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3 1833 00094 6753
Gc 977.201 H83m v. 2
Morrow, Jackson.
History of Howerd Count;
India n a
J
MILTON GARRIGUS.
HISTORY
or
HOWARD COUNTY
N DIANA
BY
l/\( KSON MOKKOW, \\ A.
ILLUSTKATEI)
VOL. II
1^. I-. IMAXTzM & ("OMIMrn'
l\l)IAMAPOLI>, IMDIAriA
Alien CoonfyPutticUbrory
fl.Watpe,Jodio«0-
1408939
PUBLISHER'S PREFACE
All life ami achievciiK'nt is ex i >lulinn ; present wisdom cunies
Irnin past experience, and present commercial ])rosperity has come
onh' from past exertion and snlTerinL;'. 'idle deeds and motives of
the men that have j^nne l)efore have been instrumental in shaping
the destinies of later communities and states. The de\'elo]iment of
a new country was at once a task and ])ri\ile<4'e. It required ^reat
couraye, sacrifice and jirix-ation. l'om])are the present conditions of
the residents of Howard county. Indiana, with what the_\' were one
hundred }'ears ago. I'^rom a trackless wilderness it has come to l)e
a center of prosperity and civilization, with millions of wealth.
.systems of intersecting" railways, grand educational institutions,
marvelous industries and immense agricultural productions. Can
any thinking person be insensible to the fascination <jf the stud}'
which discloses the incentixes. hojies. asjiirations and efforts of the
earh' pioneers who S(_i strongl_\' laid the foundation u|)on which has
been reared the magnificent prosperity of later da}'s? To perpet-
uate the storv of these jieople and t(i trace and record the social,
political and industrial progress of the community from its lirst
inception is the function of the local historian. A sincere purpose
to preser\'e facts and personal memoirs that are deser\'ing of pres-
ervation, and which unite the present to the past, is the moti\e for
the present publication. 'Idie work has been in the hands of able
writers, who have, after much patient study and research, produced
here the most com])lete l)iogra])hical memoirs of Howard county.
Indiana, ever oft'ered to the public. A specially valuable and inter-
esting department is that one fle\oted to the sketches of re])re-
sentative citizens of this county whose records deserve ])er])etua-
tion because id their worth, effort and accom])lishment. The |)uh-
lishers desire to extend their thanks tn tliese gentlemen, whu have
so faithfully labored to this end. Thanks are also due to the citi-
zens of Howard ciiunt\'. Indiana, for the uniform kindness with
which the\- ha\e re.L;arded this undertaking;, and for their man\- ser-
\ices rendered in the j^ainni^;' of necessar}- information.
In ]ilaeint; '"ATi irn iw's Histury of Howard Cmmty, Indiana," be-
fore the citizens, the publishers can ci mscientiously claim that they
have carried nut the plan as nutlined in the prc;js|)ectus. Every
biographical sketch in the wnrk has been '-ulimitted tn the jjarty
interestetl. for cnrrection, and therefnre any errnr nf fact, if there
be any, is solely due tn the person fur whom the sketch was pre-
pared. Confident that nur efforts to ]>lease will fully meet the ap-
pri)l)atiiin nf the ])ublic, we are,
I\esi)ectfull}",
The Pl'blishers.
NDEX
Name. Pi;".
Alexander, R. P 3<)4
Arnett, Valentine 2S7
Arnett, Will M 284
Ault, Jesse i-' j
Avers, Thomas 25 1
Armstrong Landen Ci> 349
Barnes, \V. W 52
Ijarngrover, D. P 145
Henson, \Ym. L 63
lUakelv, J. \V 208
lllazer, B. F 98
Bock, S. A 278
Breedlove, Cieo. W 406
Bulk, F. C 220
Burt, J. -M 468
Butcher, John B 177
Carter, \V. T 435
Chancellor, S. R 142
Cochran, J. A 132
Conkle, Jas. B 408
Conradt,' A. V 372
Cooper, R. AI 30O
L"ox, Prof Sheridan 437
Coy, J. H.. 137
Coyner, M. 326
Cragun, J. Har\ey 383
Cranor, Chas. F 380
Croussore, T- W '^~2
Davis, David P '94
DeHaven, J. W 497
Dimitt, '■ F 552
Disbro, :_. E 488
Dixon, !'.. F 4<»i
Dolman, J. C 174
Draper, Fred C 243
Draper, Harry 1 246
Xame. Pg.
Draper, I . P 240
1 )uke, George \V 328
1 )uke, Alexander J I 447
Duncan, J. E 397
1 lurliam, Creo. E 338
1 )rink\vater, W. W 299
1 )_\e, Thos. j 100
Edwards, Rev. E. R 578
Ehrman, George 302
Eikenberry, M. W 69
Farlow, E. M 432
I'leming, Jnhnsiin 4'>3
Frederick, J. E 33O
Freeman, G. \V jj
Gallion, James 368
Garrigus, Alilton 17
Gerhart, Thos. S 81
Goyer, E. V 444
( ioodwine, Louis 342
( Iran, Chas. W 418
(irilfith, [. L 84
Hall. G."W 556
I tamiltcm, J. S 519
Hamilton, N. C . ."1S2
I I anscll, George 109
1 larness, Geo. W 564
Harris, Thomas 132
Harhaugh, F'hn \\' 1(18
llatt.ui,' K. T 18(1
llattield, W. A 334
llayncs. P. H. ^\' 4')"
lla'vnes, p:i\vood, .\i\U< C'k. . 2,^
1 leach, ( ). C ^0^
llclniich. W. H 582
Helm-, David A 473
Iliatt. Wilson J 470
Xame. Pg. Name. Pg.
Higgins, W. H 260 Myers, Joe R 262
Hinkle, John 575 AIcLune. \\". C 310
liinkle, Joseph 374 AIcDade, Philip 2<j2
Iriobson, A. D 359 AlcKnett. 2\Irs. Minnie (.'...378
Hockett, E. S 179 Ak-Xeal. J. Hugh 105
Hogg, Ta3'lor N 413 AIcRe\nolds, T. C 344
Holman, M. S 332 AlcUuistnn, John 205
HolHday, John 376 Xeary, John 134
Hoon, A. E 421 Xeil. Thcimab 193
Howell, \V. C 355 Xewby, Wm. F 462
Plunt, Ezra Ooi Xewkirk, George 482
[acobs, R. L 171 Ogg, R. A 427
"lackson, C. S 161 Ogborn, W. L 86
Jenkins, D. C 314 (J'Toole. T. J 511
Jenkins, Lewis 388 Peetz, John L 588
Jessup, John \V 304 Pennington, Si il A 116
Jones. George B 321 Penn. Thos. H 204
Kautz, J. A 2qi Piercy, L'. M 72
Kelvie. W. W 308 Pickett, Xathan 200
Kollmar, Fred 5O2 I'ickett. John 501
Korby, I-'rank 235 Pitzer. John ^^j
Kingston, George 2O5 Price, Luther D 222
Kokonio Steel and Wire Co. 541 Rapp, T. C 411
Kokcmio, Marion & Western Ranch, W'ni. F, i()3
Traction Co 344 Recknagel, Albert ^. . .254
Ivirkpatrick, L. J 23 Rli()ades, Allies J 230
Klum. Edward \\' igb Robe\', E. E 120
Landun, ( leorge W 330 [miss. ( ieo. W 51;,)
Learner, J. \\' 318 Ross. Joseph 1) y)')
Loop. J. X 155 Rich, Levi P 44
Lordcman. Re\-. I'" 591 Ridgewa}-, W. E 337
Lindley, J. M 106 Rinehart, Ephraim 238
Linsda}'. X. R 211 Ruddell, Richard 39
.MadddX. L'lysis (1 100 Ruse. Thos. A 495
Alalaby, Thos. C 123 Sa.\on, J(jhn 90
Mann. ^^^ F 233 Schafer. (iecirgc 403
Meranda. \\' 459 Schwenger, G 112
Middletcm. Wm 528 Shafer. D. S 139
Miller, W. H 361 Shewmon, Joseph 368
Milner. Jas. F I Si) .Slmwalter. Edw. J 191
-Moulder. John AI 270 Showalter. TI. F 532
Morrow. Jackson 304 Silcox. Joseph 485
Moorman, [ohn B 477 .^ipe. Geo. \\' 384
Mugg. B. L 391 Small. J. J 198
Xainc. Pg. Xaiiu-. Pc;.
Simiiicins. ]{. A 149 Templin, Win. T 441)
Smith. Geo. W 276 Terrell, D. J 507
Smith, (icn. W 280 Trueliliiod, W'm 504
Smith, Jacob L 514 \'ansickle, Jos. D 424
.Spraker, D. C 548 \'iney, John I 434
Stahl. (ieorg-e 400 Waterman, I,. D (k>(>
Stall], Jaco1i 35J W'eawr, Joseph A 88
Stout. John 248 Weeks, Thos. B 370
.Swattord, E. E 363 Wildridge, John 523
Sweeney. K 225 Willits, .Xnderson 347
Sutton,' A. P 194 Wilson, Rev. S. F 580
Tate, (leo. D 337 Wooters, William 386
Tarkington. \\'. E 324 ^'ager, T^). S ^44
Tarkington, J. E 366 \'(iungman, Frederick 479
uF iiowAKL) cl>L■^••l•^•.
IIOX. MILTON GARKICL'S.
The life of Hmi. Miltiui Garri,i;us nia\- be pnihtaljly eDiisidered
in three distinct pliases, all of them important, hirst, in the rehi-
tionship of prixate citizen, occtipied with the ever\(la\- work of se-
curing a li\elihood, the performance nf social, domestic and reli-
gious duties, and gaining position in an honorable profession: sec-
ond, in the relation of a soldier, defending the Hag and t'lghting for
the preservation of national unit_\: third, as a public official, hold-
ing' responsible and lucrative positions — administrati\e, clerical and
legis]ati\-e.
To begin at the beginning, his remote ancestors were {'"rench
and Huguenots, some of whom immigrated to America during the
colonial period. His grandfather was a Re\olutionar_\- soldier un-
der Washington and his father was a drummer bo\- in the war nf
1S12 under Harrison. The oldest uncle of (jur sul)ject was a colonel
during that war. It is not surprising, therefoi'e. that patriotism
amounts to a [)assion in him. His father, Timotln- Lindle\- Gar-
rigus, was one of Indiana's pioneers, settling in W a\ iie countv in
i8t6, where he set to work to clear a farm out of the forests and
swamps of that count}-. He was also a cru-penter and millwright
by trade, and was known all thnaigh the region of swamjis from
the Ohici ri\-er ti> the great lakes as a minister of the church of the
United Brethren of Christ. He made freiiuent trips on hoi-seback-
through ri\-ers and swamps and forests and w;is noted for zeal and
his earnest, effective oratorv. He was a stanch, untiring abolition-
ist, wdio regarded lunnan slaverv as an abomination, and was a
candidate of the Idbertx' partv in 1 S44 for reiircscntative from
Wayne count}-. In T847 he broughl hi^ famil}- tn Howard count}-.
w-here he Iniilt more houses and mills. In 1S3- he was nominated
for state senator on the anti-slaverv ticket frnni Howard countv.
i8
which i)art\' was in the minnrit\' in those earl}' days. \\ itii hrii^'lit
l)r(is])ects in Indiana, haxiiis^- cleared farms in \\ a\ne. Marshall. St.
fii^eph and Howard counties, he left it all to hel]) the state men in
Kansas hght the bi.nxler ruttians in 183(1. He shouldered his rifle
and starteil westward to engage in the memorable struggle for free
<n\\ and ( ifi'ered up his life for freedom's sake as sureh' as th("iugh
he had lieen slain in battle. He died of imeumonia Ijrought on l)y
exposure, and was Ijuried at ( )niaha. I lis wife, the mother of our
subject, was a nati\e of \ irginia. She was a Christian woman and
a memlier of the [Methodist clnu'ch for sixt\' \ears. She was one
of the bra\ e pioneer wiuueii in the earh' histor\- of Indiana and an
excellent rifle shot. She died at the home of the suljject at the age
of se\ent\'-eight years.
Milton Garrigus is a nati\-e of Indiana, born in \\'a\aie county
Seiitemlier 2y. 183 1. He made the best possilile use n{ the meager
opportunities open to Ins ^•outh and acipured a liberal education. Fie
read e\er\- book olitainable, mosth' b\- light of hickor\' Ixu'k torches
after his da\''s work wa^ done. lie became well read in ancient
and nioik-rn bistc>r^■ rmtl was also thorough in the common liranches.
He made excellen.t records in spelling schools of the pioneer times
and was es]iecialb' apt in mathematics, and he also took an active
]),art in all institutes and debating scicieties in the vicin,ity. Ha\'ing
(lualified himself for teaching, he engaged in that pursuit for se\-en-
teen winters. This was at a time \\ hen the school ^■ear i)f Indiana,
as related to the country schools, com])osed from si.xt\" to sixt\'-fi\'e
dax's. This employment as teacher of tlu' .\-P>-C class and all the
intei'mediate grades of pupik npi to ,and including the students of
English grammar and higher mathematics was of great a<l\'antage
to the \oung man. It fixed and made jiractical his knowledge of
text-l)..oks.
It was at the age of sixteen that ]\Iilton Garrigus came to Hc^w-
(IF UdWAKLJ CorXTV. I9
arcl couiit\'. where lie l.iegan the imprdxenient uf a (|uarter sectinn
claim obtained ])y his father uiuler the i)re-empti( pii act. h'nr nine
months he occupied a frontiersman's cal)in, f n mi [•"ebniary to Xo-
vember, and opened a clearing in the rich Indian reser\'atii.in of
what is now ]h^wanl duint}- liefnre the arrix'al of the familw lie
conkl talk the Indian dialect and Ijecame an expert in handling the
ax. ritle and canoe. Strong, energetic and industriiais, he assisted
in clearing that first farm and two or three others, the last of which
was his own. During the earl\- da}'s of the count}- he w.as often
elected by the people to superintend the construction of the primi-
tive liighways.
In 1858 he \\as appointed postmaster of fireentown and re-
mo\'ed thither from the farm. Alread\' he had forme<l the iinrpo-^e
to become a lawver. and he entered upon a ciuirse of legal stnily
while postmaster which gained his admission to the b.ar in 1859.
His residence in Greentown continued until 1S70, when he remo\ ed
to Kr)koino and formed a legal partnership with Colonel Charles
D. AFurrav. dhis relation was dissohed b\- the LUlonel's death and
suljsequentl}' he was associated for a short time with a lawyer
named Ingels. and for h\e \ear> with Judge ( J'Hi'ien. The latter
partnersliip was terminated in 1880, since wdiich time he remained
alone in the successful jiractice of his profession until retiring in
189J. .\s an evidence of his standing among the law\ers the
fact might be cited that in Xovember. 1891. at a \ery full meeting,
he was elected president oi the Bar Association of Howard county.
comprising nearly forty members, and filled the position in a m ist
satisfactory manner fiir a period of four ^■ears. He alsii ser\ed as
countv attornei,- from 1876 to 1892, a perir)d of sixteen years.
The first Confederate gun fired on Fort Sumter ai)pealed ef-
fectively to the patriotism of our subject and he responded to the
call for volunteers, resigning the postmastership and entering as a
20 MORROW S HISTORY
private in Compan}- D, Thirty-ninth Infantry, afterward the Eighth
Cavaliy Regiment. Inchana A^olunteers. His clerical ability recom-
mended him to the captain and he was soon appointed company
clerk. He was captnred at rerr}\ille and paroled, l:)Ut not ex-
changed until lung afterward. He assisted in recruiting the One
Hundred and Thirty-seyenth Regiment, one hundred-da}- ser\-ice,
and was commissioned second lieutenant of Company A, promoted
to first lieutenant and appointed adjutant. He was made post ad-
jutant at Tullahoma, Tennessee, and acting assistant adjutant gen-
eral of brigade until the regiment was mustered rait. He then as-
sisted in recruiting the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment and
later recruited a company in the One Hundred and Forty-second
Regiment, uf which he was commissioned captain. After the bat-
tle of Naslu'ille he was appointed inspector of the Second Brigade,
Fourth Divisiiin, Twentieth Corps. Army of the Cumberland, on
the staff of General E. C. ]Mas(^n. This officer g'a\-e him a yery
cordial letter, certifying in the most positive terms to his activity,
correctness and faithfulness in the position, stating without equivo-
cation that he was the best inspector the g-eneral had ever known
in the amiy. "There was not an officer on my staff' held in higher
esteem," wrote General j\Iason, "or one on whose services I relied
UKire in my field of duty." In fact, words cuuld not frame a
stronger or more flattering testimonial. \Miile on parole Captain
Garrigus organized the Union League of Howard county, made
Union speeches and exposed the Knights of the Golden Circle.
After the war he was active in the organization of the Grand
Army of the Republic. In 1881 and again in 1882 he was com-
mander of Thomas J. Harrison Post of Kokomo. In 1892 he
seiwed by apopintment on the staff of Colonel A. G. AA'ishard, of
AA'isconsin, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lic, as assistant inspector general for the Department of Indiana.
OF IIUWARL) COUNTY.
Ill M;iy. Mjoi. at the state encampment, he was elected and installed
cnnimander of the Department of Indiana, serxing in that c;ipacit\-
one }ear. He has alwa^'s taken an acti\e interest in e\ei-\ thin.i;-
pertaining;- tn the welfare nf this oro-anizatii m, often serxini;- as a
deleo'ate to the state and national encampments and alwa\s attend-
inj;- snch gathering-s. He is also a member nf the Indiana Ci im-
mandery nf the I.nyal Leg'inn. Durint;- his administration (inxenmi-
.Matthews a.ppmntcd Captain (iai"n<.;n> a mcmlier nf the Indian cnm-
missiiin to locate and direct the permanent markint:;' of each military
org'anization from this state on the battlefield (:)f Chickamauo'a,
where that bloody battle was fong-ht : rdso the position <if Indiana
troops on the field of Lonkont }v[onntain and }ilissi(inary Rid,i;'e.
The Commission was composed of ten officers, who serxed in some
of the Indiana regiments in thcise battles.
.\s in other matters. Captain Garrigus has not pro\-ed to be a
laggard in affairs political. He beg'an his jmlitical life as a W big,
with abolition procli\ities. He became a Repnblican njxin the or-
ganization of that ]iarty, and has alwaxs been a strong a<l\-ocate of
its principles. His ])ohtical acti\it\" and enthnsiasm are remarkable.
He has been at all times and under all circnmstances acti\'e in be-
half of the ])art}-. .Vs a ])olitical campaign orator he is earnest in
the advocacy of Repnblicanism, and his loyalty and ]iarty fealty
ha\e ne\er been questioned. In 18S3 he was nominated b\' Tresi-
dent .\rthur for collector of the internal rexcnue, and when the nomi-
nation \\as hung u|) in the senate he unselllsbh- withdrew and urged
the nominatimi of his friend. Captain Kirkpatrick. which was made.
He was school examiner under the old s\"Stem for three x'ears be-
ginning in 1S59. and was county superintendent under the new law
from i(Sj3 until he resigned in 1S78. He was elected to the senate
for a term of four }-ears, ser\-ing in tS-<) on the committee on ap-
portionment for congressmen and on that of ditches and swamji
22 .MORROW S HISTORY
laiuls. and in 1881 on the committee on corporations and railroads,
being chairman of tiie latter. For four years he serxed as a mem-
ber of the common council of Kokdmo. He was chairman of the
Republican central committee of Howard count}- during the cam-
paigns of 1874, 1876, 1880, 1882, 1SS4, 1888 and 189(1. In 1890
he was nominated count}' auditor b}" a phenomenal majority in a
primar}- election and was elected in Xo\ember for a term of fi mr
years beginning ]\larch 1. 1892. In 1894 he was renominated as
the candidate of his party and was re-elected bv the astfjunding ma-
jority of two thousand and seventeen fur a second term, which he
completed in IMarch. 1900. He was chairman of the ninth district
Republican conx'ention held at Lafa\ette in 1888 that renominated
Hon. J. B. Cheadle for C(jngress, and he also ser\'ed in a similar ca-
pacit\- in 1900 at the district con\^ention held at Huntington, which
selected delegates to the St. Louis national con\-entii:in that ni'ini-
nated William iMcKinle}' for President. At the state con\"ention in
1892 held at Ft. A\"a}-ne he was a member of the cummittee on res-
olutions. In 1891 and 1892 he was editor and proprietor of the
Kok<jmo Journal, a weekK' prilitical newspaper noted for its earnest-
ness. aggressi\"eness ;md liright. original features. This ])aper he
disposed of before entering upnn his duties as auditor. That he
has been loyal to his political con\ictions throughout his long and
must acti\e career is further emphasized l.\\' the fact that he cast
his first presidential ^■ote for General Scott in 1852. voted fur every
Repuldican President since that time and has attended e\■er^■ ci lunty
and state ci invention of his party <luring all those }'ears, besides
man\- of the national ciinventii ins.
Ca])tain Garrigus has been t\\ ice marrieil. His first wife was
Susan M. A\'ln'teneck. of Greentown. All (if the li\ing children of
this union are married, of whom .\llen C. is now pustuftice inspector
for Oklahoma, maintaining his hrmne in Kokumo. and A'ictor L., a
^ 0t^^^^/^ ^^^^c:
Ill- IIOUAKD COLXrV. 2T,
clerk in the war (lepartnient at Wasliiiii^tnii for the past ei.i;ln \eavs.
Tlie death of ]vlrs. ("larrii^us dccurred Jamuir\ 3. Kjon. ami "ii ( )e-
tiil)er23. 1901. the captain was united in niaiTiaf;e t'> Ahii'ie TliMma-.
a native (if Fayette Cdunty. '['<> this uniun twi.j children have l)een
hiirn, Gene\"ieve and T.eslie ^I.
HOX. LI-:X J. KIRKl'A TRICK.
Standing" out distinctl\- as one nf the central iigures of the iu-
diciar_\- of Indiana is the name nf IdMH. Lex J. Kirk])atrick. i>\ K"-
kiinid. PrdUiinent in legal circles and e(|uall\ so in ]:)ulilic matters
lje_\ond the confines of his own jurisdiction, with a reputation in one
of the most exacting of |)t-ofessions that has won him a name for
distinguished ser\-ice second to that of none of his contemporaries,
there is today no more prominent or honored man in the ^tatc which
he has long dignified li\- his citizenshij). Achie\ing success in the
courts at an a,ge when most }oung men are just entering upon the
formati\"e period of their lives, wearing the judicial ermine with he-
ci.imiiig dignit}" and hringing to e\'er\- case suhmitted t< p him a clear-
ness of i^erception an<l read\- ])ower of anah'sis characteristic of the
learned jurist, his name and work for years have lieen allie<l with
the le.gal instituticms, puhlic enterprises and ijolitical interests of the
state in such a wa)- as to earn hiiu recognition as ( >ne of the dis-
tinguished citizens in a conimunit}- noted for the hi.gh order of its
talent. A high purpo--e and an unconi|ueral)le will, \igorous mental
powers, dilig'ent stud)' and de\'otion to dut\' are some of the lueans
by which he has made himself eminentlx' useful, and e\er\ amhitious
youth who fights the battle of life with the proS])ect of ultimate suc-
cess may peruse with profit the biography herewith presented
Lex J. Kirkpatrick i> a nati\e of Imliana and traces liis gen-
ealogy" ti) a remote period in the history of Scotland, in which cimi-
try the family of Kirkpatrick appears to ha\'e had its origin. It is a
well estahlished fact that certain of the name were li\ing in tlie
counties of Xithersdale and Ciallowav. as earl\- as the ninth cen-
tury and later hy reason of the Jacobite troubles one of them was
obliged to flee from Scotland and take refuge in Ireland, where the
Kirkpatricks now comprise a \'er\- large and inriuential family, the
descendants of George Kirkpatrick, constittiting the most numer(:ius
branch. Another representati\"e of the family. William Kirk-
patrick, fled from Scotland during the Stuart war. and settled at
Malaga, Spain, in the latter jiart of the eiglit'eenth centurw He
was a man of ]>rominence and influence, both in his own and a.dopted
land, and is remembered chieth- as being the grandfather of luigenie.
widow of Xapoleon the II. and Empress of France. The motto of
the .*~>cottish Kirkpatricks has long Iieen the folli:iwing sentiment.
"I mae sickar." or "I make sure."
Three Kirkpatrick brothers, descendants of Cieorge Kirkpat-
rick, came from Scotland to .Vmerica a number of >'ears prior to the
A\'ar of Independence and settled in ]'enns\ hania, where the)' be-
came acti\-ely identified with the growth and de\"elo])ment of their
respecti\e communities. John Kirkpatrick, a son of one of these
brothers, was born in the ti.iwn of Easton and later mo\-ed to Harri-
son count}'. Kentuck\', where he is said to have suffered much from
the de])re<lations of the Indians. Consequently he ser\-ed under
( leneral St. Clair in the hitter's ill-starred expedition against the
sa\age^ and recei\ed a wound in the thigh which rendered him a
cripple during the remainder of his life. Remo\-ing' to Ross count}',
( )hio. he spent a number of ^'ears as a teacher and ai-ji^ears to ha\e
been ;i man of much more than i:>rdinar\- intelligence, as well as
iniblic-sinrited. He was twice married and Iiecame the father of
i)i' iiowAKii ( orxTv. J3
ei.i^ht children, fi\-e liy his tirst wife and three ])y tlie second. lli>
eldest sun. William. wIm was burn jnne S. 1 77O. in l'enns\-l\ ania.
married in Harrisun cuunty. l\entnck\-. Anna .Maize, w In ise lurth
iiccurred on April 17. ot the \ear 1 7N4. and wlmse parents inmn-
grated tu this ccinntr\- fri im Ireland snme \'ears prii u- u< that date,
anil settled in the ciitint\' uf ll;irris(in. Snme time after their mar-
riage William and Anna Kirkpatrick mci\ed tri Rnsh ciinnt\-. In-
diana, where they si)ent the remainder of their da\s. he departing
this life Jnly J 3. i8(io. she on Jannary to. iiShfi. Of the large
family that at one time gathered aronnd the hearth-stone of this
estimal)le cmiple. not one snr\-i\-es. Jojm Kirkpatra'ck. the second
child, and grandfather of the subject of this re\iew. \vas horn Octo-
ber 23. 1802. in Harrison conntw Kentiick}-. married in h^ayette
county. Indiana, in 1824. Xancy ( )ldham, whose birth occurred in
Knox\ille. Tennessee, on tlie 3d ila\- of July. 1802. Thex' also
took up their residence in l\ush count}', and in due time liecame the
parents of fcair children, nanieh' ; William. Daxid. Stei)hen and
Airs. Mary Jane Austille. all li\-ing but William, who died A])ril 4.
1874. and Daxid. The father of these children departed this life in
Rush county. August 8. 1848. the nmther on the 28th day of August.
1868.
Stephen Kirkptarick. the judge's father, was born on the f.amily
homestead in Rush county. Indiana. I'ebruary )0. 1832. and there
grew to mattirit\- and recei\'ed such edticational training as the in-
different schools of the period could impart. In his twenty-first year
he was united in marriage to Rebecca Jane Jackson, a nati\c of
Rush count}-. liorn Februar\- 14. 1834. the ceremony b\' whicli the}-
were made huslxand and wife being solemnized on the i)th <la}- of
Septen-iber. 1852. b\- John Legg. Ksi|.. well known justice of the
peace of that county. Williani and Abigail Jackson, grandparents
of ]\Irs. Stephen Kirk-patrick. were \'irginians. Their family con-
26 MOKK^w's HISTdKY
sisted of nine children, the sexeiith lieing Joseph Jacksnn. whose
Ijirth occurred in Surrv count^^ Xorth Canjlina, March i, 17<)4.
and wliii married, Xox-emlier 13, 1S17. Lydia Jeffrey, tlie latter horn
in the same count}' Januar_\- 2. iSoi. Joseph and Lwlia Jackson in
18 19 located in I'nion county, Indiana, and twc) \ears later mo\ed
to Rush count\'. settling;' on a farm in W ashint^ton township, \\here
the\' spent the I'emainder of their li\es. ]\Irs. Jackson d\ing' heb-
ruar\- S. 1S41. her hu>l)and following her to the grave July jo. 1S51.
Of their ele\en children ]\frs. Reliecca J. Kirkpatrick is the onl}' snr-
vix'or. Cahin C Jackson, w hii died recently, was for man}' years a
leading farmer and representative citizen of ^Mahaska ci:>unty, Iowa,
an ex-member of the legislatiu'e of that state and a successful and
influeuntial minister of the Christian clnu'ch. John Tvler Jackson,
the ^■oungest of the children, for a number of ^■ears a distin-
guished lawyer of Indianapolis and son-in-law of the late Lucien
Barbour, died in that cit}' on the 2d day of April. i8r)6.
Lex J., the onl\- li\ing child of Stephen and Rebecca J Kirk-
pati'ick. was born on the home farm in Washington t'.wnship. Rush
cijunty. Septeml)er 6. 1833. When he was foiu' months old. his
parents nimed to Howard count\-. and located tjii a farm adjoining
Greentown. but live years later changed their residence to Tayh^-
township. where, in close touch with nature, amid the bracing airs
and wholesome influence of rural life the future law\'er and jiu'ist
spent his vr)uth and }'oung manhood. His Ccarlv experience 1 >n the
farm tended to de^'elop a strong and healthful physique, and while
engageil in the lalior of the helds he learned to place a correct \'alue
upon honest t'jil. liC'-ides laying l)road and deep the foundation for
his future coiu'se of action. Possessing an ardent temper.ament and
a nattu'al taste for books and studv he became at the ])roper age a
pu])il of the school in the neighborhood, which was taught in a
lirimitixe Irig cabin with puncheon floor an<l but indilferenth' fur-
(.)1' IIOWAKU LI>L'.\TV. 27
nished, with mut^ii >lali Ijenches minus 1)acks, nutwithstandiiig- which
unfa\'oral)le eininjiiiiieiU he made ci immendable pn ifj-re^s in lii^
stiuHes and was S(_Min tar in a(hance i>f the niajurity of l)iiys of his
age. After attending the county schijols tintil completing the u^ual
curricnhtm and feehng an intense desire to add to his sciii:>histic
knowledge, he entered in 1870 a cullege at Oskaloosa. Liwa. where
he prosectited his studies nne year when he returned to Kokimio and
became a student of the Howard College, which he attended until
1873. In the latter year lie yielded t<i a desire of lung standing by
entering the law nfhce of Hendry & Elliot, to prepare himself for the
legal profession, and after a preliminar}" course of reading mider
the instruction of those gentlemen he entered, in Septeml)er, 1S74,
the Central Law School at Indianapolis, from which he wa- gr;id-
uated with a creditable record in June of the following }eir. divid-
ing the honors of his class with the late I). S. Thomas, of Rnshville.
After tinishing his legal studies Mv. Kirkpatrick formed a partner-
ship with James F. Elliot, his former tutor, the firm thu-- consti-
tuted lasting until Xovember, iSoo, during which time the young
attorney forged rapidly to the front, and it was not long until he
gained a large and lucrative practice and earned recognition as one
of the leading memljers of the Howard count\- b;ir. Meantitue,
'S\-A\- 10. 1879. he was admitted to practice by the supreme court
from which date to the present time his legal career presents a series
of continued success such as few law \ crs achiexe. As a careful and
painstaking student he has availetl liimself of ever}- opportunity to
familiarize himself with his profession in its every detail to the end
that he might the better serve his fellow men and render justice to
those who aj)peal to the courts for reilress. From iSSi to 1SS4 he
served as probate commissioner of Howard county and in Septem-
l)er, iS()0, received without any solicitation on his part, the nomina-
tion by the Democratic party, for judge of the thirty— ixth judi-
cial district, ci imposed uf the cuunties uf H(_)\vard and Tiptnn.
which at that time had a normal RepubHcaii majority nf al)iiut i:>iie
tliijusand. XotwithstaiKhng tliis formidable opp(jsitiiin he ac-
cepted the iiiiniinatiiin and such was his popularity with the people,
regardless (if pulitical affiliation, that in the ensuing election he de-
feated an al)le and worthy opponent b}" a majority of two hundred
and twenty-one, running three hundred and thirty-six ahead i>f the
ticket, and in Xovember, 1890, entered upon the duties of the judge-
ship with the heart\- endorsement iif the laity as well as the bar of
his jurisdiction.
fudge Kirkpatrick came to the bench well qualified for its ex-
acting duties and responsibilities and from the beginning his judi-
cial career was characterized li}- such a profound knowledge of the
law and an earnest and conscientious desire to apply it impartiall}'
that he was not long in gaining- the respect and confidence of the at-
torneys and litigents and earning for himself an honorable reputa-
tion among the leading jurists of the state. From the first his
labors were \■er^■ arduous as man\- impijrtant cases were tried in his
court, not a few coming before him b\' change of venue, in addition
to which he was also frequently called to other districts to sit on
cases in which large interests were invoh'ed. Among the more
noted of the cases in his own jurisdiction were that of the ,'^tate of
Indiana versus Calvin J. Armstrong, defaulting Treasurer of Tip-
ton countv. who was accused of embezzling public funds to the
aniiiuntv of forty-three thousand dollars; The State versus Ann
Augusta .Schmidt. con\icted of manslaughter and sentenced ti.i a
term in the female prison at Indianapolis, besides others of no less
interest and import. The courts oi Cass. Miama and Hamilton
counties profited fre(|uently by his services on the liench and as far
as known his rulings in all cases were eminently satisfactory, fair
and ini|)arti;d. and his decisions so in accord with the jirinciples of
OF lldWAKI) (_(ir.\TV. JIJ
law and practice that cxerylmdy interested was thnriiu.t;iil\- satisfied
w uh his course.
After an eminently nseful anil In 'Hi liable career nf six \ears'
tluratitui Judge Kirkpatrick. <in X'l i\-enil)er 4, icSgd. retired from the
bench, and the same }'ear became a nieml)er df the well kiidwn law
firm iif Murrisnn & McRexin ilds, the style being- changcil with his
admission to that of Kirk])atrick. Morrison & McReNiiolds. Later
Air. AIcReynolds retired from the lirm. which is now known as
Kirkpatrick & Alorrison. Since resuming the practice of his pro-
fession he has acted as special jutlge in ditterent circuits and tried
some of the most important cases in the state. notabl\-. among
which was the celelirated case of the State \ersns John C. 1".\ ans,
president of the Jonesljoro Ikmk, and John \V. I'rum, a proniinent
insurance agent, trietl in the ( irant circuit court in the spring of
189-. wherein each defendant was coiuicted of larcen\- on account
lit certain green goods transacticnis in\'ol\'ing the sum of t\\ent\-
five thousand dollars, and both sent to the ]K'nitentiar}'. In the same
court in January, 1898. he presided during the case of the State
versus X'oah Jcihnson. who was conxicted of murder in the lirst de-
gree and given a life sentence, his crime lieing the murder of his
sweetheart, a }-oung lady only sixteen years of age. He also acted
as special judge in the Pdackford. Wells and Rush count}' circuits,
being' elected by the oflicers of the last named c<'iurt to ])reside at the
March term. i8q8, on account of the illness and subsequent death of
Hon. J. C. Miller, the regular judge of the circuit. While thus en-
gaged he had the honor of dedicating the fine new cijurt house at
Rushville and to him also fell the prix'ilege of holding the first term
of court in Tipton's new and imposing temple of justice.
As alread}' indicated Judge Kirkpatrick is a Democrat, and as
such has been active in public and political ati'airs and an influential
force in his party not only in local matters but in the larger and
30 MORROW S UlSTOKV -
more important theater of state and national politics. He comes of
Democratic ancestors Ijut lie dues not attril)ute hj this fact his strict
adherence to the principles which he supports, but rather to history,
also to reflection, judgment and conscience, all of which haxe com-
hnied to make him not onl\' an ahle ancl iutlicious counselor. Ijut a
niiiulden of opinion and leader (if men. in what concerns the best in-
terests of the bod\- politic. \\ hile hwal to his power to promote its
success he beliexes that a man can lie an earnest and active politician
and }et Ije strictly honest in his methoils and abine reiH'oach in all
that he does to advance the interests of his cause. So earnest has he
been in the ad\"ocac}' of honest}' in part\' management that in 1804,
when the charges were made against certain Democratic parties in
Tipton connt\' for forging tiie lalK' sheets he ga\'e from the bench
specific and \'igor(_ius instructions to the grand jitrv to lose no time
and spare no pains in in\-estigating the matter and bringing indict-
ments against those accused pro\iding their guilt cmld be estalv
lislie<l. He has ever acted ti]ion the iirincijiles that he who ser\-ed
his counti'}" best, serves his partv l;)est. and with this object in view
his political efforts, although stremions and in the highest degree in-
tlueutial and successful, baxe been abo\'e the slightest snsjiicion of
dislKiUor and his counsels ha\e not onl_\- met with the approval of
his part\" associates but commanded the respect of the opptisition as
well.
Ill the midst of his \aried and strenuous duties and res]ionsi-
bilities. Judge Kirkpatrick has ik pt lieen negligent i>i the higher con-
cerns and imperati\'e claims of the Christian religion, a matter to
which he has devoted much thought and in which he has long
^■ielded an implicit and abiding faith. Tn his stuth" and ime^tigalion
of tlii> iniporlant subject which makes paramciunt ti i e\'er\- ipther
consideration, he has little regard for the doctrines of the schools
and the statements of ecclesiastics or councils, but disregardiiiij- all
(II- IIDW AKh CorXTV. ^5 [
niaii-niade creeds and accepting;" the IIm1\ Scripture- alMne
as his rule >>{ faith and ]iractice he has learned t" live the plain and
simple lite such as the .Master exemplilied and tn repuse cnnfidence
in the will nf the Heavenly I'ather, w Ik .se instructions are Sd clear
and explicit as tv require w inter])retatii m hy priest nr ])i)pe ><v the
cunningly de\ised creeds cunceixed in an age nf snperstiiidii ami
strengthened b}- centuries nt" ecclesiastical despotism. ( )n laun n'\'
13. i8(),S. when hut htteen years of age. he united with the Christian
church in the village nf h'airheld. since which titue his life ha'- heen
consistent with the faith, affording a conspicuous example of the
heantx" and \\'(.)rth of the Christian religion when made the Ijasis of
action in the affairs of men. Xo sooner had he made puldic ])ro-
fession of his faith than he hegan to evince a decided interest in va-
rious lines oi religious work and in due time he Ijccanie a i)artici]):uit
in the affairs of the church, hoth local and general, atid it was not
long until his acti\ity Ijronght him to the notice of leading Sunda\-
school wdrkers and religious leaders throughout his count\' and
state. ( )ii his remo\al to Kokonio he hecame identified with the
Main street Christian clun"ch of which he is still a meml.)er and in
which he has been honored at different times with \arious oflicial
|) ;sitions. including am( >ng others that of superintendent of the
Sunda\' schoul, in which capacit\' he ser\ed \-er\- accei)tablv fi'om
Jul\' I. 1NS3. to Jaiuiar\- 1. iNw'i, and from 1 Stji; to the present time,
the attendance of the schoi il ranking second in numbers among
the schools of the Christian church in the United States.
l-'rom August, i^j'i. to August. iNSr. Judge Kirkpatrick
serxeil as president of the Kokonio ^'oung Alen's Christian .\ssocia-
tioii. was chosen President of the Se\'einh District \ oung People's
Societ\- Christian Endea\ors in 1 SSo. and in Xo\-eml)er. ii^si)^. was
fm-ther honored b_\- being elected ])resident of the ."^tate "N'oung Peo-
ple's Societv Christian Endea\'ors. which important position he held
3-! MtlKKOW S HISTORY
liy successi\'e selectidiis f(ir three terms, and the duties of whicli he
discharged in an eminently, alile and satisfactury manner, winning
g'ldwing' encuniinm from all the chnrches represented in the mo\-e-
ment, and earning" a reinitation which made his name a familiar
wonl \\here\'er the society has g-ained a footing-. Dnring his tenure
of office he often \isited different parts <.if the state, deli\'ering" ad-
dresses in all the princiiiid cities, and estal)lishing- societies in many
places, besides giving a great amount of personal work which tended
greatly to the strengthening of the organization and making it pop-
ular among people who had pre\'iously been inditterent or prejit-
diced against it. Ihe distinguished career achie\ed as leader of
this great mo\-ement ni one ipf the most important states of the
L'nion, led in i8i)(> to the election of the judge to the high ;inil hon-
oraljle positi(in iif \ ice-president of the World's Christian En-
deax'or L'nion, in which capacit\- he rendered \;dual)le ser\ice until
the world's convention in the \ear of 1900, which added to his al-
rea(h" well established reputation as an earnest Christian worker and
honored and influential official.
Judge Kirkpatrick's domestic life dates frrmi i<S8i, on Septem-
ber 22(\ of which _\e;ir he was united in the bonds of wedlock to
Emma I'almer, of Adri.an, Michigan, daughter of Stephen H. and
l.ctita i.'^a\ille) Palmer, nati\-es of Michigan, and residents of the
town of Holl(i\vay. that state. ?\Irs. Kirkpatrick was bcirn in Ridg-
wav, ^Michigan, i)n the 9th da\- of l-'ebruarw i860, and is the mother
of one child that died in infancy.
The judge has ever kept in touch with the interests of his city
and county and is an ardent advocate and liberal patron of all
wcirtln- enter]irises, making for their adxancement anil l)rosperit^'.
His acti\dtv in behalf of every mo\ement for the good of his fellow
citizens has endeared him to the people among whom the gi"eater
part of his life has been spent and his popularity is bounded only by
Ol" IKIWAKD CdTNIW
33
the limits of liis ac(]uaintance : as a lawvLT he is easilv the peer nf
any of his professional 1)rethren thniut:;hoin the >tate. and the Imni t-
ahle distinction, already achieved at the bar is an earnest of tlie still
wider sphere nf usefulness that he is destined to till, and the lusher
hor.ors to lie achiexed in }'ears to come, as he is xet in the iirinie of
nianhiMid and a close ol)ser\er of the trend of the times and an intel-
ligent student of the great (|uestions and issues upi ni which the
thoug'ht of the l:>est minds of the world are centered.
As judge. -Mr. Kirkpatrick more than met the expectations of
his friends and the public, and so discharged the duties of the oflice
as to recei\'e the heart}- approval and warm commendation of the
Ijar. in his own and other circuits, withmU regard to partw lie
brought to the Ijench a dignit}' becoming the higii p(jsition. and in
the line of duty, was inilustrious. careful aui.! singularly painstaking,
whicli comliined with his sterling honesty and fearlessness of pur-
pose, made him one of the most popular and efficient men e\er called
to preside i;\er the courts id' the thirt\-si\th judicial circuit. It
is but just to sa_\- and greatl\- to his credit, that ui> ])olitical prejudice,
bias or zeal, was e\'er allowed to deflect his mind from its honest
convictions, and while discharging his official functions, personal
ties and friendships, as well as his own interests and opinions, were
lost sight of in his conscientious efforts to render eijual and exact
justice to those whose affairs were adjudicated in his court, llis
opinions and decisions attested his eminent titness for judicial |)osj-
tions, being alwavs lucid, unstrained and xigornus. his statements
full and com])rehensive. and liis analysis and interpretations i<i the
law conspicuous and complete. The judge has alwaxs stond high in
his profession and since retiring from the bench h.as built u]i an ex-
tensi\-e practice, in his own and other counties, being fre(|uentl\' re-
tained in important cases in courts remote fri.im his place nf resi-
dence. Tie has aryaied manv cases before the hi"'hest tribunal in the
state and lost liut few. Xo one knows lietter than he the necessitv
(if thoroiii^h preparation fur the trial of cases, ami no one more in-
(histriousK- a|)plies himself to meet the issue th;m he, thoutiii of a
warm and ardent tempei anient, he is al\\a\s master of himself in the
trial of cases and is rareK' not at his best, being- uniformly court-
eous and deferential towar<l the court, and kind and forbearing t(3
his achersaries. As a speaker, the judge is direct, logical and forc-
ilrle. and not infre(|uentl}'. truh' elo(|uent. His treatment of his case
is ahvavs full of comprehension and accurate, his analysis of the
facts clear and exhausti\'e. and he seems to grasp without effort,
the relation and dependence of the facts, and so gr(.iu])S them as to
enable him to throw their combineil force upon the point the_\- tend
to pro\e. He is not only an aide and reliable counselor, with a
thoroug'li acquaintance of the ])rinci]>les, intricacies and complex-
ities of jurisprudence, but his honest}' is such that he has freqtienth'
aihised against long and cxpensi\e litigation, an.tl this too. at the
loss of the liberal I'ees which otherwise he could easih- ha\'e earned.
Sufficient has been said to indicate the judge's character and
high standing in the communit\ where he has so long resided, and it
only remains to Ije said, that throug-hout his entire professional and
official career, he has been animated by loft\' motives, and ma<le
everv personal consideration subordinate to the higher claims of
dut^'. Broad anrl liberal in his \'iews. with the greatest good of his
fellow men e\-er before him. his con<hict has been that of the lo\-er of
his kind ami the true and loyal citizen, who is read)' at all times, to
make an\' reasonable sacrifice for the cause in which his interests are
enlisted. He is, withal, a man of the ])eo])le. proud of his distinc-
tion as ;i citizen of a state and nation foi- whose laws an<l institu-
tions he has the most profoun<l admir.ation ami res]icct. while his
strong mentalitw rijie judgment and unimpeachalde integrit\'. dem-
onstrate to the satisfaction of all. his ability to hll honorably, im-
1408939
OF uowAiii) forxrv. 5-
piirtant (ifficial i)cisitii ms, and tn (liscliarj^e worthilv the duties of
hi.i^ii trusts. lu pdint <>{ critical Ici^'al sclmlarshii). keen intellect-
ually auil prnfessidiial success, he easil_\- stands in the tmnt rank,
while in all that CdUstitutes the upright man, the pul)lic-S])irited citi-
zen and the earnest Cdnscieiitious Christian, his pcjsitinn in the social
circle and the wnrld <it alTairs has heeu tirnily estahlished, an<l he
stands tmlay auidug the leaders ni th(ju,>iiu and niiiulder> n\ i, pinion
in a state prolific of great men.
THE ELW'OOD HAYXES Al"T() COAIPAXA'.
The record of a life well spent, of triumphs o\er obstacles of
perseverance under difhcnlties and stead}- adxancement from a mod-
est beginning to a place of honor and distinction in the industrial
world, when im|)rinted on the pages of a histor\', present to the
_\-outli of the rising generation an example wdrthx' of emulation and
ma_\' also be >tudied with profit 1)\- tho.se of more mature \ears
\vhose achie\ements ha\e not kejit pace with their expectations.
Such a life is that of the in\entdr. manufacturer and representatixe
citizen, whijse achiexenients and success in the line of in\ention and
manufacture we .shall herewith endea\"or to jiresent. for our subject
is the exectuix'e head and manager of the largest manufactming
concern in Kokonii >.
Elwood llaxaies is a nati\'e of Iniliana, horn in rortland. j:\y
county, in the \ear, 1N37. His father, Hon. Jacol) ^[. Haynes. of
that city, long one of the able lawyers and disting"uished jiu'ists of
the state, was a prominent figure in the public life of ]:\\ county,
and at the time of his death, at the ad\-ance(l age of ei,ghty years,
while still on the bench, is said to ha\-e been the oldest judge in
36 morrow's history
active sei"\'ice in this country. Ehvood Haynes was reared in the
county (jf his Ijirth ami at (|uite an early age became an active
participant in civic affairs. In 1886 he turned his attention to the
natural gas industiw and the same year organized the Portland Gas
& Oil Conipau}-. which under his tlirection developed the Ja)- county
field and supplied the cit}- with an abundance of this ideal fuel.
Later he was ma<le superintendent of the Chicago natural gas
lines and after holding the position until 1890, came to Howard
County to engage in the Ijttsiness upon his own resjjiinsibilit}" in this
part of the state. It was while thus engaged that ]Mr. Hayuc? be-
gan stud^'ing- the question of locomotion by other than horse power,
a matter to which he had previously devoted C(jnsideral)le attention,
and which, from his investigations, he felt sure was feasible and
could Ije made practicable. In due time he reduced his ideas to facts
and a series i:>f experiments, but the most difficult problem which
confronted him, was the matter of moti\e j^ower fur his car, a prob-
lem, \vhich for considerable time, appeared impossible of solution.
He first considered steam and electricity, but after careful investi-
gation abandoned both and began experimenting with gasoline.
During the time in which he carried on his investigations and ex-
periments, ^Ir. Haynes kept his work from the eyes of the pr}"ing
world and it was not until the en<l of his second year that he suc-
ceeded in solving the problem of motive power, and fixing upr)n
definite ])lans for the further development of the car which within
a Comparatively brief period was destined to revolutionize hitherto
existing means of locomotion, and in time come into general use.
He was enabled to conduct his experimental work under more favor-
able circumstances after he removed in 189^ from Greentown to
Kokomo, and in the fall of that year purchased an engine and mak-
ing patterns after plans, developed in the meantime, addressed him-
self to to the task of constructing a car, \vhich he had ever\' reason
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 3/
to belie\e would meet his expectatiDiis. and mark the l)ei^"inninL;" "i
an era in meclianical in\entii)n. It wDuld be interesting;' to nute in
detail the \-arious stages in the e\-olutiiin uf the automobile and the
many ditiiculties, embarrassments and discnuragements under whicli
the inventor labored ere his ideas became facts, but to do this would
far transcend the limits accorded to a sketch of the character of this
re\'ie\v. Suffice it tiT say, however, that he continued his experi-
ments and labors with renewed vigor and zeal, making changes
when and where necessary, testing new theories, adopting new and
improved appliances, proving by practical experience the value of
everything which a strong mind and fertile imagination could sug-
gest, until finall}- on Jul_\- 4th, of the year i8()4, the first automobile
to be oijerated In* gasoline was completed and readv for the trial l)v
which its success and utility were to be demonstrated, and i)ublished
to the world. Up to that time the work was carried on privately,
but no sooner was it km iwn that a test w( mid be made than a large
number of people assembled to witness the new and novel spectacle
of a \'ehicle moving along the highway with no moti\-e power in
view. After se\-eral satisfactory trials within the enclosure of the
shop the machine was taken to more fa\-or;d)le ground abcjut four
miles from the cit}' where e\-erything being in readiness, the first
public test was made, the car on its initial trial running about one
and a half miles with two persons l)eside the proprietor aboard.
