MILFORD-Charles Ramey - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Charles Ramey MILFORD. In giving a sketch of this gentleman it is but fair to say that he is one of the representative men of the county, and that he is a man of sound judgment and unimpeachable honesty. As a lawyer he ranks among the foremost legal lights of the county, and as a citizen and neighbor he is highly esteemed. He is now holding the responsible position of Mayor of Attica and in that capacity has discharged the duties in an able and satisfactory manner. Born in Crawfordsville, Indiana Jan 4, 1862, it may be seen that he is still young in years, but he has the ability and learning of a much older man. His parents, Monroe M. and Jennie (Ramey) Milford, were both natives of the Hoosier State, the mother born in Montgomery County and a daughter of Alvin Ramey, an ex-postmaster and merchant of Crawfordsville. Monroe Milford was born in Fountain County and his father, Milton H. Milford, an able attorney was register of the land office at Delphi. The latter was born in SC, and came to Indiana bout 1825 when about 11, making the journey with his father, Robert Milford, who entered land two and a half miles east of Attica, in thelast named year. Robert was one of the first probate judges of the county. He died in 1869. Milton Milford, grandfather of the subject, died about 1847, when 33. Monroe Milford was a studen in Wabash College and was a member of the Montgomery Guards which were united with the 11th Regiment under Col. Wallace and served 90 days. When the war cloud fell heavily over the nation he offered his services for the Old Flag. While a student he was married to Miss Ramey, and graduated from Wabash in 1862. Later he was admitted to the Fountain County bar and practice law in this county until his death which occurred 16 April 1884. He read law with his uncle, Marshall M. Milford and was the Mayor of the city of Attica two terms. While he was City Attorney the IN & S Railroad brought suit to collect $60,000 bonus but he fought it, as the road failed to locate shops as per agreement. This case was closely contested and was won by the after a long struggle. In 1876 he was a Republican Presidential Elector and was an orator and speaker under the state committee through Indiana. he was a strong logical magnetic speaker who held his audience spellbound and as a criminal lawyer he had few superiors. His wife died 6 Aug 1870. The only child born to the above mentioned worthy couple was our subject, who recieved his education in Princeton College, Princeton, NJ, in the Class of '82, being one of the "honor roll." He took a 4-years academic course after which he read law with his father until the spring of 1883, when he was admitted to the Bar. During the years 1883 and 1884 he was a teacher in thepublic schools at Danville, ill but kept himself thoroughly posted in law during that time. In March 1885, he began the practice of his profession and is meeting with much success. He took a prominent part in the campaign of 1884 and in May 1889, he was elected Mayor. So well did he fill this position and in such a capable manner did he discharge its duties, that he was reelected in 1891. The first time he was elected by a majority of 20, but the last time by 194. During his terns there have been made many improvements in the city, such as grading and placing concrete walks, etc. and the bonded debt has been gradually reduced to about $5,000. Mr. Milford is also police judge and the force now consists of marshall and night watchman. The fire department has also been improved in every way and has fire plugs with water head sufficient to throw water over the highest buildings. Socially, our subject is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, having passed all the chairs in the latter organization. He is a member of the Grand Lodge. Mr. Milford is a sharp, shrewd attorney, a careful, enterprising business man and a much esteemed citizen.

File Created: 2006-Nov-01