of Austin B. and Hannah (Petty) Claypool, of Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Meredith was ever noted for its hospitality, and around Oakland Farm still cluster pleasant memories of delightful hours, which their friends spent in the presence of their cordial host. Mr. Meredith died July 5, 1882, in his thirty-eighth year --- scarcely in his prime and with the plans and ambitions of his life unrealized. He was a man of friendly and cordial disposition and his advice and counsel were often sought and freely given, for his judgment was known to be reliable. As a citizen he was progressive and loyal to all measures which he believed would prove of public benefit. In politics he was a stanch Republican and at the time of his death was serving as a member of the state legislature, having run far ahead of his ticket at the election which gave him a seat in that body.

Mr. Meredith's moral convictions were strong and deep, his untiring energy and his sense of honor in even the most difficult experiences won for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he was associated in business or socially. His power of making and retaining friends forcefully illustrates the sincerity of his character and the loyalty of his nature.

[Notes:
- purchased the "Mirror" newspaper in Cambridge City
- established the "Cambridge City Tribune" and published it for 3-4 years
- went into business with his father raising pedigreed live stock
- President, Indiana State Board of Agriculture
- member, Masonic and the Knights of Pythias orders
- member, Sigma Chi Fraternity
- member, National Live Stock Association]

HENRY CLAY MEREDITH, born July 17, 1843, at Cambridge City, Indiana; died July 7, 1882, at Cambridge City.
Educated at Friends' Boarding School, Greenmont, Indiana, and Fairview Academy, Groves, Fayette County, Indiana. Degrees, A.B. and A.M.
Occupation and position,
- Chief Clerk in the office of the United States Surveyor General, Helena, Montana Territory.
- Editor of the Cambridge City Tribune and Farmer and Stock Breeder.
- Member of House of Representatives, 1881, and Aid-de-Camp on the staff of General Meredith in 1865-65.