Turning the car about it glided with ease o\er the entire distance to
the city, thus demonstrating to the satisfaction of inventor and spec-
tators the success of the experiment and sohing a pmljlem th.at
had long engaged the attention of the mechanical and industrial
world. The eng'ine which supplied the motive power was a small
affair of about two hundred and forty pounds in weight, and at its
best the car's speed did not much exceed seven or eight miles an
hour. Subsequentlv it was replaced 1)\' a larger and more powerful
38 MOKKOW 's HISTORY
eng-ine. which, with the inii^n p\-enient nf the wheels Ijy pneumatic
tires, an average speed uf twel\e miles jjer Imur was ohtaineil, the
car nn mie occasion making a reci u'd I'f ti\e miles in twent}-six min-
utes, and dm'ing the summer and fall uf the year in which the trial
\vas made running in the aggregate something ii\er due thousand
miles. The auto which is still in good running order is an oliject
of interest to e\'er\- xisitor to Mr. Ilayne's establishment and lieing
the hrst machine of the kind in the world to pro\-e the efhcac}' of
gasoline as a motixe power, it was accorded the place of honor at
the Xew York exhiliit of automobiles antl in due time it will be
placed in the Smithsonian Institution at Washington. D. C. rdong-
with other great pniducts of American genius where it is destined
to immortalize the inventor and place his name among the really
great benefactors of the race. The success attending the hrst ex-
periments with the auto car encouraged Mr. Ha^'ues tti engage in
the manufacture of the machines under more faxorable circum-
stances and upon a greatlv enlarged scale. Accordingl\- in 1 1*^95
he entered into partnershij] with Mr. Apperson. of kokonio. and in
the latter part of that year the hrm began to make what is knmvn as
the double cxlinder i.ir double opposed engine, which was greatly
sujierior to all cither t\pes and \vith which the autos made at their
factor\- could successfulK' comi^ele with those from any other es-
tablishment in the land. In the Ldiicago Times-Herald contest of
]S()3 for the best auti/iuiobile the lla\-nes machine was dul}' entered
and notwithstanding the brief period uf jireparation it was awarded
the hr>t prize of one hundred and tifly dollars o\'er h\e competi-
tors, three from ( ierman\' and two froui the L'nited States. To
this \ictor\' was largelv due the reputation of the HaMics double
engine among the manufacturers of automobiles, and it soon came
into general use. its superiority to all others being uni\-ersall}- con-
ceded.
di' now AKii idrxTV,
The Ha}nes-.\i)i)ersi 111 (nmpany turned nul ti\e cars iluriii,<;'
the first year their tactury was in i i])eratii m. three iif which were
taken to the Ohio State hair in iS()(), where the |)ro]:)rietors receised
three hunch'ed and rift\' dollars for the exhil)it. In iS<;7 the
Haviies-Apperson -\uto Coinpanx' was org'anize-.l witli .iL;reatl\ en-
larged facilities, the firm thus constituted lasting until the fall of
Tgoi, when ]\Ir. .Vpperson withdrew and Afr. Haxiies l)ecanie ])ro-
])rietor, under whose management the enterprise has since been
known as the Ha\"nes Auto rompan\-. il\' the second \ear the out-
put of the factor}- had increased to tlft_\-fi\e machines, which was
more than doul)led the vear following, during which one Inr.idrel
and ten were made and S(ild, tlfis numher being insufficient to meet
the steatliK' growing demand from nian\- parts of the country. To
supi>l\' this demand the estal)lishment was enlarged from time to
time, new and impro\ed iiuplements .and apjiliances lieing adopteil
with a corresponding increase in the working force, (|uite a nunil)er
of mechanics being emjiloyeil, all selected witli S])ecial reference to
tlieir efi!cienc\' and skill. Two hundred autos were tinaied out the
fourth \ear and from whicli time, until \f)Oj. the annual out])ut
a\-erag'ed two hundred and lift), hut in the latter year the number
wa.s increased to three hundred and fifty, which re])rese:its tlie ])res-
ent capacit\- of the factory.
.\s indicated l)v the above figures the steady growth of the auto-
moliile in(lustr\- made innieratixe a corresiionding increase in the
capacity and manufacturng facilities of the establishment. Accoril-
itigh' additional im])ro\ ements ha\e been niaile from }ear to yeai'
in the w:i\' of buildings .and e(|uipment. the ])lant at this time.
( ii)OS) consisting of tliree large and well constructed buildings,
each forty bv two hunilrel and seventy-five feet in size, .and two
stories high. l)esides a number of additional structures <le\oted to
various uses, the lloor space of the main structure being in excess of
40
eighty thtjusaml square feet. The mimljer oi men emplnved bv the
Cdinpaii}' will average lietweeii fdur hundred and live hundred per
year, the furce consisting nf experienced and thoroughly capable
niechanics. selected with reference tn their specific lines of work,
also many skilled artisans ii>v the departments in which a high order
of technical training" is required. The sum of two hundred thou-
sand dollars represents the annual iiaxroll of the establishment,
and a conservative estimate places the capital in\-ested at three hun-
dred thousand dollars, practicalh' all the stock Ijeing held by resi-
dents of Indiana, the bulk by citizens of Kokonio and Portland, In-
diana. In ]c)oS a great impro\-enient was made in the engine, its
su])eriority being such as to create a widespread demand, to supply
w hich taxes the plant to its utmost capacity. Indeed for some time
past it has been impossible to keep pace with the growing demand
for the Haynes car and alread\- the propriety of an additional en-
largement of the plant is lieing seriouslv considered, the increase of
the btisiness rendering imperati\c stich impro\-enient in the near
future.
Mr. Ha^aies dcies not make racing cars, nevertheless he has
won honors and prizes in not a few im|)ortant contests with the iirch-
nary rnito, and that, too. in comijetition with the leading racers
throughout, the country, all of light weight, but equipped with large
and powerful engines. A reference to the subjoined list of contests
in which a series of jirizes were won an<l a reconl second to that of
no other autouioliile in the world established will afford the reader
some idea of the speed. durabilit\- and high standing of the Havnes
machine, which is r.ot onK- the oldest, but conceded in everv im-
]iortant iiarticular to lie one of the best toda\- on the market.
d"he comi)an\' i<i which he is the head is now entering upon
the fourteenth year in the manufacture of aut^ miodiles, and as al-
read\- indicateil is the oldest establishment of the kind i;in the Amer-
OF HOWAKIi CUUXTV. 4 1
ican cmuinent. 'Iliese finirteen years ha\e l)een spent nut alune in
perfecting the mechanical details of the prudnct. hnt in dili.s^x'nt and
costly search for materials best adapted to each and e\-er\- puint.
In the ciinstructi( ill uf the cars material that has prmen satis-
factLirv. regardless i>f the cost, is nsed. hdndint;' it impussiljle in
some instances to secure steels uf suitable (jualit\' in the npen mar-
ket, the cnmpan}- has been iibliged t< i have some of its steel made
after a special formula, tlevised li}" Mr. Ha_vne>, who is an expert
metaiurgist. ha\ing de\"oted much time to experiment in this partic-
ular branch of lal)orator}- work.
As indicated in a preceding paragraph, the plant is e(|uipped
with special machinery of the most up-to-date patterns, selected and
designed to gi\-e the most minute accurac}' of mechanical detail,
while in the construction of the car e\'ery effort has been made to
combine sturdy endurance with pleasing lines and ser^■iceable luxur_\-
in their appi:iintments. Several styles of cars are manufactured, one
of the most popular and now in almost general use being the run-
about, which has extensive sale and which is continualh' growing in
favor. The other models have also gained wide repute throughout
the ciiuntry, their increasing popularity being attested by a demand
which the comprmy at this juncture linds it impossible to satisfy.
The compan\" has l.iranch iK.iuses in Xew \ i)rk Citw Chicago.
Buffalo. an<l other points, where the machines are handled 1)_\" ca-
pable and far-sighted business men who have built up an extensive
patronage, which, like the demands on the home i)lant, is steadily
growing in magnitude and importance.
As may readily l)e inferred from the foregoing In'ief account of
one of Kokomo's most important and far-reaching industries. Mr.
Haynes is a man of ability and good judgment, wdiose mechanical
skill has won him world-wide recognition, and wdiose enterprising
spirit few ditliculties can discourage, A man of actmi. he is rarely
42 M(JRR()W S IIISTIIKV
mistaken in his judgnient nf men and thini^s. and readi1\' tUresees
futui'c ])i issil)ilities relating;' to liis Ijusiness interests and determines
with a high degree of accnracy their pr(i1)al)1e l>earing. In all
transactiiins he has e\er manifested scrui)ulous integrit}' and gentle-
manly demeani ir, and 1)\' reasnn nf large success, iKJUiiralile repnta-
tii'u. unhleniisheil character and just and liberal life, he has nnhK-
earned the esteem in \\hich he is held. AXdiile gi\'ing personal atten-
tion to his larg'e and growing business enterprise, he discharges the
duties of citizenshiii as becomes a l)road-min<led American of todaw
and is alsii interested in all that is calculated to l:)enefit his com-
munit\- anil promote the welfare of his fellow men.
EVEXT.'^ W"ON BV H.VYNES C.VRS.
1895 — Mrst prize, one humlred and iiftv dollars for l)alanced
motor, awarded by Cbicagc) Times-Herald.
Speed record, Louis\ille, Kentucky.
1897 — Speed record, Charles Ri\er Track. I'.oston, Massachusetts.
1899 — I'^irst one thnusand mile run in -\niei"ica. This \vas .accom-
plished b\' the I'liaetiiU, which ran from Knknnio to
New Ynrk City.
lOOi — Kokomii tc) Xew ^'cirk in se\■ent^■-tbree hours.
I'^irst prize, blue riblmn certificate, I.ong Island endurance
run ; < me humlred miles during hea\-\- niinstorm with-
I lut a single sti <]).
I'irst prize in the Xew Vork-Kochester endurance contest.
I'irst prize certihcate in the Xew \'i]rk-]v ichester endur-
ance cmitest.
First ]>rize. siKer cuii, fi\"e-mile s|)eed contest. l"i irt Tu-ie
track. Buffalo, Xew York.
First prize, siher cup, ten-mile s|)eed contest, Pointe (ir<isse
track, Detroit, ?irichigan.
OF linWAKIi cdlXI^'. 43
Ciold nicilal a\\ar<l, I 'an-Aniei"iraii I'.xpi isitiiiii.
iC)OJ — lilue rihlinii (u- hij^iiest award at the Ij'iiil;- Island nnn'Std])
ClilltCSt.
nine rihhiiii nr highest award at the 1 )eci iratii >ii l)a\ run.
I'irst-class certilicate in Xew \ i irk-lInstdn-Xew ^ > irk reli-
al)iht\- ctintest — standar(l mddel.
First-class certificate in Xew ^ urk-l'n isti in-Xew ^ nrk reli-
al)ilit\- contest — snrre\- nindel.
IQ03 — k'irst-class certificate in Xew ^(ll■k-l 'ittslmr^- rnn — tnuriniL;-
car.
Mrst-class certificate in Xew Vork-I'ittshurg ran — rnnahnut.
1904 — ^First-class certificate in Xew \'(irk--St. Funis run.
(irand ])rize, World's h'air. St. Funis.
1905 — Qualified in the \'anderhilt cn]> race with stock car.
1906 — Qualified in the X'anderliilt cn]> race with stuck car.
In tlie final race, held thini place mi the .\nierican team.
1907 — Silver cup. .\nti>nii ihile Dealers' Association of Southern
Falifornia. VWe mile race for complete touring car-,
Xew \'ork Motor Lluh. Xew ^'l ■rk-Alhany endurance con-
test, two hundred nnles through nnul and rain. SiKcr
cup for mechanical excellence and fim'shing hrst in
its class.
Perfect score in four days, sealed lionnet contest, .Xutouio-
hile Clul> of America, six hundred miles with all work-
ing p.arts iDider seal — finished without a single adjust-
ment.
Perfect score in Chicago ^[(itor ('luh sealed honnet contest —
one hundred ar,<l sevent\-six miles with all wdrking
l)arts under seal.
Perfect score in Chicago Aloicir C'luli sealed honnet contest —
one hnnilre<l and seventy-six miles with all working
])arts under seal.
44
Perfect score in Chicago 3il(itiir Club sealed bonnet contest —
one hundred and sevent}'-six miles with all working
parts under seal.
Perfect sci:)re in run from L(js Angeles to Lakeside — most
strenuous contest over mountainous roads.
Perfect score in the Glidden tnur. The most difficult tour-
ing contest held in America.
Made fastest time of any car in its class, irrespective of price,
in the Algonquin hill climb, Chicago automobile contest.
Perfect score in New Jersey Automobile .Abitor Club's twen-
t}'-four-h()ur endurance ci lutest.
The only perfect score in the Chicago motor score in the
Chicago Motor Club's six hundred-mile reliability con-
test.
1908 — Two perfect scores in the ( ilidden tour of 1908: onlv two
cars entered.
LEM P. RICH.
The family of which the subject of this review is a creditable
representative has been known in Howard county since the pioneer
period and. without invidious comparison, it can with propriety be
said that no r.ther name is better known or more highlv esteemed
in Howard county. Honored and respected by all, there is today
no man in the county who occupies a more enviable position in com-
mercial circles than Levi P. Rich, not alone by the success he has
achieved but also by reason of the commendable and straight-
forward business policy which he has ever pursued and the blame-
less life he has lived. The Rich family has been known in the
(II" IKlWAKIi COL'XTV. 45
I'nited States since the cnlonial days, and I'nr many years it was
closely identitied with the history of Randul])]) ci>unt_\-, Xnrth Cam-
lina, where the subject's ancestors appear U> ha\e settled > in their
arrival from England at a periud antedatin,;:;' \}y a number nf years
the struggle fur indepen<lence. dhcimas 11. Rich, the subject's
father, a nati\e <if the above county and state, migrated t<i Indiana
in 1831 with his jiarents and settled near Carmel. llamiltdU ciunt)'.
where his father, Isaac Rich, purchased land. (le\eliii)ed a farm and
in due time became one of the leading' agriculturists and representa-
tive citizens of his community. After residing there until 1848. he
disposed of his interests and moved to Howard count}-, settling in
Monroe townshij), where he l)ought a quarter section (d' land which
he cleared and otherwise improved and on which he spent the
remainder of his life, dying in 1862, at the age of sixty-four years.
Thomas FI. Rich, son of Isaac and father of Levi !'., was horn in
Randolph county, Xorth Carolina, and in 1831 accompanied bis
parents to Hamilton coiuit\\ Indiana, where he grew to manlio id.
During that time he made the acc|uaintance of Betsy Reacock, of
Grant county, to whom he was later united in marriage. Mrs.
Rich was born in (Inilford county, Xorth Carolina, and in t82().
when thirteen _\e,ars old. was brought to ln<liana 1>\- h-cr parent^,
Asa and Dinah I'eacock, who settled near Richmond, where lhe_\
became ]irominent memliers of the Friends church, with which
religious Ixidy Mr. and ]\Irs. Rich were also members. Mr. I'ea-
cock was a nati\"e of C.eorgia. Imt in an earl_\- day mo\ed to Xorth
Carolina and for a number of \-ears was a well-known resident of
Guilford county, where he married and became the father of sexeral
children. His removal to Inrliana in the early times when roads
were mere traces through the wilderness was an experience fraught
under many difficulties and hardships, not the least of which was
the absence of means of convevance. the older memliers of the
46 morrow's 1II.ST()RV
famiU' l)ein,L;' < ilili,L;'e<l to niake the long ami tiresome journey on foot,
;\lrs. Ricli. then a maiden of thirteen, being one of the number
reduced to this necessity.
After a residence of nine \ears in Hamihon coiint\' fohowing
liis marriage, Tliomas H. l\icli and faniih' moved to Howard
count\-, where his father had jjreceded him 1)\- one ^■ear, and settling
in Monroe townshi]) in due time cleared and de\elo])ed a good farm
about one and one-half miles n( irtheast of Xew London, which at
that time was one of the most thrixing and ])rogressi\e towns in
the nortiiern ]i;irt of the state. He became a leading agricultiu'ist
and prominent citizen, was an actne and nilluential member of the
Friends church and in no small degree liecame a molder of opinion
in the commiinit\- of his residence. Among the man\ impro\-e-
ments on his farm was a fine dwelling erected in the \ear 1SO2,
but after occupxing it about se\en years he rented his farm and
changed hi^ place of residence to Kokonio, where he made his home
from iS(n) until his death in 1S72, at the age of hft}-three years.
He was e\er pnl)lic-spirited. man.ifesting a li\eh' interest in the
cause of religion and education and all enterprises for the general
welfare of the comniunit\- were sure to enlist his sanction .and hearty
co-()]ier;ition. ]\Irs. Rich sur\i\ed her husband twenty-nine years,
departing tbi^ life in Kokonio in her eighty-si.xtb year. She. too,
was a leader .among the l-'riemls. a regular attendant at all meet-
ings for ])ublic worshi]j and rin elder of the church, seldom if
e\er failed to be ijresent at the annual gatherings in which her
\"oice was fre(|uentl\' heard ni earnest and elo(|uent exhortation.
Ibe famih' of this excellent cou])le consisted of 1 mc son and five
daughters whose names in order of birth were as follows: Matilda,
who niarrie<l ( ieorge D. Stalker, a farmer in Iowa, in which state
their res])ecti\e deaths occurred; ]\Iiner\a, who remained with her
mother, ministering to her comfort and otherwise looking after her
Dl- IKIWARI) fOl'NI'N'. 47
interests until the hitter's death, siie il\in.i;- unniarrieil in the _\ear
1907: Elniira. wife nf r)a\ id Ilaisiey, lives at Uuit ( )ak in the
state of Kansas: Le\i I', is the fi)urth nf the faniiK : the next ui
succession lieins^^ neliorah, now Mis. I). R. ri.nin inr. nf \\ estheld.
Indiana; Aiii^eline. the \ nungest of the children, married Uohert
Harrison and lives in the city of KukoniM.
Le\'i F'. Rich was horn Septemlter -'j. 1S4S, on the faniil)-
homestead in Hamilton CMunt\-. Indiana, and when ahout <ine year
old was hniught hy his parents to I h .ward count), within the
geographical limits nf which his snhse(Hient life has been passed.
He was reared under wholes(]me mural inlluences and earl\' was
taught lessons of indnstr\' and frugalit>' and grew to the full statiu'e
of manhood with the pn per conception of the dignity of honest toil
and a full apjireciation of the duties de\(il\iug n])'in him as a mem-
ber of societx' anil citizen of the gdxernment. in which merit and nut
class prix'ilege affords the true test nf success. At the ])ro]ier age
he entered the schools of New London, which at that time enj'iyed
much more than local repute f>ir excellence, and in due time earned
an lionoral)le record as a diligent and exemplars student. I'nder the
auspices of the l-'riends church, which manifested great interest in
matters eflucational. the schonls of the town were extensivelv jiatr.in-
ized b}' the leading families of the large area of territory the ]irinci-
pal l)eing a college graduate and an excellent instructor and his as-
sistants men and women of wide experience in their respective lines
of work. L'nder these fnrtituous circuiustances ynung Rich made
the most of his oppMrtunities and not i>nl\- kept ])ace with his classes
but in some studies went far in advance of his fellow pupils, earn-
ing as already stated an honorable standing in the school as well as
the reputatiMU of a boy of steady habits with the object in view of
eventually becMuiing a good and useful citizen. l~)uriug the spring
anrl summer seasons he assisted his father in the ctiltivation ot the
48 morrow's history
crops, not the least at which were the fifty or sixty acres of broom
corn raised each year, this recjuiriiig much attention while growing
and no little hard labor to cut and prepare for the factory. In this
work Le\-i bore his part, also helped to cut logs which were sawed
into lumber and taken to Xew London to be made into broom
handles. It was while working in a planing mill in June. 1S69,
at that line of industr\' that \iiung Rich met with a painful accident
which maimed him permanenth", nameh'. the loss (.)f an arm, which
luifortunate occurrence changetl his future life.
Shortly after this accident Mr. Rich decided to rent his farm
and move to Kokonio the better to afford his S(_in the ad\antages of
an advanced education, for he readily foresaw that a man \vith but
a single arm could not successfulh- make his wa}- through the world
at mere physical labor. In due time, therefore, the family removed
to the county seat and as soon as it could l)e c unenienth" arranged
Levi was sent to Earlham College, at Richmond, where hv reason
of luisir.ess depression and sickness he was permitted ti piu'sue his
studie-^ onl_\' one }'ear. Returning hi ime in the spring nf 1S72. he
purchasetl his father's Ijroom simp in Ivokomo ami notwithstand-
ing his maimed condition soon Ijecame an expert broi im maker,
turning out a larger numljer of bromns with his (.me arm than s nne
of his workmen could make with two. Me continued thi-; enter-
prise with encotiraging success for a jieriMcl df eight \ears, during
which time he employed from twn to six assistants and built ui) a
large and lucratix'e business, manufacturing for both the local and
general trade. In the spring of 1 87S he \\as nominated \)\ the
Republican part}' for the office of county recorder, and his election
following as a foreg'oiie conclusion, the Democrac\' l)eing in a
minority, he took charge of the office in Xovember of the vear fol-
liiwiiig and discharged the duties of the position in an able and
eminently satisfactrnw manner until the expiration of his term in
1SS3.
(IF IIOWAKli CiirXTV. 49
Mr. Rich possesses clerical ahilitx df a superior order wliicli.
united with his uniform courtesy and kindK- manner, made him not
onl_\' an exceedingly capaljle but also one of the most accomi)lishe(l
and popular public servants that the peojjle of Howard count}' ha\e
ever honored with such an important trust. During the six \e:irs
following his retirement from office he de\oted his attention to real
estate and insurance, liut in 1893 abandoned those lip.es of business
and began dealing in furniture. |)iu"chasing the stock belongir.g to
the M. C. Kitchen estate, which for a num1)er of years was the
largest and most successful establishment of the kind in Kokonio.
Since becoming proprietor of this establishment Air. Rich has added
greath' to his stock, which now comprises full lines of all kinds of
furniture demanded by the general tra<le, and by his uniformly
courteous relations with the jaiblic, as well as liy his superior bu.si-
ness methods, has built up an extensi\e patronage and forged to the
front as one of the most enterprising and successful of the cit\"s
business men. He changed his location in ioo(> from Xo. j ]. S-. nth
Alain street to the southwest corner of the public S(|uare. where he
now has much Iru'ger ar.d more conxenient f|uarters. occupying twn
floors of a large l)rick building- in which is to be found everything
in the furniture line to suit the ordinary or most fastidious taste.
In connection with the furniture 1:)usiness a thoroughly e(iu'pi)e 1
undertaking establishment was maintained for sexeral }e:irs. but
is now conducted bv his son. Kenneth II. Rich, and our subject's
former partner. R. \\". Dimmitt. who command a patronage second
to no other undertaker in the city.
I'rom i8<)i to iS()4 AIi". Rich ser\ed in the cit\- council and
proved a \-aluable memlier. being chairman of the building com-
mittee during his incumbency, ami for two }-ears during the regime
of Afavor Thorne served as presiding officer of that body during
the alisence of the luavor. As chainuan of the buiMing committee
4
he was largely instrumental in l)ringing about the erection of the
present l)eautiful and imposing' cit_\' hall, taking- an actixe i)art in
preparing plans and sjjecificatinns. in the adoptimi nf which his
ideas and intluence finall}' i)re\ailed. This edifice, which cust the
sum nf fi)rty thousand dollars, is an ornament to the city, a credit
to the promoters and e\'er\thing considered is one of the finest
structures that cijuld possihh- Ije erected for the amount expendetl
in its Construction. Mr. Rich was also instrumental in [jronioting
other w'llualile municiprd legislation and whde coun.cilman ne\er let
an opportunit^■ f i. r lier.efiting the cit\- pass unimpro\ed. and to him
as much perhaps as to an\' other member is due the credit of
encouraging industries that tend to the material advancement of the
community, besides taking an acti\-e interest in all enterprises and
measures ha\"ing for their object the intellectual, social an<l moral
welfare of his felli:>w citizens.
On December 30th. of the \'ear 1S73. occurred the marriage of
yiv. Rich and S. Josie Heston, a native of \\'abash and for a num-
ber of ^ears one oi the accomplished and pi;pular teachers of that
count}', a uinon blessed with the birth of three sons, of whom
Kenn.eth Hestim, one of the rising }'oung liusiness men of Kokonio.
is at the present time a niemljer of the firm c>f Rich & Dimmitt,
undertakers; he is a married man. his wife having furmerh' been
( irace .Morgan, of Kokunio, a lad\' well known and greatly esteemed
in the best social circles of the city. Cecil A., the third in order of
birth, who is oiierator and bookkeeper nt the Indiana Natural Gas
and Oil Oompanv of Kokomo. is a voung man of excellent social
and business standing, enio^■ing the cimfidence of his emplovers and
the high regard of all with whom he mingles. The first bc)ni,
I'lildie. ilied at the age cif foiu' and a half years.
.Mr. Rich has been an enthusiastic Odd Fellow for thirty years,
haxing been honored with the imixirtant official positions in the
(.)F llOW'AKI) CHLWTV. 5 I
local liulg'e to which he helnngs, besides representing- ii frnm time
to time in the (irand Tjulge nf the state. He is also identilieil with
the Ben-Hur lodge, and hesides ser\ing as the first chief of the
org'anization in Kokonio has been nntiring in his ettOrts to [jroniote
the growth an<l make it meet the pnrpo^es for which designed. .V
birthright member of the l-"riends chnrch, he has long been an
influential factor in the canse of religion an<l morality in Howard
count}-, l)eing- a lea<ler in the Kokomo congregation, an acti\e mem-
ber and worker in the Sunday school and for many years suiier-
intendent of the same, also a teacher of much more than ordinary
ability and experience, -\ firm l>elie\er in the truths of re\ealed
religion he has de\'oted }ears of close and critical study to rhe
Holy Scriptures, and is regarded as one of the most scholarl\- and
erudite Bible students as well as one of the ablest and most thorough
expositors of the Sacred A\'ord in this part of the countr\-. His
deep ar.d abiding interest in matters religious has led him ti > attend
many of the \-earlv meetings of his church, besides representing as
a delegate his own and the Sunda}' schools of the cit}- in the county
and state Sunda\' school associations, in the (lelil)erations of which
bodies his opinions always carry weight and comniand respect. As
a Sunda}- school superintendent he long ago set a commend;d)le
example In- alwa}-s being on time, and during his pi'otracted period
of serA-ice in this imi)ortant office he has \et the hrst time to be
tard}-. His life has been a strenuous one, replete with duty ably
and faithfull}- performed, and ha\ing e\er labored for the l)est
interests of the pul)lic and for his fellow men, it is a s<nu"ce of satis-
faction to realize that the future awaits him with almndant rewards.
52 MORROW S HISTORY
WILLIAM [ AMLSOX BARXES.
A correct biog"raph\' nf this xeiierable citizen will show perhaps
as much \ariety ot cliaracter and e\-ent as generally falls t'j the lot
of line man. In earlv life a merchant's apprentice, then successively
a farmer, teacher, mechanic, merchant, politician, public official,
real estate dealer, grain bu^er. timlier and lumber dealer, journalist,
in all iif which his success was marked, while his influence as an
energetic, progressive man of affairs made him a leader among the
peiiple I if the various communities in which he resided.
William Wilson Barnes is a natixe iif Connecticut, burn in the
ol<l historic dainty of Fairfield on the 12th day of Xo\"ember. 1819.
His family has been represented in America since the colonial
period, his grandfather, Stephen Barnes, an Englishman hx birth,
emigrating to this country- prior tij the war of the RevolutidU, and
settling' in Connecticut, where he secured a large and valuable
estate and became one of the leading men of the communit}- in
which he li\-ed.
Although a native of Creat Britain. Stephen Barnes espoused
the cause of the colonists at the breaking out of the war of the
Revolution and during the greater part of that struggle served as
commissary in the army of General W'ashingtiin. At the close iif
the war he retired to his estate and. as already indicated, became a
man nf considerable local prominence, as well as one of the largest
land iiwners of the comity in which he resided. He was married
in his native land, but se\'eral of his children were born after he
came to this country, among the number being a son by the name
of William, the father of the subject of this sketch. After the
death of Stephen Barnes his estate passed into the hands of his
descendants, by whom it was held for many years and on which
several generations of the familv were born and reared. William
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 53
Barnes first saw the light of <la\' nii this ancestral hnniesteail and
spent liis entire life i^n the same as an enterprising and snccessful
tiller (if the soil. In his }'oung manlKjod he married Snsanna
Fowler and in due time liecame the father of five children, two suns
and three daughters, of whom William \\'., of this re\'iew, is the
sole survivor. Like his father and grandfather before him Wil-
liam Wilson Barnes was hrnni on the ancestral estate in Faiilield
county and spent thirteen years of his life under the parental roof,
assisting" with the work of the farm and attending the schools of
the neighborhood in the meantime. Mr. Barnes recently acci-
dentalh' discovered the whereabouts of the teacher from whom he
was taught his letters when a child. She is still living at the
advanced ag'e of ninety-nine }-ears in Connecticut, and .Mr.
Barnes has been in correspondence with her for about a year.
In his fourteenth year he was taken from school and put in a
store to learn the mercantile business, at which he served an
apprenticeship of four years witlniut an}- compensation whatever,
the knowdedge derived during the period indicated being cimsidered
equivalent to the services rendered. The day on which his appren-
ticeship e.xpired young Barnes deliberately walked out of the store
and immediately thereafter went to northern Xew \ nrk. where
during the ensuing six months he lived with an uncle who paid him
twentv di^llars a month for hi^; services as a farm hand, this being
the first monev he ever earned. With the proceeds of his labor,
which he had saved with great care, ]\Ir. Barnes, then Init eighteen
vears of age. started for the great \\'est. going by canal to Buffalo,
thence by lake to Cleveland, where he expected to secure employ-
ment. Finding nothing to do in that city he continued his journey
on foot to Columbus, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles,
making thirty miles per day on this part of his trip. Meeting with
no success at the latter place he started on foot for Cincinnati, and
54 MORROW S HISTORY
after another trip of one hnndred and fifty miles arrived at his
destination only to meet with the same discouragement that he had
previously experienced. After spending- ten days in a fruitless
quest for empl(i\nient he left the cit}'. and gi)ing- abnut sixty miles
to Highkuul cuuntv. passed the required examination fur a teacher's
license and tudk charge uf a countr}- sclnml which ere the close of
the third UKjiith had an a\erage attendance (if ninet\--fi>ur pupils.
Although hut indih'erentlv prepared fur this line uf work, Mr.
Barnes succeeded admirablv with his schuul and earned the reputa-
tion of a callable instructi.ir and strict disciplinarian. At the cluse
of his term he purchased a kit uf toi ds and engag-ed in blacksmithing
at the town uf Centerheld. a trade in which he had had no previous
experience whate\er but in which he met with fair success by reason
(if his natural mechanical skill and fur the further reason of never
gi\ing up amthing he undertuuk tu du. Tu assist him in the shup.
he hired a first-class mechanic w hu taught him to shoe horses and
du \ariuus other kinds uf work, and during the two vears the estab-
lishment was in uperatiun he succeeded quite well rtnanciallv. piu'-
chasing a good pn ipert}- in the tuwn and accumulating a cunsider-
able sum of readv nii ine\-.
Seeing as he thuught a fa\'orable opening for the guods busi-
ness at Centerfield, ^Ir. Barnes borrowed the sum of three thousand
dullars, which, with fifteen hundred dollars uf his own. he in\'ested
in groceries and general merchandise and in due time was in the
eniu\-ment uf a \"en- liberal patronage. He liuught his first stuck
in Cincinnati, liut subse(|uentlv went tu Philadelphia, where he
found he could du much lietter. especially in the matter of dry
guods. which he purchased fifteen per cent, cheaper than in the
furmer city and had them shipped by canal to within twenty-five
miles of his place, hauling the latter distance b\' team. His sticcess
was such that within Uve vears after emliarking in liusiness he.was
OF TIOWARl) C()r\T\'.
tree fnnii iiiileljtedness ami had (nie ni the largest niercamile csial)-
lishiiients in Centertield, in addition ti > which he als. i hnUL^lit and
Sdld land i in (|nite an extensive scale, in this \\a\- in(ire than dunlilin^L;'
the capital invested.
Air. Barnes early l)ecame interested in pulitics and shurth after
liicating' in Highland cnuntN' was recognized as one nf the leaders
of the Whig part\' in Centertield. In recognitinn df his services
to the part\" as well as li\- reason nt hi> htness for the ])iisiiiiin he
was appuintctl [x istniaster uf his t^wn b\' President Taxlnr and
filled the office fur a ])eri(id of se\ en years, discharging his dnties
in an ahle and painstaking manner and pro\ ing a satisfactory and
popnlar pnhlic ser\ant.
In the \ear 1S4O when Howard conntw Indiana, was surxexed
and the land pnt npon the market. ?\lr. I'larnes with his two lirotliers-
in-law made a tour of ohserx'ation through the new coiintr\- with
the cihiect in \iew of purchasing land. The partx' dro\e through to
Anilerson, thence through an almost imiiassalile wilderness to
Kokomo. at that time a hackw Is \illage of less than a thousand
souls, and from the latter place \isited \arious parts of the conntw
looking for faxorahle locations. lieing pleased with the prosjject.
he ])in'chased eig"lit\' acres in what is now llowai-d township at fue
dollars per acre and later added to this from time to time until his
holdings in this connt\' amounted !o o\er six hundred .acres, much
of which he afterwards disposed of at handsome ])roiits. About
the year 18515 he bought for two Inmdred and lifty dollars :i kt on
the ])nl)Iic s(|uare in Kokonio, which he sub^-ecplelnl\^ sold im- li\e
hundred (killars, and the original eight}' for which he paid the sum
of four hundred dollars was sold within a short time for one
thousand dollars in excess of the pm-chase ])rice. .Meantime he
continued to reside in Ohio, where he made his home niuil 1X04,
when he traded his store at I'enterfield for three hundred and -ixtv
56 morrow's history
acres uf Iowa land and a liljeral sum in mune}-. This, like his other
transactions redi.iunded greatly to his financial adwantage. He
also dealt quite extensiveK' in Illinois lands, purchasing several
tracts in the ci junt}- (if Saline, which he traded for a hotel and grist-
mill, the latter of which he operated for several vears with most
gratifymg- success, in addition tn which he also hought and shipped
a large amount of grain, continuing both enterprises until embar-
rassed l)_v a panic, which caused him a hea\'v luss, althnugh he went
right al: mg with his business without letting his finaricial condition
CDme to the knuwledge of the public. By filling a large contract
fur tldur he nljtained sufficient cash tn relie\'e his embarrassment,
soon after w hich he disp(jsed oi his business antl the greater part (if
his real estate and in 1864 came to Howard county for the purpose
of engaging in the timljer and lumber business, purchasing in the
spring- of 1863 a saw-mill which he located in Howard township,
w here during the ensuing five or six }'ears he manufactured a large
amount of the finer grades of lumber, which he sold at handsome
prices. He also dealt in all kinds of building material, which he
manufactured and marketed in Kokomo, and while thus engaged
continued t() trade in real estate in Howard count v and elsewhere
and seldom, if ever, failed to realize handsomely bv his transactions.
In additiiin to his lumber and other interests he cleared and reduced
to cultivation a farm of two hundred and se\-entv-fi\e acres which
he purchased originally for one tlKiusand dollars, but which he sold
after an occupauc}- of forty }'ears for the sum of one hundred dol-
lars per acre, besides buying and improving other land in the
^•ici^it}• and contributing much t(i the material advancement and
prosperity of the county in various ways.
Mr. Barnes was an active and influential worker in establishing
the Patrons of Husbandr}- or (Irange mo\'ement tluxaighout How-
ard count}", and when the store under the auspices of the organiza-
OF IIUWAKL) COL'NTV. 57
tion was started in Kukuiiio in ]''^7,i he was placed in cliar.L;e lif the
same, and the hrst }ear (Hd a l)usiness amounting tn cnnsiderahl_\'
in excess of sixty thousand ddllars. A puljlic-spirited man in all
the term implies, he kept in close touch with the trend of tlinuglit
and exents and for a nuniljer of \ears wielded a strong intluence
for the Republican partv. of which he hecame an earnest and lo\'al
supporter when it came into existence and to which he continued
his allegiance until 1876. when he se\'ered his connection therewith
and accepted the principles of the Democratic party. In partner-
ship with a friend, he established a political sheet under the name
of The Detnocratic Protest, which he published during the campaign
of T904 and also edited the organ of The fatmns of Ihisbandry
while acting as agent for that organization, di>playing marked
aptitude as a newspaper man and considerable abilit}' as a clear,
forcible and pungent writer, whose editorials on the leading pnljlic
questions and political issues of the day gained for him much more
than li>cal repute.
Air. Barnes has been married twice, the hrst time in Plighland
county, Ohio, to Eliza J. Littler, who bore him three sons, two of
whom are living. She departed this hfe in 1890. after a long,
mutually happy and prosperous domestic experience. John \\ .
Barnes, one of the ottsprings of this union, is one of the best known
and most highly esteemed citizens of Howard county and a man
of intluence in public afTairs, both localh- and throughout the state.
He served fourteen years as superintendent of the public schools of
the countv and for six years was editor and proprietor of The Rich-
nioml Item, during which time he became as widely and favorably
known as an able journalist as he had previously been known as
an educator. Returning to Kokomo in 1903. he took charge of
The Alhambra, which he still manages and now stands in the front
rank of the city's enterprising, representative men.
58 .MdKRIIw's IlISTOKV
Tlie suljject's second mrirriati'e was solemnized in December,
i8()3, with Minnie Jnstice. a nati\-e of Ohio and a lady nf sterling
^Aorth and high social standing whose coin'tes\" and kindness have
become pro\-erbial, and whose numerous acts of charity and Iter.evo-
lence ha\'e endeared her to a large circle of friends and acqtiaint-
ances.
Air. Barnes uniteil with the Independent (Jrder of Odd Fellows
a number of \-ears ago in the state of Ohio and is still identitied
with the organization, thijugh r.ot as acti\e in its W(^rks as formerly.
.Mtliough a member oi no church, he has great respect for religion
and inclines to the beautiful and consistent faith of Uni\ersalism.
He has alwavs given his aid and influence to enterprises for
the public good, and since liecoming a resident of Kokomo has
contributed largeh- to the material ad\-ancement of the city and to
the social and moral welfare to rei)letion with good to his fellow-
men, and n(.iw at an athanced age of eight}-eight }'ears he still
retains to a marked degree his jihysical and mental powers, being
as keen and alert as in the days of his prime, and keeping abreast
of the times in all matters in which the pnlilic is interested. He
has been a close ol)ser\er as well as an acti\e participant in the
World (if affairs, has made his influence felt where\-er his lot has
been cast and in many respects has Ijeen a leader of thought and
moulder <if opinion among his fellow men. In his beautiful and
Commodious home on the corner of Jackson and Kenr.ed}" streets
in the citv of Ki ikomo, be is s])eniling the e\'ening of a long and
useful life surrounded b\' a host of friends whose ardent wish is
that Ins <la\"s on earth mav ^'et be man_\' ruid that bis jiresence may
long continue to Ije a lilessing to the wurld and an incenti\-e to those
\vhose careers are matters for the futiu'e to determine.
)[■ injWAKl) (.-OL'XTV.
RICHARD RL"L)UELL.
The life nf the eiiiineiU and succt-'ssful hu^-iness man. tlmnL;!]
filled tti repletiiin with acti\it\- and incident, presents fewer sahent
features tn excite the interest nf the general reader than the man
whose place in the i)ul>lic eye has heen wi in thrdU.gii the i^ianinur
and display of militar_\" achie\'ement. I'.iit l<i ac(|uire distinction i ir
g^reat prosperity in the Inisiness pursuits which ,i;'i\e ti i the cnnntrx'
its financial stren,<;th and credit retpn'res ahility nf as hi,iL;h if not
hig'her order than that which leads to victory on the field of l)attle.
This will l.)e readily appreciated 1)_\" all who tread the hus}' thorough-
fare of trade. ( )rdinarily. merit ma}- attain a respectal:)le jjosition
and enjm- a moderate competence, hut to spring from the common
walks of life to the first place of monetary credit and i)ower can
only be the fortune of a rarel\- gifted personage. Eminent business
talent is composed of a combination of high mental an<l moral
attributes. It is not simph' energ\- and industry: there must be
sound judgment, breadth of capacit}'. rapidity of thought, justice
and firmness, the foresight to percei\e the course of the ilrifting
tides of business and the will and abilit\' to c<introl them. .and.
withal, a collection of nfinor but important (|ualities to regulate the
details of the pm-suits which engage attention. The subject of this
re\-iew alTords an exemplification of this talent, if not in its higiiest
development, ^■et an extraordinar\- character, and notwithstanding
the limited theater of his operations he ha> .achieved a repiutation
which places him among the first of Indiana's eminent financiers
and distinguished business men.
Richard Ruddell. president of the Citizens' National l!;ink of
Kokonio. was born in Rush county. Indiana, on the thirty-first day
of August. 1N30. of respectable parents whose fortune. howe\er.
did not admit of their starting their son in life with those ad\an-
Oo morrow's history
tages which, to a certain extent, supersede the necessity of reiving
upon one's own exertions. His father. George Ruddell, was a
dealer in live stock and fairly successful in his business dealings,
th(.)Ught li_\- no means wealthy in the sense the term is usually
accepted. When Richard was a year old his parents removed t()
^\'abash. Indiana, where the father engaged in business and in the
schools of which place the son obtained the knowledge of books
which, supplemented by contact with the world, has made him a
widely informed and practically a well educated man. On quitting
his studies young Rudtlell worked for some time at \-arious kinds
of employment and then accepted a clerkship with a W'aliash mer-
cantile firm, in which capacity he continued during the ensuing six
years, w hen he resigned his position to engage in the boot and shoe
trade in that city. His pre\-ious experience as a salesman enabled
him to bring to his business a well disciplined mind, with the result
that his mercantile venture proved successful from the beginning,
and it \\"as not long until he added dr}- goods to his stock and built
up a lucrati\-e patronage which in due time made him one of the
most enterprising merchants of the city. After conducting a very
prosperous business in Wabash until 1882. he disposed of his inter-
ests there, and purchasing the old and welld^nown dry goods estab-
lishment of Ilaskett & Company in Kokumo, the largest and most
successful mercantile house in the cit}". embarked upon a business
which at unce placed him among the foremost merchants of the
place, and which under his successful management grew in magni-
tude and impijrtance until the house more than regained its former
ascendanc}- as one of the leading dry goods stores in the northern
part of the state. Increasing the stock by the addition of full and
complete lines of general merchandise, he soon built up a trade
which auKiunted to one hundred thousand dollars annually, this
\-olume of Inisiness being easily maintained during the six years he
I)l'' IKlW AKli l,l UN I \ . 61
remained at the head i)f the estahhshnient, as A\'as ah^o its reputation
for fair and honorable deahny. At the expiratinn nf the peril id
indicated, ^Ir. Ruddell decided tn turn his attentinn tn annllier hne
iif eiiterjrrise ; accurdini^ly, in i8Si). he retired frdiii the niereantde
business ami on October 8th ni that year uri^anized the ('itizens'
National ISank of Kokonio, wliich. like his ])re\ious enterprises,
has fnlh" justihed his expectations h\' becoming' one of the leadinti'
institutii.ins of the kind in this part of the state, iloin^' a lars,;e rnul
steadily increasiti^' business and iJrowins:;' constanth' in public favor.
As presiilent of this institution he has displa\ed executi\e abilitv
oi a higii order, besides a faniiliarit\- with nionetar\' matters \\hich
has made him an authority on banking and won for him a con-
spicuous place among' the representative financiers of the state. In
addition to the lines of business enumerated. Mr. Ruddell has also
been cpiite actixe in ])romoting the materi.al growth of Kokonio. .and
to this end has become interested in warious industrial enterprises
which ha\'e ad<led greatly to the city's high standing as an im-
portant munufactm'nig and 1)tisiness center, -\mong the enter])rises
witli whicli he is identiiied and for the growth of which he lias con-
tributed liberalh' of his means and influence are the Kokonio .Steel
and Wire Conii)any, the Kokomo Xail and llrad I'omjianw the
'ilobe Stox'e Compan\- and others of lesser note, being a hea\w
stockhokler in se\eral of these concerns and ofhcialh' connected
with their management. As a business man fully in touch with
the progress of the times. Mr. Ruddell easily stands in the fnmt
rank among his compeers in the state of Indian.i. being broad-
minded and liberal in his relations with the iniblic and possessing a
genius for large and import.ant undertakings. His judgment has
ever been sound and seldom at fault, his foresight clear and
accurate, these qualities, with shrewd tact and well developed com-
mon sense, enabling him to achiex^e a series of continued successes
such as few in a much hniger Hfe attain. Althnugh in his tifty-
eiglith year, he still retains tn a marked degree the p(issessi(jn of
his physical powers, while his mental faculties are as strong and
\'igi)rous as the_\- were at the heginnir.g of his career. His pri\-ate
life has lieen marked by honor, integrit\' and a strong sense of
justice, which ha\e \von for him the confidence and esteem of all
who come within the range of his influence. Independent in his
l)olitical \-iews, he has e\-er axoided. rather than sought, the arena
of political conflict, though al\\'a\s rea(h" to assume an\- burden his
friends might deem it expedient for bun to liear. With an abiding
interest in the welfare iif his fellow men, he has been active in
promoting the general good, and for a period of nine years was a
memlier of the cit\- school board, ser\ing as secretary-treasurer and
presi<lent of the board three terms each.
Mr. Ruddell has a beautiful and palatial bi.ime, one rif the hnest
and most attracti\e in the cit^'. the presiding spirit of which is the
gentle and refined lach- who so worthih- bears his name and to
whom he was united in marriage in June, 1S7S. Mrs. I>l.utldell
l)efore her marriage was Rose AicLain, the daughter of fudge
AIcRain, of Wabash, in which cit\' she spent her girlhood and
receixed her educational training. She has borne her husband
three children, the oldest of whom, a daughter b}- the name of
Ruth, is the wife of J. C. I'atton; l\aymond. the second in or<ler of
l)irth. is manager of the Kokomo Xail and Drad Com|)an\'. and
f^'red. the \-oungest menilier of the familw holds a ])osition in the
bank. Airs. Ruddell. who is a lad\" of man\- admirable ([ualities.
mo\es in the best social circles of Kokomo and is also interested in
various lines of educational and Ijenexolent work, being a member
of the Orphan Home Society.
The Citizens' Xational Bank, of which Mr. Rud<lell is presi-
<lent and chief stockholder, was <5rganized October 8. 18S1). with a
OF HOW AKIi ((irxi^'. 63
capital lit line liundrcil thinisaiiil dullars, whicli was increascil tu
t\\"i> luiuilreil thiiusaiKl il<illars in Decemlier nf kjOJ. The hank
has iiK't with encouraging- success anil, as stated in a preceding
pafagraph, its stead}- s^rowth in piihlic faxur. manai^ed as it is hy
safe and conservatixe business men. is indicative of its solidit\- and
popularity heiny at this time one of the best known mstitutions of
the kind in tlie northern jiart of the state. Tliere are now on
deposit about or.e million one hundred thousand dollars, with si.\t\'
thonsand dollars sinplus. The onuinal incorporators were Richard
Ruddell. Jacob R. Bruner. ( ieoroe W. I. an. Ion. J. C. I'.lackhd-e
and (.thers, the hrst named beint;" elected president, which respon-
sible ijosition he has since hlled to the satisfaction of all concerned.
The others officials at this time are (1. \\ . Landon. \ice ]>resident:
Frank McCarthx'. cashier: R. V. Scherer. assistant cashier.
W II.l.lAAF L. I'.EXSOX.
It is one of the beauties of our <;o\ernnient that it acknowledoes
no hereditarx- rank or title — no patent of nobilit} sa\e th.at of
nature's. lea\ing' e\er\- man to establish his own rank b\ becomiuii'
the artificer of his (j\vn fortune. Places of honor and trust rank
and preferment thus hapijih' placed before exerv indi\'idual. hi,iL;h or
low. rich or poor, to be striven for \)\' all, hut earned alone by per-
severance and sterling- worth, are most alwavs sure to be filled with
deser\-ing- men. or at least In- tho^e possessing the energ\- and talent
essential to success in contests where ])ul)lic ])osition is the prize.
William L. lienson, the subject of this rexiew. affords a conspicuous
exami)Ie of the successful self-made An-ierican who is not only
eminently deserxing of the confidence rei)osetl in him by his fellow-
64 .MdRKUW's HISTORY
citizens, but also possesses the necessar\' enei'g\- and talent that fit
him tij discharg'e Avnrthily the duties nf the responsible place with
which he has been honored b_\' the people of his count^■. A man (jf
vigorous mentality and strong moral fil:>er. he achieved signal suc-
cess in a calling in which l)ut tew rise al)o\e mediocritv. and since
entering the service <if the jmldic he finds those same (lualities the
chief factors in the car\ing out of a career that has been above the
suspicion of reproach and an honor tfi the count\' which he so ably
and acceptably serves.
sir. Benson's paternal ancestors were English and Welsh, and
the first representati\"es of his famih- to ccmie to the I'nited States
were his grandparents, Robert and INIarv E. Benson, having moved
in an early day to North Carolina, where thev lived fi^r siime time
after emigration from England.
