Wayne County Biographies



Part of the Indiana Biographies Project



Abijah Moffitt

In almost all American communities there may be found quiet, retiring men, who never ask public office or appear prominent in public affairs, yet who, nevertheless, exert a widely felt influence in the community in which they live and help to construct the proper foundation upon which the social and political world is built. Such a man was Abijah Moffitt, who for many years was a most honored and respected citizen of Richmond. He was long and prominently identified with its industrial and commercial interests, and belonged to that class of representative Americans who advance the general prosperity while promoting individual success. He bore a reputation unassailable, and when his word was once given it was as sacred as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature and seal. He commanded the respect and esteem of his fellow men by his upright life, and to his family he left not only a comfortable competence acquired through years of honest toil, but also the priceless heritage of a good name.

Abijah Moffitt was born in Richmond, on the 24th day of January, 1824, his parents being Charles and Elizabeth Moffitt. He was of Scotch-English descent. His paternal grandfather, Robert Moffitt, was a native of Scotland, and married Margaret Stuart, of England. They became the parents of a large family of children, most of whom emigrated to the United States in 1791, locating in the south. One of the number was lost at sea. Charles Moffitt, the father of our subject, came to Richmond, Indiana, when a young man and there spent his remaining days. He was one of the pioneers of the locality, and aided largely in the development and advancement of the region. He was a farmer and miller, and improved a large farm, including the site of the Wayne Agricultural Works. Abijah Moffitt afterward inherited that tract of land and platted it, thus transforming the entire district between Fourteenth and Seventeenth streets, and Whitewater river and the Pennsylvania Railroad, from farming land into town lots. He afterward platted two other tracts, which still bear the name of Abijah Moffitt's addition to the city. Charles Moffitt was a consistent and active member of the Society of Friends, and his inflexible integrity and sterlmg worth won him the respect of all who knew him. He married Elizabeth Cox and to them were born a large number of children, but only one is now living, Mrs. Eli Stubbs.

Abijah Moffitt was the youngest son, and spent his entire life in Richmond, with the exception of a short period passed on a farm of four hundred acres near Indianapolis. He acquired his education in the public schools, and entered upon his business career at an early age. When a youth of only ten summers he began buying and selling eggs. He made money in the venture, and from that time until his death he usually carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. Like all men he encountered difficulties and obstacles in the path to prosperity, but by perseverance and determination he ultimately reached the goal which he sought. Between the years 1853 and 1860 he was engaged in the dry-goods business in a small frame building between Seventh and Eighth streets, near the site of the Vaughan building. Subsequently he engaged in the real-estate business, in the lumber business and in agricultural pursuits. From time to time he extended the field of his labors until his business connections were varied and extensive, but his resourceful capability well fitted him for the wise direction of these various concerns and his careful management and reliable counsel proved potent factors in the success which attended the different enterprises. He was superintendent of the Boston Turnpike Company for five years and was a stockholder in the Robinson Machine Works, the Benjamin Edge Tool Works, and in the business of Cadwallader & Company. To him is largely due the introduction of the street-car system of Richmond, and of the Richmond City Street Car Company he became the first president. The cars were originally drawn by horses, but after a time the more modern motive power was introduced. Mr. Moffitt also aided in surveying a railroad from Union City to Richmond, but it was never completed.

Mr. Moffitt was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Townsend, of Richmond, Indiana, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Townsend, both of whom were natives of Wayne county, Indiana. Mrs. Moffitt was born in Richmond, and her beauty of face was equaled by her amiable disposition and beautiful character,—qualities which made her a great favorite. In 1873 they removed to Earlham Place in order to educate their four children. There Mr. Moffitt died March 30, 1891, while his wife passed away January 2, 1894. He was at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen, who took a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He possessed a benevolent and philanthropic spirit, which was often manifest in a generous assistance to the needy. He was honest, conscientious and reliable in business, and every look and lineament of his face showed positive character and determination of purpose. By reason of his well spent life he enjoyed the high regard of his fellow men, and in his death Richmond lost one of its most valued citizens.

Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899