JAMES
H. KYLE, a prominent and enterprising citizen of Tippecanoe County,
and one of the leading business men of Romney, was born in Montgomery County,
Ohio, September 10, 1819, a son of JOHN KYLE, who was a native of the State
of Pennsylvania. His father was soldier in the war of 1812, serving
under Captain Johns. He removed to Ohio in an early day, and in 1828
came with his family to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, settling in Randolph,
now Wea Township, when Indians and wild animals were the principal inhabitants.
Here he made his home until his death, and old and honored pioneer.
JAMES H. KYLE, whose name heads this sketch, was but a lad when brought to this county, where he was reared amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, receiving his education in the rude log cabin subscription schools, with their puncheon floor and clapboard roof, huge fireplace and stick and mud chimney. He was married in July 1850, to MISS MARY PARK, a daughter of ENOS PARK, who died on the plains while en route to California in 1852. Of the ten children born to MR. and MRS. KYLE three are deceased--JANE, LORA and CLARA B. The names of the surviving children are--MARY E., RACHEL M., ELEANOR F., JOSEPH E., WILLIAM E., EMILY M. and JAMES W. MARY E. married DAVID BRUNTON, who is now deceased. To them were born two children, both now deceased. ELEANOR is the wife of THEODORE McCABE of Chalmers Station, White County, Indiana, and they are the parents of six children. EMILY married THOMAS L. WEBB of Bloomington, Indiana, and to this union three children have been born, of whom two are living.
MR. KYLE followed the wagon maker's trade for several years when a young man. He engaged in the general mercantile business at Romney in 1856, which he has since followed with good success, establishing a large trade, and by his reasonable prices and fair and honorable dealings he has gained the confidence of his many customers. He was commissioned postmaster December 24, 1856, at Romney, by President Pierce and held that office until December 17, 1885, a period of twenty-nine years, then the oldest acting postmaster in the State of Indiana.
Romney was at one time called Columbia, the present name being given before MR. KYLE was appointed postmaster. He has also served here as justice of the peace, performing the duties of his office in a wise and judicious manner. He is a Mason, belonging to the Masonic Lodge, No. 441, at Romney. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of the most respected men of Romney.
Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,
pp. 656,659
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1888
© 2004 Tippecanoe County, Indiana Biographies Project