Jesse L. Benson, son of the above and father of William L.,
was born near Raleigh, Xorth Carolina, April i. 1810, and when a
\oung r.ian married in Cincinnati, Ohio, Deborah Z. Coles wh<.ise
birth occurred in Se]iteml)er of the same year ( 1810) at Reading,
I'ennsvhania. He came west se\eral years prior to his marriage
and about 1N33 settled at Rockville, I'ark county, Indiana, then
m(i\-ed to Thorntown. Boone county, when there were only two
houses in that now pr<isperous citw He was the first merchant at
Thorntown, where he conducted a thriving business until t86i,
when he mined tii \\ estfield. in the Ciiunt^' of Hamilton, where his
brother, Julius L., had located some }'ears previously to practice
medicine. ]\lr. Benson had alread\' prepared himself for the med-
ical profession ]iv a course in the ( )hii3 ]\Iedical College at Cincin-
nati, and immediatelv after mo^■ing to W estfield he became asso-
ciated with his larother and during the ensuing year and a half the
two built up a large and lucrative professional business and achie\-ed
more than lineal repute as successful physicians. At the expiration
oi- iidWAKi) r(]rxrv. 65
uf llie time indicateil Mr. I'lcnsnn cli;int;X'il his place nf resu.leiu'e in
the t<i\\ii of Atlanta. Itainiltiin eMunt\-, where he practiced aluiui
line \eir and then nii i\-ed tu W indfall in iSd^, and in a few ninnths
afterward he renn i\ ed tu the tnwn •>( Jerome. Howard cotinty.
After a ^iiccessful practice of fne \ears at that place he mo\ ed to
\\ anpecong. thence snhse(|nently to Miamitown. w hei'e he con-
tinued to reside until 1870. when he returned to Jerome, where his
death occurred three \ears later. His widow sur\i\ed ahoiit eleven
\ears. departing this life in Kokoiiio on the twentx -first day of
March. tSSi.
Jesse L. and Dehorah Z. llenson were the parents of nine chil-
dren, of whom hut three sur\i\c. llenrx C".. the oldest, li\es at
Haoerstdwn. Indiana; -Vlhert. the third in order of hirth and a
soldier in the Civil war. <lied in I'olliersville. Tennessee: Charles
v.. the fifth in order of birth, also ser\ed during the Ixebellinn.
was captured at the battle nf I'ranklin. Tennessee, and held a
prisoner in Alabama until jjaroled. when he started northward
aboard the ill-fated lioat Sultan and was severely injure 1 by the
blowing up of the vessel on the Mississii)pi river in April. iS(i3,
being violcnth' thrown from the deck into the water, where he
iloated seven miles before being rescueil. In addition to this acci-
dent he was three times wounded in as man\ battle-- and never
recovered from the effects of his injurie-. being in a sanitarium
near Richmond. Indiana, for the ])ast twenty years. Treston. the
sixth son, died when a young man: ITigene. the >e\enth. a s 'Idler
during the Rebellion and for a number of years .a harnes- maker in
Kokom.i. died in that city October j(). njo^, Alary Kmily iu,arried
Dr. Demitig. of Lafayette, and died at the early age nf twenty
rears: Heiua'ette. the f< mrth child, wife of F. Al. Hill, of Tipton,
died when about tifty-five >ears old: CAirrie. the youngest daughter,
was twice marrieil and died in earlv life.
66 morrow's history
\\'illiam L. Benson, the youngest i.if the family, was born
February 2, 1852, in Boone count}-, Indiana, and spent his early
life at the various places where his father practiced medicine, attend-
ing school the meanwhile and making rapid progress in his studies.
At the age of twenty he entered upon the Imig and eminently
honorable career as a teacher over a period uf twentv-eig'ht Ncars,
during which time he achieved marked success in his chosen calling
and earned the reputation of one of the ablest and most progressive
educators in the ciaint}' of Howard, t'l which his lal)i)rs were con-
fined. He taught his first school in L'nion tnwnship and after-
wards in the township of Liberty, Clay and Center townships,
remaining six years in one district, five in another, four in another,
and in the other places from one to two years each, his repeated re-
tention in the same school bearing ample testimony to his efficiency
and popularit}' as an instructor.
In his educatiiinal work ^Ir. Benson stro\'e to produce s\ni-
metrically developed minds and to this end did not. as so manv do,
neg-lect the child's mural nature, his aim being to fit his pupils for
usefulness and to l3eci_-)me good and praiseworthy citizens. He
also impressed upon the minds of not a few the necessity- of entering
the teacher's profession, and during his twenty-eight years of ser-
vice he turne<l riut a large number of well prepared teachers, per-
haps more than any other educator in the northern part of the
state. r\Iany of his former pupils are now filling positions of
In im >r and trust in various spheres of endeavor, while others not
SI) swell known ha\-e become useful members of societv hv putting
into practice the man}- excellent principles and precepts imparted
to them under his instruction. Among thi:ise who formerly profited
I)y his discipline may he mentioned Professor W'illiani E. Henn,-,
ex-state librarian, now librarian of the University of \\'ashington,
in the city of Seattle, and others who have attained to places of
OF HOWARD COl'XTV. 67
mure than ordinary importance in the wnrld of affairs. It fre-
qiientl}' fell to Mr. Benson to assist the county superintendent, and
in this \\a}" he Ijecame \\idel_\- known aniMno- the teachers of the
county, by all of whom he was held in very high esteem and con-
sidered an authorit}- on scIk" il management and educational
methods. At the close of lu's school in the spring of 1898 he was
appointed deput}' count}' auditor bv ]\Iilton (iarrigus, and at the
expiration of that gentleman's term he served in a similar capacity
un<ler A. R. Ellis, continuing with the latter until he too left the
office on Januarv i, 1905. ^Meantime in 1904 he was nominated
as the most available candidate for auditor and in the election of
that }'ear defeated his Democratic competitor by a decisive majority
and entered upon the duties of the position with a previous experi-
ence that made him familiar with its e\erv detail.
]\Ir. Benson's public record is without a stain and he dis-
charges the functions of the office with the same care and cmi-
sciencioits regard for the interests in his charge that characterized
his school work and gained for him the confidence of his pupils and
patrons. During his incumbencv, the duties of the auditiTr have
greatl}' increased owing to the large nitmber of free gravel roads
constructed throughout the county, these alone entailing so much
additional work that at times the sendees of an extra deputy are
required, two Ijeing continuously empkiyed.
Mr. F5enson, although reared a Democrat, is a Republican in
all the term implies. Ijut not a narrow partisan. He has seiwed as
delegate to various county, district and state conventions and made
his influence felt in these bodies as well as in the councils of his
party and in the plaiuiing and conducting campaigns. He has been
identified with the Independent Order of Oild Fellows since 1890.
having passed all the chairs in the local lodge and Encampment,
besides representing butb branches of the order in the Grand Lod.ge
of the state.
68 morrow's history
Mr. Benson's dijmestic life <lates from 1S73, '"^ December 30th
of which )ear was sijlemnized his marriage with Ahce I. Jackson,
who (heil Januar_\- 25. 1873. leax-ing one son. Lewis, in the city of
"roledo. The suljject's second marriage took place on the 14th of
June. iSjb. when Sarah E., daughter of William and iNIary Hat-
held. Ijecame his wife, this union being' blessed with three oltsprings,
namely: Lawrence. Ij irn September 4. 1877. his father's deputy;
Clarence Alonrue. bcirn July 23. 1886. also holds a position in the
auditor's office as assistant de])ut\-. and \'era. who died at the early
age of one }'ear.
At one time ]Mr. Benson seriously considered making medicine
his life work, and began a cijiu'se of professional study under the
direction of his father, liut the calling not being altogether to his
taste he finally decided tii abandon it for the mcjre agreeable work
of the school room. Had he continued the preparation, howeyer.
he doubtless would ha\"e succeeded, as success has attended his e\-ery
endeayor ; but he has no regrets for his course, for as matters haye
turned out there are today hundreds of strong men and womanly
wduien who attribute to him their adyancement in life and their
usefulness as honoral)le memliers of societ^•. He has alwa\-s been
a busy man, his duties being many and yaried, in consequence of
which he finds little time for vacations, spending' the entire year in
looking after his office and such matters as come within his pro\'-
ince. ^Ir. Benson is one of Howard county's most intelligent and
enterprising citizens, and the conspicuous place to which he has
attained in the esteem and confidence of the public has been fairly
and honorably earned. He numbers his friends by the score wher-
e\-er known, and the hope is universally and emphatically expressed
that his life and health may be presen-ed and the public permitted
for many years to enjoy the benefit of his presence in still higher
stati(.ins than the one he now adorns.
(IF IKIW'AKI) COUNTY. 69
MARTIX W. laKliXUERRV.
Praise is ah\a}'s due tn merit and especially where merit is
the pniduct of unassisted energ}- and perseverance. The self-made
man commands our highest respect. Those struggles In- means of
which he has risen from obscurit}- to lionoraljle distinction cannot
fail to enlist s)-mpathy and call forth our warmest applause. The
subject of this review is a notable example of the successful self-
made man, and as such has made his iiilluence felt among his fellow
citizens b}' rising to one of the most important positions within their
power to confer, being at the present time the capable and popular
clerk of the Howard county circuit court, in which office he has
displayed abilit}- of a high order ruid full\' met the hig'h expectations
of his friends and the general public.
Martin W. Eikenberry springs fr(.)m a large family which had
its origin in Germanv. Init whose representatives are now scattered
over a large portion of the United States, being" especially numerous
in the northern part of Indiana, quite a number residing in Howard
county. The name is an old and honorable one and where\er
known stands for upright manhood and sterling citizenship. Those
bearing- it ha\-e e\-er been jealous of the family honor, and tracing
the genealogy back through a long line of sturdy ancestors but few,
if any. instances can be discovered in which that honor has been
sullied or its luster tarnished 1)\- the commission of unworth\- acts.
The subject of this re\-iew is a creditalile representati\-e of the
faniily and inherits to a marked degree niany of the sterling (|uali-
ties 1)}- \vhich his antecedents have long Ijeen distiiiguished. He is
a native of Clinton countv, Indiana, where his birth occurred on
September 7, 185S, and is the son of Peter and ]\Iargaret (Eaton)
Eikenberry, both of whom died in that county, the father in 1865.
the niother se\-eral -\-ears pre\-ious. Left an orphan at the early
yo :^i(iRRO\v s history
age ijf se\'en ^■eal■s. vouiig ]\Iartin made his home with an uncle.
Samuel Eikenberry, of Carn ill ctjunty, until his twenty-second year,
in the meantime i-ecei\-ing a comnn m school education and becoming
familiar with the more practical duties of the farm. In the year
1880, he accepted a position in a general store at ]\Iiddlefork and
was thus engaged until 18S6, when he resignied his clerkship and
the folliiwing }-ear came to Hnward county to engage in farming.
After spending two \'ears at this \'L>cation he disposed of his inter-
ests in this county and in 18S9 went to Nebraska, where he follcjwed
agricultural pursuits until 1893. when he returned to Indiana and
again resumed farming in Howard county, which he continued with
fair success for six years, his place of residence during that time
being in the township of ]\Ionroe.
In 1899 )ilr. Eikenberry discontinued tilling the soil to enter
the employ of Eikenberry Brothers, a mercantile firm of Russiaville,
for whom he kept books during the four succeeding years, and at
the expiration of that period became collector for Eikenberry
Brothers, in which capacity he continued for iive years, spending
the greater part of the time on the road. \A'hile still a youth in
his teens, he began taking an interest in public and political affairs
and in due time became not Lmly well informed on the questions of
the (lav l)ut quite an influential local politician, his services in behalf
of the Republican party being dul}- recognized and appreciated in.
his \arious places of residence. At the earnest solicitation of his
friends he was induced in 190-' to ccmtend for the niimination of
clerk of the courts, but his competitor being a very piipular man.
with a large following, he was defeated in the convention, though
by a very small majority, this fact leading him to make a second at-
tempt fiiur vears later, when he was successful.
A Republican nomination in Howard county being almost
equi\alent to an election, it followed as a matter of course that ]\Ir.
OF HOWARD COCXTV. J I
Eikenljeny carried the full party strength at the polls in i(;o(.) and
triumphed by a very decisive majurit)-. though he did Udt take pns-
session of the office until Januar\- i. igoS. Since entering upi m
his official duties he has ijruxen a \er}' capable and oliliging public
servant, being exceedingiv diligent and nietlmdical in the mutine
work uf the (>ffice and sparing mi pains in li" iking' after the im-
portant trust with which he has been hi.mdred.
Mr. Eikenberr}' has never failed tn slmw a Inyal intere-t in
the welfare of the cnunt}' in which he resides, and is e\'er ready tn
lend his aiil and cn-dperatidu in the support nf measures fur the
general good of the same. He is public-spirited in all the term
implies, believes in progressi\-e measures in e\ery line nf acti\ity.
and all laudable enterprises fur the beneht nf his fellnw men are
sm'e td find in him an ardent ad\dcate and liberal patrnn.
In e\er\- relatidu nf life he is zealdus. ambitidus and successful,
but no act incdiisistent with the strictot integrity has e\er lieen
imputed td him. iidr has his name e\er been cdunected with any
measure nr ninxement that Wdubl Udt bear the cldsest and nidst
critical scrutinv. Thus far his dthcial career has full}' denidn-
strated the wisddm df his party in his miminatidn and electidu, ;md
that the future will Ijut add to a reputatidu that has exer been abii\e
reproach is universally cunceded by his many frienils tludUglKiut
the count}". irrespecti\'e df pulitical differences.
In 1880 was solemnized the marriage df Mr. Eikenberry and
Angeline Bock, daughter of Rev. Daniel Rnck. a well-kudwu min-
ister df the (lerman Baptist church, whd nnxed frdui ( )hid tn
Howard cnunty when INIrs. Eikenlierry was a child and settled in
Er\"in tdwnship.
Mrs. Eikenberrv was reared and educated in the aboxe t<i\vn-
ship and is a lady df many estimable (|ualities. pdpukir anidng her
friends and highlv esteemed in the Sdcial circles of the city in which
72 MORROW S ]IIST(JRV
she lix'es. She has borne her liusljand four children, whose names
are as foHow s : Rcixie, wife of Earl \\ nndy. nf Russiax-ille ; Edna,
a stenographer and her father's deputy in the clerk's office: Daniel
H., a freslini.nn in the State L'niversity, and Loren, a student in
the Kcikiimo high school. Mr. and ]\Irs. Eikenberr^• hold member-
ship with the United Brethren church nf Kokomo. and take an
acti\"e iiuerest in all lines of religious and bene\-olent work under
the auspices of the congregation, contributing liberally to the sup-
port of the ( idspel and rlemonstrating \)y their daih' li\es the Ijeauty
and exceeding" worth of Christianity when practically ajjplied.
CHARLES :Ar. riERCY.
One of the most dilficult literary tasks is to write an unexcep-
tionable memoir i>f a li\ing man. If the life is wurthy of record
there is always ilanger of offending that delicacy which is insep-
arable from merit; for e\'en moderate praise, \\hen it meets the eyes
of its subiect is apt to seem fulsome, while a nice sense of propriety
would nut be the less wounded by a dry abstract crintaining nothing
l)Ut name> and dates. To sum up a career which is not \et ended
Avould ajjpear like recording e\"ents which ha\"e not transpired;
since justh' to estimate the scope and meaning of a history it is im-
portant that we ha\'e the closing chapter. In writing biogra]ihical
notice, therefnre. the chronicler from the moment he takes up his pen
shi adil ci insider the subject as no long'er among his contemporaries,
for thus he will a\did the fear of offending by bestowing praise
where it is nu-rited and esca]3e the risk (,>f g"i\"ing Inil a fi"agmentar_\-
\iew of th;ii which must e\-entual!\ l>e taken as a unit. At some risk,
therefore, the writer in this connectiim addresses himself to the
OF HUWAKD COUNTY. 73
task (if placing dii record the life and character uf a man who. liy
the fi.nxe of strdng inih\idnalit\'. has achiexed mure than urdinary
success in one of tlie most respunsihle and exacting callings, and I)}'
sheer force of in<li\'iilualit}- wnn for himself an en\ial)le pusitiim
among the leading men of the cil\' and CMunt\' hundred 1)\" his
citizenship.
Charles M. I'iercx". for a number of ^ears muc ni the must
enterprising and progressixe educators of Hdward cnunty, is a
nati\'e of I-'ranklin county. Ohio, and the son uf William and
Pliielje rierc\", the father an American l>v In'rth: the mother, wlmse
famih' name was Goodwine. was burn in (iermanw Mrs. I'iercy
was Inxiught t' i this cnuntry in childhdud and grew to maturity in
Ohio, where in due time she was married. Later the family came
to Indiana and located at Anderson, where Airs. ]'ierc\' maintained
her children by working as a nurse, subsequently becoming a
tailoress. in both of which callings she acquired more than ordinary
efficiency and skill. The subject was a small Ijiiv when the family
moved to the above place, where he remained until his tenth year,
at which time (1S65) he accompanied his mother to Howard
county, where slie has since resided, her |)resent home being in the
city of Kokomo. To William and I'licelje Pierc\- were born six
children, four daughters and two sons, one of the former, ^[ollie
M.. who married INIarion Fletcher. d}'ing in 1S90. and one of the
latter departing this life when a child of twd years. Those li\ing
are Charles M.. of this re\'iew : Emma L.. widow of the late C. W .
]\Ioore. of Kokomo; Ora. wife of W. E. Hayes, also of Kokomo,
and Clara C who lives in Chicago.
Charles ]M. I'iercy. whose birth occurred on the nth day of
Fel)ruar}-. 1855. was (|uite young when the family mo\ cd from
Ohio to Indiana, and. as already indicated, lie spent his early child-
hood in Xewton countv and in 1865 was brought I)y his mother to
74
the ccjunt}- with which he has since heeii \ery clusely identified.
On cmning to Howard county he made his home with his uncle,
Charles P. Goodwine, a prosperous farmer of Howard township,
with whiim he lived tmtil his eighteenth A-ear, in the meantime
becoming familiar w ith the rugged dtities of countrA' life and learn-
ing those lessons of industry and consecutive etti -rt which proxed
of such \-alue tn him in after }"ears. Leaving the farm in iSjo. he
came ti) Kokomo to learn tlie carpenter's trade with Lewis (lood-
wine, another uncle, umler \vhose direction he cimtinued until
becoming a proficient W(_irkm.an. meanwhile attending at interludes
the public schools of the cit}-, in which he made substantial progress
in his various studies. While living in the country he attended
the district school during the winter seasons, and ha\-ing early
manifested a decided taste for study and books determined to
acquire a good education, in which laudable ambition he was heartily
seconded by his mother, who gave him all the encouragement within
her power. When he began working for himself at the age of
twenty-twii it was with the (^ne object of mental improvement e\'er
upl)ermost in his thotights. and being a good mechanic it was not
lijng until he was enabled to carr^■ out his plans l.)v entering in 1876
the Xorthern Indiana Normal L'ni\-ersitv. at \'alparaiso, which he
attended during the spring and summer terms of that year, in the
fall becoming a student of the Hiiward county normal at Kokomo.
Devoting himself assiduously to his studies with the object in view
of becoming a teacher, he was enaliled in the fall of the above year
to pass the examination and secure a license, immediately after
which he was hired to teach in the same country district school
\\here he had formerlv attended school, his first term pro\"ing a
decided success, as he pleased lioth patnms and pupils and earned a
creditalile record as a capable and painstaking instructor.
'Sir. Piercv continued to teach in Howard county tmtil 1879,
w hen he went to Kansas, but not finding the advantages there that
OF HOWARD COUNTY. J^
he hail anticipated he soon returned to this count}-, and alter teach-
ing one term in Center township entered the State Normal scln " >1
at Terre Haute, which he attended until becoming principal of the
fourth ward school at Kokomo in the fall of 1881. Resigning this
position after one term, he was chosen principal nf the Center town-
ship graded school at Grange Hall, where he taught the ensuing-
three years, at the expiration of -which time he timk charge of the
se\-enth \-ear work in the Ki.ikomo cit\' scIukjIs and continued the
same with great satisfaction of the hoard and patnms fron-i 1SS5
to 1887, returning- to Crange Hall in the latter year. After two
more rears as principal of that school Mr. Piercy in iSSc) was
again made principal of the old fourth ward school in Kokomo,
which position he held until 1891. when he obtained a leave of
absence for the purpose of further prosecuting his studies in the
State Xormal school, which institution he attended during the
period indicated and at intervals thereafter until finishing the pre-
scriljed coiu"se and recei\-ing his certificate of graduatioi-i in 1896.
Meantime a new- building cif eleven rooms had l)een erected in
Kokon-10. of which ]\tr. Piercy was made principal, with sex en
assistants: he taught in this place before ai-id after completing the
course of work in the State Xormal, and in 1898 w-as transferred
to the old Xormal building of District Xo. i. where with nine
assistants he taught very successfull_\- for a pericul of six }-ears,
during which time he earned distincti\-e prestige as one iif the lead-
ing" educators of the city and became widel}- and favorably- know-n
among the progressive school men of Howard and neighboring
counties. ]\[r. Piercy taught his last term as principal of the Xew
Central building during the year 1903-4. at the expiration of which
he resig-ned his position, severed his connection w-ith educational
work and turned his attention to business pursuits, being since that
76 ilORROw's HISTORY
time pi'dprietor of a wood and coal yard i_>n the corner of Buckeye
an<l ]\Ii)nr(ie streets in tlie city of Kokomo and commanding an
extensive and lucrati\-e patronage.
As a teacher Mr. Piercy had few equals and no superiors in
tlie cunt}', wliere liis signal success was achie\-ed, and during his
fifteen years i.if ser\-ice he spared no pains to fit himselffijr efficiency
in the profession, having in addition to finisliing his course in the
State Xormal school attended several summer terms at the Indiana
State L'ni\-ersit}" at Bloomington. A man of high ideals, he strove
earnestly to impress upon the minds of his pupils the necessity of
correct living, and tn this end his aim was ever in the direction of
s\'mmetrical develnpnient. instead of dexnting his entire attention
to the culti\"ati(in i>f the intellect. His ettorts to pronn^te the mural
well-heing of those under his charge won for him a warm and
abiding place in their afl'ections. and toda}' his most loyal and
de\'0ted friends are to be found among the men and women who
as bo3'S and girls profited hv his instruction and were induced to
aspire to higher aims in life through his counsel and advice.
;\Ir. Pierc}' is a Republican in politics and takes an active
interest in public affairs, being an influential factor in his party
ami \\ell informed cm the leading ([uestions in issue Ijefure the
people. In relig'ion he is a consistent member of the Christian
church of K(jkomo, to which his wife als(i belongs, and his fraternal
relations are represented bv the Pvthian Order, in which he has
ser\-ed in the capacity of vice chancellor.
Mr. Piercy is a married man and the father of four children,
his wife, to whom he was united in the bonds of wedlock on Septem-
ber 5, 1S04, lining formerly been Sallie Garr, who was born and
reared in Center township, Howard count}', in the puljlic schools
of which and the Female College at Eniinence, Kentucky, she
received her educational trainins'. The names of the children born
OF IIOWAKli curxTV.
tn .Mr. and .Mrs. I'iercy are Frances Rulh, Mary l.ucile. (Jsurge
William ( iarr and [ohn Charles ^Monroe.
GEORCiE W. EREE.M.VX.
L'nder a po])ular o(i\erninent like that nf the I'nited States
where the democratic idea of e(juality is as fttll_\' <le\'eloped as the
present imperfect condition of mankind will permit, we e.xpect ;is
its legitimate result the triumph of indi\-idual worth and energy
over all the competition that wealth and class ma\' arra\' against
them. Here the avenues of wealth and distinction are fully opened
to all. which fact enhances rather than detracts from the merits of
th(.)se whose energ}' ami integrity haxe triumphed > i\er all olj^tacles
inter\-ening hetween an humhle position and the attain.ment of these
laudahle ends. ( )l)scurity and lalmr at no time dishonoraljle ne\er
assume more attracti\e feattires than when the fi irmer ajjpears as
the nurse of those x'irtues which the latter, h^• \ears of honest and
persevering effort, transplants to a higher and richer >oil : hence,
the biographer of those men of sterling worth whose active enter-
prise has won fr)r them distinction, pre-eminence and commanding
influence in the societv in which the\- mo\e must he replete with
facts \\hich should encourage and instruct the }i'ung. Such is
the subject of this sketch, whri holds marked iirestige among the
successful self-made men of his countv and who liy the exercise of
those talents and (pialities which ha\'e been cultivated from his
youth, has reached an honorable ])osition in the ]niblic service and
earned the respect and high esteem of his fellow- citizens.
Cieorge W. Freeman, county recorder, is a native of Monroe
county, Indiana, and the son <>\ Joseph C. and Jennie ( Co\) h'ree-
/O • MORROW S HISTORY
man, the father, a farmer and rild snldier, now Hving in retirement
at his liome in the town of Russia\"ille; the mother also hving- at
this writing, looS.
The sul>ject. wlio was horn Septemlter 21. 1873, spent his
childhood antl ^•l intli near the place of his liirth and \\as early taught
the habits of industry and self-reliance \vhich led to his subsequent
career of usefulness in one of the most exacting of callings and
paved the wa}- to the position of honcir and trust which he r.ow so
worthi]\' holds. Wdien c|uite }'oung he e\dnce(l a decided taste for
studv and books, and on entering' school experienced little difficulty
in keeping easy pace with his classes and later far exceed those of
his age in intellectual attainments, besides finding time to inform
himself upon a wide and ^'aried number of subjects. After finish-
ing the usual course in the grade schools of Russiaville he prose-
cuted the higher branches of stud}' at the Central Normal College
at Danxdlle, where, in addition to a general literar\- discipline he
prepared himself for teaching, which profession he entered at the
youthful age of eighteen and tri which he devoted his attention with
marked success during the sixteen ^•ears following. Mr. Freeman's
first educational \\drk was done in the cc)untr\', but subsequently he
became principal and teacher of \-arious \'illage and town schools.
ha\ing had charge of the schools of I""airfield for two years, and for
a period of ele\-en consecutive terms was princi|>al at Russiaville,
the second place of importance in the county. During his period of
service his eftOrts were decidedl}- eftective in raising the schools to a
high standard of excellence and making them among the \er\- best
in the county. The high character of his professional instruction
causing a wide demand for his sendees in Howard and neighboring"
counties and gixing him a reputation sec<ind to no other educator in
this part of the state.
Aside from bis prcifessional work, Mr. bd'eeman for a number
OF HOWARD corxTV. 79
(if rears has l)een (leei)h' interested in pulilic (inestinns and as a
staunch and nncrmiprcimising' RepuhHcan was nut li>n^' in coming-
to the fmnt as a leader nt tlie part}- in the cumninnity where he re-
siiled. In reciignition of his pnhtical services lie was nominated in
1906 for the (ittlce of cunnt}- recorder, i-ecei\ing at the primaries the
largest vote in the histury nf the cnunt}', defeating his competitor
h\" a mailM■it^■ of two thousand three hundred and fifteen, the sul)-
secjuent election only ser\ing to conhrni the people's choice, as he
was elected by an o\-erw helming majorit)', running far in ad\ancc
of the other candidates on the ticket.
His triumphant election to one of the most important oftices
within the gift of the public was certainl\- a c<inipliment to his worth
and popularit\- among the people of the county regardless of jiolit-
ical aftiliations, and thus far his official career has fully met the ex-
pectations of his many friends an<l admirers, and justified the party
in the wisdom of its choice. Mr. In-eeman although elected in
November. 1906, did not take possession of his ofhce until January.
1908, since which time he has devoted his entire attention to his
duties, his pre\'ious experience as a teacher and student peculiarl}-
adaining him for the clerical work, the ]):isition of recorder entails.
He discharges his official functions with neatness and dispatch,
treats all who have business in the office with characteristic courtesy
ar.d it is generallv conceded that this comity has never lieen honored
])\ a more gentlemanly and ol)hging public ser\ant.
.Mr. iM-eeman has lieen a resident of Howard county since 1889.
and during the intervening period has manifested a lively regard
for its welfare, as his activity in advancing the cause of education
and his deep interest in all enterprises having for their object the
general good of the people abundantly indicate. He is a man of
liberal ideas, takes broad views of men and affairs and, standing for
So
pmgress in the mudern sense nf the term, bends all nf his energies
tti the attainment of the same. Persunally, few stand as high in
puljlic esteem, while his popularity is bounded only by the limits of
his acquaintance, possessing as he does the amiable qualities of mind
and heart that win friends and retain their locality.
Mr. b^-eeman on December 9, I1SQ4. was united in marriage
\\ith l)ora Hart, a cnhured and intelligent lady of Russia\ ille, their
union being blessed with tive chiklren, namely: George W ., Paul D..
H. Esther, A\-a ]M. and liurrell P>., all lixdng and with their fond
parents constituting a \■er^- bapp\' and contented domestic circle.
This subject hcilds meml)ership with the Baptist church at Russia-
ville. and has been auK.mg the organization's most acti\'e and in-
fluential workers, be being superintendent of the Sunday school for
ten }ears, and one of the leading Sunday school men of the county,
having serverl as delegate to the state Sunday school conNention, be-
sides taking a prominent part in promoting this brar.ch of religious
endeavor in manv places. He is also president of the Judson .\ss';-
ciation Sundav School Convention, wdiich comprises several counties
of this section of the state. His wife is a memljer of the Christian
cluuxdi at Russiaxille.
In the vear of \Si)_^ Mr. l'"reemnn experienced a jxunful and se-
rious misfortune in the loss of one of his li'wer limbs, caused h\ blood
poisoning from an accident to the knee joint. Although consider-
abh- discommotled In' ba\-ing to finish the remainder of life's jour-
ne\" on one foot, he has ne\'er repined nor became discouraged, Init
taking an optimistic \iew of things, has liecome haljituated to his
changed condition and finds much for ^vbich to l;>e thankful, not the
least being the iuii\-ersal regard in which he is held by his fellow
citizens of Howard count^^
OF IIOW'AI.;!) lOLXl'V. 8l
THOMAS SHERMAX (;i<:RHARr.
It is ncjt an easy task adequately ti > (lcscril)e the cliaracter nf a
man wIki lias leil an eminently acti\e and btisy life in cunnectinn
with the great legal profession and who has stamped his indixid-
iialit}- on the plane of definite accomplishment in one of the most
exacting fields of human endea\"or. N'et there is al\va}s full meas-
ure (if satisfaction in adverting, e\en in a casual way. to the career
of an aljle and conscientious wcirker in an\- line of human endeavor.
Among the truly self-made and representative men of Howard
county none ranks higher than the honorable gentleman whose name
heads this sketch, who came to Kokomo in 1901, where lie soon
became a conspicuous figure in the ci\-ic life i)f the community A
man of tireless energy and iralomitalile coin-age. he has w<in and
held the unqualified esteem of his fellow citizens. With the law as
his profession from voting manhood, he has won a lirilliant rep-
utation and the future ,gi\'es promise of still much greiter things
for him.
Thomas Sherman (ierhart is a Hoi)sier bv birth, having been
born in W hitle\' ciuntv. Indiana. April 20. i8fiS, the son of Jacoli
and Margaret Ann (Xorris) Gerhart. the former a nati\e of ( )hio
and the latter of W hitley county, this state, lioth of whom are still
living in ic;o<S on the old homestead near Lawrenceville. Illinois,
where thev moved in 1870.
Our subject attended the common schools at Lawrence\-ille.
Illinois. lieing one of the .seven children an.d his father having been
a man of limited resources at that time, our subject found it neces-
sary to work his way to educational advantages as best he could.
This he did principally by teaching school. After teaching two
terms of country school he became princiixal and afterward superin-
tendant of the Lawrenceville high school. He held first grade
6
b2 MORR(n\- S HISTORY
license issued \)y the county suj)erintendents in Illinois, lietween
school terms he took an academic course in X'incennes L'ni\'ersitv,
graduating from that institution in IQ04. While a student there
he ranked second in a gold medal contest in orator\- ami he was
chosen b}- the board of trustees of this school as orator of com-
mencement da}'. He also did some experimental work at the State
L'ni\ersity of Indiana at Bloomington, attending the liberal arts
department and ranking junior in that apartment, doing mathemat-
ical and hist(.n'ical work. He was chosen class da^• orator to deli\-er
the "ivy oration" to the graduation class of 1901. at the State Uni-
versit}-. While in Wncennes l'ni\ersit}-. Lieutenant \'an Fleet, of
West Point, offered him the cai^taincv of the Universit\' Cadets, but
he declined and recommended a boy whom he thought Vjetter quali-
fied. He was also offered the first sergeantship of the \'incennes
Cadets, which bod\- went to Cuba during the Spanish-American war.
but declined on account of ill health at the time, he just reco\'ering
from t_\-phoid fe\-er. He ranked second in a gold meilal contest for
best drilled cadet in a com])any of rdjout si.xt}', lieing defeated by a
}-oung man es])eciall}- drilled by him for the contest. Mr. Cerhart
was also a stmlent in the commercial department of Mount ]\Iorris
College, Ogle county, Illinois, in 1S90. He was tendered the prin-
cipalship of the cit}- scIkkMs at Pulman, A^'ashing■ton, in 1896. He
resigned the superintendenc^■ of the Lawrence\ille schools when he
er.tered the law dejiartment iif the State University in 1899. After
the completion of this work he came to Kokomo and formed a law
partnership with John W. Cooper. Since casting his citizenship
with the i)e!iple of Howard count}" he has been \'ariously honored
b}- the electorate of his adojited cit}". He has been a resident of the
cit}' only two }ears w hen he was elected a member of the city council,
wdiich he resigned to accept the appointment of cit^■ judge tendered
him b}' Go\-ernor Hanle^^ At the expiration of his term as citv
Ol' HUWAKI) COL'XTV. 83
judge he was appointed Ijy the g(_)\erniir as a member i>i the pnlice
board at the governor's sohcitudc ami having fihed that place so
acceptably, he was re-api)ointed in iQoS.
Air. ( ierliart has al\\a\s been mure nr less interested in puli-
tics, hax'ing taken an acti\e part in his party's affairs since he
was eighteen years old. He was a delegate to the Xinth District
Republican convention in i()OJ In im Hmxard county, in which
g-athering his influence was distinct]}- felt. When twentx-three
years old he lacked onl\- fi mr \iites nf election in a Uenidcratic town-
ship that was from fifty to i>ne hundred Democratic. When onh'
twentv-one vears old he was chairman uf his tnwnship delegatinn in
the ciiunt\' ciin\-enti< m.
While practicing law Judge (lerhart successfulh" prosecuted a
case against the I'nited States Express Company for failure to de-
liver express packages in cities (jf two thousand and five hundred
population. This case was taken to the supreme court o\ the state
of Indiana and is imw cited as a precedent. The case is fully rei)iirted
in x'olume thirt\--i:ine of "American :md English R. R. Cases," as
well as in \(ilume one hundred and sixty-four, of the Indiana Su-
]>reme Court Reporter.
.Mr. (ierhart is a progressi\-e Republican, whose advice is often
sought in the councils of his party and the otffces of public trust
that he has held have been attended to with unerring ability and to
the satisfaction of all concerned.
(3ur subject's domestic life dates from June 15. 1808. when he
was happih' married to (Caroline Jennings Clark, daughter of the
Rev. T. J. Clark, of Bloomington, Indiana. She is a woman of
manv admirable traits and the representative of a highly esteemed
and influential family. 'l"o this union two sons have been born,
both bright and interesting children, their names being Erancis
Clark, age six, and Charles Thomas, age two, in 1908.
84 morrow's history
Judge Gerhart is a memljer of the ]\Iain street Christian church,
Kokomo, in which he has ser\-e(l as deacon or elder since 1902. He
has a \vi(le ac(|uaintance c;)\-er the state, liaving been admitted to
practice in the lucal, state and federal courts. His learning, capac-
ity, aptitude and persistency are readily recognized and the prophecy
of his friends is that he will be favored with many additional honors
from his fell(jw citizens. He has an unblemished record. ha\ing'
al\\a\-s been upright and honorable in all his relations \vith his fel-
Iriw men. setting a worthy example of a public-spirited, honest,
energetic and whcilesome character, such as the public al\\ays de-
lights to reward and honor.
JOSEPH L. GRHH^ITH.
All credit is due a man who wins success in spite of ob-
stacles and by persistency and energy gains a competence and a
position of honor as a man and citizen. The record of the subject
of this sketch is that of such a man, for he came to Howard county
in the days of her rapid growth and here worked out his way to
definite success and independence. He quickly adapted himself to
the conditions which he found here and has labored so consecutively
and effectively that he is now the manager of a thriving business in
Kokomo. where he is held in high regard h\ all who know him. hav-
ing here maintained his home since 1890.
Joseph L. Griffith is a native of Fairfield count}', Ohio, having
first seen the light of day there November 9, 1848, the son of
Samuel and Elizabeth ( ■\IcI\inley) Griffith, this family being an old
and well established one in the Buckeye state, the father of the sub-
ject having been born in Fairfield county, where he spent his life
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 85
and where he was called fn )m his earthl}' laljors. The subject's
paternal grandfather \vas frmn J'ennsyhania. The AIcKinleys were
relatives of the late I'resident McKinley and the subject's paternal
grandmother was an aunt i)f the distinguished statesman.
Joseph L. Griffith was born im a farm where he worked in his
boyhood, attending" the nu'al schools, receiving a fairly good cimi-
mon school education. It will l)e remembered that President Mc-
Kinley was a school teacher in his }(iuth. and it was the subject's
fortune to be under his instruction in the school room f(ir one
year.
\A hen the sul)ject grew to manhood he farmed on land of his
own for a period of fifteen }ears, during which time his labors were
rewarded by success. He sold his Ohio farm and went to I. itch-
field, Illinois, where he remaine<l four years, engaging in \'ari(jus
lines of business with \arying success. After coming to Kokomo
he Worked as hreman in a heading factor\". Later he struled in the
dray business with a capital stock of one hundred and twenty dol-
lars, having" only one horse. But lieing a man of great energy and
much business tact his trade grew until he has built it up to quite an
extensive one, maintaining three large nio\-ing vans, two drays,
four coal wagons, one liea\y truck and four sprinkling wagons. He
also owns considerable valuable property, among which is that lo-
cated at the corner of Smith and Monroe streets. All this he has
made himself without aid from anyone. sh(j\ving what a man with
the proper amount of Ijusiness ability and energy rightly applied can
accomplish, notwithstanding adverse early circumstances.
]\Ir. Griffith was united in marriage to Lovina Riegle, Octoljer
13, 1S70. She was the daughter of Jesse Riegle and was born in
Fairfield count}". Ohio, April 20, 1831, on the farm adjoining that
on which our subject was reared. She was educated in the common
schools there. Fi\"e children born to this union liaxe survived in-
86 morrow's history
fancy, two bii\'s and three girls: all ha\e received a cnmmon school
education.
Fraternally I\Ir. CJrifiith is a menil:)er <A the Indejjendent Order
of Odd Fellows. Red }\[en and the Owls. He has passed all the
chairs in the first named, having long taken a great interest in the
work of this order. He has also represented this lodge, Tarlton
Lodge, Xo. go, in the Ohio Grand Lodge. Although the subject
has never been active in politics, he is a staunch Republican and his
vote in always cast for the best man, especially in local politics.
^Ir. and ]\Irs. Griffith are pleasant and affable people, having
won a reputation in Kokomo for honestw uprightness and hospi-
tality, and thev are highly respected by all who know them.
W. L. OGBORX.
The honr)red subject of this sketch is i)ne of the _\-oung and en-
thusiastic business men of the attractive city of Kokomo. Howard
county, where he has maintained his home for many years. He has
been most prominently identified with industrial enterprises of con-
siderable scope and importance and the name which he bears has
been one which has stood for progressi\-eness and enterprise, while
he is a scion of one of the (jld and honored pioneer fanfilies. Owing
to his business relations with the people of this county, and so high
is the confidence in which he is held that it is imperative that he be
accorded recognition in a ]nil>lication of the pro\-ince assigned to the
one at hand.
W. L. Ogborn is a nati\-e of Washington Court House. Ohio,
where he first saw the light in 1878, the son of Henry 'SI. Ogborn.
He remained on his father's farm until he was fifteen years old
OF llOWAKI) COL'NTV. i^y
attending- the commnn schools np ti i that time, when the family
moved to W'ashing'ton Court Mouse, where he entered a husiness
colleg-e. completing the prescrihed course and gainnig \rduahle men-
tal training which has stood him so well in hand <luring his suhse-
(|uent husiness career, h'or se\eral years after completing his educa-
tion he was clerk in a grocer_\- store, -\fter this he was em]>loyed for
se\eral \ears witli the Adams l^xpress l'ompan\- in Indiana. The
father of the suhject in the meantime nrnxed to Conxerse. Miami
count}-. Indiana, where he still resides.
( )n January i. 1907, our snhject hegan the pnntuce husiness in
which he had prexiously had some experience. Ileing successful
from the start and longing for l.-irger and hetter helds in which to
carry on this line of wi>rk, he mo\-ed to Kokon-io Septen-iher 1, igoj.
and was manager of the Ilallsion Ivefrigerating Storage Com]);in\-
of Xew \'ork until April 1st of the following year, when this com-
pan\- disposed of its husiness and he then took u]) a parti-iership with
Frank D. Miller, the hrni now heing known as ()g-l)orn & Miller.
Thev engage ii-| lun-ing and shi])ping- liutter and eggs, Mr. ( )ghi)rn
heing- the n-ianager of the husiness. which has heconie (|uite extensixe
owing- to his excellei-it management, running at a conser\ati\e esti-
n-iate to one hundred thousand dollars anuuall}-. Xew territor\- is
constantly heing inyaded hy this well regulated hrni and its future
is one that promises great things for those interested in the hrm.
The business of the subject is located at _'_'3 and 22^ South
Main street; Kokonio, where they have a n-iodern. ample and well
e(|uii>|)ed ])lant. suital>le in every resjjcct to conduct a business ot this
nature.
Mr. Ogljorn was married to Agnes Snell. of Peru. Indiana, a
woii-ian of tine personal characteristics who is the scion of an excel-
lei-it family. Three children have brightened the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Oghorn.
88
The subject is a member uf the Knights oi Pythias l(_i(lge. at
C(in\-ei"se, Indiana, in wliich he lias always taken ci:insi(lei"aljle in-
terest.
The Ogburn family is helil in liigh regard in Kokumo. and
their pleasant h(jme is one in which a gracious and genernus Imspi-
tality is e\-er in e\'idence. the meml)ers dt this househnld ])eing lield
in hio-Jiest esteem In' all wliii km iw them.
TOSEPH A. ^^"EA^'ER.
.Vmong the young men of Howard county wh(T have forged
their way to the front by sheer force of will and indi\-idual merit
rather than b^" the influence and material assistance of others, no
better or worthier example than that of the subject of this brief life
record could Ije found. He is a man of excellent judgment, which
accotuits for his unif(:irm success as a builder, possessing clear ideas
in all business matters. Being careful in his calculations, resource-
ful in his dealings and eminenth' honorable in his relations with
others. ])eople have alwa^•s reposed confidence in his word and his
integrity has ever been above criticism.
Joseph A. Weaver is a native ijf Howard county, Indiana, and
he has preferred to spend his life within her borders, lielieving that
greater opportunities were to be found right at his door than else-
\\liere. and. judging from his suljse(|uent success he was wise in this
carh' decision. The date of his birth is recorded as October 13,
1S70. His parents were Daniel and Rachel (Troyer) W'eaxer. the
former a natixe of Ohio, who came to Indiana in the latter half of
the nineteenth century, locating in Howard county, w here he has al-
^\a}■s exerted an influence that has been uplifting" in various causes.
He at present resides on West ]\Iulberry street.
OF n(.)\\'AKI) COUNTY. 89
Josepli A. Weaxer was reared nii his father's farm in 1 Inward
township and attended the cnnntry schools in that community.
Thirsting- for more knowledge than he could gain there he entered
Northwestern Cdllege in Illinciis where he took a course preparatory
to teaching. He has since then taken a course in an architectural
school known as the International C'orresponding cmrse.
Mr. Weaver has devoted his life's wijrk to carpentry and
architecture, along with farming and he has been singularly success-
ful at his chosen profession, not only possessing the necessary nat-
vn-al abilitv, but also the encrg_\-, perseverance and capacit}' for
stuih' which are necessary in acipiiring success in this honored call-
ing. He moved to Kokomo in igoo, and the following year began
contracting; since then his building operations have been extensive,
principallv on dwellings throughout the city, gaining a wide repu-
tation for skill and honesty of purpi'se in all his work.
Our subject was united in marriage to Belle A. McPhersrm on
Februarv 2-. 1895. ^ native of Illinois. She received an academic
education in Missouri. In his domestic relations Mr. \\'eaver has
been most fortunate, being the father of a most estimable family,
everv member of which is n(^t only devoted to him, but mutually de-
voted to each other's interests, a family that has deserved all the
affection of his nature, stimulated his pride, increased his hopes and
contributed much to his happiness and his success in life. d he
names and dates of birth of his children are herewith appended :
Ervin A., born January 3. 1896; l-'reda A., Ijorn August 18. 1800:
Norma O., born ]\Iay 22, 1901 ; Leon V., bom August 21. 1905.
They are all bright children with promise of successful futures.
Mr. and ]^Irs. Weaver are members of the Evangelical Associa-
tion. The former is a class leader and assistant superintendent of
the Sundav school ; also treasurer of the board of trustees of this
church. Fraternallv Vlx. \\'eaver is a member (.if the Independent
go MIIKKOW S HISTORY
Order ni Odd Fellows, alsn the ^Maccabees. He is a stanch Re-
publican but has never taken an active part in politics. He lives in
a fine and up-to-date residence at 608 East ]\Iulberry street, sur-
roundeil 1)\- all modern iniproxenieiUs ar.d their coz)- and well fur-
nished home is often the uathering place for admiring friends. Mr.
and Mrs. \\'ea\'er having been e\'er since their coming to Kokomo
popular among a large circle of acquaintances who know them to be
people of refinement, uprightness and hospitality, wdrthy of the ut-
most respect.
JOHX SAXOX.
This old and highh' esteemed citizen \\ho is spending the even-
ing of his long and useful life in comfortal)le retirement in the city
of Kokomo is a nati\-e of h\-i}ette countw Indiana, and a descendant
on the paternal side from sturd\- ( ierman ancestry that settled in
South Carolina, his maternal antecedants were also early
settlers of Indiana, coming to this country from Ireland. After
li\ing in South Carolina for a nunil)er of years the Saxi.ms migrated
to the Xorthwest and finalh' located in h'a^'ette count}', Indiana,
near the present site of Conners\ille, where, in due time, they be-
came successful tillers of the soil and actix'e participants in the af-
fairs of their respecti\e communities. Alexander Saxon, the sub-
ject's father, was a farmer In- occupation and a citizen of consider-
al)le local prominence. He assisted his father to clear the ground
on which the thri\-ing cit}' of Conners\ille now stands, and a number
of \ears was an active and energetic figure in the pioneer histor}' of
I'axette count\- of which, as alread}' indicated, his father was one of
the earliest as well as one of the most prominent settlers. Margaret
McCrurv. who became the wife of Alexander Saxon, was descend-
(IF HOWAKli CiUXTV. ()l
ant, as stated al>o\e, fnnii an Irish famil_\- that ininii_<;rate(l U> the
United States in 1S12, tlie \essel in wliich her ancestors had taken
passag'e ha\ing" lieen nxerlianled \)\ the otiicers dt an Iui<^iish war-
ship for the i)Stensil)le purpose of finding deserters from the luigli^h
army, their real nljject h<i\ve\"er heing to imjjress into his maiest\'s
sen'ice an}- hkel}- young- man the_\' might find al)oard. B}" conceal-
ing' tliemselves, se\eral men among whom were a couple of Mc-
Crurys, successfully eluded the searchers and in due time reached
their destination in a country from which the hated luigiish power
had been dri\'en a number (jf \ears before l>v the strong and deter-
mined arm of American patriotism. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Sa.xon were mar-
ried in Fayette count}-. Indiana, and there spent the ren-iainder of
their da}-s on the beautiful farm which the former had redeemed
from the forest, enjoying' the respect and confidence of their neigh-
bors and friends and leaving to their descendants a reputation abii\-e
the suspicion of dislK^nor and ti) which the passing }'ears ha\-e given
additional luster. This sturdy couple had a family of six scins and
six daughter-;, all of whom lived to rear families of their own and to
become w-ell settled in life. Of the large an<l interesting family
group that once gathered about the domestic hearthstone of Alex-
ander and Margaret Saxon, all but h\-e are sleeiiing the sleep of the
just, the sur\-i\-ing members lieing James. Samuel. Fdizabeth. Anna
and J-olin. whose nan-ie introduces this review-.
Fron-i childhood until a A-onth in his teens. b)hn Saxon was en-
gaged, except while attending the district school, in assisting his
father in clearing and culti\-ating the hon-ie farm. This gave him a
vigor of Constitution which in sul)sef|uent life never failed him in
the most laborious duties and also made him ac(|uainted with the
virtues and vices, passions and prejudices, the acquiren-ients and
capaliilities of that large and eminently respectable class of yeo-
manry which liaxe aptl_\- been called the bone and sinew- of the Ijody
politic.
g2 ^lORROW S HISTORY
His educational discipline, \vhich was only limited, was ac-
(|uire(l in the different subscription schools common to the period
in w hich he then lived but later by wide reading, intelligent obser-
vatimi and mingling much with his fellows, he obtained a large fund
of \-aluable, practical kni.iwledge and Ijecame one of the Ijest in-
formed men of the community. Before attaining his majority he
left the parental roof to make his own way in the world, and for
some time thereafter chopped wood to pay for his lodging- until
something niijre favorable should present itself. He literally began
life fur himself without a dollar in his pocket, but persevering in-
dustr_\- and strict economy in due time succeeded in accumulating
sufficient means to enable him to engage in farming upon his own
responsibilit}' after which his rise in the world was more rapid and
substantial. Without following his history in detail suffice it ti.i state
that (luring the periijd of his acti\e life he was quite successful in
the ac(|uirement of material wealth, ha\'ing accumulated a handsome
competency, including a tine fami nf one hundred and sixty-three
acres in Delaware county which he still owns, a comfortable resi-
dence propertv in Kokomo in which he is now living a life of hon-
orable retirement and ample private means, which enables him to
spend the remainder of his days free from anxiety or care.
