Clodfelter - Noah - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Noah J. Clodfelter, poet.

"Blessings be with them

and eternal praise,

who gave us nobler loves

and nobler cares;

The poets, who on earth have made us heirs,

of truth and pure delight by heavenly lays."

It is with the utmost satisfaction that the biographer places before the reader of this record a brief notice of the talented gentleman whose name appears at the opening of this article. In these practical days the poetic fire with the gentle, dreamy temperament belonging to it, comes too seldom to the notice of the world. When among us is born one of the gifted, the life of this individual holds superior interest, as the existence of a different kind of being. The subject of the present sketch was born in Alamo, Indiana Dec. 14, 1853 and he has been affectionately and proudly named, "The Wabash Poet." He is scarcely conscious of the time when his thoughts did not run in rhythm, some of his published poems having been the emanations from the pen of a lad of only 17. Perhaps the best known and most ambitious booKnights of Pythiasoems is the one entitled, "Early Vanitas." This is to be found in most of the larger libraries, and although it has received slashes from the critics, Mr. Clodfelter can point even now to the critics of Shakespeare. Our subject has not confined his pen to poetry, his novel, Snatched from the Poor House, having been kindly received, and having had a sale of 4000 copies. His first publication took place in 1866, since which time he has contributed to the papers and periodicals over the country. His residence is at "Knoll Cottage," a beautiful home erected at a cost of over $20,000. Probably more will be heard from this western poet in the future. Inspiring themes are not lacking and the valley of the Wabash has many spots beautiful enough to encourage the poetic flame. 1880 - Noah J. Clodfelter of Alamo originates the use of electric currents on railroads for interurban service.  -- typed by kbz

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Source: Montgomery County, Indiana Waveland Independent ? 1899

Noah Clodfelter It is reported that Noah J. Clodfelter, who, a year or so ago, attained considerable noteriety by his promotion of electric railway enterprises in central Indiana is now at the home of his brother, ME Clodfelter in Crawfordsville and he is in a lamentable condition. His mind is a wreck and his physical health is not much better. He fancies that certain parties are hastening to Crawfordsville from the far West to present him with a million dollars, and scatters this suppositious wealth with a lavish hand. A few years ago, Clodfelter organized a mutual life insurance company in Crawfordsville and for a while it was a great success. It finally fell into disrepute and its officers were made defendants in several law suits. Clodfelter's elegant home in Crawfordsville, "Knoll Cottage," was lost to him in the crash and he left Crawfordsville in disgust, denouncing nearly everybody in town. He had previously written considerable so-called poetry and after he left Crawfordsville he published a book - a lengthy, wandering poem - abusive of the town and many of its best citizens and organizations. He hurled the wildest kind of invective upon those who had incured his displeasure and even cast reflections upon those who had been steadfast friends. Many looked upon this book as an evidence that he had failed mentally, as in former times he had been regarded as an easy going man, with no malice in his disposition. His electric railway schemes were regarded by the people of Crawfordsville as the vagaries of a diseased mind and but little surprise was manifested when he was brought there the wreck he is now.

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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Review 29 Oct 1887

Mr. Clodfelter, the author, has sent on to the publishers the manuscript for his new work of fiction, "Snatched from the Poor House." The book will contain 360 pages will be issued about Dec 15. The publishers are T. Peterson & Bro, Philadelphia. 10,000 copies will consitute the first installment for which Mr. C. receives $1,000.

Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, I ndiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) p 558 -- Noah J. Clodfelter -- poet.  "Blessings be with them and eternal priase, who gave us nobler loves and nobl er cares; The poets, who on earth have made us heirs, of truth and pure de light by heavenly lays."  It is with the utmost satisfaction that the biog rapher places before the reader of this record a brief notice of the talen ted gentleman whose name appears at the opening of this article.  In the se practical days the poetic fire with the gentle, dreamy temperament belo nging to it, comes too seldom to the notice of the world.  When am ng us is born one of the gifted, the life of this individual holds superi or interest,  as the existence of a different kind of being.  The subject of the present sketch was born in Alamo, Indiana Dec. 14, 1853 and he has been affectionally and proudly named, "The Wabash Poet."  He is scarce y conscious of the time when his thoughts did not run in rhythm, some of his published poems having been the emanations from the pen of a l ad of only 17.  Perhaps the best known and most ambitious book of poe ms is the one entitled, "Early Vanitas."  This is to be found in most of t he larger libraries, and although it has received slashes from the critic s, Mr. Clodfelter can point even now to the critics of Shakespeare.  Our s ubject has not confined his pen to poetry, his novel, Snatched from the Po or House, having been kindly received, and having had a sale of 4000 copie s.  His first publication took place in 1866, since which time he has cont ributed to the papers and periodicals over the country.  His residen ce is at "Knoll Cottage," a beuatiful home erected at a cost of over $20,0 00.  Probably more will be heard from this western poet in the future.  In spiring themes are not lacking and the valley of the Wabash has many spo ts beautiful enough to encourage the poectic flame.

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Source: Waveland Independent, Friday, May 3, 1901

N.J. Clodfelter, former y an Alamo poet, but latterly a financier and railroad promoter died in the insane hospital at Indianapolis Monday night.

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Source: "Lines to N.J. Clodfelter, after Partaking of His Hospitality" from Dr. Joseph Russell

Kind, sir within my memory's stored

A picture of your home and heart

And day by day it is encored

In justice to your noble worth

Its site rests on the city's crest

Long lines of view are amplified,

Your mansion oneo f art the best,

Aloft it stands - is dignified.

Two little cherubs light your way,

And wing your soul with raptures sweet

By prattle of their little tongues

And patter of their tiny feet

Between the threshold and the gate,

A gushing fountain pure and free,

Where fishes in their lithe estate

Glide through its waters leisurely

Here too are dragons, just a pair,

Their coiling tails are intertwined

Inanimate - but eyes aglare

Their savageness is well defined

On thes old Neptune proudly stands

And blows the waters into spray,

His limbs well set and lifted hands

Proclaim him sovereign night and day

Like him persistent let us be;

Continuous effort wins the prize/

To one whose work is masterly

An open door forever lies

May fortune kindly bless your store,

And amplify your good estate

If my good-will could give thee more

'Twould rank thee with the good and great."

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