On February 5, 1S54, ]\Ir. Saxon was united in marriage to
Xancy T. King, of Russia\"ille, Indiana, who bore him one child,
and departed this life February 2j, 181)3. The offspring of the
uniim was a daughter by the name oi ^Martha A., whose birth oc-
curred im the 30th day of September, 1856, in Tipton county, and
wild is the widow of Harve}' D. Ross and the mother of two chil-
dren, namely, ^hjses D. Ross, of Kokomo, and Xira B., who mar-
ried Clarence B. Kyle ]\Iarch 26, 1902, and is the mother of a daugh-
ter named Helen. Moses D. Ross was married May 25, 1892, to
Stena A. Cole, to whom four children have been born — Hazel,
OF IMlWARli cdL'XTY. <J3
Martha, Alar\- and Harvev. Since the death of his wife Mr. Saxnn
has made his Imnie \\ ith his dant;'hter. wild witli her chitihen an<l
grandcliildreii, are untiring in their attentiims tu Inni. C' nitrihuting
to liis pleasm^e and ministering to his cnmturts li\' e\er\- means at
tlieir crmimand. He has twn grandchiUh'en and fi\e great-grand-
chiKh'en with whnm he linlds frequent happy reuaiuns, the nccasions
being anticipated as seast)ns of much pleasure and mirth in which
he takes as much interest as the younger and more lixely of his de-
scendants.
Mr. Saxon cast his first presidential ballot for John C. Fre-
mont and from that time to the present ( iqo8), a i^eriod of tift\--
tw'o years, he has Ijeen a loyal and unswerxing sup]iorter of the Re-
publican party and deeply interested in the success of its policies
and candidates. He kee])S well informed on the issues which di\ide
men and parties, has the courage of his convictions on the^e and
other public fpiestions and though somewhat conser\-ati\e exjire^ses
himself freely and pointedly when occasions demand his ojiinion. .\
number of }ears ago he united with the Methodist I".])iscopal
church and entered upon the earnest and consistent Christian life
which he has since liyed and in which he finds much of comfort and
solace as the shadows lengthen and the journey nears its end. Mrs.
Saxon was also a Methodist in belief and a deeiih' religious and con-
scientious woman of many beautiful traits of character, haxing al-
ways l)een consistent in her church work and a ]i\ing examjile of the
faith to w hich she yielded allegiance.
Mr. Saxon is prominent in Masonic circles of Kokomo, l)eing
an actiye and faithful attendant upon its \arious lines of duty and
work. In closing this brief and rather cursory sketch of one of
Kokomo's old and highly esteemed citizens, it is only sufficient to
state that since his remo\'al to Kokomo, in the winter of 1S74. he
has enjoyed the confidence of all with whom he has come into con-
94 :m()rk()w s history
tact and his relations with his fellow men ha\e e\er been character-
izeil 1)\' lumor and a protdund regard for all that makes life worth
the living. Thrcjughutit a lung and eminenth' useful career he has
pursued the e\-en tenor of his way in the (|uiet and unostentatious
manner which ne\er courts puhlicit}', attending strictly to his own
affairs, doing the right as he understands it and keeping liis con-
science \-oid of offense toward God and man. He lias outli\ed the
majority of his cijmpanions and associates of former da}"s and
reached a happy and contented old age wliich his numerous friends
in Kokonio wish ma\- be iirolonged for man^■ rears to come.
DAMD r. DAVIS.
Examples that impress force <if character on all who studv
them are worthy of record. By a few general observations may be
couN'eyed some idea of the high standing of David P. Da\'is as a
business man and public benefactor, although now retired and
spending the closing )ears of a strenuous ar.d eminenth" useful life
in the enjoyment iif the peace and quietude to which he is so jtistly
entitled and which he has so nobl\- earned. L'nited in his com]iosi-
tion are so m:m\- elements of a silid ;ind practical nature winch diu'-
ing a series of \ears ha\-e brought him into prominent notice, and
earned for him a conspicuous place among the enterprising men of
the cit^■ of his residence, that it is but just recognition of his worth
to speak at some length of his life and achiexements.
Mr. Dax'is is an American b\- ado])tion, Ijeing a native of Wales,
where his birth occurred on the fourth da\- of Octo1:)er. 1830. When
tixe _\-ears of age he was brought to the l'nited States and after
spending a year in Xew York was taken to Columbus. Ohio, where
0I-- HOWARD CKl'NTY.
95
he remained until his tenth _\ear, at whieli time he came to liKhana,
anil iliirini;' the ensuint;' se\en years wurked un a f.arm in Delaware
ciiiint}\ He had heen informed that he was Ixiund to the man for
whom he was working-, hut leaniint;' the true facts of the case he
left his employer after a little o\ei' se\ en \ears of service and re-
tiuaied to Columhiis. where he lal)oreil for some time at an\' thing
he could find to do. later learning the cutter's trade, in that citw
After heconnng a prohcient wdrkman. he went to Indianapolis,
where he followed his \'ocation until if^.SJ. when he liroughl a stock
of material to KokoUKi and engaging in the l)irsines> up<in his own
res]ionsihilit}-, continuing the same with indift'erent results for a
])eriod of fi\e \ears. ()wing to stringent times, his enterprise did
not pro\e remunerati\e. accordingh' at the expiration of the ]>eriod
indicated, he entered the employment of T. J. Russell &: l"ompan\-.
grain dealers, ami for some time thereafter had charge of the hrnis
ele\ators on the Lake Erie iX Western Railroad.
Later he assisted in erecting the present large ele\-ator and for
a i)eriiid of thirty-three years operated the same, during the greater
part of which time he was employed 1)}- the tirni composed of Wil-
liam Jay. Mr. i\ussell and R. A. Dalman. who. in additiou to han-
dling grain also did a thrixing husiness in the packing of p:irk.
These were husiness men of high standing, and during his lon.g
periorl of ser\ice with them. Mr. l)a\'is camiot recall the nieniorx'
of an unkind word or single act inconsistent with the conduct of
gentlemen. The husiness. of the firm grew to \-ery large propor-
tions and the farmers within a radius of twenty miles hrought tlieir
grain to the elewator, at times there heing as man\- as sixt\- wagons
waiting their res]iective tmais to unloa<l.
AL-. Da\is was a \ahial:>le em])loye. and although he ne\er asked
for a raise in wages he was advanced from time to time until, as
already sta.ted. the management of the elexator was left almost en-
96 M(_)UUO\\'.S inSTOKV
tirel}- in his hands. When the abme hrm dispensed uf their interests
til Paddiick. Hiidg'e & Cumpany he continned with the latter timi
until retiring frum business, meanwhile becoming widely and fa-
\-iiraljl}- knuwn among the fanners of Howard county, besides tak-
ing an acti\-e part in pronn 'ting the material ad\"ancement of
K.iknmi).
.Vlnicist frnm the time uf his arrival in the city he became in-
terested in public affairs, and it was n(it Imig until his abilities were
recognized by his fellow citizens, who in due time elected him a mem-
ber I if the town board, in additiim to which he also served one term
as tiiwnship trustee. While a member nf the Ijnard he was instru-
mental in iirganizing the first fire ci imi)any, which originally con-
sisted i)f a "bucket brig'ade," but later a number of ladders were
added, thus greatly enhancing its efficienc\-. Mr. Davis devtited con-
siderable attention to this department, sparing' no pains to make it
answer the purpose for which organized, and subsequenth* he was
made its chief, in which capacit}' he rendered eight ^■ears of efficient
and acceptable service.
Mr. Da\is was also (me of the leading sjiirits in (irganizing the
Hiiward County Agricultural Society, and as secretary- of the same
had iiersiinal charge i)f the successful fair held during his incum-
benc\'. \\hen Kokomn tonk u]ion herself the dignitv of a citv g'A"-
ernment he was elected a member nf the cnmmon council, in which
he ser\"ed six \ears, being instrumental during that time in l:)ringing
abiiut much impurtant munici])al legislatinn, and prnving intlefatiga-
ble in liioking after the puljlic welfare. He also sensed one vear as
member of the board of public works, and for a period nf nine years
was (in the park board, during which time he devi)ted much time tn
the beautifying of the parks of the city and rendering them attract-
ive places of resort, to this end making a special study of landscape
gardening, in which he soon became quite an expert. His ser\-ices
OF now AKi) coi;xT\'. ()7
in the ])laniiini4' and l)eautifying- nf parks were not (Hily utilizeil in
his own cit\' hut xaiKnis dtlier places, annniL; which \\a> ( Irand
Rapids, wliere lie rendered \ahiahle ser\ice in niakin;;- the cil\- ]iark
sxsteni me of the finest in the cunnti}'.
After a lung, strennmis and in e\er_\' respect useful life, hlled
to repletinn with g-diul to the public, Mr. Davis finally retireil fr. ini
acti\'e <lnties tn spend the remainder of his days in honorable retire-
ment. Ha\ing' been successful in his business ali'airs. he is now the
possessor of a comjietencx' which makes him independent and his fu-
ture free from care. Though no longer an acti\e |)articii)ant in ])ul>-
lie matters, he still keeps in touch with the times and not infre-
quentlv is his ciamsel and ad\ice sought in affairs concerning the
best interests of the communit}'. In i^ilitics he was originalh' a
Whig, but when that old historic party had fulfilled its missi<in and
passed out of existence he became a Republican, and as such has since
remained.
Mr. Da\'is was married in Columlnis. (_)hio. in F"el)ruar\-, 1N57.
to Elizaljeth Davis, a lad_\- of intelligence, much more than orilinary
culture and ambition, with w Item he troil the jiathway of life in a
mutual]}- hai)p_\- wedded experience for a period of forty-eight \-ears.
the union being temiinated b_\- the death of Mrs, I)a\is. on the 20th
of March, 1^05. Three chihlren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Daxis.
the oldest of whom, Re\'. Leonidus II. Da\is, a learned and ])opnlar
Presljyterian divine, is pastor of the First Presbyterian cluu-ch in
Jacksonville, Illinois. ha\-ing previously held pastorates in New ^'ork
Cit_\'. Grand. Rapids. Indianapolis, and other important cities. He
was graduated from the Lnion Theological Seminary in Xew \ ork
and in addition to his \ arious charges he has tra\eled (|uite exten-
si\elv in the I'nited States and Europe.
William, the second son. is a well known attorney of Kokonio,
who has won a conspicuous place among the leaders ol the Howard
98 MORROW S HISTORY
county bar. Charles, the }-oungest of the family, is a business man
and proprietor of a mill at Greentrnvn. All of these sons were early
taught the dignit^• and value uf honest toil and received their first
practical experience in the grain elevator, where each served his time
under his father's direction.
Mr. Davis has been a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity
for many vears anil is one of the leading workers in the lodge at
Kokomo.
BEX'JAMIX F. BLAZER.
Among" th(.>se jiersons who ha\e In- \irtue of their strong indi-
\'idual qualities earned their way to a high standing" in the estima-
tion of their fellow citizens, liaving Ijy sheer force of character
and persistency won their wa}" from an hunible beginning to a place
of influence and prominence in the communit}" where they are ac-
ti\-e in industrial affairs, the subject of this sketch is entitled to spe-
cial mention in a volume of this character.
Benjamin V. Blazer is a native of Tennessee, where he was born
August 24. T854, and for thirty-eight years, from 1870 to tqoS, he
has been in the meat business in Kokomo, having, during" that time
grained a wide reputation for his honest methods and excellent busi-
ness principles, at the same time gaining and holding" a large circle of
friends as a result of his many likable traits of character. Mr. Blazer
is the son of John and ^Magdalena ( Neice) Blazer, the father having
left Tennessee before the war between the states broke nut and he en-
listed in the L'nion amiy, having been a gallant soldier in a company
of the Fifty-Fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantr}^ and was killed near
where he was born in Tennessee, thus, like thousands of his noble
comrades, rendering his life a sacrifice for his countrv, which is one
OF HOWARD COUXTV. 99
of the greatest privileges given to man. He left a widow and six
small children, who moved to Boone county, Indiana. Not being
able to properh' care for her large family, she sent her children to
live with ^"aril>us relati\es, nur siiljject going to live with one <if his
ci:)usins. He was sent to school while working for this famih- until
he was old enough to do for himself, when, he went to work for a
daiiwman in Boone count_v. He worked with a Gemian butcher and
learned the btisiness in a thorough manner, remaining^ with him
three years, after which he worked by the day. Owing to the fact
that he came to Kokomo in 1870 he is therefore the oldest butcher
in this city, now located at 920 South ]\Iain street, where he owns
the fixtures of a modem and model shop. He also owns a modern,
commodious and nicely furnished residence on Washington street,
and he owns three splendid residence properties which he rents.
He has mastered the details of his line until he has successfully
managed his atYairs, which has resulted in the accumulation of a
substantial competency, all due to his unaided efforts.
]\Ir. Blazer was united in the bontls (jf wedlock with .Mice
Crone in 1870, who was born and reared in Frankfort, Clinton
county, Indiana, having- attended school there and received a fairly
good education. At the time of their marriage the)' had onl\' fi\'e
dollars with which to begin the battle of life, but possessing ind(im-
itable courage and grit. the\' set to work with a will ;ind ha\'c suc-
ceeded adniiral)ly well. Four children have been born to this uin'on,
all brig-ht and promising'. One son and one daughter live in Cali-
fornia, and one son and one daug'hter are vet menibers of the home
circle, the youngest son being associated with his father in business.
The members of the Blazer familv subscribe to the Grace Aleth-
odist church, having been consistent members of the same for years.
Fraternally ^Ir. Blazer is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Reliekah lodge of Kokomo. The subject
lOO MORROW S HISTORY
has fdunil time to travel some. ha\ing made a trip to Calif(jrnia, and
l)eing' a close obser\-er he has thus become widened in his general
views: besides, he keeps abreast (if the times by home reading-. He
is a pleasant anil affable business man and he has built up an excel-
lent trade, having many loval custimiers from all parts of the citv
and cnmmunity in which he lives, having- friends bv the score, but
nil enemies, owing to his upright life and honest principles, which
he has alwavs maintained during his long residence in Knknmo.
THOMAS T. DYE.
An hnnored resident of Hnward countv and a business man
of wide repute, respected and esteemed b\- his fellow citizens, Thomas
J. Dye occupies mi small place in the public gaze, and it is with mucli
gratificatidu that the chronicler is pen-nitted to place before the
reacler in this connection a brief outline of his life and a just tribute
to his wnrtli. In tracing the histnr}' nf the subject's paternal an-
cesti irs it is learned that the^- were among the large and eminenth-
Gud fearing- and wnrthy 1^ idy nf penple wlin, by reason (if religious
bigotry and intolerance, were obliged to flee from France between
the }'ears 1650 and 1670 and seek asvlum in varicius other countries,
the antecedents of Mr. Dye finding their way to America about 1660
and settling on the southeastern coast of what is now the state of
IMaine. Subsequentlv representati\-es of the familv left the sterile
shores of Xew England for Xew "\"ork. where in due time their
descendants multiplied and became widelv kniiwn. and from whence
still later certain of the name migrated to Pennsylvania, where they
founded several flourishing settlements. In the course of time the
famih- gradually spread over various parts of Ohio and Kentnck\'.
(IF IIOWAKI) COl'XTV. 10[
anil in iN^-' (ienrt^e D_\'e, the subject's t^randfather, oi Fennsyhania.
niuN'ed fnnn Ohin to Indiana and settle<l in liiicne cuunty. where lie
engaged in a number of uperations against the Tnthans and was a
sokUer under General \\ ayne when that daring' Cdinniander crusheil
and humiliated the savage tribes of the northwest, receiving a gun-
shot wound in the thigh in one of the se\eral skirmishes in which he
was engaged.
\\ illiam D\-e. son of George and father of the suljject. accom-
panied his parents upon their removal to Indiana, and settled in
Boone county. He purchased land from which he cleared and de-
veloped a hne farm, and in addition to being' one of the leading agri-
culturists of that community did a thriving' business in the buying
and shipping of li\-e stock, so managing' his affairs as to accumulate
a handsome i)ropert\' and become (|uite wealth}'. A man of gen-
erous inipulses. upon whose credulity the unscrupulous could easily
impose, he never refused to go surety for such as recjuested the fa-
\-or. with the result that many allowed him to redeem their iibliga-
tions when they I:)ecame due. B}' this means he lost much of his
propert\'. aufl though iiever reduced to po\-ert\' he was enabled to
lea\-e but a mildest portion of his former holdings to his faniily.
]\Iargaret IMiller. the wife of William Dye. was of Iri.sh descent and
belonged to an old Xorth Carolina family whose representatives
were also among the ])ioneer settlers of Indiana. She bore her hus-
band nine children, four sons and fixe daughters, of whoui the fol-
lowing- sun-ive, namely: ^\^ W. D\e, of Indianapolis: Thonias J.,
of this review: Calvin F., of Hendricks county, this state: and Mrs.
Melissa F, Byers, of Indianapolis.
Thomas ]. D\'e was born December 8. TS4J, in Hamilton
count}', Indiana, l)ut when (|uite young was brought to the county
of Boone, with the subsequent history and development of which his
career was closely intej'wo\en. Reared amid the quiet scenes of rural
I02 MORROW S HISTORY
life and the strenuous usages of the farm, he early developed rugged
strength and a sturdy character, which, under the wise care and pru-
dent directii>n of his experienced father, enabled him tii combine
habits I if industry with the pnigress of thought so as t(j exercise
a \'ery decided and happy influence in begetting a spirit of self-ix-
liance and fixing definitely his future course of action and contluct.
In the best schools the country afforded he acquired an edu-
cation which. tJK lugii b_\- no means complete, has ser\-ed well as a
foundation for his subsequent mental growth. The greater part of
his training, luiwever. was received in the school of experience,
which imparts the valuable practical knowledge not found in the
curriculum of the C(jllege or the course of the university. His father
being an experienced stock dealer, young Thomas early became fa-
miliar with the business, and it may truthfully be said that he lit-
erally grew up a buyer and seller, for while still a vouth in his teens
he was intrusted with a number of important transactions, including
large purchases and extensive shipments, in all of which his judg-
ment was seldom if ever at fault. His steady habits and discreet
common sense rendering him absolutelv reliable, his father reposed
such implicit confidence in his judgment and integritv that it was
under his directiim and management it continued to grow until in
time he became the leading live stock dealer in the count\' of Boone,
his operations extending over Indiana, Illinois and Missouri.
Mr. Dye met with financial success commensurate with the en-
ergy and judgment displayed in his business transactions, and in the
com"se of years his earnings amount to a handsome com]J^tenc^■,
which, judiciously invested from time tn time, has made him one of
the solid and well-to-do men of this city, where he has resided since
1882. Some time prior to the nineties he gradually withdrew from
the live stock trade, and since 1801 has devoted ItIs attention chiefly
to the manufacture and sale of fence piists. a business of large and
OF 1I0WAR11 COrXTY. TO3
rapid growth in the northern counties of Inch'ana and which has
numerous representatives in the majority of cities throughout the
state. Since Air. Dve eml)arkcd in this enterprise he has l>uiU up an
extensi\'e and lucratixe patronai^e, owning' in additinn tn his hirge
}'ard in K()kc)mo similar ^■ards at \\ estheld. Bennett Switch. Russia-
viUe, Eag'letown, Greentown, Jetterson\'ille. ( )ld Aug'usta and at sev-
eral other points, employing at each place a li\e.enei"getic agent, who
spares nc.i pains in looking after the husiness and who makes the
firm's interests his own. Associated with him is his son. \\ illis B.
D_\'e. under the name of Thomas J- Dye & Son. the firm thus con-
stituted owning and o])erating a numher of mills in \arious ])arts
of the South, where there is a plenteous growth rif pust limljer, red
cedar being the variet\' most in use and for wliich there is a cmi-
stanth' increasing' demand. Fh' nianufacturing their nwn iM'dduct
the firm is at a great aflvantage over dealers not thus situated, and
the extent to which the business has grown iiidicates the honnrable
methods that ha\e ever been i)ursued \i\' the ]iri nirietiirs an.d the
strong hold they ha\'e upon the confidence i >f their numer( >us jiiitri ins.
Air. Dye is essentially a business man and as such dccupies a com-
manding position among his fellow citizens of Koknui >. His career
presents a series of successes and advancements, while his ur,swen'-
ing rectitude has made his life count for gooil in all nf its relatinns,
as is attested bv the iuu'eser\'ed esteeni of the ])eii[)le of a ci>mniunity
in which he has li\'etl for so man)' \'ears and in which such signal
success has crnwned his difl'erent lines of endeax'nr.
In the year 1882 occurred the marriage of Th<ini;is J. l\\e and
Aiarinda Blanche, daughter of Colonel \\ illis and Anna Blanche,
the former for many years one of Howard county's leading men and
influential citizens, and whose name is known to history as one of
the bravest and most distinguished of the mruiy gallant s. Idiers that
Indiana sent to the front during the dark and tmublnus period of the
I04 MORRCJW" S HISTORY
Ci\il war. Mrs. I)}'e was lioni Feljruary 28. 1849. on what is
known as tlie Xnrth hill, oxerkx iking the Cit\' park of Kokomn. and
has al\va}'.s lived near the place where she first saw the light oi day,
l)eing a huh' of strong mentality and Ijeaiitiful character and moving
in the best social circles of the cit\' in wdiich she resides. I'"or some
time after their marriage Air. and Mrs. Dve li\-ed on a farm near
Kukomo. but subse(|uenth" remo\'ed to the citv. where the\- now' oc-
cu])v a conifortalile home, made doubh- attnicti\e b\' the spirit of
hi :si)italit\' that reigns within. Their union has been l)lessed with
three children, the oldest of whom, \\"illis K., his father's jiartner,
was born on the (ith da\' of Julv, 1883, and is to(la\- one of the en-
terprising _\'i ung business men of the cit}'. He was given the advan-
tage of a liberal eilucation, has been acti\'eK' interested in the growth
(jf Kok( mo and the de\elopment of its various lines of industr\' and
socially occupie.s' a conspicuous place among his fellow citizens, be-
ing a member of the F')'thian order, in the L'niform Rank of which
he holils the position of xice chancellor, and is also a ALason of high
degree, besides being i)rominent in religious circles, holding mem-
bershi]> with the Alain Street Christian church, one of the most in-
fluential organizations of the kind in the cit\', his wife, too, belong-
ing to this congregation, ]^[ar^' A., the second of the famih', ^\■hose
l)irth occurred on A])ril I st of the ^ear 1888. is still a meu'iber of the
home circle, as is also Annabel, the ^'oung■est, who was born on the
2 1 St day of June, 1893.
T.ike the majority of enterprisiiig pul>lic-spirited men of Ko-
konio, A[r. D}'e has faith in the cit\' and beliexes that the past is but
an earnest of still greater growth and more extensive liusiness de-
x'elopment in the future. To make this possible he has contributed
his influence and material assistance to the encotirag'ement of all
laudable enterprises, at the same time endea\'oring to realize within
himself his highest idea of earnest manhood and progressi\-e citi-
OF HOWAKI) COTNTV. 105
zenship. An ur.swerxiny Rei)ul)licaii. and nut (iiil\- decjflx' liut ac-
ti\elv enlisted in his party's success, he has ne\er heen an aspu'anl
for iiffice or puljlic hnnnrs (;f an\- kind, thuusii fre(|uently inipurtuned
hv liis friends b> stand for the same. Ijeing- amply c|ualihed 1)} nature
and l)usiness experience to disLdiari^e worthiK' the duties ol an\' trust
within the i)ii\vei- of his fellow citizens to Ijestow. A member of the
IMasonic fraternity, he has e\er S(|uared his life according" to the
beautiful ami sublime precepts of the ancient and honorable order.
and from time to time has held imiiortant official positions in the
Zions\ille lodoe. to which he formerl\- belouoed.
In this Connection it is deemed proper to make some incideiUal
reference to Colonel Willis Pilanche. although his career will be
found at greater length in another part of the \-olume. As alreaiU'
indicated, the Blanche famil_\- was among the earl_\- settlers of How-
ard connt\'. It is stated as a matter of local interest that he assisted
in the construction of the first house on the present site of kok(jnio.
and from that time until his lamented death he nexer ceased to man-
ifest a liveh' interest in the welfare of the town or faded to ]>ut
forth his best efforts for its ad\'ancement. He became not onl\'
one of the representati\e farmers and stock raisers of Howard
county, but also a leader of thought and moulder of opinion among
the people, being as one born t("> command and in whom his fellow
men alwa}s reposed the most implicit confidence. At the breaki'ig"
out of the Ci\il war he entereil the ser\-ice as captain of Company
G. I*"ift_\-seventh Indiana Infantr\-. and for braxe and meritorious
conduct was subseciuenth' made major of the regiment, later becom-
ing' colonel, in which ca-pacitx- he rendered gallant serxice for the
National L'nirjn. participating in a number of campaigns and nu-
merous l)loodv liattles and receiving two se\ere wounds while lead-
ing his men into the midst of conflict. He raised and organized the
company and in the absence of financial means to mo\"e the same he
io6 morrow's history
paid the transportation to Richmond, where the regiment was or-
g-anized. His miHtary experience was replete with duty bravely
and conscientiously performed, and his record, which is a proud one,
fiirins line of the brightest and most liduorable chapters in the his-
tory of the state. Colonel Blanche was married in Kokomo in the
rear 1847 ^" Anna Shaul, \\hose ancestors, with his own. came from
France in an earl}- da}", their respective grandfathers hax'ing been
neig'hbiirs in the Old W'nrld and ciunpanions in their \i iwage to the
Xe\\'. Mrs. Blanche was Ixirn May 27. 1827. in Clark cijunt}-. Ohio,
and is still living, being now in her eighty-second year, but retaining
to a marked degree the possession of faculties, ph}'sical and mental.
She was brought to Indiana when quite \'oung and claims a resi-
dence in the state of ei2■ht^■-one vears' duration.
TOSEl'H M. LIXDLEY.
Among the enterprising, [trogressive and public-spirited men
whose activit}- in business and private circles as well as pul)lic affairs
has made Howard countv one of the thri\-ing counties of Indiana
and the cit\' in wdiich he resides an important center of commerce
and industn,- is the subject of this brief review, who is at present
holding the responsible office of sheriff of his county and who is
regarded as (ine of the nicist influential men of Kokomo.
Joseph yi. Lindley was born in Libert}- township, Xovember
9. 1857. the son of James and Rebecca (Hobson) Lindlc}-, Ixith na-
tives of Henrv C(iunt\". this state, who settled in Howard cmmty
al)out 1850 on a farm where Joseph. i-)ur subiect. was born, and
where they successfulh' farmed until thev remo\-ed to another farm
in Liberty township, known as the Collins ^\'illits farm. Later he
mr;ved to a farm half a mile west of Greentown. where he spent
OF HOWARD COrXTV. IO7
tlie remainder of liis lite, tiding when onr subject was four years
old and lea\-ing- a widow with seven children, Joseph being- the
youngest ami Jesse O. the oldest. The children were able to care
for the farm for a time until the widnw mu\ed successively to Sul-
onmn. Parsons and Fairnmunt. Indiana, but later returned to the
farm and mo\ed the family to Fremont county, L)wa. when the
subject was tweh'c years old. She later remmed to Red Cloud. Ne-
braska, where she was called fmm her earthh- labors. The parents
of the subject were people of sterling qualities and made everv ef-
ioYt to rear their children in the paths of rectitude.
After the death of the subject's mother Joseph and hisi young--
est sister, Nancy Elizabeth, returned to Howard county. She is
now the wife of William Johnson, of Kokomo. Joseph was then
eighteen years old. and he has since spent his life in his native county,
following farming as a life \york. He worked for Collins \\'illets
on his father's old fann until he was married at the age of twenty
years to Frances Fry, daughter of Noah Fry, of Libert}' township.
She was born in Henn- county and came to Howard county about
the time Joseph Lindley went to Iowa. Mr. Lindley worked one
year for his father-in-law. Then he rented land in Union township
for fi\e or six \-ears, then bought a farm near \'ermont. not far fr( im
the old \\illits farm. I)uying' the house which his father had built,
removing- it from the \\'illits farm to his own. His farm was small
and he did considerable work for others in the neighborhood, finally
selling the place to Mr. b'ry and worked for the Clover Leaf Rail-
road Company as section boss of the Kokomo section that ran to
A'ermont. Mr. Lindley then removed to Kokomo after remaining
with the road for one year. Then he went to contracting and dig-
ging open ditches. He secured some good jobs and niade money at
this undertaking-, as indeed he did of whate\-er he turned his at-
tention to. He continued contracting for eight or nine years, then
io8
^\ I irked fur W. H. Higgins. superintendent of the gas ct^mpany.
The head ntiice was in Chicago and ]\Ir. Lindley had charge of a
gang of men in Kokdmo and was with the former wlien the first
gas well was strnck in that vicinity, and worked for that company
tVir a period of ten years, until the gas grew weak, helping- lay all the
pipes around Kokonio. and while engaged in this work he made a
wide ac(juaintance. The compan}- (Opened a plumbing- shop, with
which the subject was connected for one year, when he went back
to the gas fields, but returned to his shop in h>l)ruary. 11)04, and be-
came a candidate for sherift'. He was triumphantly elected, lun-ing
liecome generally popular in that vicinity, and held the oftice for
two years, giving entire satisfaction to all his constituents, conse-
quently he was re-elected, his term expiring January i, 1909.
Mr. I, indie}- has been a Republican all his life and has been ac-
ti\e in all campaigns for man\- ^-ears. Ijeing willing to gi\-e his time
to the furtherance of his count\-'s interests reg-ardless of his per-
sop,al anibitions, and has shown that he is a most capable public serv-
ant, being- of a turn to win and hold frier.ds, at the same time devit-
ing his undixided attention to his work in a manner that elicits no
mifax-orable criticism, even from his political rivals. Mr. Lindley
co-mposed songs and sang his wa}- into jiulilic office. He has a splen-
did bass voice. ^Ir. Lindle\- li^-es at the jail and e\-ervthing about
the place is kept scrupnloush- clean under his super\-ision. ^[r. and
]\rrs. Lindley ha\'e the following chiklren : Jesse O., a ])lnmber;
Charles, a plumlier: \\'orle}-, also a plumber, all three li\-ing at Ko-
konio: Blanche, wife of William DeLou, of Logansport, Lidiana.
The subject is identified with the Red Men and takes an active
intercut in_ lodge work. He is well and favorablv known in H<iward
countv, for his life has been singularl\- free fnim all suspicion of
e\-il doing or wrong- of an}- kind and he has faithfull}- discharged
his duties at all times.
OF HOWARD COl'XTV. loi)
GEORC.l-: A. HAXSELL.
The fnllowiny is the sketch nf a plain hc>ne>t man of affaii's.
i\ ho 1)\' correct niethnds and a strict regard for the interests (.)f his
patrons has made his influence teh in Kokonio and won for himself
chstinctne prestige in the l)usiness circles of that cit_\". lie would he
the last man to sit for romance or hecome the suhject of fanc_\'
sketches, nevertheless his life presents much that is interesting and
\'aluable and mav he studietl with profit hy the _\oung. whose careers
are }et to be achie\ed. He is one of those whose integrity and
strength of character must force them into an admirable notoriety
which their modest}- ne\er seeks, who commands the resitect of their
contemporaries ami their })osterit\- and lea\e the im[)ress of their
indi\'idualit\' dee])ly stamped up<in the community.
("leorge A. Hansell. ])roprietor and manager of the llansell
Coal Com]rmv. of Kokomo, is a native of Howard county. Indiana.
an.d the son of Jonathan and Sarah i Swanev) Hansell. the father
born in Ohio, and the mother in I'ennsvlvania. These parents were
mari-ied in the latter state and moved to How"ar<l countv in an early
da}", settling in the woods of Center t<iwnshi|). from which in due
time Mr. Hansell cleared a fine farm on which he and his good wife
spent the remainder of their da\s. and which is still in the family
name, being' now' owned bv' the subject of this review, who has
added much to the original tract. ( ieorge -\. Hansell was a man of
great industrv- and sterling worth. He labored diligentK' to make
a home and ])ro\ide comfortably for his famil}'. attended strictl}' to
his own affairs and combined in his nature manv of the best elements
of manhood and citizenship. He died in \Sh(). while still a }oung
man. his widow surviving him until the v'eai' 1SS4. when sbe too
was called to the unseen world.
George A. Hansell was bom October 10. if^57. on the home
no MORROW'S HISTORY
farm in Center township, and there in close touch with nature in the
woods and fields he grew to manhood's estate. Early in life he im-
bihed those principles of honest}', integrity and concentration of
purpose which make for character and success and in the district
school not far from his home enjuved the Ijest educational advan-
tag'es the township afforded. Reared amid the stirring' duties of
the farm he took his place in the fields as soon as old enough to be
of service and from that time on nobly bore his part of the cultiva-
tion of the crops, and harvesting (jf the same, in the meantime
swinging his ax in the woods much of which fell before his sturdy
blows as the place was being de\eloped. His early experience as a
tiller of the soil vevv natnrallv led him to make that honorable ^•oca-
ti(_>n his life work, and after the death of his father, while still a
mere youth, he assumed the responsibility of managing the farm,
later succeeding to the ownership, and in due time became one of the
most enterprising and successful agriculturists of his township.
Mr. Hansell continued on the family homestead from his birth
until 1902, a period of forty-fi\'e years and in addition to cultivat-
ing the soil de\'oted about ten years to the dairy business, in which
his success was ver)' satisfactory. In Februar}' of 1902 he turned
his land ox'er to other hands, moving to Ivokomo, engaged in the
grocery business, \Ahich he followed during the ensuing two years as
a member of the firm of Sellers & Hansell, but at the expiration of
that period became interested in the coal Inisiness which he still
carries on, being at this time proi)rietor and manager of the large
coal an<l wood yard on the T.ake Erie lS: Western Railroad, Xo 179
Buckeye and Main streets, where he commands the largest and most
Iticrative patronage of the kind in the city. This business, which
was established in "Sl'dv, 1904. has steadil}- grown in magnitude ami
importance until the yard now occu])ies two large lots on which
ha\'e been erected the buildings, sheds and other improxements nee-
OF HOWARD CorXTV. IIJ
where his birth occurred on the T4th day of July. 1S5S. His fa-
ther, Gottlielj Schwenger, a farmer hy occupatiim and a man nf in-
telHg'ence and g'ood social stamhng, li\ed and <hed in hi'^ native
lanth as did also the mother, both nf whom are sleeping the >leep
of eternal silence in the nld ancestral burial grnund near the place
where the even, tenor of their li\'es was i>assed.
The subject of this re\iew receixed a good education in the
land of his birth, but laid aside his studie-^ at the age of fourlecn
tib ser\e a twn years' apprenticeshi]) at the baker's trade, in addition
to which time he was (ibliged to pa)' the sum of fifty dollars as a
partial remuneration for the knowledge imitarted to him. In due
time he finished his apiirenticeship and l;)ecame cpiite efficient in his
chosen calling, after which he worked at \-arious ])laces until his
twentieth year, when, like all ^■ouno■ men in Germany, he was
obliged to enter the mih'tar\- service, to which the ensuing three
years were devoted. At the ex]iiration of his period of enlistment
he resumed his trade and continued to work at the srmie in his
natiye land until 1885. when he became convinced that better op-
portunities and more fa\"oraljle (■penings were to be fouml in Amer-
ica for men of moderate means, and he decided to tr\" his fortune
in the country lievond the sea. In the meantime 1 1883) he mar-
ried the }-oung lady of his choice. Caroline Schaufier. so that 1)\- the
time he was read}' to embark upon his new enterjirise he had. besides
himself, a wife and two children to ])ro\-ide for. Xotbing- daunte<l,
howe\-er, but with a spirit of determination in the new wdrld, when
new scenes greeted hini in which he was to "lay" the foundation
of a fortune and car\-e out a new destiny, he began at once his ca-
reer here.
Shortly after arri\'iiig in America Mr. Schwenger ])roceedcd as
far west as Chillicothe, Ohio, which i>lace he reached witli one hun-
dred and two dollars in his ])ocket, this being the sum total of liis
8
114 MORROWS HISTORY
earthly possessions. He soon secured remunerati\'e emplo^•ment in
that city, where he continued to wurk at his trade until 1894, when
he left the shop in which he had worked for nine consecuti\-e years
and came to Kokomo. engaging- soon after his arrival with a baker
with whom he I'emained for a period of eighteen months. Sev-
ering his connection with ]\Ir. Zuttermeister, his emplnver. at the
end of the time indicated, he and a friend decided to gn into the
business for themselves. Accordingly each contributed one hundred
and twenty-live dollars to equip the establishment, and with this
capital they began operations with the most encouraging prospects,
the superior g'rade of their product bringing tn the liakery in a
short time a large and liberal patronage. \\'ithin less than two
years Mr. Schwenger purchased his partner's interest and liecame
sole proprietor. Under his able management, progressi\-e methnds
and honest desire tn treat his custnmers fairly he gradually extended
the scope and magnitude nf the business, replacing the old bakery
in 1904 with the large and splendid modern structure nn the corner
of Union and Svracuse streets, where he nwns une- fourth of a
block sixtv-se\en ])y one hundred and thirty-three feet in dimen-
sicms. the building being thoroughlv ecjuipped -with all modern ap-
pliances of first-class establishments (>f the kind. Mr. Schwenger
is not onlv himself a skillful baker, liut in his desire to keep pace
with the times and furnish his customers with higli-grade ]:>read,
cakes, pastrv, etc., retains in his enn)li;n' first-class men onh- and
spares neither effort nor means to make the business of which he
is the head representati\-e in its character and secrmtl to no other of
the kind in the city. This adherence ti> a straightforward and
honorable polic\' and the treating of his jiatrons with the considera-
tion due them is the kev to much of the success which has attended
him since locating in this citv. and that he is destined to continue the
OF HOWARD COl'XTV. II5
upriglit course he has thus far pursued and reap stiH greater tinan-
cial rewards is the behet of aU who know him or arc tamihar witli
his methi ids.
In Connection with baking, in which he leads all competitors,
Air. Schwenger also conducts a larg-e antl well appointed restau-
rant, wliich is extensix'el}- patronized !)}• the people of Kokomo and
transient visitors tr> the city, the traveling- pufilic, as well as fanu-
ers. mechanics and all classes of artisans finding it an ideal place of
entertainment as far as satisf}'ing the appetite and nourishing the
ph}-sical man is concerned.
Air. Schwenger came to Kokomo with little <if tliis world's
goods, but is now classed with the financially solid and reliable men
of the citv. having gi\-en strict attention tt) business, honoral:)le deal-
ings and a straightfc>r\\ard course, from which no motive has ever
caused him to deviate. He has accumulated a handsome fortune,
including valuable real estate in the city and larg"e pri\-ate capital
not represented in his Imsiness enterprise. His personal relations
with his fellow men ha\"e ever been mutualh' agreeable, and the high
esteem in which he is held indicates the tmiversal hold he has on the
confidence and respect of the people, regardless of class or condition.
He is an active and influential member of the Impnn-ed Order
of Red Alen, the Benevolent and Protective Order of F.Iks, the
Order of Eag"les and Alodern Woodmen, and with his wife belongs
to the Grace Alethodist Episcopal church, the largest religious or-
ganization in the city.
His family consists of himself and wife and five children, the
two older. Pauline and Sophia, ages twenty-three and twenty-two.
respectively. ha\-ing' been born in the old countiy. The others are:
Albert, aged twenty: ^^'illiam. aged seventeen: and Katherine. a
^•oung lady of fourteen }-ears.
ii6 morrow's history
SOLOMOX A. PEXXINGTOX.
Hnward c<iuiit}- was imt lacking in diit}- during the dark days
of the Rebelhon, when the ship of state was almost stranded on the
rocks of disunion, but contributed her full quota of brave and val-
iant men to assist in preserving the integrity of the go\-ernnient,
prominent among whom was the well known gentleman and enter-
prising citizen whose name appears at the head (if this review. Lo\-al
to his countrv in its hour of peril and extremit}', as was demonstrated
on man^' liloodv battlefields, he has ever been its stanch supporter
in times of peace, and today there are few ex-soldiers of the county
as widely and fa\-orabl}' known and none that can boast of a more
honorable record. The ranks rif the noble rirganization to which
he belonged in the days of his youth are fast being decimated by the
one invinci4)le foe. and it is fitting that in even.^ ptiblication of the
nature of this volume special tribute be paid to those during the
greatest civil war kno\Mi to histor}-.
The Penningtons trace their genealogy to England, and it is a
matter of record that one of the subject's ancestors at one time held
the high and honorable position of lord mayor of the city of London.
The famih- was early represented in America and the name appears
in connection with the pioneer history of Kentucky, later becoming
quite well known in certain parts of Indiana. A. J. Pennington set-
tled in Marion county, this state, a number of years ago, and was
there married in 1840 to Pollie A^■ery, whose people mo\-ed to In-
diana from Pennsylvania, she being a native of the latter state and
a descendant of an old and highly esteemed family that settled at
quite an early period in one of the eastern colonies. Aliout one or
Uvci vears after their marriage A. J. and Pollie Pennington moved
to Howard county, where they lived for a number of years. Mr.
Pennington de\'oting his attention to agricultural pursuits and meet-
OF 1I0WAKI> COl'NTV. lin-
ing w itli fail" success in his cliDsen field uf labor. Later he disposed
of his interests in Howard count}- and changed his residence to the
county of Clinton, where he purchased a farm and continued to live
the remainder df his days. Of the four children born to this es-
timable cnuple three sons are living, the subject of this sketch being
the first in order oi birth.
S(ilomon A. Pennington is a natix'e of Howard countv, Indiana,
bom on the loth da\- of AIa\-, 1846. His earh- life on the farm was
a Continuous round of hard work, the countr\- being then com])ara-
ti\'el}' new. and much lal)or was required to rennn'e the forest growth
and fit the soil for culti\-ation. Young Sok.mion contributed his full
share to these ends and by reason of his seiwices being in constant
demand he had few advantages in the way of obtaining an eiluca-
tion. When fourteen }-ears of age he lost his mother, after which
sad e\'ent home had for him few attractions. The year following her
decease he decided to sever the ties which bound him to the family
circle and proffer his sen-ices t(T his country. Accordingly in the
month of August, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-ninth
Indiana Cavalry, and was at once sent to the fmut and bis com-
mand attached to die .Vrmy of the Cumberland. Without narrating
in detail his niilitary career, suffice it to state that his command ex-
perienced as much hard ser\-ice as anv other regiment in the army,
during all of which he bore the part of a brave and gallant soldier,
sharing- with his con-irades the vicissitudes and dangers of war in
man}- of the n-iost noted campaigns and battles in that g-reat strug-
gle, among the latter being Sliiloh. Stone River. Chickamauga.
A\-erysl)oroug-h. Atlanta and many others, in all one hundred and
twenty-seven battles and skirn-iishes. In the engagement at A\-en-s-
borough. Xorth Carolina, he had two h(-irses shot from under him.
besides receiving- a serious wound which necessitated his retirement
from active service until sufficient! v reciwered to rejoin his com-
ii8 morrow's history
niand. At the battle ui Stone Rixer he had the misfortune to fall
into the hands of the enemy, and during the ensuing three months he
experienced all the suffering and pri\-ation fur which the vile den
of horrors at Libby Prison, where he la}- a prisoner, was noted. In
due time he was exchanged, and rejoining his reg'iment continued
to do valiant service for his country until the expiration of his pe-
riod of enlistment in August. 1865. when he returned to his home
in Howard count}- and once more resumed the quiet pursuits of
ci\-il life. ]\Ir. Pennington's military career is replete with dutv
faithfull}- and uncomplainingly perfomied. and if written in detail
would make a \-olume of ileei) and alisi.irbing interest. He not only
experienced the common lot of the soldier on the many bloody fields
of conflict, but frequently found himself in dangerous and hazardous
situations besides performing numerous acts of valor, among- which
was the capture of two Confederate flags with his own hands, one
a brig-ade. the other a headquarters flag', for which signal seiwice
he received complimentaiw notices from his superiors and recei\'ed
due mention in their reports.
In his youth JMr. Pennington became quite a skillful shoemaker,
and it was to this trade that he de\-oted his attention a short time
after retiring froni the army. Subsequentl}- he accepted a clerkship
with a clothing firm, and in 1S70 cauie to Kokoiu:) and engaged in
the clothing- business, which line of trade he continued with encour-
aging success for a number of years, the meantin-ie becoming fa\-or-
abl}- knowii in commercial circles and taking an acti\-e interest in
the city's ad\-ancement. In 1904 he organized the Finch-Penning-
ton Clothing- Company, of which he is president, this l^eing the lead-
ing- establishment of the kind in the city as well as one of the n-|ost
imjjortant mercantile establishments in this part of the state. Since
becoming a resident of Kokomo he has been public-spirited in all
the term implies, has aided with his means and influence in inaugu-
Ol-- IIOWARII COL'NTV. I I9
ratinj;- aiul carrying- tn successful issue a luunljer nf ini]>i)rtaiU en-
terprises, and today there are few men in Howard ccuntx- as highly
esteemed or to whom the public is under so great a del)t of gratitude.
Air. Pennington's married life dates from the vear 1869. when
he was married t(_) INIary Wickersham, of Howard ciiunt\'. who de-
parted this life after a brief wedded experience of less than a year's
duratitm. the union resulting in the birth of one child, whn died in
infanc}'. Later he was united in marriag'e with Emma Welch, who
died in September, 1805, lea\ing two children — a son, Dixon Hu-
rett, wh(j resides in X'ictor, Colorad(j, and a daughter by the name
of Clara, wlm is a member (if the Imnie circle and a popular \(iung
lacly of high social standing. Before her marriage the present Mrs.
Pennington was Josephine .Vustin, nf Henry county, Indiana, the
daughter nf Dr. Iv .\ustin. wlm li\L'd for a numb-r nf years in
Hamilton, at which ])lace Mrs. Pennington was reared and educated.
E\er since the close of the Rebellion Mr, Pennington h;is nrni-
ifested an acti\e interest in military matters, and in addition to ser\-
ing as major and adjutant in the state militia he was elected junior
\ ice department commander at Terre Haute of the Department of
Indiana, Crand .\rnn- of the Republic, besides holding other posi-
tions in the service from time to time, b^ir a number of years he
has de\-oted considerable attention to all matters relating to the
<iran<l Army of the Republic, of which he is an inllnential member,
and to him more tli;ui to am- other is the post at Kokonin indebte<l
for its existence and ]3n:isperitv, ha\ing l.ieen the leading spirit in
Ijringing about its organization and filling at intenals e\erv office
connected with the same. He has also been a le ider in the P\thian
order, manifesting especial interest in C'onipan\- .\'o. d of the oi--
ganization and participating in .all the contests in which the Kok( imo
compan}' has taken part. In addition to this fratern.al society he
holds membership with the Order of Ben-Hiu", and is also {{lentified
I JO ilORROW S ITISTORV
\vith \-ariiius ntlier enterprises lia\'ing' for their object the sncial ad-
\ancemeiit of tlie community and the moral improvement of his
feUow men.
Mr. Penningtnn affiHates witli the Repu1:>hcan part\', and sirice
'ilcl enough to exercise tlie rig'lits of citizensliip has been an active
and. influential p(ilitical worker, being' at this time a leader in local
affairs and not unknown in the wider domain of state politics. Dur-
ing the session of 1898-1899 he ser\-ed as doorkeeper nf the lower
house of the ger.eral assembly and in 1904-T905 he was chief do<ir-
keeper of the state senate, in buth of which capacities he rendered
\-aluable ser\-ice and became widely known among the political lead-
ers I if the state. In matters religious Air. Pennington has decided
^•iew■s and earnest convictions, being a de\'out belie\"er in the sacred
Scriptures an<l a consistent disciple of the meek and lowlv Xazarene.
Himself and familv are irlentified with the ]\Iain Street Christian
church of Kokonio, in which he holds the office of deacon, and his
dail}- life affords a commendable example of the beauty and ^'alue of
the pure and simple faith to which he yields allegiance.
PROF. ELLSAA'ORTH E. ROBEY.
Idle life of the scholarly or priifessi(inal man seldom exhibits
any of those striking incidents that seize upon public feeling and
attract attention to himself. His character is generally made up of
the aggregate (|ualities and ijualifications he may possess, as these
may be elicited by the exercise of the duties of his vocation or the
particular profession to which he l)elongs. Ijut when such a man
has So impressed his in(li\■i(lualit^■ upon his fellow men. as to gain
their crinfidence and throuHi that confidence rises to high and im-
OF HOWARD COl'XTV. 12 1
portant puljlic trust lie at once l)eci:inies a conspiciinus ht^uie in the
body piilitic of the comiiiuiiity and state. The suliject of this re\ iew
is one of the schcilarly men of liis county, who. not content to hide
his talents amid Hfe's se(|uestered \\a\s, lias 1)\- the force of wdl and
a latidalale ambition forged to the front in a resixmsible and exact-
ing calling, and earned an honorable rei)Utation as the head of one of
the most important hiranches of public service. His life has been
one of hard study and research from his youth and since maturity
of labor'ious professional dut\' in the several relations in which he
has been placed: and the high position to which he has attained is
evidence that the qualities he possesses afford the means of distinc-
tion under a sx'stem of go\ernment in which |)laces of honor and
usefulness are open t(j all who ma}- be found worthy of them.
Fdlsworth E. Robe^•. superintendent of the public schools of
How\ard county and one of the leading educators of the state, is a
nati\'e of Indiana, born in the county of which he is now a worthy
citizen, and honored official, on the 4th da-\" of December, 1S70. His
father, Da\iil H. Robev. also an Indianaian b\" Ijirth, was broti,ght
to this count\' I)y his parents when he was two \'ears old. and grew'
to niattirit\" in Howard township, where the family settled as early
as 1846. mo\-ing to this jiart of the state from Henr\' count}'.
Suliject's grandfather, who Avas one of the ]iioneer settlers of
Howard township, purchased a tract of land from the gcwernment
at the time indicated and at once addressed hiniself to the task of its
improyement. but did not li\'e to finish the undertaking. ha\ing
died the following year while ser^'ing as a soldier in the war with
Mexico. He was a nati\'e of \'irginia, but came west in a ycry
early (ku' and li\'ed for a nunilier of \'ears in Idenry county, Indiana,
where he followed agricultural pursuits and became a niost estim-
able and praiseworth}' citizen. His children, nine in number. fi\'e
sons and four dau,ghters, were born in Henr\' county, the youngest
122 MORROW S HISTORY ,
of the family bein,t;" Da\i(l. who, as aheatlv statetl, was reared in
Hdward count}" where he still lives, residing at this time in the city
of Kokomo. He spent the greater part of his life in Howard town-
ship, where, in addition to farming and stock raising he worked for
some }^ears at carpentry and earned the reputation of a \erv skillful
and successful mechanic. Since mox-ing to the count}- seat, however,
he has de\'0te(l his attention principally to dealing in timber which
he bu}'s and ships quite extensi\-eh', doing a \'er\' satis-
factor}- business, in his }dnng manhood he married Catherine
Learner, of Howartl count}-, who l)ore him one child, Ellsworth
E., the sulaject of this re\-iew-, and dieil when her son w-as only eight
years of age, thus (lei)ri\-ing him of a mother's lo\-ing care and ten-
der guidance.
For sometime after the death of his n-iother \-oung Ellsworth
made his home \\-ith his aunt who lixed in the countr}-, and while a
meniber of her household he enjo}-ed all the prixileges accorded the
rest of the famil}-, making himself useful as soon as old enough to
be of serxice, during the winter and spring nionths attending the
district schools. Being' of a studious habit and fond of books, he
made the m(.)St of his opportunities in the way of stud}- and by eag-
erly reading such books as came to his hand, he made rapid pri-igress
and while still a mere }-outh was far in advance iif niost l)o}s of his
age besides being well informed on a wide range oi subjects. After
finishing the common l)ranches in the countrv schools he attended
for some time the graded schools of (ireentown, the training thus
received being' afterwards supplemented b}- a full course in the In-
diana State Xorn-ial School at Terre Haute, frcmi which he was
graduated with the class of 1897. Wdiile pnisecuting his studies in
the latter institution, Mr. Rol>ey de\-oted his \-acations to teaching'
and was thus engaged for three }-ears in his lion-ie township, during"
which time he earned an litmoraljle reputation as a successful in-
(II' iKiWARD corxrv. 123
structcir and strict but kind (liscii)liiiarian. liaxiiiL; ilccided tn de-
\-iite his life U> educational work, he spared neither pains nor ex-
pense in httin^;' himself for the profession and to this end he at-
tended the State Xornial wliere he made a cre(htal.)le record as a
diHgent antl critical student. With the thorough discipline ac-
quired at this institution he entered upon his work with renewed
zeal in Kokonio. where he taught \er\- successfulh' for a period of
two }'ears and at the expiration of that time accepted a position as
ward principal in Tipton \vliere he also remained two \ears, to the
entire satisfaction of the board of trustees. Resigning his jirin-
cipalship at the latter place he took charge of the schools of Irxing-
ton. a suburb of Indianapolis and the seat of Flutler l'ni\ersity. hut
after one vear there resigned his position to make a race for the
superintendenc}' of schools in his own county, to which office he
was duh' elected in 1S99 and to the duties of which he has since de-
\'oted his attention, having- been twice re-elected in the meantime.
I'rof. Robe)''s nine }-ears of serx'ice as the head of Howard
count\'s public school system ha\e been characterized b}' a series of
ad\'ancements in educational methods which demonstrate his abilit}'
as a man of progressi\e ideas besides \vinning for him an honor-
al)le place among the leading superintendents of the state. Possess-
ing great force of character and executixe aljility of high order, he
has brought the schools to a high standard of efficiency and I)}'
weeding out incompetent teachers and insisting that only those of
recognized scholarship and professional exi)erience be employed, he
looks hopefullv forward to still greater inipro\ement in the fiUure.
As an educator he is widel}- known througln.iut Indiana and his sug-
gestions pertaining to matters educational command resjject in all
the institutes, asscjciations and con\-entions of superintendents which
he attends. In recognitiini of his high official and professional
standing he was appointed by (iovernor Durbin in T()04 a member
124 MORROW S HISTORY
of the state Ijoard ijf education, and so etficieiit did he pru\-e in
this responsible prist that he was reappointed Ijy Go^•ernul■ Hanlv.
and stills holds the place. His duties in this connection include
o^-e^sight of all educational matters not especially provided for by
law, which requires his presence in various counties for purpose of
inspecting- high schools and Normal schools and lending his influence
and educational experience in raising the professional standing of
the teachers of the state. In his otticial capacity he has much to do
in mangaging and otherwise working for the l)est interests ( if the
State d'eachers' Association, in addition to which important body
he is also identified officialh- with the Xatiimal T-'ducational .Vssocia-
tion of which he is one of the ele\'en ^■ice-presidents from as manv
different states, jjeing Indiana's representati^•e in the greatest body
of distinguished eilucators on the American continent. Prof. Robey
has served with marked ability as president of the county superin-
tendents' section of the State Teachers' Association where his well
known success as a schm il manager and wide practical e.xperience
in general educational matters ha\e been of special value to his fel-
low associates, among whom he is held in the highest personal es-
teem. He is still a young man in the very prime of vigorous physi-
cal and mental powers and in possessing genial manners, superior
scholarshij). which, with his }'ears of practical experience from coun-
try school to cit}' principalship, count}- superintendency and member-
ship with some of the highest educati(inal bodies of the land, it is
eminenth' ]in iper to bespeak for him a future of still greater effi-
cier.c}- and distinguished ser\-ice in his chosen field of endea^•or.
Aside from the duties of his office Prof. Rubey finds time to
devote to the general welfare of the city and county in which he
lives, being interested in all lauda1)le enterprises that make for their
ad\'ancement and an earnest advocate of measures and mo\'ements
ha\-in.g for their object the moral good of his fellow' men. Like all
OF HOWAKl) CDL'NTY. I 25
enterprising citizens he is a pulitician antl takes an acti\e part in the
dcHljeratiiins nf the Repnljhcan 'i)ai-ty td which he heli>ng-s. l>eing
witleh- and fax'orahh' intormed > m the leading (|nestiiins and issnes
of the day with the conrage nf liis convictions \\ hen it l)ec(inies nec-
essary fur him to express them. He has ser\ed liis part}' as a dele-
gate to the state conventions in which biulies his opinions ha\e been
Hsteiied to with respect. Althougli a recognized party leader and an
aggressive worker, he does not permit political affairs to interfere
with his official duties, being first of all a school man and making
e\er}- other consideration subordinate to his interests as such.
h'rof. Robe\'. on June 20, 189c), was happih' married to Isaliel
Ross, an accomplished young lady of He}-w<irth. Illinois, who has
borne him one child, a son b}' the name of L)a\'id f.awrcnce Roliey,
a bright and interesting young American in whoiu his parents have
centered many fond hopes for the future. Prof, and Mrs. Robe\-
are consistent members of the ]\Iethodist church of Kokonio. The}-
are deeph' interested in the literav\- and club work of the citw in
addition to which he is identified with the P\"thian I^^-aternit\-.
THOAIAS C. MALABY.
Holding distincti\-e prestige among the enterprising citizens of
Howard county is Thomas C. Malaby, whose reconl here briefly
outlined is that of a self-made man who by the exercise ( if the talents
with which nature endowed him successfully surmounted an unfa-
vorable environment and rose to the position he now 1 iccupies as one
of the influential and well-to-do men of the c\t\ honored b\- his res-
idence. He is a creditable re])resentati\ e of one of the old and highly
esteemed pioneer families of Indiana, and possesses man\- of the
admirable qualities and characteristics of the sturdy Renns\l\-ania
126 morrow's history
ancestors, wiio migrated to Indiana in a very early day and fignred
in the histor}- of difterent sections of the state. His father, W'ilHam
Malaljy. was born Angust 15, i8j6, in Fayette county, Pennsylva-
nia, and when a child was jjrought to Tippecanoe count}'. Indiana,
from which the family remoxed in 1828 to the county of Clinton.
After remaining in that part of the state until the spring of 1845 '''^
came to Hiiward county and for some time thereafter taught in the
district schools during the winter months, devcjting the rest of the
year to farm work or an\- kind of honorable employment he could
find to do. On Xoveml)er 2. 1848, he was united in marriage to
]Mar_\- J. Kidder, who bore him ten children, of which large family
onh- three sur\-i\-e, namel}- : Thomas C. of this re\iew : Elmira E.,
widfiw of Hem-y C. Gordon: and Martha J., ^vho married Robert
^len-ill.
W iUiam Malab}' \\as a Repulilican in politics, an infinential
memljer of his part_\- in the communit}- in which he lived and cast
his first presidential ])a]lot for Zacharv Taylor. He was an ardent
supporter of the I'nion diu'ing the exciting and tr\-ing period imme-
diately preceding the great Rebellion, and when the war broke out
he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana
Infantr}-. and served with an honoraljle record until the close of the
conflict. A fanner li}- occupation and a most e.xemplar_\- and praise-
Avorthy citizen, he did his full share in jironioting the gro\\th and
development of his part of the county, and his death, which occurred
on the 4th day of June. 1878. was deeply lamented by the people
among whom he had so long li\'ed and bv whom he was held in such
high esteem. His wife, wlio is remembered as a true helpmeet and
a lady of excellent character and good social standing, departed this
life c)u ]\Iarch 20th of the \'ear following.
Thomas C. Malaby was born September 4, 1841), in Howard
count}', Indiana, and spent his childhood and ^•outh on the home
farm in Ervin township, attending" at inter\als the district schools
OF IIOWAKI) COrKTV.
'-7
until (il)taiiiing a good English education. Being the oldest of the
family, he ear!}' assumed mtich of the labor and responsibility of the
farm, and for this reason was not permitted to prosecute his studies
to the extent which he desired. Endowed Avith a studious nature.
howe\er. and when a mere child e\incing a fondness for l.)ooks. he
(le\'oted his leisure hours to the jierusal of such literature as he could
procm-e. and b\' this antl other means of self-inipro\ement became
in time the possessor of a large fund of \aluable know letlge and
earned the reputation of one of the liest informed and inost intelli-
gent men of the community. Meanwhile he de\-ote<l his attention
to the pursuit of agriculture, but not as a lanilownei', the condition
of the family and the necessity under which he was placed of con-
trilniting to its support precluding the possibility of purchasing real
estate of his own. His somewhat straightened financial circum-
stances did not. howe\er, pre\'ent him from taking that most impor-
tant step in a }-oung man's life, the choosing of a wife and help-
meet and the setting up of a domestic estalilishment. which event
was duly solemnized on August i6. 1874. when he was united in
marriage to ]\[ar\- E. Beckett, whose Ijirth occurred in Marion
count\". Indiana, on the ifith da\- of April, 1857. ]\lrs. ATalabv's pa-
ternal ancestors were Virginians, her mother's ])eople being among
the early settlers of Ohio. The father came from near Blacksburg,
A'irginia. was married in ^Marion countw Indiana, and died when
his daughter Marv was rd:)out fifteen months old. The mother was
reared in that county and died at the home of her daughter in Ko-
komo. After the death of her father jNIaiw E. Beckett became an
inmate of the home of her grandinother, Mrs. Rlioda White, who
sent her t(T school and otherwise looked after her interest and com-
fort until her seventeenth year, at which time the marriage, as abo\-e
recorded, took place.
Mr. Malaby beg-an his domestic life poor in this world's goods,
the sum total of his possessions at that time being a team of mules.
128 morrow's history
a few farming implements and barelv sufficient household goods to
furnish \en- m(;)destl}' a small and humble domicile of a single room.
Endowed with energy and an inborn detennination to succeed, he
addressed himself manfully to his labors and in due time was on
the rugged but sure highway to ultimate prosperity. For some time
he tilled the soil as a renter, but subsequently was able tri purchase
ten acres of land, the cultivation of which sutliced for his needs until
the death of his father, when he fell heir to real estate to the value
of about sixteen hundred dollars. Still later, after selling the pa-
ternal estate, his holdings were increased to one hundred and sixty
acres, from which time dates his success as one of the leading farm-
ers and representative citizens of Ervin township, and he continued
to add to his possessions until becoming a large landowner also.
At the present time ^Iv. ]\[alab\' ranks among the solid men of
his county, owning in addition to his real estate and city property
here a ^-aluable tract of two hundred antl forty acres in Pulaski
cr)unt}', which, with his \aricius private interests, represent a fortune
cisnsiderably in excess rif twenty-fi\"e thousand dollars, ever\- penn}'
the result of his own labor and excellent business management. Sirmie
years ago he gave up rural life and removed to Koki^mio. since wdiich
time he has been one of the enterprising, wide-awake men cjf the
city, manifesting a li\-el}- interest in its progress and achancement
and taking- an acti\e part in forwarding- moven-ients and measures
to these ends. He keeps abreast of the ag-e in all matters of public
in-iport, is well read i n the ixilitical hist(-iry of the countr}-. and al-
though a Republican and interested in the success of the part}-, lie
is not as promineiit a worker in political affairs as in his vounger
da}-s, being content to vote the ticket, defend the soundness of his
principles anfl to be known by the sim])le title of citizen rather than
to aspire to official station or strive for leadership.
y\v. and !\Irs. ]\Ialab\- have a pleasant and attractive home at
Xo. 533 West Jefferson street, where in peace and quietude they are
or iiowAKi) corxTV. iji)
onjuyiui^- the well earned fruits of their niaiiy years of stru.ti'ole ami
success, their social standing l^eing- such as ti i win nian\- friends
among' the hest societ_\- jjeople of the city, and their hnspitalitv and
generosit\- endearing them to all with wh.dm the\- mingle. TheN' are
th.e i^arents of two children, hnth grown and dning f^r theniscKes,
the older, a d;uighter hy the name of Dais_\- B., wlm w;is l):irn h'eh-
ruary i-j. \'!>'j<\ heing the wife nf William .'>n_\<ler, ]\-.. nf KukDnm.
winle Carl .V., tlie sun. whdse hirth i ccurred i m the I 0th da\' of Au-
gust, i8So, is engaged in the gn.cer\- and meat trade at Xn. 70S
West Jefferson street, and is doing a \'er\' satisfacturx' hnsiness. The
religious faith of Air. and Mrs, Malaby is emlxidied in the Methodist
creetl and since moving tn Kokonio they ha\e been identitied with
the Grace church and are classed with its must acti\e and cnnsistent
members, 'J'lie subject's career has indeed been an hdUdrable iMie.
and though strenuous there is nothing in it sa\(iring in the slight-
est degree nf disreinUe, his relations with his fellow men having e\"er
bc-en al) -N'e rejiroach and his good name be\dnd criticism, ,\s .\\~
ready indicated, he wears the proud American title of self-ntade man.
and being in the most liberal sense of the term the architect of hi-;
own fortune he mav well feel a sense of jiride in his achie\ements
and the honoralile position to which he has attained among the en-
terprising and successful citizens of the count\' in which the bus}'
N'ears of his actixe life ha\'e been passed.
lESSE AULT.
Among the oM and respected citizens of Kokonio and Howard
courity none stand higher in honor and ]XLtriotism than the subject
of this sketch, who has Ioul;' niaintained his home within the borders
130 MORROWS HISTORY
of the county where he has benefited the ci immunity in which he
cast Iiis lot by setting a worthy example tri the younger generations
and by leading a clean and upright life in all his relations with the
world.
Jesse Ault is the son of Christopher and Phoebe (Sparks)
Ault, who came to Marion count}-. Indiana, in 1827. liieing among
the pioneer settlers of that county. The Ault family emigrated west
from Baltimore, to which city the_\' came frc.mi Germany, being na-
tives of that country, and were noted for their military records.
Christopher Ault was a gallant soldier against the Indians in the
Black Hawk war. He is described as a sturdy farmer and niDved
from Alaridu to Tippecan()e county where lie resided mi a farm un-
til his death, haying Ijeen known as a hig1i class citizen in evevv re-
spect. He and his good life companion were the parents of twelve
children, only two of whom are living at the present time( 1908).
They are Jesse, our subject, and :Vdam. The Sparks famih- came
to this country from France in an earlv day.
Jesse Ault was liorn in ]\Iarion county, five miles west of Indi-
anapolis, Octo])er J2. 1835. He spent the major part of his boy-
liood days in Marion. Clinton and Tippecanoe counties and he came
to Howard county among the pioneers, in 1846, and he was among
th(ise who began the real work of clearing and developing the
county. Later he moved to Tipton county and it was while living
there that the dark cloutl of rebellion was hanging over the land,
when the Republic was in need of hra\-e men to save its integrity;
then it was that Jesse Ault came forward and oft'ered his services,
his life, his all to his countr}-. enlisting in Company C, of the One
Hundred and First Indiana Vohmteer Infantry, his captain being
Alexander AlcCleary. Mr. Ault served but a short time when the
captain was compelled to resign on account of ill health and a Mr.
Turpin Iiecame captain. \\'hile in the thickest of the fight at the
OF HOWARD COL'NTY. I3I
great battle of [Missionary Ridge, our suliject was seriously wounded
by a ball shattering his left arm which i-entlered amputation neces-
sary, and toda_\' he is carrying an empty slee\'e, but he di>es not re-
gret his service to his country despite his severe loss. The wound
was received on November 25, 1863, and after much suffering in
the hospital and other places he reco\ered sufficiently to be dis-
charged June 6, 1864, immediatelv returning to Tiptim ci>untv, later
Cuming to KokoniM where he has since resided.
]\Ir. Ault was married U> Mar}- C. Kelle}- in Howard CDunt}-,
Xovemlier 13, 1859, and to this union two children were burn,
name!}' : S\'lvester E., who is now a resident of Sa\annah, ( leorgia :
Margaret L. is the wife of William Tapp, who is li\-ing in Missouri.
Mr. Ault's first wife was called t<,> her rest comparatively earh' in
life, and the subject was again married, his second wife being
Mahala J. Dailey. Her parents were of English and French de-
scent, the father's people being from the first named country- and the
mother's from the latter.
Charles Carroll, the great grandfather of ]\lrs. Ault, was one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence anti he also had the
distinction of placing' the first spade in the ground that raised the
dirt for the first railroad in the I'nited States, and he is said to have
declared in S(.i doing that this was the second most important act in
this country, the signing of the Declaration of Independence being
the first. Mrs. Ault was liorn in Howard county August 5. 1851,
and she has spent her entire life here, ha\-ing l)een reared on the
farm and obtained her education in the common schools of this
county.
To this marriage one daughter has been born, Phoebe, whose
date of birth occurred Xoveml)er u, 1892. She is a bright child
and is making rapid progress in the schools of Kokomo.
Air. Ault receives a liberal pension, being rememliered by the
132 MUKKOW S HISTORY
g'o\-emnient, which he so faithfuhv sevxed, h)- seiKhnq" him fitt\'-ti\e
dollars per mnnth. He owns a substantial and cumfurtaljle resi-
dence which is nicel}- furnished at 1122 East Alonrne street.
In pulitics Mr. Aidt is a Democrat, Ijut he has ne\"er been es-
pecial!}' acti\-e in political art airs. Howex'er, he is always readv to do
what he can to forward the interests of his commnnit^• whether
politicalh-, industrialh-, edncationalh' or moralh'. And while li\-int;'
in Tipton county he was called upon b}' his friends to ser\e them in
the ca]iacit\' of count\' recorder.
Air. and Airs. Ault are leading" (|uiet retired li\-es. and they are
highh' respected b\- all their mam- friends and acquaintances f(ir the
honorable and praisewortin- li\es the\- ha\-e led and for the hospi-
talit\- thev lun'e e\er shown the jmor and need\', ha\'ing lono- ])een
worthy examjjles and an influence for good \\here\'er thev ha\'e
resided.
TACOB A. COCHRAN.
One of the influential citizens of Kokomo is the gentleman t(T
whose career the attention of the reader is now directed, who is
ranked with the city's leading C(iuncilmen and the count}''s most
representatix'e contractors. A man of excellent endowments and up-
right character, he has lieen a walued factor in local alTairs
and has e\'er commanded unequi\'ocal confidence and esteem. Iieing'
loyal to the tipbuilding of his community and ever vigilant in his ef-
forts to further the interests of his citv along material, moral and
ci\'ic lines.
Jacob A. Cochran is the son of a contractor and was born in
Lawrence county. Illinois, Aug'ust 26, 1S59. His father was an
early settler in Adams count^^ Indiana, following his work as con-
tractor in Decatiu'. where he built many of that city's most sub-
stantial buildings, later removing to Hamilton county, Indiana, and
OF IIOW'AKli COl'XTV. I 33
tlien til Lawrence cnuiit}'. Illinois, where he and his wife spent the
latter part uf their H\es and where they were caUed from their
earthl}- hiU irs.
Jaciil) A. Cochran spent his l)o}hood days on his father's farm
in lUinois, attending' the common schools in the meantime nntil he
had ac(|thred a stiFhcient eilucation to enter the l)usiness depart-
ment of the Southern Indiana Normal scImoI, at .Mitchell, from
which department he was graduated in the fall of if^Sj;. standing'
high in his class and rankiiig' as one of the Ijest students this institu-
tion ever turned out.
After finishing' his school work the suhject returned to his na-
ti\'e town in Illincjis wliere he began work in a general store, post
office and railroad office which prepared him for a practical business
which he later entered.
When the gas lioom begun in Kokomo in 1887 he came here,
and, being the son of a contractor, having learned a great deal aliout
this work from his father, and after working in this line for a short
time he was made foreman and in this capacity he served for eight
years with credit to himself and benefit to his employer. So well
had he served that in 7896 he began to contract for himself, having
mastered all the details of this exacting business. He l)egan in a
small way and his Inisiness gradually grew until tmla}- he is one of
the largest and most able contractors in his line in the cit}- of Ko-
komo.
In 18S8 he was united in marria.ge with Etta East, who was
born in Iowa, but came to Kokomo with her parents when she
was a child and has jjeen a continuous resident here since. To this
marriage two verv estimable dau.ghters have been born. Eae and
Ruth.
Fraternally Mr. Cochran is a member of the Knights of f'yth-
ias. Red Men and Ben-Hur lodges. Although he is deeply inter-
134 MORROWS HISTORY
ested in lodge work he has ne\'er passed the cliairs in these orders
on account of his numenais business engagements.
Mr. and ^Irs. Cochran are memljers nf the Methodist Episcopal
church in which thev take an active interest, he being ijne of the
stewards and a liberal supporter of the same.
Our subject was elected a member of the city council of Ko-
komo from the third ward and is at present ( 1908) regarded as one
of the most influential members oi this body, having been fmm the
first an ardent worker fur temperance and was the instigator in
putting many of the suburban saloons (jut of business in this city,
believing that in this way the saloons would be in the business dis-
tricts of the city directly under the police charge, where they could
be properly looked after, and in many other ways he has been of
great service' to the citv, all of which is much appreciated by the
residents.
Mv. Cochran has been successful in a financial way. Coming
to Kokomo with comparatively nothing, he now owns a beautiful
and commodious residence at 1009 \\'est Taylor street, where he
has resided for some time. Besides he has a well established credit
with the men with whom he deals. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran are
widely known for their honesty and uprig'htness and are highly re-
spected citizens of Kokomo.
JOHN NEARY
Among the progressive men of Kokomo identified with impor-
tant industrial enterprises whose technical training and executive
ability ha\'e enabled them to achieve noteworthy success as the prac-
tical head of one of the citv's largest manufacturing establishments
OF IKIWARIJ COUNTY. I35
is Jolm \eary, tlie efficient sin>erintcn(lent of the Kokonin Rubher
\\'oi"ks. A man of intelligent ideas and \vide experience, liis inter-
ests have become so interwoven with the plant with which he is
identified as to make the histor}' of one practicalK- the historv of
both. The tle\elopment of the rnbber industrv in the \^ est is the
result of many vears of studv and scientific research, and so differ-
ent from all other lines of enterprise as to require the clear brain
and Sound judgment, technical skill and practical experience of tlie
trained specialist. That INlr. Nearv stands at the head of this im-
portant branch nf manufacture in the city of Koktimd is without
question, and as an exjjcrt in the line nf endea\-or tc i which his en-
ergies and talents have been devoted he has an honorable and much
more than local reputation.
.Mr. .\ear\- is a native of Xew \'(irk Cit\', Xew V( rk. where
his birth occurred on the 27th da_\" of May, 18(15. \\ hen a mere lad
he became interested in the rubber industr\-, and as soon as old
enough entered an establishment where it was manufactured and in
due time acquired a practical knowledge of the business in its exery
detail. To become an expert he de\oted ten cnusecutixe \ears tn
close and painstaking scientific study and at the exjjiratinn of tli.at
time became foreman of one of the departments of the establishment.
Later he ser\-ed in the same capacity with different firms in \'ari<)us
cities an<l then came to Indiana to take charge of the plant at Jones-
l)oro in which I). C. Spraker was a stockholder, remaining at this
place until the lousiness was established in Kokomo a few years later.
The industry in the latter city grew up and dexelnpfd undei-
the direct management of Mr. Xear}-, wlmse wide knnwledge and
technical skill made the enterprise a [jronounced success frnui the
beginning". .\s superintendent he has devoted his energies untir-
ingly to the building up of a large and profitable business, gradu'ilK-
enlarging the ca]3acity of the plant and a<Iding to the lines of manu-
136 M0RR0\\'S HISTOKV
facture until now iiearh evevv article and dexice made of rubber is
included among tlie output of tlie plant, the goods Ijearing the lirm's
trademark being noted for their excellence and commanding the
highest prices in markets of L nited States and Canada, to sa\' noth-
ing of fre(juent shipments to other countries. The demand for these
goods has been S(j great and insistent as tii render imi)erati\e aildi-
tional enlargements of the plant from time to time, with a corre-
sponding increase in the working force, the numljer of men employed
a\eraging one hundred and se\ent\-fi\e. all under the immediate
management and direction of the efficient superintendent and reh'-
mg up: in him for an\- necessar^• instruction in their \'arious depart-
ments of labor.
At the beginning of his career ^Iv. Xeary determined to so
master his trade as to make his services of value, and tliat he has
succeeded in this laudable ambition is abundantly indicated l^y his
wide reputaticjn as a skilled specialist and the large and im])ortant
enter]irise in Ki'konio which stands an enduring monument t<T his
wisel)' directed energ\- and abilitv.
In addition to his official connection with the compan\" he owns
a large share of sti.;ck in the enter])rise. the ad\'ance in which within
the last few years making him and iithers equall}- interested com-
parati\"ely wealthy men. there being but few industries that pa^• such
liberal di\idends as that iif the manufacture of rul)l)er.
Since becoming a resident of Kokonio Mr, Xeary has mani-
fested an aliiding interest in the city's welfare and as a public-spirited
citizens co-operates -with others in carr},'ing forward enterprises for
the ad\'ancement of the communit\' along all laudable lines, ,\ Dem-
ocrat in politics, well informed on the <|uestic:)ns of the dav and
deepl}- interested in the success of his partv. he is h\ no means a
■[jartisan ; neither has he ever aspired to leadership nor sought public
ofhce at the hands of his fellow citizens, Personallv he has alwavs
OF ildWARI) CCH'XTV. I 37
l)een ixipular, especialh' with his wdrkinen, between whc^iii ami him
self feeliui^s of imitiial respect and trust ha\e e\er nljtained. Such
is the imld lie has on their esteem and regard that l)iit few ha\e
g'i\en up their positions to find emplo}'ment elsewhere, a number
ha\ing been identified with the plant in Kok(imi > e\'er since the Ijusi-
ness was inaugurated.
Mr. Xear\- is a married man and the father (■)f an interesting
famil\- of fi\e children, whose names are as follows: William. John.
Kate. Ed and Ralph. The maiden name of Mrs. Xear\' was Kate
^IcDonakl, and the cereniinu' In- which it was change<l to the one
she now so worthily bears occurred in the cit}' of Chicago, where
she formerly resided. Our suljject and \vife were reared in the
Catholic faith and ha\e always remained loyal to the Holy Mother
church, belonging at this time to the congregation worshi|)ing in
Kokomo.
TAMES H. COY,
There could l)e no more comprehensi\e histmw written of a
city or count^■. or e\en (jf a state and its people, than th;it which
deals with the life work of those who. by their own endeaxnr and in-
domitable energ}' have [ilaced themselves where the\' well deser\e
the title of "progressive," and in this sketch will be found the record
of (,ne who has outstripped the less acti\'e and less able ]>lo(lders on
the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by the many
obstacles and failures that come to e\-ery (ine. but who has mad.e
them stepping stones to higher things anrl at the same time that he
was winning his wav in the industrial aff"aii"s of life gained a re])uta-
tion for uprightness and honor.
lames H. Cov. although not kmg a resident of the citv of Ko-
138 ilORROW's HISTORY
komo, has stamped his iiuhviikiahtv upcin those with whcim he has
come in contact and has gained a sohd footing in the Inisiness hfe
of this cit}'. He was born in Center township, Hi)ward Cdunty, Sep-
tember 19, 1853, the son of Alexander and ]\Iar}- ( Smith) Coy, who
were old settlers in Howard county, having been among the hardy
pioneers of the early forties, and played their part in the affairs of
those da}-s. They came here from Decatur county, this state. The
father was among the state's patriotic citizens who offered his ser-
vices in defense of his criuntiw during the Civil war, having served
about a year in the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana Volun-
teer Infantr)-.
James H. Coy, our subject, was reared in the cnuntr}", having
recei\-ed a g'ood education in the common schools, from which he
graduated. He also attended school in Iowa, a Quaker seminaiw
for two years, and he has since supplemented the excellent text-book
training he recei\-ed b^• close (ibservation and svstematic home read-
ing-. After completing his education he returned to Howard county
and worked on his father's farm.
Our subject was united in marriage ^lay J3, 1874, tr> ]\Iary J.
Mason. wIki was born and reared in Er\'in township. Her family
has long been well known and influential in that section of the coun-
ty. The subject owns land in Clav township, three miles north-
west on the Harlin pike. He rented a farm for several years and
made a success of agricultural pursuits. He came to Kokomo in
1907 and purchased the feed barn (in the corner of Wall and Jack-
son streets, \\here he does an extensive business, having Iniilt u]i a
large patronage by his courteous treatment of all customers and his
honest business methods. He has leased the extensive feed vard
adjoining his bam.
Air. and Airs. Cciy are the parents of six children, two of the
daughters being married. Their names follow : Oscar. Eva, Anna,
Emiua, Hazel and Tohn.
01' HOWARD COl'XTV. I 39
Fraternally the subject is a member of the rathtinders' ludge,
in which he carries insurance. He is a Republican in politics, but
has ne\'er taken an active part in the affairs of his part}'.
Mr. Co\' is a man who would win his way in any Icicalit}" where
fate might place him, for he has sound judgment, coupled with great
energy and business tact, together with upright principles, all of
which make for success wliere\er and w hene\er they are rightly and
persistently applied. He is fast winning a host of friends in Kokomo
and \-icinity b}' reason of these principles.
CAPTAIN DANIEL SHAFER.
This representative and honored citizen of Howard county has
been distinctively the architect of his own fortunes, has been true
and lo\-al in all the relations of life and stands as a t^•pe of that
sterling manhood which ever commands respect and honor. Captain
Daniel S. Shafcr was born in Franklin count\-, Indiana, November
28. 1838, and grew to manho(id on the farm in that count}-. His
parents were John and ]\Iar}- Shafer, the former a nati\e of I^)Utler
county. Ohio, of Pennsylvania ancestry of German descent. ]\l;niy
Shafers still live in Franklin county, both families ha\'ing been pio-
neers of Indiana. The subject's parents spent the major part of
their li\-es in that count\-, where the^" died. The suliject remained at
home, wi>rking" with his father on the farm and attending the com-
mon schools and the seminary at Scipio, leaving that institution to
defend his countr}''s flag, believing that it was his dut}" to sever home
ties and lea\-e his lessons unlearned to fight in defense i>i his native
land. Consequently he enlisted in Conipan}- B, Twentieth Ohio
Volunteer Infantr\-, at Oxford, when the compan^• was organized
140 -M(.>RRO\V S IlISTOKV
mainl_\- fruiii that cit)-, April 18, 1861. The compaii}" went over the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to West Virginia, having stopped at
Grafton and Piedmont. After his tirst term of enlistment ended he
helped raise Company G for the Thirty-se\'enth Indiana Regiment
at Alonnt Carmel and was made second lieutenant in September,
18O1. The}- were in camp at Lawrenceburg, this state, until they
^vere sent into Kentuck}-. \-isiting Elizabeth, Bowling Green and
Naslu'ille, Tennessee, spending the winter at Bacon Creek. Later
General Alitchell t(3ok the compan}- to Hunts\-ille, Alabama, where
they guarded a trestle work. While here the subject \\as captured
while on duty, lieing- run down l)\- a handcar loa<led with Confeder-
ate troops. He was taken to Tuscumbia, later to Montgomen', and
then to Camp Oglethorpe. Georgia ; later to Columbus, Georgia,
where he \\as cast into prison full of officers and Tennessee p(_ilitical
prisoners. He was kept there four or fi\e months and was finally-
sent to Libb}- Prison. He was soon afterward paroled and gWen
his freedom. After ha\-ing been a prisoner for seven months he re-
joined his company at Nashville and w-as soon sent on the Murfrees-
b(.)ro campaign, liax-ing been proUKjted to first lieutenant, and as such
fought at the battle of Murfreesboro, ba\ing commanded the com-
jjany there, the captain being wounded. His company- was in the
front rank of the regiment and in the hardest part of the fighting-,
the compau}- losing- about one-third of its men in killed and wounded.
The sul)ject took part in the battles of Cbickamauga and Lookout
]\b.iuntain, ha\-ing charge of the companv most of this time. The
captain resigned in the spring- of 1864, when Lieutenant Shafer was
pn.iu-ioted to the |)ositi<)n of ca])tain of his companv. During the At-
lanta campaign the subject was wounded in the 1)attle near Dallas,
Georgia, while leading his company in a gallant charge, having been
shot through the rig-ht thigh by a musket ball. He was sent back
to the hospital at Xash\-ille. but iii a few weeks he was able to re-
OF HOWARD COUXTY. 14!
join his company and was with it at the storminy <<{ .\tlanla. Mis
term of enlistment expired in Octol)er, ICS64. He returned Id In-
diana and was mustered nut at IncHanapoIis after rendering- his coun-
try inestimal)le sendee and showing his loyalty to the Stars and
Stripes in a manner that hrought praise from his comrades.
After retmaiing f n mi his career in the army Mr. Shafer bought
a farm in l'"ranklin county, which he successfully managed, lie was
married in September, 1865. to Kate Lovett, of near Abumt L'armel.
Indiana. He remained on the same farm, making it ecjual in pro-
ductiveness and general impro\-ements to any in the county until
1SS3, when he nii.ived to Howard county. Selling his former ])lace
he l)ought a new farm in the last named county at about thirty-fi\-e
dollars per acre. It included a half section of impro\'ed land in Cla}-
township. He still owns this three hundred and twenty-acre tract,
which has been imjmned under his able management until it is in
splendid condition, being well tille<l. Xo better farm can be found
in Clay township. He ma.naged this farm for six ^■ears, gi\'ing it his
personal attention exclusi\ely. Although he m(i\-ed to Kokonio s: ime
time ago he has alwa\s looked after his farm.
In iSq2 the sul)ject was elected counl^- assessor, serving one
tenn of four years in a most satisfactory manner. He spent three
years in Greencastle for the purpose of educating his sons, but he
has since made his home in Kokomo, ha\'ing a commodious and
comfortable residence on East Sycamore street. He has been \er\-
successful in his enterprises owing to g-ood management.
The subject has alwaws been a loyal Republican, and has often
been a delegate to the \-arious con\'entions, where his influence is
always felt for the good of the party. ?Ie is a member of the
Thomas J. Harrison Post. Xo. 30. Grand ,\rmv of the Republic, at
Kokomo. He has attended two national encrnnpments and alwa}-s
meets with his old regiment.
14-2 MORROWS HISTORV
The sul)ject has the foll(:)\Ying" cliildren : \\ ilHani H., living
under the parental rouf ; J. C. is at Seattle, \\'ashing"ton ; D. C. died
]\Iarch 4, 190S, at the age of t\venty-fi\-e years: Omar L. is a stenog-
rapher in Chicago; Cora A., who lives at home, is a graduate of the
Kokomo high school.
The Shafer family subscribes to the Methodist Episcopal
church, and it is safe to say that no familv in Howard countv is
reg-arded with an}" higher respect and admiration for their well or-
dered li\'es.
S. ROSCOE CHAXCELLOR, M D.
There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the
world at large than the self-sacrificing, sympathetic, noble-minded
men whose life work is the alleviation of suffering and the minis-
tering nt comfort to the afflicted, to the end that the span of human
existence may be lengthened and a great degree of satisfaction en-
joyed during the remainder of their earthly si.^journ. There is no
standard by which their beneficent influence can be measured: their
helpfulness is being limited only by the extent of their knowledg'e
and skill, while their power goes hand in hand with the wonderful
laws of nature that spring from the very source of life itself. Some
one has apth" said, "He serves God best who serA^es humanitv most."
Among the phvsicians and surg'eons of Howard coinitv who have
risen to eminence in their chosen field of endeavor is the subject of
this review, whose career has been that of a broad-minded, consci-
entious worker in the sphere to which his life and energies have been
devoted and whose profound knowledge of his profession has won
for him a leading place among the most distingaiished medical men
of liis dav and generation in the citv of his residence.
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 1 43
Dr. S. Roscoe Chancellor, sun of J(jhn C. and Elizaljetli (Jus-
tus) Chancellor, was born in the }'ear 1868 in Benton county, In-
diana, in which part of the state his parents were early settlers. Sub-
sequently the}' renicw^ed to Daviess count}', thence to Vincennes, and
still later niig^rated to the state of Arkansas, where they still reside.
Dr. Chancellor was three years old when the fami]\' mo\-ed to the
count}- of Da\-iess. anil at the age of si.x years was taken \)y his par-
ents to A'incennes. where he enjoyetl his first eilucational aiKantages,
centering' his studies in the schools of that citv until conii)leting the
high school com'se in 1886. At quite an earlv age he e\inced a fond-
ness for the medical profession and decided to make it his life work.
Accordingl}-, after finishing his literaiy training and a preliminaiy
course of reading under the direction of a competent preceptor, he
entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, in which noted institution
he prosecuted his studies until i88g. when he was graduated with
the degree of Doctor of Aledicine. Following the completion of his
course he devoted the ensuing ten years to practice in that city, the
earlv part of th;U period l)eing spent in \he \-arious hos])ita1s. where
he added continuonsh' to his professional knowledge antl jjecame
quite expert in api)lying the same to the treatment of patients under
his charge. In i8g8 he closed out his business in that city and came
to Kokomo, Indiana, where he soon built up a lucrative iiractice.
which, without .anv interruption, has steadilv increased until he now
holds distincti\e prestige among the leading- physicians and surgeons
of the place, his business proving as satisfactory financiall}- as pro-
fessionalh- and giving him high standing among the people.
Dr. Chancellor is an enthusiast in Ins chosen calling, a close
student, an original thinker and untiring investigator. He a\-ails
himself of e\-er}- legitimate means to keep in touch with the trend of
modem medical thought and is familiar with the leading authorities,
having- a fine librar}-, in which he s]X'nds much of the time when not
144 MORRdW S IllSTOKV
responding to the calls itf his nnmemus patients. In him are com-
bined tw'ii facts which have been the main contributing elements of
his success — thuniugh preparation and a deep interest in the profes-
sion — (jualities which are absolutely essential to advancement in a
calling requiring' such proficiency and skill as the healing art. His
knowledge of the kintlred science of medicine and surgerv is broad
and comprehensi\'e, and in his professional labors he has shown him-
self amply qualified to cnpe with the intricate problems that c<intin-
uall\" ci.nfriint the i)ractitioner in his elTorts to prolong life and re-
store health.
Dr. Chancellcir's domestic experience dates fn^m 1892, on April
20th of which year he was united in the bonds of wedlock with ]\Iin-
nie R. Chancellor, of Kn<ix county. Indiana, the union being blessed
"with three children — a son by the name of Emmett, who was Ixn-n
]\Iarch II. 1892. and two daughters. \'"irginia L. and Elizaljeth Jo-
sephine, the former born Xo^-ember 16, 1895, the latter Xo\-emI)er
19th of the year 1906.
A Republican in politics and manifesting' a li\'eb.' interest in
the questions of the times, the doctor is not a politician, nor has he
e\'er stood for office or public position of any kind. He is a believer
in re\-ealed religion, but subscribes to no man-made creed or state-
ments of doctrine, taking the Scriptures alone as his rule of faith
and practice and shaping his life according' to the precepts enumer-
ated nearly two thmisand years ago by the Gallilean carpenter, ^\'ith
his wife he belongs to the ]\Iain Street Christian church of Kokomo.
and in the quiet, unobtrusive way so becoming to the religious life,
uses his influence anfl lends his assistance to fiu'ther the cause of the
Gospel at home and in lands be^'ond the seas. In his fraternal rela-
tions he is a !\Iason of high standing, belonging to Lodge Xo. 93.
in addition to which he is also identified with several other secret
bene\-olent organizations, notablv the Red ^len, the Roval Xeigh-
(IF IIOWAKII CorXTY. 145
bors and the Alodeni Wiuidmen of America, in which he hulds the
position of assistant chief surg'e(_m with the rank of major.
Dr. Chancellor is a most genial and compaiiionahle gentle-
man and has a host of warm and admiring friends among- the resi-
dents of his adopted city. All who come within the range (jf his in-
fluence are profuse in their praise of his admirable qualities and
the high regard in which he is held, not only professionally but so-
cialh-, indicates the possession of attributes and characteristics that
fulh" entitle him to the respect and consideration of his fellow men.
PROFESSOR D. P. BARX(^rROVER.
The men most influential in promoting the ad\"ancement of so-
ciety and in gi\"ing character to the times in which thev Vwe are two
classes, to-wit. the men of stud}" and the men of action. Whether
we are more indebted for the impro\ement of the age to the one
class or the other is a (juestion of honest difference in opinion : neither
class can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their
several spheres of labor and intbience, zealoush- and without mutual
tlistrust. In the following paragrai)hs are brieth' outlined the lead-
ing facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who com-
bines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of
the public-spirited man of affairs. Devoted to the noble and hu-
mane work of teaching, lie has made his influence felt in the scho<il
life of the city of Kokomo and is not unknown ti) the wider educa-
tional circles of the state. occu])\'ing as he does a prominent place in
his profession and standing high in the esteem of educators in other
than his own particular field of endeavcir.
I^^ofessor D. P. Bamgro\'er, principal of the fifth ward school
146 morrow's history
in the cit)- (if Kokomo, is a native of Grant count}-, huliana, and
dates his birth from the }-ear 1S70, Ijeing the son of E. E. and Ehza-
beth Barng-rover, the fatlier bom in Ohio, the motlier in Indiana.
Profess(~ir Banign)\-er's family were among the earl}' pioneers of
(irant county, settling in Sims township, where the countr}- was cov-
ered with dense forests, and entering land near the present site of
Swayzee. His grandfather, wlio purchased the land from, the gov-
ernment, cleared and in due time developed a iine farm, the (jriginal
cabin on which is still standing' as a memento of tinies and condi-
tions fore\er ])ast. E. E. Barngrover was (juite a \'(iung ])o\' when
his parents moved tn this new honie in the wilderness of Grant
county, and like the majoritv of lads of that period he grew up fa-
miliar with the scenes of pioneer life and in close touch with the
rugged duties and usages of a farm on which the lal)or was stren-
uous and continuous and the discipline of which had much to d(i in
moulding' his character and shaping his subsequent course of con-
duct. A\'hen a \'oung man lie married Elizalieth Long, of Grant
county, after which he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture and f<il-
lowed tlie same with success and financial profit until accumulating
a competency of sufficient magnitude to enable him to turn his farm
over to other hands and n1o^'e to Swa^■zee, where he is now living in
honorable retirenient, filling at the present time the office of justice
of the peace in that n1unici])alit^•. Se\'en children were born to E. E.
and Elizabeth Barng'ro\'er.
From his childhood Professor Barngrover manifested a stu-
dious disposition and fondness for books, C(^nse(|uentlv his progress
in the schools which he first attenderl was rapid and altogether sat-
isfactory. Hv diligent and perse\'ering' application he C(^mpleted the
common school course, in which he was graduated in the year 1890,
and then be became a student of the Marion Normal Colleg'e, where
he prosecuted his studies until sufficientlv advanced to pass the re-
OF IU)WAR1) CDl'XTV. I47
quired e.\aniinatii)n aiul secure a license, after which he tauyht cme
term ot school in his native county. Actuated by a laudable desire
to add to his scholastic knowledge, he subsecjuently ( i8gi) enteretl
the Xorthern Indiana Xormal L'niversit}- at Valparaiso, which he
attended until completing the commercial and teachers' courses, dur-
ing which period he also made substantial progress in the scientific
department and earned an honorable record as a diligent, critical and
exemplary student. After being graduated from the above institu-
tion he was elected principal of the public schools of Swayzee, which
position he held w^ith credit to himself and to the satisfaction of pu-
pils, patrons and officials for a period of two years, when he resigned
to accept a higher and more responsible principalsliip in the city of
Kokomo, where during the two years ensuing he had charge of the
third ward school, in which his professional success soon brought
him to the favoraljle notice of those in authority and put him in line
of promotion. At the expiration of the time indicated he was trans-
ferred to the larger and more important fifth ward building, of which
he has since l)een i)rincipal, ha\-ing at this time thirteen assist-
ants and so discharging- his duties as to win the highest encomiums
of the superintendent and board, to say nothing of his great popu-
laritv with the pupils and teachers under his charge and of the gen-
eral public.
As a teacher Prof. Banigrover has met with merited success and
in his capacity of principal his record presents a series of successes
and advancements such as few attain. He pursues his chosen calling
with all the interest of an enthusiast, is thoroughly in harmony with
tlie spirit of the work and has a proper conception of the dignit}- of
the profession to which Ids life and energies are so unselfishly de-
voted. A finished scholar, a polished gentleman and possessing the
traits of character necessary to insure success the services thus far
rendered and the laurels gained bespeak for him a wider and more
148 morrow's lUSTORY
(listinguislied career nf usefulness in }'ears to come, sliuuld lie see fit
to continue the nnljje calling which he has heretofore followed with
such sigiial and happy results. Unlike so many of his calling who
become narmw and pedantic, the professor is essentially a man of
the times, broad and liberal in his \'iews and has the courage of his
convictions on all the leading public questions and issues upon which
men and parties di\ide. He also keeps in touch with the trend of
modern thought along its various lines and being a man of scholarly
and refined taste his ac<|uaintance with the literature <if the world is
both g'eneral and ])ri)found : \\ bile his familiarit}- with the more prac-
tical affairs of the day makes him feel at ease with all classes and
conditions of people \\h(im he meets.
Prof. Barngrover has a cumfortable and attractive home at Xo.
240 South ^lain street, which is a faviirite resort of those with
tastes and tendencies similar to his own and in which such a spirit of
hospitalitv olitains that all who cross its threshold are desirous of re-
peating the experience. The home is brightened by the presence of
an intelligent la<ly wln.ise gracious presence and cordial greetings
add not a little to the welcome extended the visitor or guest, the in-
terest of the household being also heigditened by the three children
who with their parents contribute a mutually agreeably and con-
tented domestic circle. Mrs. Barngrover was formerly \''ernie Stam-
le^■, a nati\'e of Howard count^^ the ceremony bv which her name
was changed to the one she now so hi~inorablv bears ha\'ing been sol-
emnized in the year 1S93. Genevra, the oldest child of Prof, and
]\rrs. Barng'rover, is an interesting voung miss of ten years: Guy
the second in order of birth, is eight years of age, and the voungest,
Venieta by name, has reached her sixth year, all of them being pupils
in the public schools and making commendable progress in their re-
spective grades.
Prof. Barngrover, though deeply interested in the work to
which his life is beino- devoted, has not been unmindful of his duties
OF iiowAKL) cor X TV. I 49
as a citizen ami to this end take^ an actixc i)art in municipal and
other public matters and lends his influence and suppi nl U> all enter-
prises having- fur their dbject the material ad\-ancement cf tlie city
and the intellectual and moral good of the populace. A reader and
thinker he very naturally g'ives considerable tlioug-ht to politics, his
studies and inx'estigatinns along this line leading him tn espi luse the
Repul;)lican part}', althuugii he l)v nn means is a partisan, nor seeker
after the honor nv emoluments nf office.
I'l'aternalK' I^'of. Barngrt)\-er Imlds nieml)ership with the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and Mi idem W'l Hulnien, and reli-
giousl}- subscribes to the Methodist cree<l. belonging with his wife
tc_) the Alarleaml a\enue church, in the work of which both are
actixely and prominenth- interested. PersonalK- I^rof. Barngro\er
is quite popular, possessing to a marked degree the characteristics
that win and retain warn friendships. By his kindness and courtesy
he has won an abiding place in the esteem of his fellow citizens and
by his intellig"ence. energy and enterprising" spirit has made his in-
fluence felt among his friends and assriciates during' his residence <:)f
tweh'e years in the cit\- of Kokomo. and as a result occupies no sinall
place in the fa\i:ir of the public.
EDGAR A. Sni-MOXS.
Edgar .\.. Simmons, postmaster of Kokomo. and ex-sherif¥ of
Howard county, is a native of Indiana, bom in the county of Shelby,
on the 6th da_\' of Se])tember. t85<). His father. .Vugustus Simnii/ms.
a resident of Shelby count}-, died when Edg'ar was fi\e years old;
his mother, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Giles, was bom
July i6. 1819. in Bourbon countv. Kentuckv, accompanied her par-
ents to Shelbv count\-. Indiana, when fifteen vears of age and was
150 MORROW S HISTORY
there married a little later to James Thumpson, who moved his fam-
il}- to Howard county in 1844. settling about five miles west of Ko-
komt). near what is knnwn as the "Indian Springs Picnic Grounds."
After residing in that locality one _\ear Mr. TliLimpson took a claim
one mile nearer the county seat, but he did not live long enough to
improve his lanil. dying the year following his arrival. After the
death of her husband JMrs. Thompson returned to Shelb)- county,
where in due time she was married to ^Nlr. Simmons, with whom she
lix'ed in that county until again becoming a widow in the year 1865.
In 1872 she brought her family to Howard county and here con-
tinued to reside until her death which occurred in Kokomo, at the
home of her daughter. IMrs. Frank Todhunter, on the 7th day of
April. 190S, at the ripe (ild age of eighty-nine years. Of her family
there remains three living- children namely ; Leonidas, late postmas-
ter < if Young- America, Cass cijunty, but now a resident of Kokomo ;
America, wife of Frank T<nlhunter, who also lives in the city of
Kok<imo, and Edgar A. Simmons, whdse name introduces this
sketch.
The early life of Edgar A. Simmons, amid the healthful in-
fluences and wholesome discipline of the farm, was in most respects
similar to that nf the majority of country lads. As siion as old
enough to be of service he was set to wurk in the woods and fields
and in this way spent the spring and summer months, while the win-
ter seasons were devoted to study in the district schools, where, in
due time he acquired a fair knowledge of the ordinary English
Itranches. In 1872 he came to Howard county and located on the
place known as the old Indian Spring farm about five miles west of
Kokomo where he remained until his twent\--fourth year, in the
meantime spending three years in town attending school. In the
year 1883 he was united in marriage to Belle George, daughter of
A\". AA'. George, \A'ho came from Fayette diunt}-, Indiana, in 1873
OF HOWARD COrXTV. I5I
and settled three miles west of Knkciino im the Feet's Rum pike,
where he engag'ed in agricultural pursuits. The three years fallow-
ing- his marriage ]\Ir. Simmons farmed in Er\-in township and at the
expiration of that period was aiipointed deputy sheritt hy Isaac
Wright under whom he serxed four \ears, during which time he rmle
over even- part of the county, became personally acquainted with
almost ever}- man in his jurisdiction and discharged his duties with
credit to himself and to the entire satisfactiijii of his superior as well
as to the general puhlic.
So faithfull}- and well did Mr. Simmons attend to his duties
and so capable did he pro\e as an officer of the law that in iX()0 he
was nominated by his party to the responsible jjosition of sheriff, and
triumphantly elected by a handsome majority, receixing one of the
largest votes cast for an\- Republican candid;ite that \ear. .\fter
sen-ing one term he was re-nominated without oiiposition an<l again
elected by an unusually large majority, his triiunph in two cam-
paigns) being a conipliment to his abilitv as an official as well as to
his high personal standing among the people of the couut\- irresi)tct-
ive of party ties. At the expiration of his second term Mr. Simmons
became a partner of Scott Armstrong, ex-mayor of Kokomo, and
ex-Count}' Clerk Ellis in the hardware trade, but after two \ears in
that line of business se\-ered his ctinnection with the firm to eng;ige
in the real estate business, to which his attention from 1898 to i(>o6
was directed. In the latter year he was appointed postmaster of Ko-
konio, his commission dating from February 7th, and since that
time he has gi\-en his attention wholh- to his official duties, jimxing
in this as in his former trust, both capaljle and ])opuIar and full}'
etfual to the demands of the public in one of the most responsiljle
and onerous branches of the go\-emment service. The post office
at Kokoiiio does a larger amount of business perhajjs than that of
an\- other citv of the sanie size in the state, reijuiring the ser\-ices of
a deputy and ten clerks, twehe cit\' carriers, nine rural free ileli\'erv
carriers and fuur substitutes in addition to this force, there being- also
one Star route. Recently congress has made an appropriation of nine-
t_\- thousand <lollars for the erection of a !.j"o\'ernnient Imildins^' in Ko-
komo and ere long it is to be Imped the office will have more dim-
fortable an<l comuKjdious quarters in keeping with the gMuwth of
the Imsiness and the dignity of one of the most thriving cities of
w hich Indiana can boast.
For a number of years Mr. Simmons has lieen one of the
leatlers i_)f the Republican partv in Howard count\- and for six years
was chairman of the county central committee.
Fraternall}- he holds membership with the Bene\-olent and Pro-
tecti\'e ( )rder nf Elks, aside from which he is identified with nij other
secret organization, though deeply interested in all lines of ,q;ood
work fiir which such societies stand. ?ilr. and ]\[rs. Simmons ha\-e
a pleasant home in Kokomo and are highl_\' esteemed by the best
social circles of the cit}". Their family consists oi three children,
two sons and one daughter, nameh- Herbert. Catherine and
(ieorge X.
THO:\IAS HARRIS.
It is bv no means an eas\" task to describe within the limits of
this re\iew a man who has led an active and eminently useful life
and b)- his own exertions reached a position oi honor and trust in
the line of industries with which his interests are allied. But bi-
ography finds justification, ne\ertheless, in tracin,g and recording of
such a life history, as the pulilic claims a certain property interest in
the career of e\er\- indi\-idual and the time invariably arrives when
it becomes ad\-isalile to gi\-e the ri.ght pul.ilicit}-. It is then with a
OF IIDW ARD COrXTV. I 33
certain dei^ree of satisfaction that the chnmicler essays the task of
tiiuchim;' liriefi_\- upon stich a rec^ird as has been of the snl)iect who
now comes under this review. Mr, Tlionias Harris, superintendent
of tlie Steel li Wire Compan_\' of Kokonio, is a man of hii^h stand-
ing' and influence in the industi'ial circles with winch he has long
l)een idenlitied.
.Mr. Harris is an American 1>\- ad(iption. l)eino- a nati\'e of
Wellington, England, where his Ijirlh occin-retl on the iNth dav of
Januar}-, 1870. After receiving an elementary education in the
schools of his nati\"e jilace, he entered at the earlv age of thirteen a
rod and wire mill, where in due time he became prohcient as a rod
roller besides gaining a practical knowledge of other liranches of
work connected with the establishment. .Vfter de\oting the ensuing
four years to his trade he decided to go to America, where he was
led to ]:)elie\'e better opportunities and more fa\orable openings for
advancement were to lie found. Accordingh- in i<S87 he bade fare-
well to his nati\-e land an^l shortly after arrixing at his destination.
secured remunerati\e emplinnient in a mill at Howard, l'enns\l-
vania. where he remained one year. Resigning his position at the
expiration of the time indicated he went to Joliet, Illinois, thence
after a brief period to Anderson. Indiana, where he became head
roller in a rod mill, \vhich [>osition he held to the satisfaction of all
concerned tintil accepting the higher and more resi)onsible post of
superintendent of the rod and wire mill in Kokonio in the year i<)Oi .
Mr. Harris brought to his position in this city a mind thor-
otighly disciplined l)v technical training and practical experience
and it was not long until he infused new life into the plant by en-
larg'ing its capacit\' and greatlv increasing its efficiency for effective
work. He also became a stock holder in the concern as well as a
member of the board of directors and in these different capacities
the esta1>lishment entered ui>on a new era, and soon was on the hi.gh
154 .MORROWS HISTORY
road to prosperity. All of his time is required to lo<;ik after the
interests of the mill, the business of which has steadily gnnvn in
magnitude and importance until it is noAv one of the leading indus-
tries of the kind not only in this city but in the West, its continued
achancement and prosperity being largely due to the technical abil-
it}', wise discretion and well balanced judgment nf the enterprising
and gentlemanly superintendent, who has made e\"erv other consid-
eration subordinate to the one idea of placing the plant upon a solid
financial basis and making it meet the high expectations of the pro-
moters and stockholders.
Air. Harris is a th(.ir()ugh mechanic, a master (.>f the trade to
which his life and energies have been so conscientiously devoted,
and it is but natural that success should crown his efforts and for-
tune reward him with her choicest and most glittering fa\-ors. ior
such a man as he knous not the meaning of the word fail, while the
temi discouragement is not found in his vocabnlarw His command-
ing position in the industrial world has been fairh" and hcmorably
earned and though still a ^■oung man he has achiex'cd success such
as few in a much larger life attain, and in the broad sunlight of
prosperity with even' inducement to still greater ettort. he is not
content with laurels alreacl}- won, but looks frirward to a future in
which a wider sphere of usefulness and greater distinction await
him.
I\Ir. Harris is a married man and the father of an interesting
family of three children, whose names are Thomas, Robert and
Ralph, their mother, whom he married in Joliet. Illinois, hax'ing"
formerh- been Edith I!. Chesnnt, cif that cltv. 'Sir. and ]\Irs. flarris
li\e in a beautiful home in the subnrlis of Kokomo. known as the
Grange Hall Farm, where a spirit of true hospitality reigns and
where thev enjov the companionship of the man\- warm friends who
have learned to prize them for their estimable qualities of mind and
OF HOWARD corxrv. 155
heart, their p(ipularit_\- being hinited mily l.iy their accjiiaintance.
Mr. Harris is a Masim oi higii stanthng and is ako iclentitied with
the i'.enex'iilent and Pi\>tecti\"e (Jrder (if Elks, lieing an acti\e wnri^er
in both organizations and at chfterent times has held iinpurtant
official positions in each.
HOX. JOHX NICHOLAS LOOP.
The subject of this sketch is a wurthv representative > d' nne of
the iiklest and best known families of Howard county, and since
his childlinod, which was passed amid the stern experiences i:)f the
pioneer period, he has been actively identified with the growth and
development of this part of the state.
John X. Loop was born September 25, 1845, in Preble connty,
Ohio. Ijnt \vhen when quite vrinng was Ijrought to Howard county
bv his father, Joseph ]\L I^o(^p. who entered lantl in what is now
Liberty township, making the jonrnev to the new home in the un-
broken wilderness in a two-horse wagon and meeting with man}'
difficulties and not a few hardships before arri\-ing at his destina-
tion. Henry Loop, the subject's grandfather, came ;i short time
previous and also entered land from the government which in the
course of vears was cleared and developed into one of the best farms
in the township of Howard. Reared amid the stirring scenes of
tlie earl}- times and subjected to the inconveniences peculiar to the
jieriod. }'oung Loop g'rew up a strong, sturdy lad, familiar with the
labor re(|uired in clearing the farm, such as felling timber, pihng
Ijrush. picking trash and the many other wa}s in which l)o}-s made
themselx'es useful in remo\ing the dense xegetation from tlie soil
and fitting it for tillage. When not thus engaged he attended the
156 morrow's history
puljlic schools and such was his progress that he \vas soon enaljled
to pass the required examination and obtain a teaclier's hcense. In
1866 he entered upon what pro\-ed to be a long and eminently suc-
cessful career as an educator, ctivering a period of eighteen years in
Howard county, during which time he achieved enviable repute as a
teacher and was influential in raising the standard of the vari(jus
schi>ols under his charge. Mr. Loop while engaged in educational
work de\-(jte<l the spring and summer nii niths to agricultiu'al pur-
suits and in connectKm therewith spent considerable time assisting
his father in the manufacture t.if wooden measures, which business
the latter had fi.illowed prior to his remo\al t(.T Indiana, and in which
he became a ^•er_^' successful workman. His grandfather was also a
skilled mechanic and for \ears the measures made at the Loop shop
had a wide reputation and the demand for them became so great
that the father, son, grandson and the latter's two elder brothers
were frequently obliged tn work almost da}- an<l night to meet it.
These measures were hand-made and under fa\'orable circumstances
the average nionthl}- nut-init amounted to about five hundred dol-
lars, the greater part of which was [Hirchased l;>y wholesale dealers
for the Eastern trade. In adtlition to shipping, a profitable trade
was also carried on tjy means of wagons being dri\'en t(.) all parts of
Howard and neighboring cnunties which supplied the large and con-
stantly growing local demand.
From his childhood the subject has been familiar with the mak-
ing of the celebrated Loop measures and it may be said that he liter-
ally grew up in the shop with tools in his hands. At a very early
age his senices were utilized and in due time he became an expert
workman, keeping pace with his father and grandfather in the manu-
facture of an article that required high-grade mechanical skill.
Henr}- Loop established the business in the count\- in 1853 and con-
tinued it until his <leath when the shop passed into possession of his
OF IIOWAKI) CorXTV. 157
son, Josepli AL. who. with the liinitfd facihties at hand, carrieil an a
prosperous trade for a number of }ears, estabhshint;" the reputation
of his pnnhict among the leading" wholesale houses of Indiana and
other states. Satisfied that much more could be acconijdished in a
larger place and with increased facilities for manufacture, John X.
Loop bought out his father in 1S77 and. mo\ing the plant to Ko-
konio and e(|uipi)in.q' it with machiner\' vi his own iiu'ention, greath"
increased the out-put and within a short time made the manufacture
of measures one of the important intlustries of the cit}-.
The superiority of the Loop measure over all other consists in
so sha\ing the material as to retain the grain and the original ap-
pearance of the wootl. this being a disco\-ery of the eUler Loop and
fijr fifty years a secret of the family. L'ntil igo^ the biittoms as
well as the sides were cut by hand, l.uit in that year Mr. Looj:) per-
fected a device to lie o])erated b) machinery, which does not inter-
fere with the grain of the wood, and In- the means of which the
capacit\' of the plant has l)een increased manv fold. Since moxing
his business to Kokomo Mr. Loop has built up a lucrati\'e ])atri>n-
age which taxes the plant to the utmost to meet. The measurers
which are as popular as ever find ready sale in the local as well as
the general markets, and a number of skilled artisans are constantly-
employed in their rnanufacture. The-\- range in capacity from one
to sixteen (|uarts, and under the name of, "The Xew- Hoosier,"
have becorne widelv and fa\-orabh' known, being ailn-iittedh- superior
to any other on the market.
Li connection with his manufacturing plant ]\Ir. Loop is also
engaged in the coal business which he established in 1902 ai-id which
he has since carried on ([uite extensi\-el\-. his vards on the coriier of
Jacksiin and LaFoui-itain streets along the line of the Lennsvlvania
tracks being arnong the largest as well as n-iost liberallv patronized
in the city. Here are kept upon an average of two thousand tons of
i:i8 :MORRt)\\''s history
hard and snft cnal whicli lie wholesales and retails and in addition
til which he also handles large quantities of wood, upwards of fif-
teen hundred curds being- always on hand. Bv square dealing and
courteous treatment the J. X. Loop C(lmpan^- has come into a large
and growing' business which from present indications promises to
increase in magnitude and importance as the veai's gu bv,
Air. Loop has been one of Howard C(lunt^"'s enterprising citi-
zens, acti\-e in public affairs and fur man}- _\-ears i me uf the influen-
tial I^epublican politicians of Kokomo. He has served as chairman
of the city central committee and in 1887 was elected to the legis-
lature and was re-elected in 1889. His career as a lawmaker was
credital)le to himself and satisfactory and full}- justified the wisdom
of his election.
He was placed on a number of important committees where his
ser\'ices were of special \"alue, and also took an active part on the
floor, in the debates and general <leliberations of the house. He
introduced and secured the passage of se\-eral impiirtant bills among"
which was one for the protection of "The Old Si.-)l(lier's Button."
similar bills being afterwanls passed by other states until the matter
became of national interest and gave rise to much favorable comment
in Grand Arm\- and ■ ither militar^■ circles. A\'here\'er seen the sol-
dier's button and uniform are now badges of honor and respectabil-
ity and any unfa\-orable comment or mark of disrespect shown to
either, subjects the oitender to the penalty of the law. He also se-
cured the passage of a bill bearing upon child labor, which em-
bodied the same idea afterwards advocated so earnestly and elo-
quently by Senator Beveridge, and assisted in bring'ing- to pass other
legislation of great interest to the state.
In 1893 Air. Liiop was the Republican candidate for state sen-
ator, l.mt after a ^•er^• animated campaign was defeated b\' a small
majoritv for the noiuination. He also made the race for countv
OF HOWARD COfXTV. 159
trea>urer in ii;0(\ l)Ut nwiiit;" to allege I fraudulent means and the
la\-isli expenditure of money l)y the opposition aided hv ihsi^runtled
memljers of liis own party, failed of election. .Xotwithstandint^' this
defeat he has always heen intensely Rejjuhlican. ne\er for an instant
wavering' in his allegiance to the ])art_\\ hut all the inllnence and
means at his command, advancing its interests and contril)Uting to
the success of its c;uididates.
Mr. Loop united with the I'ythiau Order in i S84. and since
that time has heen one of the leacHng and influential members of
the Kokonio lod^e : he has been acti\'e in all the work of the frater-
nit\'. besides being honored from time to time with important official
jjositions, in all of which his record has been creditable and al)o\-e
reproach. His domestic life dates from liis thirt\-second \ear,
wlien he was tmited in marriage with Alzijra Johnson, whose death
in 1884 terminated a muttialh- happv and agreeal)le wedded ex])e-
rience. Vwn \'ears later. i88(). he entered into marriage relation
with Ozilla liradlew who has borne him three children. Ruth E..
Bessie A. and Etta Marie, the two older being graduates of the
Kokomo high school and the voung'er a student of the same institu-
tion, who will complete the course in the spring of 1009.
Joseph M. Eiiop, father nf the suliject. died at the age of eighty-
one ^■ears. his wife. Elizabeth Eink. following him to the gra\'e six
months later, in her eighty-second year. She was descended from
ancestors that came over with the first English colon}", the family
history being directly traceable to Jamestown, Virginia, Air. Loop's
antecedents lia\ing been among the earliest settlers of Maryland
and of Ouaker stock. This excellent couple were the i)arents of
twelve children. se\-en of whom sin-\"i\e. the subject of this re\'iew
and James L( pop. an ex-soldier, whose homes are in kokomo. The
others are Elijah, Xoah. Anna. AFaliala and Maggie.
i6o morrow's history
ULYSSES GRANT jNIADDOX.
Holding' prestige among the successful business men of today,
the subject of this review has had much tri ijd in advancing' the ma-
terial interests of Kokomo, Howard cnunty, and making it one of
the imp(_irtant commercial centers of this section of the state. The
stud^■ of such a life cannot fail of interest and incentive, as he is
distincti\eh' representati\e of his sphere of acti\'itv and has contrib-
uted in no small measure to the prosperity of the city which is his
home and field of operation, at the same tinie establishing a lasting
reputation for honor and integrity.
Ulysses Grant Maddox, a native of Howard count}-, has pre-
ferred to devote his life work to his nati\-e heath, believing that here
were to be found greater opportunities than elsewhere, and, judg-
ing from the admirable manner in which he has succeeded, he was
wise in reniaining at home. He was born June JQ. 1876, the son
of James T. Macldox, a Kentuckian, who was a man of influence
in his da\'.
The subject was reared near the cit}' of Kokonio and attended
the schools of this city, receiving a g'Ofid education, remaining with
his father until he was twent^" vears old, when he Ijegan driving a
^\'ag'on for the Standard Oil Compan}'. ha\'ing' been thus continu-
ously employed until 1903. when he became general manager of the
local office arid is still in that capacity in 1008. having" shown bv his
fair dealing's with the compan\- and the public and his intrinsic busi-
ness ability that no better man could be found for this position.
The domestic life of Mr. ]\Iaddox dates from i8c;)g, when he
was happih- married to Bertha Kidder, a lady of many accomplish-
ments and a gracious personality, who is a nati\'e of Kokomo. This
union has l:)een blessed bv the birth of two interesting children,
namely: Florence \l.. born in 1900, and Raymond F., born May
15, 1908.
(II- lln\\Ai;li t-dTNTN'. IDI
riic sul>^tatiiin of the Standard ( )il Cdiiipany is lucaled at tlic
cnnitr ''I Aluri^an street and the Lake lu'ie i^ Western Railroad
L'onipan\'s tracks. It \\as huik in iN()2 l)y the Consolidated 'lank
Line t'om])an\- anil soon afterward fell into the hands of the Stand-
ard ( )il ('oni|ian\-. All \arieties i<i oil are sold hei'e at wliolesale.
L'ralernall} .Mr. .\laddox is a niemher of the Red Men. I*".ai;ies
anil the lla\"niakers' dei^ree. anil he is also a charter member of the
()\\ls. I'olitically he is a Democrat, luit does not lind time to tak-e
an actixe part in local jjolitics.
The ALiddo.x residence is at lOJC) Xorth Kenneih- street. It i,s
;! commodious dwellini^'. niceh" furnished, and is the i^atherini;- ]ilace
for ntimerons warm friends of ^Iv. and Mrs. ]\Laddox. who ha\'e
slmwn li\' their consistent and nprii^ht li\-es that the\" are \\oi-th_\'
of the c-teem of all. which indeed the}" l^n-e. the circle of their
friends being limited only b\' their acquaintance.
CHARLES S. L-VCKSOX.
The histor\- of a countv or .state, as well as that of a n.ition. is
chietl\' ,a chronicle of the li\es and deeds of those who h,a\e con-
feiaed honor and dignitx" u])on societw The worlil iudges the char-
acter of a conimunit\- \)v those of its rei)resentati\e citizens and
yields its tribute of admiration and res]iecl to those whose works
and actions constitute the record of a state's ])rosperity an.d ])ride.
-\mong the prominent citizens of llowai'd cmtntw who are well
known because of their success in ])ri\"ate business affairs mid the
]i:n't the\- ha\e taken in ])ul)lic life, is be whose name a])])e;irs at the
bead of this article, the present ( k^oS) cit}' H'easurer cjf Kok-onio.
Charles .S. lackson was born in Crawford countw ( )bio. b'eb-
l62 MOKKUW's IlISTURY
ruai'\" 8. 1853. His iiiuther <l\ing' in liis infancv, caused tlie six
children in this famih' ti > 1>e separated, ciinse(|uentl\' the sul)iect
made liis hi_>nie among- relatixes. in sexeral diflerent families at
Yi.mngstown, Ohiu, until he was eight }ears (ild, \\'hen he went to
Tlunin Cllunt^^ that state, tn reside with an ainit mi a farm cm which
he wnrked and attended the cnmnion '^chl>|]ls where he applied him-
self in an ardent manner, receix ing a splendid fuundaticn fur au
education, enuugh tu enahle him to begin teaching when nineteen
years old, which he continued for two terms in Huron and Seneca
counties. In 1873 he left the I'lucke^e state and came to Miami
count\-, Indiana, where he Ii\e<l with an uncle until ]S8i, in which
year he came to Kokomo. ha\ing heen tlisabled so that he was com-
pelled to lea\-e the farm. Mr. Jackson engaged in the hardware
business as clerk for twehe years, with the Armstrong-Landcn
Company, having Iieen one of the best salesmen the firm ever em-
ployed, manifesting a thorough knowledge of the business and al-
ways coiu'teous to customers.
T'rior X(t his engagement as a salesman, the suliject had Ijeen
justice of the peace for one \-ear. Since then he has Iieen writing
life insurance. He was foreman for four \ears of the Kokonio Steel
& Wire Company. Having manifested an interest in the piilitical
affairs ( jf the county and cit}' and ha\ing become popular among the
voters of the district through his business relations, ]Mr. Jackson
\\as chosen and trium])hantl}' elected cit\- treasurer of Kokomo in
Xo\emlier, 1003, and in September, loo('), he entered the oilice under
I\Iayor Bron^^e. 'Jdie duties of this office occupy his undivided at-
teiuion and the consensus of o])inion is that the office was never in
more capable hands. The subject had serxed three years as city
councilman from the second ward, from iSrji to i8c)3. This was
during the perio<l of natural gas in that locality and Kokomo was on
the boom. In i8g3 he assisted in rating the bonds to pav for a new
OF IKIWAKD cnl'XTV. 1 63
city hall and as cit}- treasurer he paid (jiT in 1908 all the t\\ enty-li\e
thdusand dullars issued in Imnds. In his official ca])acit\' he hamlled
the sum nf one liundred and sixt\- tlinnsand dollars in 11)1)7.
The snldect's wife died in April. 11)03, lea\'inj^' twii daughters,
Estella. a music teacher, and Cilee, a bookkeeper. l)oth lix-ing- at
liome with the subject.
Mr. jackson has alwavs lieen a standi Republican and takes an
actixe pari in local ])olitics and is a prominent figure at conventions.
Fraternall}- he is identified with the ^Masonic brotherhood, having
been actix'e in its work and representati\"e to the grand lodge: also a
member of the Chapter and Council. He is a mem1)er of the L!e-
ne\'olent and Protective Carder of Fdks and the Improxed Order of
I\ed Men. Mr. Jackson is po]iular w ith all classes in kokomo, \vhei"e
his Hfe has been singularh- free from wrong i^r suspicion of evil
and lie has won the just respect of the people of that locality.
PROFESSOR ^^"ILLIA^r E. RAUCH.
'file subject of this sketch has gained marked precedence in the
work of his noble profession, to x\hich he has dex'oted his un(bvided
attention for many xears. haxing gained a high position on the scroll
of Howard county's al)le music teachers, being liighly educated and
the fortunate possessor of the noble personal traits necessary to win
success in this somewhat exacting profession. P>esides his iibility
as a musician he is admired for his well regulated hfe and public-
spirited nature.
Professor William E. Ranch was born in Nazareth. Pennsyl-
vania, in Xovember, 1874. the son of Renjamin and Melasena ( Ar-
nold) Ranch, who are now living at Ixokomo, Indiana, being among
the influential residents of this citv.
164 morrow's history
The ciiiiditiiins under which nur \V( n'thv subject began hfe were
flattering, but re\'erses which later came to the family threw him
almost wholly upon his own resources. He manifested those pro-
gressi\e traits that win early in life, and after he had attended the
scIkjoIs (if his native t' >wn his parents moved to Mansfield, Ohio,,
where he pursued his studies, after w hich he entered the Ohin Nor-
mal Uni\-ersity at Ada. Ohio, where he took a course in ci\il engi-
neering, literature and music, becoming so proficient in the latter
that his instructurs persuaded liim ti v de\'Lite the major part nf his
time tn music \vhile he was attending schoijl, at the same time giv-
ing priw'ite instructiiin, ant! thus making his way thnjugh school.
He graduateil from a sclnxil nf methods, a summer school, connected
with the Northwestern L'niversit}" of Chicago,
Professor Ranch has a fine, rich baritone \'oice, especialh' strong"
in lower register, anil he sings with spirit and expression, and manv
articles of praise have been given bv the press wherever he has ap-
peared in public, having done concert work for three years, during"
which time he traxeled extensi\ely. He came to Kokonic) in igoi.
Conducting cantatas and gi\'ing private instructions. Tn 1902 he
ga\-e a course of private instruction in the puljlic schools and the
circuit was in the schools of Swayzee. Banker Hill. Converse and
Amboy. and he performed this work with marked success to the
schools and with credit to himself. Ha\ing gained such a wide rep-
utatii >n b\- his meritorious work as to attract general public attention,
in 1904 he was elected super\-isor of the schools of Kokomo, which
|)osition he has since very creditably filled, being still in the same
capacity in 1908, entering upon his fifth year. Besides being in
charge of the music in the public schools he is choirmaster in the
First Congregational church, conductor of the Kokomo Oratorio
Society, manager of the Kokomo Chautauqua, and during the sum-
mer he is in great demand as instructor of music in the countv in-
stitutes and chautauquas. He also gives private instruction in voice.
t)F IIClWAKL) COLNTV. 1 ()3
I'rofessur Ranch is cuinmended Ii\' those liigh in auth(irit\' as
a leading" instructor and executor of music, not onl}- in In(hana l:)ut
in other states as well. He is a man of pleasing address and perfect
perscinal manners, agreeable and kind to all. and he has a high stand-
ing, ntJt I inly in his professiim but with the public, fur his ni.anly life,
and no one in Ivokonid is held in higher esteem by his fellnw towns-
men. He is a de\-iited member of the Congregational church of Ko-
kiiniii and delights in his wnrk in this organization.
l-"raternally I'mfessur Ranch is a member of the Renevolent
Protectixe (3riler of Elks and in his political affiliations he is a I\.e-
publican. He has preferreil single blessedness and makes his home
with his honored and highly respected parents and sister I\Iary at
Xo. 4i() West Walnut street, xvhere he has an extensive librar\- not
t)nly covering a wide range of musical subjects l:)Ut the latest and
best books of science, religion antl literature in general .are to be
found nn his shelves. He is decidedly a m<an of aesthetic tastes
and his noble attributes are soon disco\-ered 1))' all ha\-ing the [ileas-
lu-e of knowing him personally.
T. HL'GH ^rcXh:AL
-\ny compendium of Howard county's representati\-e citizens
would be incomplete without reference to the life and character of
the successful agriculturist wdiose name appears at the head of this
review and who is nriw li\-ing- in honorable retirement, enjoying a
respite in the golden evening of his da}'s after a life of earnest en-
deavor and usefulness, who. becau.se of his g-enial disposition, ster-
ling \\(irth and uprightness has gained and retained a host of friends
throu"-hout the d )unt\-.
1 66
J. Hugh ]\IcXeal was born in Centerxille, \\ ayne ciiunt\', In-
diana, September lo. 1834. the son of James and Margaret (Reahm)
^IcXeal. The subject's paternal grandparents came from Scotland
antl his maternal grandparents from Ireland. The\' came to Hamil-
tiin count}'. Indiana, in the pioneer da^'s from Lancaster county,
I'ennsyhania. where the^" had married. James McXeal, the grand-
father, was a soldier in the Revolution. James AlcX'eal, father of
the subject, was born in I'hiladelphia and came to Hamilton county,
Iniliana. in 1835, when the subject was thirteen months ijld. and
bi night a half section of land from the government on the west side
of \\ hite ri\'er, when but few white men lived in that vicinitv, hav-
ing as their neig'hbors Indians and wild beasts, surrounded by the
dense woods. But being of the hardy type, Mr. McNeal transformed
the w Hand into a farm, where he and his wife spent their lives
and from whence they passed on to their reward in the silent land.
The subject helped to clear the land secured bv his father and
attended such schools as those primiti\"e times afforded, remaining
under the parental roof until he was tw"entv-fi\"e ^•ears old.
Mr. ]\IcXeal was married in 1851) to Charlotte Brown, of Og-
densburg, Xew ^'ork. who passed awa}' in 1S63. There were no
children Ixirn to this uni(in. In 1864 the subject remarried, his sec-
rmd wife being ^Nlalinda Little, of Kentucky, who, after becoming- the
mother of twiT children, was called to her rest in 1S92. The children
are: Charlotte Oretta, bom in Hamilton countw antl received a
good education in the schools at Cicero, Indiana, and at the State
Xormal, which she attended for one year. She was also in school
at Dan\ille for one vear. She became a teacher, at present ( K}o8)
being one of the instructors in the fifth ward school in Kokomi], with
which she has been connected since 1893. She resides with her fa-
ther. Edward ^^^, the second child, was liorn in August. 1871. He
graduated from the commercial department of the Dan\-ille X'ormal
school in 1893. He is now in South Dakota, where he has a claim.
ni^- IIOWAKI) riirXTV. 167
Mr. ATcXeal purchased a farm in llamiltcni cnuntw liiiliana, in
1N57. ciiniprisin.t;" one luindred acres, fur which he paiil hftcen liun-
dred ddlhirs, l:>ut remained here unlx- a short time, lie l)(iut;ht, snld
and traded in lands (juite e.\tensi\el_\', g'radiialK- increasing;- his for-
tune hy sound Ijusiness methods, and finalh- located in Harrison
townshii), Howard count\-, in ] S8 1 , where he resided on a well nian-
a,s;ed and well imi)ro\ed fanii luitil i8()0. lie then mo\ ed to Center
township. Hax'ing sold his farm in ii)oo he nr)\eil to Kokonio,
where he resides in a commixlious and niceh' furnished home at ()04
Armstron.t;' a\'enue.
Fraternalh' Air. AlcXeal is a Mason, h.oldiui;- his memher'-hip
in Lotlg'e \o. u/), Cicero, Indiana. He is .also a memher of the
Independent Order of Odd h^ellows, \'o. _■(>_', at Cicero, ha\ing-
twice passed the chairs in this order. He is the onl\- charter mem-
her of this lodge now Ining. In jjolitics he is a stanch Kepuhlican,
]ia\'ing cast his first ballot for John C. I'reniont for President. Al-
thotig'h taking considerable interest in political .affairs. alwa\s doing
what he coiild to further the interests of his conimnnitv. poliiicall}'
or any other way. the subject has ne\er found time to take a \er\-
acti\e jiart in loea.l con\entious or elections, and he has ne\ er a--
])ired ti 1 ])ubhc office.
.Miss Charlotte Oretta McXeal is a memher of the < iener.al
Cox Chai)ter. daughters of the .\mericau Re\dlution ; also a mem-
ber <if the Ivehekah lodge and the Eastern Star, and a member of
the C'hautaui|ua Round Table, luuing graduated in the class of igoj.
She is a member of the church and is regarded as a woman of many
estimable attrilnites and commendable traits, being \"ery po]iulai- in
all circles in Ki iki iino.
Mr. McXeal enio\s the unstinted respect and esteem ot a large
circle of friends as a result of his well regulated life, his u])rigluiiess
and h( iS]>italit\'.
J6S MORKOW 's LllSTOKV
JOHX W, H.VRBAL'Gll.
Tlie strung', earnest men nf a ])enple are al\va)s puljlic benefac-
ti rs. Tlieir usefulness in the immediate specific labors tlie\- per-
fdim can be defineil lj_\- metes ami bminds, Init the o'ond the\' do
thr((Ugli the fnrces they jjut in motinn and thrnugh the inspiratii^n
of their ))resence and example is immeasurabh' an infinite gaiig'e or
standard of \ahie. The gentleman whose name introduces this
sketch i-^ a man of this type. Althougii well known and higiily es-
teemed, he is averse to an_\- notice savnring' of adulation and prefers
to let his achie\-ements rather than the fulsome praise of the chron-
icler speak for him, E\er\- life, howe\er, if ])ropeid\- known, con-
tains iiiore or less ot interest, and the pnljlic claims a certain ])roperty
right in the career id' e\ery citizen, regardless of his achie\ements or
the station he has attained. In placing before the reader the brief
re\-iew that follows due deference is accorded the feelings of the sub-
ject, in conformitT,' with whose well known wishes the writer will
endea\'or to adhere stricth' to facts and omit as far as possilile com-
])liment;!ry allusions, at the same time realizing that the latter have
lieen honorably earned and should form no small part of a life sketch
in which it is sought to render nothing but Avdiat justice and merito-
rious recognition demand.
John W. Harbaugh, of the firm of Miller & Tlarbaugii, is a
natixe of Hamilton count\-, Indiana, and the son of I'hilip and Mar-
tha ((ialbreath) Harbaugh, He was born in 1S74 on a farm, liut
at the age of twn xears was taken b\' his ])arents to Circleville, In-
dia.na, where he spent his childhiiod and _\'onth. In due time he en-
tered the schools of that place, and after attending the same until
'ac(|uiriiig a knowledge of the branches taught therein he came to
Kokoiiio with his parents in t8()0. and where he was not long in se-
curing remunerati\e employment in a glass factory, .\fter devoting
vv H(n\AKi) (.orxTV. i6g
tliL' ensiling;' ei.i;lit \L'ars tn that kind iif lahur .Mr. Ilarhaui^h resit^iied
his [)(isiti(.ii, and siil)sei|uentl}- (in njo:;) cn^aj^ed in the real estate
l)usiness, whieh he has sinee tUllowed with nmst strati f\inL;- suecess.
l)eing- at this time ( H)o8) in partnership \vith !'". 1). Miher. the tirni
tlius ci instituted ha\'in!:i- ^m extensi\'e and rapiiUs' t;r(i\\ in;;' patri ina,!_;e
in kdkiiniii and thri luj^hi lut I Inward cciunt\-, doino- lousiness Dn their
iiwn ca])ital a.nd han(hini;- as niueh real estate ])erliaps as an\' otlier
tii'ni lit tlie kind in the cit\'.
In ei iiineetinn with the real estate transactii uis AIi'. I larliau^h
has alsii ereeted a nuniljer nf hnuses, whieh he ])laeed i m the market
fnr the lienefit nf purchasers, having' put up in Kukiinin almie mure
than line hundred first class edifices, all nf which found read\- sale at
hheral figures, the margins realized in the enterprise fulh' justifxing
the undertaking. .\t the cost of twenty thousand dollars Air. Har-
bangh's firm some time ago purchased the land nn which the Miller-
Harbaugh additinn to Koknmn was ])latted, consisting nf fnrty-eight
lots on South \\ ashington street and Armstrcmg axenue. the enter-
prise realizing the e-\pectatinns of the prcmioters and ])rii\-ing a iudi-
cious as well as an e.xceedingh' fortunate in\estnient, as the rajiid
sale of these lots abtmdantlv indicates. I'or the enterprising spirit
ilis[ila\'ed in thus ])ro\-iding so man\' beautiful and cnmfi irtable homes
at moderate cost and at the same time adding sn much to the lieauty
and attractiveness of Kokonio. as well as increasing the \alue of con-
tiguous propertx' man\- fold. IMr. Harljaugh mav be considered a ]iub-
lic benefactor, for had it not been for his efforts in thus promoting
the cit^■"s material adwancement scores of respectable citizens would
tnda\' be expending their means to landlords in rents nr would i)er-
liaps ha\e moved to other parts. Mr. Ilarbaugirs sticcess fmni a
business standpoint has been something beyond the ordinary, begin-
ning as he did with little capital worthy of mention. He has mo\-ed
steadih' forward, overcoming- difficulties that would have discour-
1/0 MOKROW S IlISTOKV
aged mail}' of less fcirtitude. venturing" \\'liere others would ha\e
hesitated, taking advantage of circumstances and in the al)sence of
opportunities cretiting them, lie has rapidh' forged to the front and
toda_\' <iccupies a prominent place in Imsiness circles and has a strong
and abiding hold upon the contidence and esteem of his fellow men
of all classes and his life affords a notable exaiii])le of what a \'ouug
man can accomplish when actuated 1>}' loft\- piu'iiiises and an earnest
desire to assist others while using all honorable means to ad\'ance
his own interests. .Vniong Mr. Harbaugh's most pronounced char-
acteristics are his clear foresight and sound common sense and dis-
creet judgment, to which ma}- he ad<led liecoming niodest\- and a
tendency to minimize rather than magnif^• his own acliie\enients.
He stands high socially and the contidence rejxised in him by his fel-
low citizens is liest illustrated by his election in 1906 to the city
council, where his Imsiness tact and interest in the public welfare
ha\'e made him an able and eniinenth' useful municipal legislator.
He is still ser\ing in this bod}-. ha\-ing been elected thereto 1)}- the
Republican ]xu"ty, of which he has been a loval and zealous supporter
e\-er since old enough ti> exercise the rights of citizenship.
Mr. Harbaugh is a married man and has a pleasant home in
Kokomo. the crowning sjiirit of which is a ^-oung lad\- of culture
and rehnemcnt who formerly bore the name of Kfhe Bridwell. Mrs.
Harbaugh was born and reared in the citv where she now- resides,
was graduated from the high school and for some time prior to her
marriag-e was one of the cit}-'s most efficient an<l popular teachers,
nio\-ing in the best social circles. She keeps pace \vitli the trend of
current thought on matters in which the most intelligent of her sex
are interested, in addition to which she is also active in religious
work, being a respected member of the Main .Street Christian church
and a liberal contributor to the su]>]>iirt of the (lospel, both at home
and abroad.
Ill' linw AKi) corxTV. 171
cAi'TAix R()r.i<:u'r jacop.s.
rile nidst elaljiirate liistiir\- is i)ert()rce a merciless al)ri(l.t;enient,
the histi-rian beint;' uliliged to select his facts and materials t re im
manifiild details and tu marshal them in cmicise and luoical mxler.
This applies tn specific as well as o-eneric histon'. and in the fnvmer
categun- is inclnded the interesting and important department '>i
biography. In e\-ery life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth
of interesting situations and incidents, and vet in summing up such
a career the writer must needs touch unly on the more salient facts,
giving the keynote of the character and eliminating all that is super-
fluous to the continuity of the narrati\'e. The subject of this sketch
has led an acti\-e and eminentlv useful life, not entirelv void of the
exciting, but the more prominent facts ha\e been so identified with
the useful and practical that it is to them almost entirel}- that the
writer refers in the fullowing lines.
Ri ibert L. Jacdbs is a nati\e of Indiana, born in the count\- of \\'a«
bash on Decemlier 23th nf the }ear 1870, being the sun of Tlmmas
and Margaret ( I'ulk) Jacnbs. At the earl}- age uf ten }ears he was
deprived nf a ninther's tender care and guidance, but the father
ke])t the famil)' tugether until the children were able tn make their
iiwn way in the world and spared n(:) efforts or pains in looking after
his interests and instilling into his vnuthful nn'nd proper conceptions
of duty and the responsibilities which awaited him when he should
grow up and take his place in the bus\' scenes of life, .\fter remain-
ing at home and attending the ])ublic schools at interxals until his
fourteenth \ear he accepted the ]>ositioii of clerk and deli\er\- boy
in a g'rocer\- store, the duties of which he discharged until becoming
a salesman for a clothing firm in the city of Wabash, his experience
in these capacities Irning a practical \alue in making liini taniiliar
with business and enabling' him the better to la\' the foumlation for
1/2 MdKKOW's HISTORY
his future ci 'Urse nf actii>u. Lea\'ing- Wabash iu ]8yo he came to
Kokonin anil entereil the employ of Strickland & Company, and after
some time with the lirm accepted a position with E. Perkins, still
later selling goods successi\-eh- for Shonfield & Stone and Isaac AIv-
ers. his experience \\ith the abo\-e parties covering a jieriiid of twelve
years, at the expiration uf which time he severed his connection with
the mercantile business to enter the employ of the Knerr Board and
Paper Cumpanw \\ ith which he liecame identified in igo2.
}ilr. Jacoljs entered the above estalilishment as assistant super-
intendent, which responsible position he still holds and the duties of
which he has discharged with credit to himself and to the satisfac-
tion of the firm, whose full confidence he enjoys and bv whom he is
held in the highest personal esteem and reg'ard.
When the Grant h~encibles, or Comi)anv L. Indiana National
Guard. \\'as organized in 1892. ]\Ir. Jacobs entered its ranks as a
priwate. hut in due time rose to the ])osition of sergeant, later passed
by successive pronn^tions to second and first lieutenant and in 1896 to
the rank of captain, which position he was holding at the breaking;
out of the S]ianish-Anierican war. Shortly after the beginning of
the struggle the ci nipany was called upi in fi <\- active dutv. being mus-
tered into -;er\ice on Alay 10. 1898. as Company L. of the One Hun-
dreil and Sixt}-eighth Indiana Volunteers, and later joined the main
C(!mmand at Chickamauga. Tennessee, where it was stationed until
transferred to Knoxville. that state, the following Aug-ust. from
\\hich i)lace it \\"as ordered home the ensuing September. The war
ha\ing closed the ci>mpany was mustered out on Xo\-ember _|.th of
the same \ear. its experience, which co\-ered a period lacking' six
days of six mnnths, being- in ever^■ respect satisfactor\' and reflecting
credit u])on its commanding otficer. wIki during the time indicated
brought the compan_\- to a high standard nf discipline and \von rec-
ognition as one of the best and most soldierly captains in the service.
nv miwAuii I'orxi'v. 173
Captain Jaciil_)s has yreat liking iov the mihtar_\- ami a natural
aptitude fur the manifnUl duties cnnnected witli tile anuy life. < )n
the mother's side lie eame i>f a familv i)f soldiers, his grandfather
roli^. wlm was a cousin of ex-l'resident James K. I'olk. ha\ iiig jier-
f(]rmed militar\- service, while two of his uncles ser\ed with distinc-
tion in the l"i\'il war. Rol)ert I'olk as colonel and Samuel as caiitain.
the latter heing killed in liattle.
The captain is a i)rominent memlier of the I'ythian fraternitw
in which he has passed all the chairs and in the L'niforni Rank i.f
which he is captain of Company Xo. 6. besides sei"\'ino- at different
times as assistant inspector general of the Indiana i'.rigade. L niform
Rank, on the staft' of (ieneral Jones. lie stands high in the order
hoth locally and throughout the state, and has added greatly to the
growth and influence of the compan}' over which he has command,
the latter being recognized as one of the l:)est drilled and thoroughly
discii)line(l organizations rif the k'ind in Indiana. Me is also identi-
fied with Loclge Xo. igo. Bene\-olent and I'rotective Onler of FJks,
in which he takes an active interest and the growth of which in ])ublic
favor is due as much to his efforts as to those of rniy otlier membjr
of the society.
Captain Jacobs is a Republican in jiolitics. but b\- no merni- ag-
gressi\'e. Xe\"ertheless he is familiar with the leading (|uestions
uixin which men and jiarties divide and has the coura.ge of lu's con-
x'ictions in these and other matters of interest and importance.
In the year 1892 Captain Jacobs entered the marriage ixdation
with ]\taude Reed, of \\'abash. Indiana. ;ui intelligent and estimable
young lady of that city and a graduate of its high school, the union
resulting in the birth of two children — Fennell, who died at the
early age of six months, and Elinor Elizabeth.
Ca])tain Jacobs is essentially a self-made man. and as such ranks
with the most enterprising and ]irogressi\-e of his contemporaries.
1/4 MOKKOW S HISTORY
'J'lirdwn u[)<in his own resuurces at the age nf fijurteen, withnut help
nr influence fmrn an}- sdurce, he has steadih' pursued the honorable
ciiurse which in due time brnught social recnonitinn and the respon-
sible ])lace he now fills in the inihistrial wurld. V<v a life consistent
in niotixe and action and because of bis man\- fine personal tpialities
be has earned the sincere regard of all who know bim. and in bis
home, which is the center of a large social circle, there is al\\a\s in
evidence a spirit of generous hospitality, old and \'oung alike Ijeing
at all times welcome.
jERO^^IE C. DOr;.\[AX.
This well known citizen is an excellent representati\e of the
better class of retired liusiness men ()f the I'nited States, coming
from an ancestry that distingui>hed itself in the ])ioneer times.
When the country- was co\'ered with an almost interminalile forest
of natixe trees, filled with \\ dd animals, his ])eople came here and
began to car\e homes from the ])rime\al forests, build schools and
churches and introduce the customs of ci\-ilization in the wilderness,
They were genuine ])ioneers. willing t(> take the hardshi]is that thev
might ;ic(|uire the soil and the home that was sure to rise.
I he subject of this sketch was born in Jonesboro. (u-ant county.
Indiana. .March 0. 1841. Tlis ])arents were Alexander and Ter-
ressa ( Ashton ) Dolman, both nati^-es of Obir., where thev were
married. Thex' settled in Indiana in about i''^,^4. He was a tailor
b\- trade, which be followed in Ohio, and also operated :\ shop on
bis farm after coming to Jonesboro. this state. He li\ed on this
farm until 1S49, dying at the age (-)f forty-nine years of cholera,
wdien this section was stricken with that dread disease. He was sur-
():■■ IKiW AKl) CnrXTI",
\i\i.'il li\' a widnw ami ten cliihlren. Mrs. lJ(ilnian reinaiiied at the
I lid lioiiic until licr death at eii^hty-three _\ears df at^e. All her
childieu reached niatnrit}' and >ix are lixint;' in i<)(iS. Rufus A.
1 )nlnian. lin^ther nf the subject's father, came ti > KnkcuiM in iSOo
ami enL;a,L;ed m the mercantile Inisiness. als(j the jmrk packing in-
dustry, lie died at KokimiM in i NS i . at the a.i^e nf tifty-fc lur.
Jerume C 1). ilnian. nur ^ul>ject, left the farm when t\\'ent^■
}-ear^ of a.ye. hein.!;' unable ti' nverci'nie tlie w ;l\ e 'if ])atriiitic ferxnr
that s\\e])t ii\er hiiu when the tncsin nf war snuuded calliniL;- fur
li'Xal siin> nf the Ixepulilic t'l stand h\- the ilai;", si i he enlisted in Lnui-
pau\' H. ]'JL;'hth Indiana lufantrw raised at Mam in. m which regi-
ment he ser\ed gallantK" f : r three \ears. lie was at hrst sent ti >
Missiiuri after (.ieneral I'rice. spending the th'st winter in Xurtliern
Arkansas. ha\ing engaged in the battle nf I'ea Ridge in iS'u, later
marching tn Helena and was du the Mississippi ri\er until the siege
i<f X'icksburg. where he saw har<l serxice in the trenches and was
amiing the \ictiirs w In i entered that city nn July 4, iX(w After en-
gaging in the battle at JacksdU he wns sent ti> New ( )rleans and was
ser.t ])v boat tn XA'ashingtnn L'it\' and later jnined Sheridan's army
in the Shenanddah \'alle\', ser\ing in sexeral battles. When his
time e.xpired he was discharged at Harper's herrx', ;ifter serving a
little d\er three \ears, during which time he wa-^ ne\er wnunded nr
ca])tured althnugh he was in mam" hard-fnnght battles, being in the
ranks all the time.
After his career in the arnn- he returned tn Jnueslmrn. Indiana,
ar.d tn Knknnin in the winter nf 1X64, entering the shcie stnre nf
Jnlm (iri])])er. his bmther-in-law . where he retnained twn years as
clerk. Later he had cliarge nf the entire stnre. ?\Ir. ( happer haxing
left it tn Mr. Dnlman. This he successfully n]ierated fnr a jierinil
nf three years, lie then npened a new slme stnre in cniu|)any with
lames A. W'ildman. wlm later became state auditnr. 'I hey re-
i7'5 morrow's iiistorv
maineil in partnership until i.Sji when W'ildnian was succeeded bv
James I'urdum. who continued in liusiness until the latter's death
S(jme six years later. Then the business was conilucted alone liv
Mr. Dolman until njo^ when he retired after carrying on the same
line of work for a period of tlnrty-nine years, being the oldest mer-
chant in Kokomo, having contined himself to the one line all the
time, his location having been at Xo. 4 Main street, where the \'aile
shoe st<.ire is now located. His was the first exclusive shoe store in
Kokomo. He had a shop in connection with the store and made
boots s(.) long as they were in style. Xeedless to sav that the busi-
ness of the subject thrived from the start and greu' in magnitude
from year ti > year until he retired, for he had earh' mastered all the
details incident to the boot and shoe business.
J he suljject has an excellent farm three miles from Kokomo
where he has much fine .stock. He erected his present commodious
and well apiiointed home in 1907. his old residence being the site of
the new go\ernment Ijuilding.
Mr. Dolman \\as luiited in marriage with Elsie Purduni in
1893, widow iif his old partner, whose maiden name Avas Xewcomb,
daughter of Dr. Xewcumb, late of Kukomo. Thev have one daugh-
ter. Belle ]\Iarie, grailuate of the Kokomo high school, who also
studied at the Oberlin Conser\-atory at Oberlin. ( )hio. in which in-
stitution she made a brillirmt record.
Mr. Dolman has Iteen twice a member of the citv cinincil of
kokoniii liuring the time when the gas meters were bt-ing installed,
; •(! he rendered \'alual)le serxice and gaxe weight\- ad\ice to
the city, looking careful!}- to its interests just as if he had been
managing his own pri\-ate affairs, -\lthough a lo_\'al Republican
he has ne\er had political ambitions and was ne\'er a candidate for
oftices of public trust. He is a memlier of the Congregatii)nal
church and lias been a ]\lason for fortv \-ears.
ni-- iiiiwAKii forxTV. 177
Mr. Dolman is perhaps the best kiinwn man in i\iik(]mii ami
\icinit\' and 1 me nf the mast influential in llii\\ar<l cunntx-. where
so man\' Ions;' \ears of nsefnl en<lea\'or ha\e been spent, and where he
has jnstK earned the hi^h esteem of e\er}- one which he now en-
joys in his declining age, happ_\' in the thought that his lite has been
well spent, a life tliat was not selfish, but which at all times stro\-e
to make others happier, better and friendlier.
TOIIX B. TU'TCIIER.
The young b.iy. as he listened to the recitals of the old soldier.
especialh' to the hero of the Ci\il war. could not fail to be fired
with zeal and enthtisiasm for the cause as the boys in blue told
aliont their exphn'ts and exposures for the cause of freedom and
the ])erpetuit\' of the Inirm. This old soldier was not only a hero
with e\cr\- hid. but lessous of true bravery, coiu'age and sicrdice
were often indelibl}' impressed on the min<l of the l^iy. and sir:h
lessrms were a i)art of his patriotic educaticm. Afany of these stories
made the \er\- hair stand on end. and the listener was made to wmi-
der if it C(iuld be ]iossible that lumian bra\er\' could f:\cc -^o much
shot and shell for tlie ^ake of country, home and libert_\ . lUii the
real struggles for these were not confined to gunpowder alone.
True braver^• was as often shown in the dail\- life, in the battle for
bread, home and lo\-e's real conquests. The conflict against \)i<\--
erty. \'ice rmd the enemy of the sweets of faiuily life was often nit ire
tr}'ing- than the shrieks of the mortally wounded ou the country's
l)attlefield, and the victor in the strife, with the banner of |)t-'ce
floating gently to the breezes of cixdlizatiou and ha]ipiness. is
crowned with his heart's cra\'ing. life honorable and home to his
1/8 morrow's history
likiiii^". ( )ur subject was not onh- Ijrave in fiillnwing liis counti'\'s
flag', liut the truest life was seen in the pleasures i;t his home sur-
rcjunding's.
( )iu' "uhject is a natix'e of Decativ Cfjunty, Imliana. the sou
(if William and Sadima (Brown) Butcher, and l.Kirn Januar\- 20,
1843. His father ninxed ti 1 this ci)urit\- in 1853 '"^'l ^'''^^ '^'^^ (iwner
I if eisi"ht hundred acres nf laml here. He was fmni \'irginia. and
was nut imly a gcod manager Init tin uglit he saw \'alue in the fu-
ture in the^e lands and hi night plentifully while cheap. He died
in 18(18. He was twice married, heing the father nf ti\e sons l.i\-
his first wife and In- his secimd wife three suns, fi\e nf whom were
bra\"e suldiers in the L"i\il war — (lei^rge W .. Isaac AI.. Snlnmon T.,
John n. a.n.l A. P.
Jiihn B. our subject, enlisted Seiitember 22. 18(11. in Company
H. Thirty-l-"(iurth Indiana infantr\-. and was given the position of
sergeant. His first engagement was at Xew Madras, island Xo.
TO. Afterwards in succession he fought in battles at i'ort (iibson.
Champion ilills. forty-se\en da\s at \b'cksl)urg, and se\-en days at
Jackson. Mississippi. From here his regiment went to Xew (Orleans
and on 1 )ecember _'o. i8(>3. he went to Texas on the ship Conti-
nental, tossing about for fourteen da\s in a storm at sea. He then
campaigned in Texas, Missouri, coming liack to Xew (Jrleans from
whence he was discharged ha\'ing serve. 1 three \'ears. the term of
enlistment. He \vas sick for several months and was not expected
to recover. He served three vears ruid two months. He now re-
ceives a ]iension of twentv-four dollars per month.
In 18(1- he was married to Sarah J. Ihonias. a nati\e of Cass
Count w The result of thi> union was foui' children, three girls and
one bo\-. one daughter ])eing deceased.
After he came home from the war and had recovered somewhat
he farmed awhile, securing a farm of one hundred and twenty acres.
OF HOWARD CorXTY.
1/")
Al)iuu elt\'eii \'ears as^i ; he nic>\cil in l\iiki)nic> and went into the
li\ery husiness,
Mr. anil Mrs. I'.ntcher helony \.t> the L'nited Ih'ethren church
an<l are faithful nienihers <<i this reliti'inus hmly. He is a trustee uf
his church. In pdlitics he is a Repulilican ami serxed nne term as
tiiwnship trustee nf lu'vin tnwnslii]). He is a niemher nf the (iraml
.Vrnn- nf the Re])ul)lic and Past Cuniinander nf Knknnin Ijjdge.
Xo. 30. He has a \ev\ large circle nf friends and acfjuaintenances
\\ lin esteem him \ er\- hitihlv.
EL\\'0(.)D S. HOCKEI'T,
.Vninng" the men wlm ha\'e Ijeen largeh' instrumental in de-
x-elnping and adxancing the opulent natural resources nt Hnward
cnunt\' and who ha\e heen instrumental in aihancing the i)ulilic wel-
fare stands the gentleman wlinse name initiates this re\'iew and
w hnse fine real estate office is in Knkonio. It is nmst cnnsnnant that
in this Compilation mention he made of those sterling pioneers who
ha\e done so much for the u]jhuilding of this section of the state, in
the majority of instances being comi)elled to endure the \ ici-situdes
which, usualls' attend those who form the aihance guard of ci\dl-
ization in a new countr\. Time and ])rolilic enterprise ha\e w fought
wonderful changes in this section since our subject first saw the
light of day. and the great section no longer depends upon its initial
industr\- of lumbering, but has been l)r(iught forward to the high
])lane which is markeil in the older sections of the common wealth.
The subject, who has ;iided materially in the de\eloping of Ibiward
county, was liorn in Clinton count\". Ohio. Octol.ier 3. 1S47. ^^^
wr;s brought to Hendricks county. Indiana, when ten \ears of age.
ami 1111 April I. 1868, reached Kokomn. He is the sun of Asa
lliickett. a tile manufacturer, who started the tirst tile nianufactur-
ing plant in this part of the state, which occupation he fallowed for
fifteen }-ears, dying in Kokomo at the age of eighty-one years. His
wife, Elizabeth \\'asson, to whom he was married in Ohio, was born
in \\"a}ne county. Indiana. She was the daughter of Cabin W.
W'asson, a b^iends' minister for fifty years, having spent his long
life preaching tbrougliDUt Ohio and Indiana, however, he li\'ed for
se\-eral years in Miami count}'. Elizabeth died in iSjC), twent\--two
years before the death of her husband. She was fifty-h\-e vears old.
They had a family of three sons and one daughter, namely : .Mbert,
a carpenter, living at Altus. Oklahoma: Elwood: ^lartha. wife of
Rew Dr. Xewton, of Xojilesville, Indiana: Walter, a machinist em-
ployed at Indianapolis. I'dwinnl S. is the only one li\-ing in Howard
county, where he has made his home for the past fort^• vears. On
coming to Kokomo he engaged with his father in the manufacture
of tiles and finally became the owner > >f the plant which he i.iperated
for fifteen }ears, operating it during the summer seasrm and teach-
ing school during the winter months in Miami countv and Howard
counties for a period of four ^■ears. He taught in Kokomo as prin-
cipal for four years in a ward school. He was principal in the
fourth ward from 1873 to 1876, ha\'ing about four teachers under
him. Professor CV)x was then superintendent, with his wife as as-
sistant. Sexeral of the subject's pupils became efficient teachers,
including Indiana Alortz. Although the suliject recei\ed cmh' a
common school education together with what he received at the
teachers' institute, he is a highlv educated man, having always been
a close student and is widelv read, and a brilliant conversationalist,
being able to interest his readers on almost any topic, whether polit-
ical, educational, scientific or literan,^
Having learned the brick mason's trade in his vouth he followed
t)F llOWARU COL'XTV. iSl
ci'iitractini;- fur se\ eral years in Ivnkonid and Hipward cnuntx'. lie
also successfull}' operated a grocery sti ire fur se\eral years.
In I1SS8 he was elected township trustee, serving;- in this capac-
ity with credit for se\'en }'ears. This was a serious time during;- part
of the term, for the panic nf li^')}, caused a mr)ne\' striui^encv that
resulted in the officials oi this countv haxing' many jioor people to
loi ik after, and nur suhject hel])ed tn prnxide fur the wants nf at
least two thous;md wIm were out nf empliAanent ami had ti > he as-
sisted, makin.i;' his ])nsiticin a responsiltle nne, hut he hlled it with
g'reat credit, and erected school houses and did many cither com-
mendable things.
In ]cS()5 he launched in the real estate business, carrying in-
surance, dealing in loans, etc., with which he has been eminentl\'
successful owing to the careful and honorable methods \vbich he has
employed in managing the same. In the meantime he had a machine
shop at Tiiiton which was under his direction. IjUt his time is now
deyoted almost exclusi\ely to his office work. He carries a line line
of fire insurance and has man}' good loans out.
The E. S. Hockett addition to Kokomo is in the southeast sec-
tion of the city, and he was one of the six men who opened the
Park\iew addition at the time of the gas deyelopment. It com-
prises sixty acres in the residence section of the cit^•, which has
pro\"en a choice building district. He has also hel]5ed (ipen addi-
tions f<ir others, understanding the best methods with which to carry
out such ])lans to successful issues. His associates ha\-e been Ed.
-V. Simmons, the present postmaster: J- C. Dewees and E. E. Col-
lins, the last named being his associate in 1908.
Air. ITockett deals extensiyely in both city and country prop-
erty. ha\-ing an agency for northern, northwestern and southwestern
lands. He is at present a member of the city council and is noted
for his firm st;md at all times for substantial improyements in Ixo-
l82
kumo. having- great faith in the city's future. Being so pupular
throughunt the cunntry. his advice and ser\ices are natnrallv si lught
during elections and he is ahvays a delegate ht various ciunentiuns
where his \oice is heard in their dehheratiuns ur his influence fek in
the shaping of tlieir policies. Needless to say that dur suhject is a
loyal Republican. Among the noteworth}- things that Mv. Hockett
has done for Kokonio nia}- be mentioned the fact that he was largeh'
instrumental in securing a number of manufacturing establishments
while a member of the old ass(_>ciation which was organized for the
purpose of promoting the city's enterprises.
Mr. Hockett was united in marriage in jNjj with Mabel E.
Banta, who was born in Barth<ilomew county, Indiana, having come
from I'reble county, Ohio, to Kokonio in icS()5. and taught school
for some time in Howard county. To this union two children have
been born, namel}' : Jessie, a music teacher who is still a member
of the family circle; ( ilen, who resides in KokonKj and is ckx elec-
trician.
The subject has been a memlier of the Independent ( )rder of
( )dd l-'ellows since he was twenty-one }-ears old. or for a period of
thirty-eight years in U)o8, being one of the oldest members in this
lodge in the \icinit}- of Ivokomo, ha\-ing passed all the chairs and
been representative to the grand lodge. He is also a Master ?\Iason,
'Idius in many ways can we account for Mr. Hockett's popnlaritv in
Howard c< mntw
X. C. HA}>IlI/rOX. M D.
The medical profession in Howard county has an able and
worthy re])resentati\e in the person of Dr. X. C Hamilton, whose
success since locating in Kokonio has won him nianv warm friends
1)1' iKiWARii c'orxTV. 183
and ailniirers in tlie cit_\- anil C'mnt\ and made him \\idel\- and faxnr-
al)ly kni)\\n anidnj;' llie i"e])resentati\e medical men ni this ])an nf the
state.
As his name iinhcates. 1 )r. Mamiltun is deseeiKled \v<nu the
sturdy Scutch-Irish element, that has added su much tn tlie UKiral
tiljer ot the American cumniunw ealtli and is a cumplimeiit \\Mrt!nl\
bestowed tu claim fnr hini the pi issessii m dI' main- I'f the sterlint;-
attributes and characteristics fur which tltat peuple ha\e ImiL;- l)een
distinguished. On the niuther'.s >ide his ancestors were Scotch and
bore the characteristic name uf Mc( ilaughlin. Ilnth l)ranclies uf tlie
famil}' were early repiesentatixes in the cnuntrx and ha\e i)een
knuwn in Lugan ciiunt\', ( )hii 1, where the ductur's ]}arents, James
Ci. Hamiltiin ami Isal>ella -Mc( ilautihlin, were married and spent the
i^'reater ])art nf their li\es.
Dr. Hamilt'in was burn in the ab :\e ciiunt\' an.d state 1 in \u-
g'Ust 13, 1S73, and s])eiU his childhund and earl\- \(iuth in the ti'wn
of Zanesxille, where he alsu receixed his hrst instruction in the public
schiidls. ( )wing til circumstances uver which he had no cnntrnl he
was early oblige! to rel\' upon his own resources for a livelihoo(l,
accordingh' at the earh- age of ele\-e'.i \ears he left the parental roof
and during the ensuing two \-e:irs turned his hands to any kind of
hoi:oral>le lab r he coiilil lind to do. W liile still a mere lad he de-
tertnined to take adxantage of e\er\- o])portunit\' to increase his earn-
ings with the object in \iew of obtaining a gm id education and ulti-
mately fitting himself for some useful \ocation. his early experience
ha\ing taught him that without such ])re])aration his life would be ot
little worth. To this end therefore he busbatided his saxiugs with the
greatest care, ami being ble^-^ed with a \igorons ph\sii|ue and good
health he was able to put in stead\- time as a farm band until a.c-
cumttlating' sullicient means to defra\- his e.xjienses tor one term at
the State I'nixersilw Ada. Ohio.
184 iIi_iRRt)\v's IIISTORV
On becoming a student of that institution vouny llamilt(_>n
applied himself diligently and made such rapid progress that within
a comparatively short time he was sufficiently advanced to pass the
re([uire(l examination and obtain a teacher's license. After teaching
t\\ 1 1 ^'ears in the country schools he secured an appointment as night
watchman at the State Industrial school at Lancaster, later being
pronrnted to assistant superintendent, with which institution he con-
tinued until his twentv-secoiid }ear, meanwhile laving aside the
greater part (.)f his salarv and dexi.iting his hours of leisure to the
pi-rusa'l of such buoks as wimld enable him to lay a firm mental
fecundation for the subseipient courses of stud_\" in medicine \\hich
he hail determined ti> take.
Having decided Uj make this profession his life work, the doc-
tor in i8i)(i severed his connection with the Industrial sclmol and
in the fall nf that vear entered ]\liami Medical College at Cincinnati,
where he pnjsecuted his studies and researches with diligence and
assiduit^" until completing the prescribed course and receiving the
degree of Doctur of Aledicine later. In the spring of i()00, the }"ear
in which he graduated. Dr. Hamilton came tij Kcikmno and fi irmed a
partnership with Dr. J. C. F. Thome, the finu thus ci instituted last-
ing aliiiut one \"ear when it was dissnlved In' mutual cimsent, since
w hich time he has l)een alime in the practice, Iniilding up a profes-
sional business, the meanwhile which in sc(i|)e and magnitude, is
second til that of few physicians in the citv or ciiunt\-. Dr. Hamil-
ton is in many resj^ects remarkable in that he Ijegan life with no
capital sa\'e a clear lirain, strong will and an inborn determinatiim
to succeed, and his success in oxercoming the man\' nbstacles
in his wa\" and furging to the front among the leading men of
his profession in an nld and well occupied field bespeak the
possession of abilit\' with which few are endowed. He has al-
wa\"s been a critical student and with a laudaljle ambition to rise
OF IlOWAKl) COl'X TV. I S5
in liis profession lie keeps alireast the Iniio in all matters relat-
ing theretii, being well grduiided in its fnndaniental principles
and read\- tu adopt an}' modern discoxery or impri )\ed mctlind
suggested or sanctioned 1j_\- the leading schouls and authorities.
The diictiir is a gentleman of ])Ieasing presence and genial per-
siinalit\' and during his residence of o\'er eight \ears in Koknuio
he has gathered about him a wide circle ipf Inyal friends in business
and ])rnfessional circles and in addition to which it can trul_\- be
said that his popularity is Ijounded neither ])V class nor conduion.
His alread\" comprehensi\-e practice is steadily growing, and liemg
in the prime of yigorous ph}-sical and mental powers he confidently
looks forward to many years of acti\-ity and usefulness in the r.oble
and humane calling to which his life is being so unselfishly devoted.
Dr. Hamilton maintains a beautiful home in I\okomo and is the
head of an interesting' famih' circle consisting of an intelligent and
refined wife and three bright children, who answer to the names of
Marion L.. Isabel 1'. and Alice J. Mrs. Hamilton, formerl\- Clara
Laug'hlin, is a nati^■e of the same state and county in which the doc-
tor was born, and as indicated abcne is a lady of gracious presence
and \'aried culture, being not onh' a graduate of the schools in the
place of her liirth, Init also an alumni of the Cleveland .\rt school.
one of the noted institutions of the kind in this countr}'. She ]»os-
sesses artistic talent of a high order and is a leader and authority
in this liraneh of culture in the city of Kokomo, where she is widely
known and socially \'ery much esteemed.
The doctor discharges the duties of citizenship as becomes an
intelligent, broad-minded American of the times, being interested in
the growth and de\'elopment of his adopted city and a friend to all
enterprises and mea.sures for its advancement along material lines
to say m ithing of his deep interest in all that makes for the intellect-
ual de\"clopnient and luoral welfare of the populace. He is a Re-
1 86 M(>RR(.)\\'s HISTORY
puljlican, Init has ne\er entered the dmiiain i.if part\- politics. Noting
his principles, expressing his opinions, feaiiessl)- when necessarx' l)Ut
steering" clear of the anipliitheater in \vhich partisan feelings and ran-
cour to(_) olten find expression. Fraternalh' he Ijelongs to the Ma-
sonic Brotherhootl and religiously holds membersliip with the Con-
gregational church in which he now fills the office of deacon, his
wife being also an acti\e and useful communicant of the same con-
gregation with which he is identified, and deeph' interested in its Vd-
rious lines (jf religious and lienex'olent and charitable work.
EDW Af'J]:) THOMAS IIATTOX.
The record of Mr. I latton is that of a man who has worked his
way from a modest lieginning up to a ])osition of considerable prom-
inence by his efforts which have been practically unaided, which fact
renders him the more wurth}" of the praise that is freeh" accorded
him by his fellow men. fiis life has lieen one of unceasing indtistrv
and perse\erance and the notabh- systematic and honoralile metliods
he has followed have won him tb.e nubounded confidence an.d regard
of all who ha\"e formed his aci|uainiance and in lo( iking mer the
list of Howard cotint}'s liusiness men who ha\e been successful in
their line of wurk. especiall\- those whose place of re-^idence is ]\o-
konio. the biographer deems none more w orth\- of representation
in a woik of this natm-e than that nf the gentleman wlmse name
appears alu i\e.
Edward fhomas I latton was born near Center, this countv.
h^ebruary 15. iS()4. the son of James 11. Hatton. \\ Im was born
at \'e\'ay. Indiana, .\pril 1 1. 1S30. His mother. Rachel J. Hatton.
\\as born March 10. iN^r. The subject's parents were people of
(II' llliW AKIi ((irXTV. iS-
hiyii ideals and reproachless character wlm spared ni« paiii> in s^ixing'
their chihh'en e\ery opixirtunity pussilile.
Our sul)ject was reared in la\iiM' lii\\n>hip, this ciiunt\\ and ni
his earlv \'iiutli assisted his father mi the farm, attenihng the c> lUi-
mon scliijiils (hu'ing the winter niunths until he recei\'ed sufficient
educatiim td enable him ti> enter the Xnrthern Indiana Xurmal
school at \'alparais( 1, where he did s[)ecial w^rk and made a splen-
did record for scholarship, being" an ardent student in the suljjects
he pursued.
After leaving- school ,Mr. Hatton de\oied his time to the car-
penter's trade, <loino- contracting, in which he was engaged lor se\"-
eral years with splenditj success attending his efforts. He aban-
doned this line of work Miiy 23, i8()i), after which he formed a ])a.rt-
nership and Ijegaii a general merchan<lise business at Center, How-
ard county, which ]3artnership lasted for three years, terminating
Septemlier 12, i()OJ, when he begun business for himself, continuing
at Center where he had become well known to the ])eoj)le of the sur-
rounding countr\- as an nljle and courteous merchant who alwa}'S
tried to please his custi.nners and .gi\e them full \alue tor their
nione\', handling the best grade of goods obtainable. In connection
with his store he conducted a general notii.in and ])rodnce wagon
in the countrA' for se\'eral \ears.
In 11)04 Air. llatton was appointed agent at Center of the
Panhandle Railmad and agent for the .\dams Express Company.
Belie\'ing that he would ha\e a wider field for his growing business,
he deci<led to mo\-e his stock of goods to Kokonio. which he snbse-
(juently did. at the same time trading his real estate for a I arm in
Fulton county, Indiana. He secured the old Alcl'dwee building at
the Corner of L'nion street and \'aile a\'enue. mo\dng into the place
with an excellent stock of goods. Subse(|nentl_\' he mo\ ed to his
present location on the opposite side of \'aile axenue where he con-
i88 morrow's history
ducts a large business which is constantly growing. He has prds-
pered tln-Liugli his unusual business ability during the past few years
until he is nut onl}- enabled to carry a large and up-to-date stock
of g'oods, but has also erecteil an elegant, modern and commodii:ius
residence on Suuth L'nion street where he now resides.
Mr. Hatton was happily married to Addie Eliza Ab.ireland. the
accomplished and congenial daughter L>f Henr}' L. and Almira J.
(Burr) ]\IiireL-uul. of Kokomo. the date of the wedding having been
June JO. 1887, and to this uninn three winsnme daughters Iku'C been
bijrn, namely: Ruth Fern. Zella Madaline and Jenesse Almira.
In piilitics Air. Hatton's support has alwavs been with the Dem-
ocratic party and he is well grounded in his political beliefs. He
has alwa\-s ad\'ocated clean and honest piilitics and his efforts may
always be depended upon tn place the Ijest man a\'ailable in the
countv iifhces. He advocates htmest ptilitics as well as h(:inest\- in
business, believing that rme is just as essential and no more of an
eft'ort t(_i make eft'ective than the other. He is a devoted member of
the Christian church and his \(iice is often heard in the general ccm-
ferences of this denomination.
I'raternall}" our subject is a member of the ]\Iasonic lodge at
Center, where he joined April 23, 1887: he also is a member of the
Eastern Star, in which organization ^Mrs. Hatton is a conspicuous
member.
]\Ir. and .Mrs. Elatton are pleasant and aft'able people and by
\-irtue I if their upright lives, kindly disposition an<l the cheerful-
ness ever dispensed at their Imme they are popular and highly es-
teemed b\' the ]ie'i])le of Koknmij and Center, in fact, liy all who
k'n( i\v them.
OF IIOWAKD COVNTV. 1 89
JAMES F. MIEXER.
That the plentittnle of satiety is seldnni attained in the affairs
of hfe is to be considered a nit)st beneticial depre\-ation, fur wliere
ambition is satisfied and every nhiniate end reahzed, if snch 1je
possible, apathy must folli)\v. liffurt wuuld cease, accompHshment
Ije priistrate and creative talent waste its energies in inacti\it\-. The
men wln) have pushed forward the wheels oi progress ha\e Ijeen
those to whom satisfaction lies ever in the future, who ha\e labored
continuously, always finding in each transition stage an incentive
fur further effort. Mr. Milner is (ine whose well directed eff'orts
ha\e gained for him a pijsition of tlesired prominence in the com-
mercial circles of Howard county, and his energy and enteri)rise
have been crowned by success.
James F. Milner was born in [Marshall county, Indiana, Xn-
\-emljer 14, 1864, the sun nf William Marxey and Fmily A.
(Will Ills) IMilner. The paternal grandfather nf the suliject was a
nati\-e of Indiana, having been reared in Randolph county. ( irand-
father Woods formerly came from Ohio to LaPorte. Indiana, and
thence to Plymouth, this state. 1"he ancestors of the suliject were
of that sterling pioneer stock rif \\hich an>' one might justl)- be
proud, for thev were people of much influence and worth in their
communities, doing much to pre])are the state for the coming gener-
ations, in fact, had it not been for the praiseworthy tasks performed
1)\' such as these succeeding ci\'ilization would ha\e been serioush-
retarded. There were se\-en children in the Milner famd\", lour
daughters and three sons, six of whom are living in ii)o8.
The parents of the subject came to Howard count}'. Indiana.
in 1890. They were alwa^-s regarded as people of influence ami u]i-
riglitness by all w ho knew them.
James F. Milner. mn" subject, was reared in Plymouth, this
IQO MOKRdW S HISTORY
State, and recei\e<.l his early edncatimial training at that phice. He
assisted his father in liis wnrk niiiving houses, which was the latter's
I iccupatii in.
The suliject was niairied in 1NCS3 to Lizzie Flusenzier. a native
cif Adams cdunt}', Ohio, and a hidy of many estimalile traits. The
date lit lier hirth is recorded as .Marcli _'. i8()0. Her father is \'al-
entine !■ li isenzier, who.'-e parents were Ijoth nati\es of ( lermanv.
Her ]iarents came to MarshaH county, Indiana, where thev located
on a faim and where slie attended school, recei\-inu' a fairh" g-ootl
education.
Mr. and ]\Irs. Alilner liegan tlieir happ\- married hfe in I'h--
iniiuth where they remained until the_\' came to Kokonio. Howard
county, in 1892. }ilr. Alilner hecame a partner witli his father in
the house mcn'ing husiness, conducting the husiness jointly until
iS(j() when the subject bought out the interest of his father and lias
since comhicted it alone. He lias a modern and \er\- \aluable piece
of ])ropei-iy I in Lal'ountain street and six other properties Ijesides
his niiwing tools, wdiich are nioiiern in e\-erv respect.
The home of the subject and wife has been blessed l.)\- tlie birth
of line Son, I. eon Alliertus, who was born December 23. iSS<i. He
is a \-ery promising ^•llung man, jjosse-^sing much business ability. He
recei\"ed a common school education, attencbng higii sclionl in l\o-
ki iini I for twi I \-ears.
I'leside^ the in(h\'idurd ])ropert\- mentioned al)o\-e which the
subject ownv, he ha^ half interest in the Koknnio Box Compan\-
which manufactures all knids of ship|)ing l)oxes. It i-^ a new in-
du-'tvy in this cit}', hax'ing been establishefl in .April. H)oX, but iudg-
ing from the excellent patronage the Ijusiness has recei\ed the future
])romises much for it and it will doubtless be among the thriving"
industries of Kokomo in ilue course of time.
roliticalK- Air. Alilner is a Democrat, but he ne\er had time
>[•' iidWARii c'(>r.\i\-
11)1
to ilc\Mic imicli atteiuinii in the \\'<yk dt h\^ pari)'. !iM\\e\ci\ lie al-
\\a\> >taniN fur clean i>iilitie> and the lie^l men a\ailal)le lUr liical
iiftices. lie is a nieniher in liii^li standmi;- nf the Masmiie fraternity,
lodge Xo. 1)2,. haxing attained the degree of Knight Templar. Mi'^.
Milner is a niemljer of the I'nited brethren clunTh. Mr. and .Mrs.
Milner are pleasant people to meet and the_\ ha\e scores of friends
in Kokonio as a result of their ujiriglu li\es and kindness of dis-
1)1 isitii in.
EDWwki) I. SHOW \i;ri':K.
It is interesting to n.ote from the heginning the growth and i!e-
velopmeiit of a conimunit\'. to note the lines along which ]>rogres-
has heen made and to take cognizar.ce of those whose ir.(ln>tr\- and
leadership in tlie work of adxancement ha\ e rendered po>silile the
l)resent pi"os])erit\' of the locality nn.der consideration.
PMward J. Showaltei", of this rex'iew. is one of the strong
stnr(h- indixddnals who has contriljuted largel_\' to the material wel-
fare of the cit_\- in which he resides, heing an np-to-date hu^iness
man. and ])iililic-spiritetl as a citizen, and progressi\'e in all the term
implies, h'or a numher of \ears he has heen a ])otent factor in ])ro-
nioting it^ ]irogress along social, intellectual and moral lin.es con-
seqiienth- his name well deserxes a place in the record of How.'ird
ci aint\'s citizens.
h'.dwanl J. Showalter was horn in r.rookville. Franklin county,
Indiana. .\|>ril (\ i8(i_;, the son of Isaac Showalter. a hnilder and
C(jntractor of that county. < )nr snliject was reared in I'.rookx die,
attending the schools there, r.early completing the course. .\t the
age of sixteen he i)egan to le;irn the tinner's trade at Brook\ille and
Connersville and he came to Kokomo in iSi)i. working for the
IC)2 MORROW S HISTORY
.Xrnistn-ng-Landcin Cmnpam'. He went in linsiness fur himself
that _\-ear un tlie north side of the square. Later he hegan business at
his present stand, 21 i West Walnut street. He is engaged in tin-
ning and slate roof work, also installs furnaces. He does an ex-
tensive business in all these lines, having established a reputation for
pfdUiptness in filling orders and doing first class work at reasonable
rates.
The subject was married at Ciinners\ille, Indiana, April 20,
18S7, to Louise Reifel, daughter of I'hilip and ^laiy Reifel. natives
of derman)-. Five children, three Ijnys and two girls have added
cheer and sunshine to this happy home. Carl ¥., whd graduated
from the Kokomo high schuol in igoO, is a bookkeeper in a rubber
companv : the ijther children are : Stanlev, Ruth, Loinse and Ed-
ward.
P^raternally }ilr. Showalter is a member of the ]^Lasons, How-
ard Lodge, Xo. 93. having- attained the [Master Mason's degree. He
has also been a member of the Knights of P}'thias lodge since he
was twenty-ime \"ears old. He belongs to Kokomo Camp, Xo.
3987, ]\I(_)dern Woodmen of America, carrying insurance in the
same. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, being the nominee in 1908
for trustee of Center townshi]x He is a memlier of the [Methodist
church of [Markland a\enue and an acti\-e worker in the same, being
a trustee at this w riting.
It would be hard Xo find \vithin the cit}' limits of Kokomo (_ir
within the bounds of Howard count\' a more upright, pul)lic-spirited
and pleasant man than Air. Showalter, who has, b}- his honest Inisi-
ness principles, built up an e.\tensi\-e trade and by his maul}-, sober
and altogether wholesome life gained the res])ect and esteem of all
and made friends ])\- the scores. Those wdio know him are not sur-
])rised that such a worthv gentlemen should l)e so well and generally
liked, owint;- to his man^• admirable traits of character.
OF HOW ARii lorx r\-. i(>3
XI-:iL THOMAS.
Aniiing the strong ami inlluciitial citizens of Howard county
the record of whose h\es ha\e become an essential part of the his-
tor\' i}f tins section, the ger.tlenian whose name appears al)o\e ciccn-
pies a prominent place and for \ears has exerted a lieneticial iiitln-
ence in the cit\' where he resides. His chief characteristics are
keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and
niotixe and e\er\'-da\' comnion-sen^e, which has enabled him not
onl\- to aihance his own interests, but also largel)' contribute to tlie
moral and material ad\ancement of the communit}-.
Xeil Thomas, the well known shoe merchant of Koknuio, In-
diana, was born in Darke count}', ( )hio. ( )ctol)er 15. iiS48, the ^011
of lacob and ]\Iar\- (Warwick) Thotnas, the father ha\ing lieen a
blacksmith who lived and died in the abo\e named count)', howe\'ei",
he later in life Ijecame a storekeeper and was a man of considera])le
inlluence in his commui'iit\'. He was postmaster during tlie Cixil
war, ha\'ing been assisted in his ofhcial work 1)}' our subject, the
training he recei\'ed in that capacit\' having later been of much \alue
to him.
( )ur snl)ject was educated in tlie \illage an<l rural scho(il> ot
his iiatixe count\' and at the age of nineteen he entered a general
store at (ireenx'ille. Ohio, where he worked for se\'enty-fi\e dollars
a year and board, ha\'ing remained with the same firm for nine
\'ears. While he did not recei\e much compensation for his ser\ ices,
he mastered the mercantile l)usiness which lias enabled him later in
life to make a pronounced success in this line. After he severed his
connection with his first emplo\ers he engaged in the mercantile
Imsiness of his own accord and in September, 1SS4. he opened a
shoe store in the roi mi where he now conducts his large business
and which he now owns at 2(1 West W-dnut street, having success-
13
194 MIIKKIIW S HISTORY
fullv cijiidncted a shoe store here for nearly a quarter <:)f a century
in 1908. He commenced \vitli a \ery smah stock, and l)y his fair
deahng- liis customers lia\e steadily increased until he has been able
to add to his stock from lime ti> time, seldom losing a customer and
making- hosts of friends through his honest dealing and courteous
treatment, ha^"ing■ now one of the best and most modern shoe stores
in this part 'if the state. His patrons say that they have always re-
ceixed the wcjrth of their mone}' when dealing with i\Ir. Thomas.
Our subject was united in marriage in Kokomo to ]\lrs. Tein-
perance Carter in 1888 and the_\' are the parents of three very prom-
ising children, namely: Edith. Clarence and ]\lary. the first named
being a graduate of the Kokonio high school.
Politically our subject is a loyal Democrat. He is a liberal
supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church of which his wife is a
member. Thev have both become well known in Kcikomo and their
pleasant, well furnished and modern home at 158 A\'est [Mulberry
street, is regarded as the mecca of hospitality and is a favorite gath-
ering place fiir their numerous guests.
^Ir. Thomas is a man of sterling ciualities and has made his
success in business bv being honest, strictly sc|uare in all his dealings,
his upright principles and genial disposition not only winning and
retainino- numerous customers but hosts of friends as well.
A^IARL\H P. SUTTOX.
The subject of this re\-iew enjoys distinctive prestige among the
enterprising business men of the thriving city of Kokomo and as a
neighbor and citizen is highly esteemed by all who know him. He
has earned the right to be called one of the progressive men of How-
OF IKIWAKI) COfXTY. I95
artl ciiunty, ha\iiii;' fciui^iit his way Mii\\ar<l and upward to a piMni-
inent pusiticin in industrial circles and in every relation of life his
voice and inlluence are im the side of ri.i^iit as he sees and under-
stands the right.
.\niariah P. Sutton was hnrn in Rush couiit\-, Indiana, June 5,
184-', the son of Henry and .Mary M. (Wright) Sutton, people of
sterling W(_)rtli and much influence in their community. The father
of the subject came tn Rush county, this state, in an early day, and
the mother nf the suljject also came to Rush cuunt}- when she had
reached maturity. 'rhe\' were married there, in d ;nlor township,
in 1S38, spentling man\" ^■ears of their acti\e and useful lives in
Rush ciiunt}". being the nwners of two hundred acres of \-aluable
land. They were memljers of the Princeton Baptist church, being
reg'arded by every one as people of high character and hospitality.
Thev came to Howard count}' in 1S64 where the\- both passed to
their eternal rest.
dhev were the parents of onh- two children, nameh-; Amos
J., wh(j is a resident of California, and Amariah P., our subject, wlnj
received a good education in the common schools of Rush county.
Mr. Sutttm \vas united in marriage in 1873 to Alice R. Ed-
wards, a native of Rush county and the scion id" an influential
famil}". ddie subject and wife have one child li\'ing and one died in
infanc}-, 11. C. The child who grew to maturity was born May i,
1881. has received an excellent common school training and he is
in business with his father, the firm name being .\. P. Sutton & Son.
Thev are interested in the coal business. ha\'ing lieen thus engaged
since ^qoCi in which the\' have made a success, the firm now enjoy-
in,g a good patronage and graduall}- increasing their l)usiness. as the
result of excellent management.
The subject is a believer in the Primitive P'.aptist church in
which he has long taken a delight and where his influence is felt
196 morrow's history
fur good, Ijciiig- recognized 1j}- the local congregation as one of their
leading' menihers. In politics he is a lo\al Republican, and has been
active in the interests of this part}' for man_\- }ears, ha\ing tlie in-
terests oi his cit}- and county at heart and losing nc.i opp(jrtunit)- that
presents itself whereb}' he can do anything to advance the interests
of the locality where he has cast his lot. He was postmaster at
Center, Howard county, for six years and was also in the employ-
ment business there. He was twice a candidate for sheriff of the
county.
Air. Sutton is an e.xample i.if what a man can do who has the
determination and force of character to go ahead in the face of ob-
stacles. He was a poor man when he married, but he has prospered
until he is at present conser\-ati\'ely worth twehe thousand dollars.
But despite his busy life he has found time t(j do a great deal of
fishing and hunting of both of which he is very fond.
The subject belongs to the Xapthali Lodge, Xo 381;. at Center,
Howard county, ha\-ing serxed in all the offices of this order, except
that of master. He is well and fa\-oral)l}- known in this cotmt}-,
having long been regarded as a man of sound business principles,
uprigiit in all his dealings and congenial to his acquaintances, con-
se(iuentl_\- he has a host of friends.
EDWARD W. KLL'M.
Howard county has been especially iKjnored in the character
and career (.)f one who has forged his way to the front bv a strong
inherent force and well directed intelligence and judgment and who
stands today among the representative men of Kokomo. Few men
in this locality occupy a more honored place in the estimation of his
fellow citizens than the subject of this sketch.
OF JIOWARl) COrXIV. IQJ
Eilward W . Kluiii. dfinU}" jxistniaster of Knkdinu, was Ijuni in
l''ranklin C'iiint\\ Indiana, in 1S31). tlie sun nf llirani and Mar\ !•".
( Weill)) Ixluni, pfiiplc lit mllnence and stcrlinL;" wurth.
The snbjert was ten years nld when he came with his parents
til Kiikiinid. and after attendini^' tlie pii1)lic schnnls where he re-
cei\ed a s^dnd text-bmik trainini^- which has been iireatlv increased
h}- \'ears nf liome readint^' and hahits nf 1 ihser\atinn. Mr. Klnni
secured enipli iMiient as an accountant which work lie has followed
all liis life, Ijecciining an expert at this \-er\- exacting" profession.
He was appointed assistant jjostmaster in i<jo6 and is still ser\-
in.s^' in this capacit}" 11908). giving entire satisfaction to all con-
cerned, lieing peculiarh' fitted for this kind of work.
Mr. Kluni was iniited in marriage with I'urcella ( iamnmns, a
nati\e of I-doyd conntv, this state, the ceremon\" having lieen per-
formed at ixokomo. She is a representative of a highly honored
and well known familw Two bright and interesting children ha\e
been Ixirn to this union.
The subject has been identified with the musical interests of
Kokomo in different lines all his life, being regarded as an authority
in this Ijranch of the esthetics and well known to the city and com-
munity b}' virtue of this talent.
b'raternally 'Sir. Klum is a member of the Knights of I'ythias
lodge. L'niform Rank: also a memlier of the Bene\'olent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks, and his daily life would indicate that he lives
up to the noble ideals set forth by the creeds of these orders. In
politics he is a stanch Republican ;md has always been an active
worker for his part\'. making his infiuence felt in local conventions
and elections, lending his infiuence and time to place the liest men in
the city and cmnity offices.
The subject is a consistent memkier of the Christian chiu'ch at
Kokomo, and he is known to be a m;ui who is npi'i.ght and scru])U-
iqS morrow's history
louslv lionest in his intentions and he is a highly respected citizen of
Kokomo where he has spent nearly all his active and useful life.
JOSEPH J. SAIALL.
The most elahi:)rate history is necessaril}- an abridgment, the
historian necessarily being compelled to select his facts and materials
from a multitude of details. So in eveiy life of honor and useful-
ness the biographer finds no dearth of incident, and yet in sum-
ming up the career i.if any man the writer needs touch only the most
salient points, giving- only the keynote of the character, but elimi-
nating much that is superfluous. Consequently in calling the
reader's attenti()n to the life record of the worthy gentleman whose
name heads this paragraph no attempt shall be made to recount all
the impiirtant acts in his useful life, nijr recite eveiy interesting in-
cident in his somewhat remarkable career, for it is deemed that only
a few of them will suffice to show him to be eminentlj' worthy of a
place in this \-olume along- with his fellows of high standing and
recognized worth.
Joseph J. Small was born in Franklin township. Grant county.
Indiana. October 2^. 1846. the son of Gideon and Dinali ( Alarshall)
Small. The Small famih- came froni Xorth Carolina. The father
married in Henr\' count\', Indiana, an<l came to Grant crainty in
1845, settling- in the woods, which he soon cleared and made a farm.
Later he traded for another and cleared it up. He moved to How-
ard count\' in 1865, locating- in Monroe township, where he farmed
successfulh- until his death, his first wife having ))receded him to
the grave. He married ag-ain and his second wife is also now de-
ceased. He had eight children by his first marriage, four of whom
are now li\ing. None are living in Howard county but the subject.
OV HOWAKIi cOrXTV. I<)i)
Our suljjcct was iiinetefii years ulcl wlien he came U< Ilnward
countv. He had attended the cumiiKm schools in ( irant contUy and
the New Londnu high schoul until he had a fairh' good educatinu.
Jennie Small, a half sister, is assistant suiierintendent nf the schmil
at l^lwdcjd, Indiana, which ])(isitiiin she has held fur hfleen _\ears
with gTeat credit. She is highl\- educated, being a graduate "f the
State Xurnial.
On X(i\eml>er iS, iS()8, the subject w.as nrarried tu AHra .St(iut.
(if Xew Lnndiin. She was born May J'l. 184!). near I'adli. () range
countx', this state. The cereniian- which made them man and wife
was perfcirmed in the Oiiaker church, accurding ti 1 (juaker usages.
One son has been linrn tn this unimi. Daniel !•".. born September 27.
i86c). He is a graduate uf the Xew Lundon high scIkkiI a.nd mar-
ried Ella I''. Xewlin. TheN' reside in Kokoniu. where he is enga.ged
in the real estate business and is cmi-^iderecl nue uf the leading xnnng
busiriess men nf the cit^^ In ith the subject and his wife ha\e birth-
rights in the Quaker church, and ha\e always burne a re]intatiun
for honesty and uiM'ightness. being highh- res])ected b\' all wlm kr.nw
thtiii. In 188:; Mr. Small and f,amil\- nio\ed to (irant connt\-. where
he ])iu-cha,sed a farm and li\ed on the same fifteen year^. lie then
niiived to Marion and was engaged in carpenter wurlc until Hjoi.
since which time he has li\"ed in Howard cuuntx'.
Mrs. Small has four brothers and one sister, all li\ing. the sis-
ter being" a resident uf Mariun. Indiana, and the wife of John [}.
riiom.as. The bruthers are: Edwin Stotit. who lives un East S}ca-
nicre street. Koki uk 1. engaged in the gar<lening business: Alb-rt
Stout is in the nndertak'ing- business at Russiaxille. Indiana: (/h.arles
is a news]>apcr m-ui and li\'es in Georgia: Einiis is a (Juaker preacher
living at I'laiuheld. this state.
PiiliticalK- Mr. Small is a I'mhiliitic mist and his influence in
this work lias Imig lieen felt kir gxidd. Hnwever. he has never
sougiit |)ul)lic attentidii nr Ijeen especiall)- actix'c in this work. The
SmaUs lia\"e a siilistantial and niceh' furnished home at 711 Sonth
L'nion street an<l he has a half interest in a feed store on Home a\-e-
nue. where a gimd Ijusiness is done, an excellent trade having heen
hm'lt up since the sul)ject hegan this line. Mr. Small was a thorough
farmer, .and during his long business career has accjuired a com-
petency.
Mrs. Small has belonged to the Woman's Christian Temper-
ance l'nion for thirty-five years, l]eing one of the seven noble char-
acters who organized the society at New Luuilon. Howard C(iuntv.
She is still an acti\e wurker and a heai"t\- supjiorter of the cause,
and both she and Mr. Small hold high rank among the public-
s])irited, generous and kindh- citizens of Kokouio.
XATHAX riCKETT.
Xathan. Pickett is [iresident of the Howard Xationrd Hank,
Kokomo. Tliere are many |)oor men who ha\e good l)usiness talent.
Some of them ha\e made themsehes wealth}' in former \-ears b\-
their commercial ability, but ha^■e lost their fortune Iw some acci-
dent, as the incom]>etency or treachery of a jiartner in business or of
;'. trusted employe, or ;i fire or flood, or sickness or financial ])anic
overspreading the country: and si ane there are even who ha\e ne\er
made a fortune, though they have the capacit\- for such an accom-
]>lishment, especially among the poorer classes in the old world, with
whom it is im])(issible to obtain the means by which to start. Some
again haxe inherited talent of a certain kind. Init are too far remo\ed
In ni the scene where they can ha\e an\- op])ortunit\' of exerting it.
OF ii(i\\Ai;i) c'orxTV. JOT
Ikit in this cininlry. while we must ackni >\vleilye in the al)Stract tlial
there are niaiu' i)iinr men nt gmnl l.)usiness capacitx'. \et the nnlv
"staniUnt;- in exidence" to the avera^'e American of such ca|)acit\- is
the actual iX)SSession of wealth, or at least of a competenc\.
The possessi(_>n of wealth alone, ho\\e\er. is not considered e\i-
deuce of nioralit)-. For the ethical and the aesthetic we must lo.ik
back of all the outward show; and it is 1)\- this scrutin\' that we as-
certain the character of the sul)ject of this sketch, Xatlian I'ickett.
to he worthy of honorable consideration in this \olnme. He was
l)orn (Jctober _'(>, i8iS, in L liatham countw Xorth ('arolina. and
was ten }ears old when his parents left that section in search of bet-
ter fa.cilities for a comfortalile home. His father, William I'ickett,
a farmer, in the fall of i8_'S mo\-ed from his Carolina home to this
state, locating" in Parke count}', where he ])iu'chased a farm of une
hundred and sixty acres, to which he added by entering" and ])m"-
chase until he had in the home farm two hundred and fort\" acres,
and he had o"i\'en sex'eral of his sons one hundred and sixt\- acres
each. He continued his residence there tmtil his death, which oc-
curred in .\ugiist, 1837, when he was in his sixtx-second xear. He
\\as a natixe of Xorth Carolina, as was his wife, whose name before
her n"iarriage was Catherine ]\Iaris. She died in October, 1S4:;,
aged about sixty-tw(. \ears. I'loth were memliers of the b'rieuils
church. They had foiu" sons and four daughters, but of these the
only one lixing is Xathan I'ickett, whose nan"ie heads these ])ara-
graphs.
John I'ickett. grandfather, passed the most of his life in Xorth
Carolina. He was probabh' of English ancestrx", was a member of
the Snciet}" of b'riends, and died in the old Xorth state. In his
famih" were sex'cn or eight children. I'he maternal gramlfathei" of
Mr. I'ickett, Mr. Maris, was a natixe of that state, x\as a I'riend and
a Consistent Christian.
202 M(]KR()\\ S illSTCIKY
^Ir. Pickett grew td nianhond m Parke count}-, this state, em-
ployed iin the farm and attending the old-time subscription school,
which was two miles distant from his home, but the most of his ed-
ucation he received thrciugh business habits. At the age of seven-
teen, DU account of failing health, he quit the farm and iil)tained
enn)l()yment in a store, but he soon returned to the farm. This
was in 1841. Being full of energy, however, he overworked and
was compelled to quit the heavy, tedious and protracted duties of
agricultural life in the "pioneer \\'est," and he engaged in mer-
chandising in the \'illage of Annapolis for a period of fifteen Aears.
In 1878 he moved to Kokomo, where he was elected presiilent
of the Howard Xational P)ank, which w as organized and opened for
business in Januaiy of that }-ear. The charter, how"ever, was dated
in the November preceding. The duties and responsibilities of ]5res-
ident of this bank have e\er since been faithfulh" performed b\' him,
\vho has now reached the age of ninet\' vears and is as vigorous
and active as many men at the age of sixty. He still owns the old
homestead in Parke county, containing four hundred and ten acres.
seven miles from Rock\ille, the collnt^• seat.
November 18, 1841. is the date of A[r. Pickett's union in mat-
rimony with Harriet Emily Carter, daughter of Jehu and L\"dia
Thomjison Carter, of Morgan count^■, Indiana, near ^Monrovia.
The}- became the parents of two sons and eight daughters, named
Louisa, Catherine, Lydia, Sarah, Jehu, Emma. Amanda, Walter,
Ella and Ida. Louisa was married three times and has two chil-
dren, booster Branson and Grace Xixon being the children of the
first and second husljands, respecti\-el_\'. Her last husband's name
was Branson also: she is no^\■ a widow. Catherine died at tlie age
of ten years. L}-dia became the wife of William .\. Mo(;re and was
the mother of two children, of wlmm ouh' .Amanda is now li\ing.
Air. Aloore was a teacher for a number of \-ears in Earlham College.
(IF lliiW AKIi ClUXTV. 203
this state, and is imw deceaseil. Sarah is now A[rs. 1). T. AlcXeil
at Anil Arbin". .Michigan, where her ehiUh'en, W aher and I'aul. at-
tended the uni\ersity. Jehu, nuw a traxehni;- man, married I.nuisa
Linihex and they reside in Wichita, Kansas. Their children are
Emma and Ella. Emma, his sister, married Lnuis l\ Piornaday
and they live in Crawfurdsville. this state. Amanda dietl at the
age lit t\\ent\' vears. \\ alter married Jessie \'anSickel. nt Craw-
t<irds\ille. and has 1 me child named Catherine. He and his limther-
in-la\v are in business t<igether in that cit}'. dealing in gmceries.
(|ueens\\are, huusettirnishing gunds and stmes. Ella, twin sister
(if Walter, is unmarried. Ida, nnw deceased, became the wife of
Julius -\_\ers and has (ine child named Warren.
Airs. Harriett iMiiily Pickett, the first wife df the subject and
nidther uf the aljii\e named children, departed this life AIa\- 30,
1888, in her si-\t\'-sixth \ear. She was a noble woman and a mem-
Iier of the Society of Friends. On the 20th day of October. 1S94,
Mr. I'ickett chose for his second wife Mrs. Catherine (Cox) Over-
man, widow of Charles 0\erman, and formerh" a resident of I'arke
county.
In his political \ iews ^Ir. Pickett is a Republican, but he has
ne\'er had an}- taste for public office.
Xow, the subject of the foreg'oing sketch is an example of ris-
ing to a com])etencv Ity honest methods and a steadv aim. perse-
A'crance and iutellig'ent application and fidelit\'. When his [larents
settled in this state other settlers were there bef(ire him but two
}"ears. There were eight children in the familv. -\t one time his
father endea\'ored to bu}' wheat for them to make into flour, and at
length succeeded in finding two bushels, wdiich was ground. Ixilted
by hand, and that was all the wheat flour the family had for a num-
ber of months. The sta])les of their table fare were corn, pork, ]nmip-
kin. milk and butter. Xow, besides his finely impnned farm at the
204 MDK'KDW S IllSTdRV
old 111 iiiiestead in Parke countx', he has a nice i)r(;)pert\" here in Ko-
komo, his residence lieing Xn. 140 West S\'camore street, where
he is enjoying" Hfe.
THOMAS HEXRY PEXX.
The history uf England has al\\'a^■s 1)een one per\'aded with
intense interest, especially to America, where a certain kinship is felt,
for it has to do with a sterling race of people, pussessing admirable
qualities nf heart and mind and e\er \-igilant to push the car of civili-
zati(in up the steeps, even if the most sanguinary methods haye to
be resnrted Uk and it is nf a scion <d' such praiseworthy people that
the biograi>her nciw essays to tell in a brief life history.
Thomas Heniw Penn \\'as born in Birmingham, England, in
ICS37, and when a lad (if se\enteen years immigrated to America,
first settling in Hamilton. Ontario, Canada, \yhere he remained one
year and where he worked in the drawing department of the Great
Western Railroad Company. He then engaged in the mercantile
business in southern Illinois seyeral years and then spent eight }-ears
in Chattanoog-a as an architect, at which he was eminently success-
ful. In iSi)3 lie came to Kokonio to assume the responsible position
of suiierintendcnt of the .Vrmstrong-Landon factor}', in which ca-
])acity he is still identified \yith this company, ha\'ing shown his un-
e(|ualed ability as a manager of men and oyerseer of factory wiirk.
The factory employs twent^• men ;md also operates lumljer yards.
'Idn's conipan\' does a general lumber business of a high grade: also
manufactures showcases and does all kinds of interior woodwork,
together with \arious kinds of similar w^rk, all of which is done to
order. Mr. Penn draws ])lans and r.ttends to all iletails of the work,
which is alwa\'s of a first-class nature. The annual liusiness of this
oi- ihiw AKii (.(iLX rv. ^O-i
tinii is alxuit mie hundred ami lifty thousand di'hars. ( )\viny [•> tlif
fact that the factory makes a specialty df hardwddd products a i^reat
amount of lumber is purchased by its agents in various fields.
Air. I'enn has devoted himself exclusively to his duties auil his
wide experience in this line of work renders his skill and ,t;-ood judg-
ment unexcelled.
The sul.iject was united in marriage to Sadie Wilkinson, daugh-
ter of [udg-e W. R. Wilkinson, of Friedsville. lllin<iis. the wedding-
having- occurred while the subject was a resident of the southern
part of that state. Three children have been born to this union,
uamelv: Edward, Ijookkeeper in the ofhce of the Armstrong-Lan-
don Coi-npanv, Kokouio : Thomas Henry, Jr., connected with, the
Howard Countv National I'.ank at Kokonio ; b^^lenor is a graduate
of the Kokouio high school. The I'enn fan-iily subscribes to the
Presbyterian church, and no family in Kokomo is held in an)- higher
esteem than that of Mr. I'enn.
yOHX AIcOUISTOX.
Among- Howard count^-'s representative citizens and most hon-
ored agriculturists is the ag-ed gentleman whose name apj^jcars
abo\e. Tn (Outlining the brief life histoiy of this prominent farmer
and stock raiser it is believed that the i-nany friends and acquaint-
ances of this somewhat remarkable character will be delig'hted to
Icnow- more of the elements going into his makeup and causing hin-i
to attain ultimate success, inr ^Mr. AlcOuiston has for thirty-fi\-e
\-ears occupied a conspicuous place among the leading and influen-
tial men of his commtinitv. and it is a tribute to genuine worth to
nnu-iber him with the large and eminently respectable class of peo-
2o6
.MORR(.>\\' S HISTORY
pie wiio. In- deeds rather than by wi.irds, do so mucli to advance the
material interests of the country and whose sympathies are ahvavs
on the side of right and for whatever tends to promote the moral
welfare <if those \\ith whcmi they assiiciate.
John }\IcOuist()n was bi>rn in Decatur countv. Indiana. Janu-
ary 12. i<^35. the son of William and Sarah ( Guliion) McOuiston.
^^ illiam AlcOuistcm was left an orp'.ian. He was hrought from
Tennessee to Kentucky and later to Decatur countv, Indiana. [Mem-
bers of the ( iullion family were reared upon the Ohio river. Grand-
father (iullion was one of the first settlers in Switzerland countv. In-
diana, He married in that county InU they spent the latter part of
their lives in Decatur county, (irandfather Guliion was a large
landowner in Switzerland county. He was a Baptist and church
was held at his home for some time.
John i\IcOuist(jn. our suliject, was reared cpu the farm. He was
the youngest of eleven children. He remained at Ikjuic until both
his parents had passed to their reward. Attending the common
schools for several years, he recei\ed such education as those early
times aflorded, which he has since added to hv hoiue reading and bv
coming in contact with the world.
The domestic life of ]\Ir. ]\IcOuiston dates froiu Januar\- 21,
1858. A\hen he was miited in marriage with Susan fulian. who was
born in Rush count}', Indiana, March 22. 1841, The Julian family
is said to have been the first to settle Rush count}'. Mrs. ]\IcOuis-
ton's father r)wned one hundred and sixty acres of good land there
at I'lne time and was kn( iwn to be a man rif industr^- and push.
AA'lien the subject and wife were niarried they had practically
nothing in the wa}' iif earthly possessions, but they had ]ilenty of
grit and ])ersistency, coupled with fortitude and honest}' of purpose,
which ne\'er fail to win when rightl}' applied. This they evidently
did. since todav thev own one hundred and thirtv-nine acres of land
()[■" iKiWAKii coixrv. 207
in ].ibert\' tnwnsliii), c instituting' ime of the best farms in that sec-
tinn of the county, wliich is well worth thirteen thousand dcjllars.
He made all of this himself unaided, which certainly shows that he
has been a \er\- acti\e and clear-brained man.
The subject came to Howard cotmtv in ()ct(iber. 1S73, and has
made his home here e\ er since. His farm is well drained and well
fenced and his fields are kept in a high state of |)roducti\it\- owing"
to his skill in rotating crops and other modem methods of farming".
He has a modern and comfortable dwelling, which is niceh' fur-
nished. .Man\' con\enient outbuildings also stand on the place, near
the tracks of the internrban rail\\a\-, which gi\-es him access to the
outside \\(irlil and renders his |>lace one of the most desirable in the
tow nshi]).
To Mr. and Mrs. ]\[c(_)uiston ti\e children lia\e been born, as
follows: Isaac, a farmer li\ing in Libert^' township; Lawrence,
who is married ami lix'ing on a farm in Libert\' township: .Simeon.
a farmer in the same townshiji: hdorence is the wife of William Tim-
othy, of Templin : .Mice is the wife of Ira Gipson. whose residence
is in (ireentown.
The subject and wife are meml)ers of the Christian church, the
latter having been an actix'e member of the same for forty \'ears
in 1 908.
In politics otir subject ha.'^ ahva\-s been a supporter of the Re-
publican pai"ty. having" been active in local politics for many years,
always using his influence to place the best men in the county offices.
Mr. and Mrs. ^McOniston are among" the most highh' respected
citizens of Liberty townshi]i. where tliev are well known to all classes
and much liked b_\" all who know them, for their lives ha\-e been led
along" even tempered and useful lines, and they are regarded as un-
qualifiedly upright and as advocating whatever tends to prornote the
moral. ci\'ic and industrial affairs of the countv. and thev are known
2o8 .morrow's uisturv
to Ije kind and hospitable to those whom misfortune of anv kind
has i.i\ertaken.
W. BLAKELV
AFany years ha\-e elapsed since the subject of this resume took
up his residence in Hnward count_\-, and it is flue entirely to his
assiduous efforts and undaunted ambitinn that he has here gained
such signal success, ha\-ing begun life under none too favorable
auspices and being now the owner of nne nf the best farms in the
count}-, while he is held in uncjualified esteem as a citizen and as a
progressive and prosjieriius man of business.
John William Blakely was born in Franklin county. Ohio,
April lo, 1847, tlie son of Thomas and Eliza (Blair) Blakely.
Grandfather Blakely was a native of Ireland and he was brought
to Ohin by his ])arents when but t\\(i Ncars old. The grandfather
of the former came nver about 1X14. The subject's grandfather
died shortly after coming to this country. His widow lived where
they first located the balance of her life, dying when about seventy
_\-ears old. They were the parents of eight children. The early
education of the father of onr subject was limited, since he was
c< impelled to work out at such work as he could obtain to help sup-
jjort the famil}-. This be continued to do until he was married.
He then built a small log cabin on the farm of his father-in-law.
Clearing ground near In- he made a farm and in time the estate of
his father-in-law was dixided and the land on which he had Ijuilt
a house, cleared an<l made a home, fell to one of his wife's bmthers,
while his wife inherited the old home house and her share of the
land thereto. On this jjlace the\' li\ed, raised their children and
died, the father at the age of fift^"-nine. He was a Baptist minister
\
J. W. BLAKELY,
MRS. J. W. BLAKELY.
Ol' IIOWAKD CdrXTY.
209
and had one charge tor thirl}-ri\e \ears. lie was a man of o-reat
influence for good in his conminnity and exercised a strong in-
lluence for the moral tone of the locality where he lived,. The
mother of the suhject li\ed until she was se\'ent\"-se\en \ears i>ld.
They were the parents of tweKe children, eight of whom grew to
maturity, our sul)ject heing the hfth in order of hirth.
Mr. IJlakely attended the ])iil)lic schools in Ohio when a hov.
Howe\er, he attended school hut ashort time, ha\ing been com-
pelled to work out by the da}-, doing anything to make an honest
])enny. continuing this mode of li\ing until he was twent\-three
}-ears old, at the same time assisting his father, who was ])racti-
cally an in\alid. wherever his ser\'ices were needed.
Our suhject was married on January 24, 1870, to AIar\-
Frances Teegardin, daughter of .\hrahani and Elizabeth (Crume)
Teegardin, nati\-es cif Ohio. Mrs. r'.lakel_\'s gi-andfather was a
cajitain in the arm\- at the time of the Re\'olntionar\- war.
l'"our children ha\e l>een horn to the subject and wife as fol-
lows: Ir\'in, born Seiitemher S, iXjj, died in iQOJ. lea\ing a
widow and one child: Laura, horn in ( )ctol>er, TSjh, is the wife of
John \\ . Miller, a farmer in Howard count\\ being the mother of
two children: Jennie Leotie died in infanc\ : llomer .\.. born in
iSXi, is with his father on the farm, mai'ried and has one child.
.\fter the subject's marriage he renteil a log cabin in l-'ninklin
count)', Ohio, and cultivated se\en acres of gmund as a market
garden, pacing as rental ten dollars per acre in advance, wi irking
this for two years. He also worked twent\' acres of grain on the
shares. He afterward rented a farm in .Mien count^■, Ohio, which
farm belonged to his father-in-law. Here he farmed successfullv
for ten vears, then came to Howard countv. In<liana, in t88i and
went onto his wife's father's farm, where he has li\ed for twenty-
seven }ears. .\t that time the farm consisted of one hundred and
14
se\"ent\' acres, t\vent\--fi\e of which were cleared l)y nur sul)ject. and
he had added (me hunch-ed and fiirty-h\-e acres to this. exjjeiKhng- five
thousand tlollars for drainage, the farm now being under a suberb
system of drainage. The fencing is well kept, l^eing' partly of wire and
])artK' of w ( lod in about e(|ual parts. The productixeness of the soil is
in fine condition as the result of the subject's skillful maniiiulation of
the fields. He understands well the rotation of crops so as to pre-
xcnt the soil liecouiing thin or washing. Clo\er is used after small
grains and home fertilizers are also emplo}-ed to enrich the soil. He
feeds all the grain on the place that he raises and also l)U}-s other
grain.
Air. r.lakelv has an attractive and beautiful home, surrounded
b^■ a well kept and an artisticalh' arranged lawn and orchard and
gro\'es. So that his place is one of the most attracti\e and one of the
most comfortable in this part of the country. He li\-es four and
one-half miles from Kokomo. and an interurban station is near bis
door. He graxeled at his own expense in teams and labor, one-half
mile of road leading from his home to the pike which leads to Ko-
komo.
l-'raternalh- the suljject is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd h'ellows, having been a faithful member for thirty years
from the time of this writing. While he is a loyal Democrat and
e\-er \igilant in his efforts to assist in placing the right men in local
offices, he has himself never sought ]niblic office, preferring to de-
vote his time exclusiveh' to the work of his farm, which be has
made a great success, being regarded as a model farmer by his
neighbors. Mrs. Pdakelv is a meml:)er of the Baptist church and
thev are both highly respected liy all who know them for their up-
rightness, kindness and hospitality.
<ll' lidW AKI) rorXTV. 21 1
HOX. XATHAXll';!. Rle'llAloXD LIXSD.W.
"Human life." sa}'s a (listint;uislK'cl writer, "is like the \\a\es
of the sea. Thex' flash a few brief niciiiients in the sunlitjlit. ni.ar-
vels cif [iiiwer and l)eaut\. ami then are dashed iipun the remorse-
less shores of deatli ami disapjiear forexer. As the migiit\' deep has
rolled for at;"es past and chanted its snhlime re(|uiem and will con-
tinue to roll durino- the coniinu- ages until time shall lie no more. S(j
wilt the waxes of human life follow each other in countless succes-
sion until the}' mingle at last with the l)illows of eternity's bound-
less sea."
The passing- of an\- human life, liowexer humble and unknown,
is siu'e to gi\'e rise to a pang of anguish to some heart, but wdien
the fell destroxer knocks amliblx' at the door of the useful and great
and remoxes from earthh' scenes the man of honor and influence
and the benefactor of his kind, it not oulx' means bereax-ement to
kindred and friends, but a ])ublic calamit\- as well. In the Iru'gest
ami best sense of the term the late Xathaniel Richmond IJnsda\-.
of Kokouio. \x as distinctixelx- one of the notable men of his day
and generation, and as such is entitled to a conspicuous |)lace in the
annals of his citx. countx' .and state. -\s a citizen he xxas public-
sjjirited and enteqinsing to an unxxunted degree, as a friend and
neig"hbor combineil the (|uah'ties of head and heart that xxnn confi-
dence and commanded res])ect. and as a laxx-yer and jurist xxho had
a comprehensixe grasp u])on the philoso|)hx- of jurisprudence and
brought honor and dignitx- to the position he filled xxith such dis-
tinguished sticcess he xxas easilx' the peer of his professional brethren
of the Indiana bar. It is scarce less than a superpurgation in out-
lining the leading facts in his life to refer to him as a lawyer in
the oi-dinarx" phraseologx- xxhich meets rerpn'rements xxhen dealing
with the ax'erage member of the legal iirofession. He xxas indeeil
212 MOKKUW S HISTORY
imich nil )i"e than eminently snccessful in his legal career, as was in-
<licate(l bv his long, praiseworthy career at the bar and honorable
course on the bench. He was a master of his profession, a leader
among- men disting'uished for the high order of their legal ability,
and his eminent attainments and ripe juilgment made him an au-
thorit}- on all matters invuhing a profound knowdedge of jurispru-
dence and vexed and intricate questiinis growing out of its inter-
pretation.
Judge Linsday was a nati\-e of Canadagtia count}'. Xew ^'ork,
where his Ijirth occurred on the 4th day of [March. 181 5. When a
small child his parents mnved tn the wilds of Madison county. In-
diana, where his father died soon after arri\'ing in the new home
of the wilderness, leaving a widow and five children to the cold
charities nf the world, the subject being Ijut seven years old at the
time. With no \'isible means of support and nothing but a decidedly
unfa\iirable outlook jNIrs. Linsdav soon returned to her relati\'es in
the East. l)ut young- Nathaniel . wIkt was elected to remain, made his
hiime for some time with an uncle, and during the ensuing seven
or eight years endured all the hardships, privations and vicissitudes
incident to life in the backwoods in those earh- days. Until his fif-
teenth year he was reare<l. as he said. "Gixl only knows how." His
relative being in indifferent circumstances, with a family of his
(jwn to provide for, gave scant attention tn the lad and his needs,
and for some time the future jurist had barely sutficient clothing
to co\'er his bod}-, no books, for whicli he early manifested a decided
taste, and no advantages in the wa}- of obtaining the edtication for
which he so ardently longed. Litter he attended for a limited period
such indifferent schools as the county afforded, making up for the
deficiency in proper instruction by devoting his hours of leisure to
study and by eagerly pursuing what books and papers he was able
to procure. He grew up strong and rugged, however, and being
OF 1R)\\AK1) COL"NTV. 2I3
naturally uptiniistic made the must of such opportunities as pre-
sented themseh'es, and in due time became not onlv weU reail and
widely intcirmed. but a leader among" his young friends and asso-
ciates.
Judge Linsday began the struggle of life for himself as a tiller
of the soil on a rented farm in ]\Iadison county, and it was while
prosecuting- his agricultural laburs that he was chosen justice of
the peace for his township in the }ear 1839. three years after his
marriage and setting up of a douiestic establishment. He appears
to ha\-e been peculiar!}' fitted for this minor judicial position, and it
was not long until his business grew to considerable magnitude, his
reputatioii as a man of sound judgnnent and eminent fairness, to-
g'ether with the wisdom disi)]a\'ed in his ruling's and decisions, at-
tracted to his coin"t quite a few cases of more than ordinar\' imp(.irt
and interest. While holding- the office of justice of the peace he con-
ceived a strong liking for the law and the few hours he could save
from his labors were devoted to a careful reading of Blackstone.
His evenings also were spent in the perusal of his favorite author,
and not infrequently the small Iiours of the niorning f(jund him
eagerly poring over the pages of his much prized volume. He pur-
chased his first copy of Blackstone with wheat which he sold at
se\'enty-five cents a bushel in Cincinnati, and later boug'ht such other
legal W('irks as he was able to procure, until in the course of four or
five }'ears he had accumulated (juite a respectable law librarv. All
the leistu'e he could possiblv comniand was spent in the compan\' of
these hooks, and in due time he obtained a sound, practical kiiowl-
edge of the principles of law, which, with his recognized judgment,
sound common sense and eminent fairness, made him a valuable
man in the community, being frequently consulted by his neighbors
on vexed questions, and by his judiciiuis ad\-ice saving U'lt a few
of them from expensive litigation.
JI4 MORROW S HISTORY
After live \'ears as justice <if the peace and ac(|uiring" a credit-
able reputation in the (hscharge of his otlicial duties. Air. Linsday
decided to discontinue his other pursuits and de\'ote his entire at-
tention to the law. AccordingI\- in 1841 he opened an office in
I'endleton, and it was not lony imtil his abilities were recognized
and he obtained his pniijortionate share of business. In 1843 he
was the W big candidate for the legislature, but Y)y reason of the
o\er\\ helming strength of the opposing party faileil of election. This
canxass. which brought him proniinently before the public, was the
means of making him a political power among the people, and from
that time on he took an active part in every campaign and was
largeh' instrumental in formulating and directing the i)olicies of
his i)art\- in the count\' of Aladison, l>esitles wielding a wide influ-
ence in district and state affairs. In the winter of 1844 Judge Lins-
da\' had the h(inor of attending and taking no sm;dl part in the
first court held in Howard countv. then the count\' of Richardsville.
In conipan\- with Dr. Corxddn Richmond, a cousin. Dr. James
I'.arrett and Air. Louis Snelt he rode to the place where the ci.iurt
conx'ened, and the first night camped on. the present site of K<i-
k(.)mo, then a dense woods in which luit a single log c;ibin had been
erected. Ha\-ing faith in the futiu'e of the town and its possi-
bilities, each of the aljo\e gentlemen j)urchased a lot, and before
the close of the }-ear they had their respective caliins built
and readv fur occupancx". B^• Alav of the following year
( 1845 ) the men had their families domiciled, and from that
time on the li\'es of two of them were xerv closeh' identi-
fied with the histor}- of the town and county, one as a leading law-
yev and jurist, the other as a distinguished ph}-sician, each in due
season becoming ])rirminent in the local affairs and earning a state-
wide reimtation in his iirofession. Judge Linsday soon rose to
jironiinent position in legal matters, and for a numl:)er of years was
01-' HOWARD CorXTV. _M5
the rcciigiiized liead of tlie Hnwaril cnuin_\- l)ar. [■'vnm tlie time nt
taking' up his residence in the Inickwdnds seat nf justice in 11^43 un.til
his death he ne\'er missed atteiichng a term nf cnurt. and sucli was
his reputation during tlie earlv years of liis practice that it was fre-
quently a race hetween litigants as to who shouUl reach hi^ office
first and retain his serxdces. In 1S51 he was elected joint represent-
ati\'e from Cass, Tipton and How;ird counties, and his course in the
legislature fully justified the people in the wi-~d(im of their choice,
as he hecame one of the leaders of his ])art\' in the house, ser\ing'
on a numher of important committees and taking an actixe and in-
fluential part in the general deliberations and debates on the lloor.
In C( n junction with Hon. Robert Dale ()wen, chairman of the com-
mittee, and others, he assisted in drafting the UK-asure b\' which
the interests of the women in Indiana were ad\ anced and their prop-
ert_\' rights safeguarded, and he was also infiuential in bringing
about needed legislation concerning' the h(|Uor traffic, which he had
previously agitated and of which he was to the end of his d-i\s a
bitter and unrelenting foe.
In the year ii<^h Mr. Linsda}" was elected judge of the court
of counn in pleas, which honorable position he held for four \ears,
during which time he discharged his official functi(ins in an able and
satisfactory manner and won recognition among the distinguished
jurists of the state. Retiring fmni the bench in 1 S60, he resumed
the practice of his ])rofession, but in iSfq was further houore.l by
being' elected judge of the judicial cu'cuit com])osed of the counties
of Howard, Tipton, Clinton and (irant. The duties entailed by this
p<isition were so numerous ami arduous as to Ije burdensome. .\c-
cording'ly, after holding one term of court, he resigned the bench
and again took up his practice, which had steadih' gniwii in magni-
tude luitil his legal business at the time indicated was second to
that of few lawwers in the state.
; I ( )
The Judge was an ardent friend nf the L'niun during- the Re-
bellion and by his ^■llice and influence contributed greatly to the
strengthening of loyal sentiment throughout his o\vn and other c<.iun-
ties and inducing young men to take up arms in defense of the na-
tional honur. He tra\eled extensi\-el\- o\'er the country, hc:)lding
meetings in sclii:ii:)l houses, churches and nther places, and not in-
frei|uentK- made stnjug and thrilling appeals from his bug'gy while
en mute to his yarious appointments. A powerful and eloquent
spep.kcr. lie i:e\"er failed to interest his auditors and often stirred
them ti> such a pitch of enthusiasm that nearly eyer\" man within
hearing capable of bearing arms signed the roll of enlistment and in
due time went forth to fight, perchance to die for the honor of an
insulted flag. I-"rom 1869 to 1876 the Judge resided on a beautiful
farm alxiut one mile west of Kokomo, Ijut in the latter year remo\ed
to the cit}- in which he continued tn m;ike his home during' the re-
mainder I if his life. He erected a fine, modem dwelling in one of
the best residence streets, which he furnished comf(^rtably and beau-
tifull\- and which si rai Iiecame a jxipular resort for the most cul-
tured and refined circles of the communit\'.
Judge Linsday was married in the year 1836 to Rachel Shaul.
of Pendleton, who departe<l this life after a mutuall}" happy and
pn si;er(»us wedded experience of twenty }-ears, leaying three daugh-
ters and one s<in as pledges of her loye and affection. Louyisa. the
oldest of the daughters, married Thomas J. Harrison, of Kokomo.
Clementine, the second in ("irder of l)irth, makes her home with Airs.
HarrisdU. Aanin H.. the son, wIki ser\ed with a creditable record
during the wru' of the Rebellion, died in i<)07, lea\ing a widow, who,
])rior til her marriage, was Elizalieth Armstrong. Ella, the young-
est (if the family, is also deceased. Some time after the death of
his first wife the Judge entered the marriage relation with ]\Irs. Julia
Fiiudray. nf Indianapolis, who died three years later, the union
OF HOWARD COl'XTV. 21"
heint; wilhuut issue. In 1876 he tuok a third wife and helpmeet in
the persim i if Mel\iiia I'dwler. wiclnw nf Majnr Alaiiiimi; A. i-'ii\\-
ler, iif Kdkiinid. whu sur\i\es him and is imw une df tlie hit;"hl\- es-
teemed and ]iiii>ular lathes nf the citw .Mr. hi i\\ ler, formerh- one
nf Koki-mc's priimiiieiit men (if affairs, was major nf the SevenU'-
second Ohio Infantry in the Cix'il war and distinj^uislied himself li\-
merit! irious ser\ice chirint^- the tliree \'ears lie was at the fmnt.
hull of \-ears and rich in Ik mors, like a sheaf fulK- riiiened.
Judge Linsda>-. nn the 15th da\- nf May, 1885, was called from the
.scenes of his earthh- trials and triimiphs. His Inss to the cit\' where
lie had sn long- and arduously ])layed a distinguisheil i)art in the af-
fairs of men and where he achiexed such signal success was felt
as a ])ersonal loss 1:)\' the entire po])ulace. The memm'x' of his deeds
an.d the influence of his strong' and virile personality. lioweNer will
long li\'e in tlie hearts of those he left behind, a monument far more
enduring than gra\en shaft ov stateh' ribelisk.
Sufficient lias lieen said to indicate Judge Linsdav's high char-
acter and eminent success in the profession to which he c]e\'oted his
life an<l energies. In many respects he was a great law^■er in that
lie liad hroad \iews of the law, a profound knowdedge of its basic
jirinciples and the ability and tact to apply tlie same in the trial of
cases, botli in the local courts and the court of last resort. .Vs a
judge he brought to the bencli a mind enriched by years of close
stud}- and poifound research, which eminently qualified him for the
duties of the position, and among lawyers and litigants as well as
the pulilic at large he was held in the highest esteem. \A'idely read
and thoroughly infomied on many subjects, he was an independent
thinker and had the cottrage of his convictions on all n-iatters and
issues concerning' which men differ and parties divide. His legal
and judicial experience opened his eves, as stated, to a nuniber of
tin-ie-honnred customs in the interpretation and application of the
2i8 morrow's history
law whicli he considered weak and faulty, one of which was the re-
quiring' of the unanimous assent of a jur}- to arri\-e at a \erdict, in-
stead (.)f a majoritv vote. This custirm. which has come down
throughout the centuries as the surest and most satisfactor\- wa\'
of rendering justice and subserving- human rights, he looked upon
as illogical, and while in the legislature he thought to remed\- the
matter h_\- introducing a hill embodying his ideas. Ijut it found little
fa\-or with the committee to which it was referretl and few if an\'
advocates besides himself on the rtocjr. He cared little for popular
measures if founded upon false or incorrect principles, but stood
finnly for the right as he saw and understood the right and fear-
lessly- assailed deep and long establishe<l ]>rejudices at the expense
sometimes of [lulilic fa\or and the sacrihce of personal friendships.
It can truthfull}- lie affirmed that Judge Linsday dignitied e\-ery
position to which called, and with a character abo\-e rei)roach and
no stain uijon his judicial ermine, "He stood alone, four square to
e\ery wind that blew," an upright, manly n-ian of noble aims and
high ideals, a progressi\e citizen with the welfare of his kind at
heart and a splendid t\pe of the broad-minded, \irile Americanism
which gi\-es moral bone and sinew to the bod\- politic and makes
our Country ami its institutions ann ng the nations of the earth.
The liiogra]jln- of such a man as he may well ser\-e for an example
and inspiration to the }-outh who seriously meditate life, vet hesi-
tate to lay the foundation for the stern realities of life which await
them. He began his career tinder hard conditions, but with a jjer-
sistence as rare as it \vas admirable adhered to his purpose, and in
due time achiexed notable success. The crude, inhospitalile enxiron-
ments of his ^'outh, howexer. were not without their conipensations.
The u^ual and persistent effort re(|uired to olitain lilieral (|ualifica-
tioiis for professional pursuits, in spite of adxerse surroundings, de-
\-elo|j and strengthen the mind as labor hardens and renders flexible
(II' iKiwAKii i(irxi^\ 219
tlie muscles. Xnt satisfied with existin<;" ei mditii ms. he detennineil
to rise above tlieni. and ti 1 this end lie li >st sit-in of e\er\' (itlier cmi-
sideration or made it sulmrdinate tn the niie nhject in \'ie\\. h".\ery
step in his progress was tlie resuU of matiu'ed plans and well de-
fined pur])iises. li\- his CDin'as^e ant! enerii;") he cliniheil steadilx and
persistenth' and stmil firinl\- upon each ninnd of the ladder until
he could reach the next almve and plant himself thereon. .Vlthuu.uh
beginning tlie stud\' of law at an age when the mai<irit\- are well set-
tled in their life wurk, he determined, regardless nf hindrance, to
master the jirinciples of his iirolessinn and rise alxwe medincrity. in-
stead I if being satisfied with a mere superficial knuwledge, such as
so nianv professional men under similar circumstances are ci intent
to acquire. \\ hate\er success he achie\ed during his lung, streii-
iidus and honorable career was due tn careful jireparatinn. a high
sense nf justice, candnr as a cnunselnr. a religious regard fur the
trutli and cnurtetius demeannr and gentlemanh- cmiduct in all rela-
tions with his fellow men. .\s a practitiniier or nil the bench no
charge or sus]iiciiin nf an\- wrongdoing e\er tarnished hi^ name nr
marred his nfficial record, his jiersnnal lidiKir was iie\'er cnmiirn-
mised ar.d his prixate life was alwrn's pm-e and free f n mi fault. His
friendshi|is were warm, steadfast and ne\er withnut the best causes
were the\' marred nr broken, while his sterling worth made him a
piiwer fur gcod aniniig all with wlmm he came in contact.
Judge Linsday was a l)elie\-er in the Bible and a profnundly
religiiius man. wlm measured his life according to the high standard
I if excellence which he fnund in the personalit}- and teachings nf the
Man of Xazareth. A lifelnng member nf the Metlmdist Episcopal
church and a ]iillar in the Knknnin cnugregatimi. he cniitributed lib-
era.lly nf his means to the support of the Gospel at Imme and abrnad
and was e\er readv tn encourage and co-operate in all lines nf reli-
ginus and charitaVile endcax'nr nr make an\' reasonable sacrifice to
ath'ance the moral interests of the community. An tmcompromis-
ing' antagxmist of the saloon, he strove long" and earnestly to remove
this plague spot from his fair city and save the young from its con-
taminating' influences, and to him as much perhaps as to anv one
man is due the credit of reducing the drink evil to a minimum and
inspiring a wholesome reg'ard for law and order in the municipality.
Judg^e Linsday's life, though protracted beyond that of the majority,
was replete with gociil to his felJi'W men. and the wurltl was nijt
onh' honored greatly but blessed hv his presence and influence. He
died as he had li\-ed, at peace with his conscience and with his God,
and entered the valley of shadows fearlessl}-, assured uf the wel-
come a\\aitint;' him nn the other siile.
FREDERICK C. BULK.
It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career
of a man wIki has won a definite goal in life, whose career has been
such as t(i cmnmand the homir and respect of his fellow citizens.
Such, in brief, is the record of the well known agriculturist whose
name lieads this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popu-
lar man it would Ije difiicult to find within the limits of Howard
count}', where he has long maintained his home and where he has
labored not only for his own individual advancement and that of
his immediate family, but also for the improvement of the entire
conimunity whiise interests he has ever had at heart.
Frederick C. Bulk, who, because of his public-spirited nature,
has been honored with the trusteeship of Endn township, which
position he very creditably filled for some time, was born in West-
phalia, German}', Xm'ember 13, 1845. having- come to America
IJF IIOW'AKI) ci>rxi\\ JJI
A\hen iiiil}' ten years nld. His parents, who bnmi^lu liini tn the new
world, were not contented with c(mditions as tliey found tliem in the
East and migrated to the West, setthng in Indianapolis, where the
subject remained until 1867, following the dra\ing lousiness with
much success, but having been allured !:)>■ the larger inducements
of the newer county of Howard he came here in the vear indicated
above, settling' in En'in township, buying an eightv-acre fann at
sixteen dollars per acre, which he has constantlv improved and
added to as his fortune increased until nn\v he has a farm <jf one
hundred and twenty acres, which ranks with the best in the county,
being- well tilled and so manag'cd that the soil becomes richer from
vear tn \'ear, now producing more grain of all kinds than it did
when he took possession of it, thus showing- the occupant's great
ability as a modern agriculturist. He has also erected excellent
buildings on the place, which give the farm an ap|iearance of e\-i-
dent thrift and prosperitv of the owner. Farming has ])een Air.
Bulk's occupation ever since he came to this Cdunty.
^\r. lUilk was united in marriage X'ux'ember 23, 1S70, to Dora
Pohlman, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was brirn July
19, 1849, the daughter of highly respected and influential parents.
The alreafh' ]ileasant home of the subject and wife has been made
more cheerful and happy by the birth of the following children:
I,ena, Sojihia, ^latilda, .\nna, Ida, Clara, Frerl, Elsie and Alma.
Lena is now the wife of W'illiam Hartman, Sophia is the wife of
George Schakel, ^Matilda is the wife of Henry Obermyre and ^Mary
is the wife of Har\ey Sedam.
All these children are examples of ^vhat wholesduie home train-
ing can do toward making the youth agreeable and worthy citizens
and loyal Americans. The older ones are well launched in life, hav-
ing married well and enjoying a comfortable living, while the
younger ones give promise of ecjually successful futiu'es.
Our subject, who has always been a veiy busy man, was pre-
MORROW S HISTORY
w'lileil upon hx his neiyhl:)ors and frienils to accept the nomination
for township trustee, \vhich is a very important office in this t<iwn-
ship. and which he held for two terms t(j the entire satisfaction of
ah ciiucerned. He lias alwa}'s been a loyal Democrat and seldom
l(.ses an oppiirtunit\ to assist his local friends in securing- \\ hat the\'
desire at the cnuN-entinns antl elections.
Air. Bulk and family are memljers and generous supi)orters of
the ( iernian Lutheran church of Er\in township, in which cimgre-
gatiiin none stand higher in general esteem than this famil\-.
LUTHER D. PRICE.
The student interested in the history of Howartl countw Li-
diana. dues not ha\e In carr\" his in\estigation far into its annals
before learning that Luther D. I'rice has lung l)een an acti\-e and
leading representati\e of its leading agricultui'al interests and that
his labiirs ha\e prii\en a ])otent force in making this a rich agri-
cultural region. Through several decades nur subject has carried
iin farming. gradualK- improxing his \aluable i)lace. and while he
has ])ros])ered in this he has alsn found am])le oppi irtunitx' tn assist
in the material (knelupment of the cnunt\-, and his co-(iperatii ni has
been nf \alue fur the general good.
JAither D. Price was born L^nuar^' 22. 183J. in Preble countv,
()hiii. the son of Michael Price, whu was burn September _'4. 182S.
Chai'les Price, grandfather of the subject, was a native nf X'irginia.
^\^.<l went h' Preble cnuntv, Ohio, and settled nn Price creek, hav-
ing been am(-ng the ])iiineers of that time, the creek luning been
named fur the famil\-. The grandfather was a hard worker, and
atter securing wiM land set about making a good farm of it. clear-
Oh IIDW ARII COLWTV. _'_'3
iiiL;' lip and dtliLTwise ini])ni\in^- it. lie married a Miss \ance, nf
Virginia. He died in iS4_'. Michael I 'rice li\ed with his father
in Preble ci iiintw Olnn. nntil 1N3 i . w hen, on March 1 3th of that \ear
he was united in marriage to l^lizahcth \\'\song-, a natixe of j'rehle
countw ( )hio, and a danoiiter of Henry and Catherine (()\ier) \\'\-
song. lioth nati\es of X'irginia. and also were pioneers of I'rehle
coiintw He was a mason ancl made hrick in the eaii\- da\s. He
died in I'rehle connt)', as did als(] his wife. Michael Price, the fa-
ther of oin' sui)ject. came to Howard count\, Indiana, in 1S3N. set-
tling in section 31 I'lrxin townshi]), haxnig seemed eight\- acres of
wild land, being compelled to clear a ])lace on which In bnild his
slab shantw which bad no windows or floor. Pater he binlt a log-
cabin and added eight\- acies more to his farm, clearing mnch of
the land and making modern iniprox ements in general. He was al-
wa\s a Inrd-w I irking man and snccessfnl. Pie was also a black-
smith by trade and was regarded as a \-er\- skillful one. He was
well known in bis conimnnit\'. He was a Democrat but ne\-er as-
pired to office. He was a member of the Dnnkard chnrch. His
first wife died in \^j() and be married a second time, his last wife
being Mrs. Klizabeth Thompson, a widow, of ( )hio, who is still
li\ing at this writing ( mnS). Michael Price died August 30, 1900.
The folkiwing cbililren were all born to Michael Price b\- bis first
wife: Putber ])., onr snbject ; William Peander. who was born
Se])temb',;r 17, 1^33. is a iilnsician luing in Indiaua]iolis : M;ir\'
Catherine was born September (>. 1S33, ;ind is the wife of Xathan
Peter.-;, of Xew Pebaiioii. ()hio: Pebecca was boi-n necember J3.
1837. and died l'ebrnar\- 1. 1X61 : Pe\i .Mexander was born March
19, i8fii. and died b'ebrnary 14. 1907. He was a farmer and mar-
ried E\eliiie Rinebart : C^retta. the si.xth child, was born Inly 19.
1S63;. and married Charles Xnll. of Kokomo. Pidirma : Asa \'., who
was born .\ngust f\ iSr)3. is now a farmer in 1'owner conntw South
Dakota, who married Alice Hnrril.
224 MORROW S HISTORY
Luther D. Price, our suljject, was educated in the common
scliouls and li\-ed at home until he reached the age of twenty-two.
He was married on Jul}- 26. 1874. to Elizabeth Miller, a native of
Ohio, daughter of Peter and Phcebe (Brubaker) Miller, the former
a natixe of fiermau}- and the latter of Ohio. Peter Miller was a
\oung man when he came to America and settled in Ohi(>, where
he married. In 1X54 he came to PPiward coiint\-, Indiana, and se-
cured eightx' acres id' wild land in section 29, Ervin townsliip. Pie
added to this until he had a farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
He cleared this himself and soon hatl a comfcirtable home. He
was als(.) a wagonmaker b}- trade and was considered a fine work-
man. He was a Republican and a member of the Dunkard church.
His first wife died in 1868 and he married a second time, his last
wife being Catherine Woods, who died September 30, 1907. Peter
Miller died in August, 1897. He had ei.ght children bv his first
wife, namely: John B., who died Mav 6, U}o8, was a teacher and
farmer of Er\-in township, this county: ^Nlary Phtebe is the wife of
Xordi W'liistler, of Kokomo, Indiana: Elizabeth, the subject's wife:
Harry C, a physician living in Greentown, Indiana: Sarah, de-
ceased : Daniel owns the old homestead in Ervin township : George
died June 24, 1907, at his late residence in Kokomi). He was county
superintendent of schools, a prominent man and a well known
teacher: L\'dia. the eighth child, is the wife iif Alonzo Simmons,
of Kokomo.
I'our children have lieen born to the subject and wife, as fol-
lows: Armanda E. is the wife of Ora Wagner, living in North Da-
knt'd on a farm. They ha\-e rme child, Winfred: Pearl Ma)' is the
wife r)f Charles Mason, a farmer living in Ervin townshi]), this
count)'. The\' ha\e three sons, namely, Ondl, Claude and Glen:
Charles C, the third child of the subject, is connected with the Cit-
izens' Bank at Kokomo. He married Grace Bock; John G., the
youngest child of the subject, is living at home. These children
OF HOWAUI) CorXTN'. 225
were all well t'ducatcd. Charles C. went ti' sclindl two terms at Ma-
rion and two at Danxille and als<i at Xnrtli Manchester. Me taiis^ht
sexeral terms.
.\fter his marriaj^e nnr siihject farmed for twn }-ears m .Men-
roe towiishi]), Howard count}', and then went to t'arroll conntw
where he remained lor four \ears, then retinaied to Howard cotint}',
hcatint;' in l'j'\in township, and in March, iijoi, he hou.L;iit the old
place where lie now li\es, consisting' of ei,i;iU\ acres, all of which
are under a hij^h state of cultix'ation with the exception of about
eig'ht acres. He raises all kinds of t^rain and the place is well im-
pro\'ed and kept up to the standard of lloward count\''s liest farms.
He also de\otes mtich time to his stock, always keepint;' ;m e.xcellent
\ariet\' of Shorthorn and Jersey cattle. He also owns a tine stal-
lion named I'at and he raises some tiood horses. He has a comfort-
able and nicel_\- furnished residence and numerous con\enient out-
Imilding'S. 'He has alway.s been a fanner, and a tirst-class one, too.
as the fine a])])earai",ce of his farm would indicate at a gdance,
Mr, Price has ne\'er asi)ired for aii\- imblic office, but his sup-
port can alwa\s be depended upon in the furtherino- of any mo\ e-
meiit looking to the de\-elopment of his comniuiiit\- in any way. He
is a member of the German P)a])tist ( nunkai-<l) chiuxh and he has
a host of warm fiends as a result of his friendl}' disposition, his
honest\- and industry
EDWARD SWEEXi-A'
Edward Sweene\' is a name known to e\ery one who has the
slightest aci|uaintance with the business history of Kokomo and
Howard county. During his active life be tilled a large place in the
226 morrow's history
industrial affairs of the city, and as an energetic, enterprising and
far-sighted man whose judgment and discretion were seldom at
fault and whose influence made for the substantial upbuilding of
the commiuiitv he earned a reputation second to ni)ne of his con-
temporaries. ]\Ir. Sweeney was born at Salamanca, \ew York,
June 12. 1859, and spent his early life in his nati\'e place, receiving
his education in the public schools. Ry reason of a change in the
domestic affairs of the family, caused by his father's second mar-
riage, the lad at the tender age of ele\'en rears left the parental roof
to carve his own \\a\- through the world, giiing first to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, where he made his home with an aunt and turned his
hands to \'arious kinds of emploMnent, When about sixteen vears
old he assisted in drilling gas and oil wells, and finding the work to
his taste soon began the business upon his own responsibilitv in the
Ohio field, operating for some time near Lima and Findlay, where
he drilled a number of wells and met with encouraging success.
Later he became a leading promoter of the oil industrv. and after
doing a thrivdng" Inisiness in various parts of Ohio sank the second
gas well within the limits of Kokonn.i, doing the work for se\'eral
local parties, w-hose influence did much towards inducing him to
make this his field of operations. Subsequent!}', in partnership with
Harry H. Stewart, he drilled a number of wells in the How-ard
count^' field and soon established a reputation as one of the most
enterprising and successful men at the business in the northern part
of the state. During the vear 1887-88 he operated several string's
of tools and in addition to developing many producing wells in \a-
rious parts of the country he drilled during the time indicated for
the Plate (ilass Works of Kokomo, besides carr\-ing" on his investi-
gations in other and iiiore remote territor}'.
Mr. Sweene\' continued bis operations as long as the Lidiana
field ])roved |)roducti\e, but with the gradual decline of natural gas
OF HOWAKU cut" XT V. , 22J
he tunieil his attention to Dtlier hues of enterprise, purchasing- an
interest in the (llolje St(i\e and Range Cunipany nf Kokomcj, (if
wiiicli he was made presitlent and general manager, and which un-
der his able directinn sodU became one oi the leading" and l)est p;i\--
ing industrial enterprises in the city. While g"iving his pers'.mal at-
teiuion to the large anil important establishment he still kept up his
interest in the gas and oil business, and upon the discover\- of oil
in .Miami county transferred his operations to the J'eru field, wliich
he assisted in de\eloping. Later he gradual!}' withdrew from the
line of work with which he had so long been identified and gave his
entire attention to the Iniilding up of the stove industr}- in Kokomo,
in addition to \vhich lie was also interested in se\'eral other concerns,
ha\'ing lieen a large stockholder in the Jenkins IMate Glass Company
and an oil compan\- at Peru, acting as receiver for the latter when it
ceased to be profitable, and finally closing" up the business.
Mr. Sweeney was long a power in industrial and business cir-
cles and during his residence in Kcikomo did much to ad\'ance the
material interests of the city and promote the welfare of the pup-
ulace. T^Ie was elected to the city council, but did not take ven-
kindly to the municipal legislation, which he f<;>und irksome and bv
no means to his taste. Xe\'ertheless he discharged his <lut\" with
cijnscientious fidelity, which won the respect of his constituents
and of the city at large.
In his }"oung manhood Mr. Sweeney became identified with the
great Democratic party and in due time achieved considerable prom-
inence as a shrewd and farseeing politician, having been a judicious
ad\-iser in the councils of his party and an earnest worker and able
leader in a number of hotl_\" contested campaigns. In later years
he gradually discontinued active political work, the better to de-
vote his talents and energies to his larg"e and g-rowing business af-
fairs. Xex'ertheless he always kept in close touch with the leading"
J_'8
issues I if the dav and fully abreast nf the times in all that concerned
the welfare of the public. Whde head of the important nianufac-
ttiring establishment in KokoniD. w ith which his name is so intimate-
h" associated, he not onK' displa\ed executixe ability of the hig'hest
order, btit so managetl the Inisiness as to retain at all times the con-
Hdence and good will of his employes, between whom and himself
a mutual interest ever obtained. During the years of his active
Connection with the jilant the most harmonious relations existed
among all parties ccincerned, and while many other establishments
suffered more or less from disturbed contlitions resulting from fric-
tion between labor and cajiital, no dissatisfaction whate\-er was man-
ifested in the sto\'e works, and such a thing as a strike or walkout
was ne\er for a moment serionsb- contemplated. He made it a point
to retain on the pa^'roll all of his old emplo}'es, and man_\- of the
latter refused ad\-antageous offers from other establishments in their
desire to remain with the man who had done so much to ad\ance
their intei'ests and make them satished with their lot.
Ml'. Sweene\' possessed a broad, incjuiring mind and was keen-
\y ali\'e to e\-er}thing that tended to improve 1ab(ir conditions and
benefit those u])ou whose shoulder fell the burden of making pos-
sible the ]ilienomenal progress resulting from the development and
success of the industrial evolution in the central and western states
during the ])ast third of a centur}-. Altliough modest and unas-
suming and alwa\-s easilv approachable, he had a stning- and vigor-
ous ])ersonalitv and in the best sense of the term was a leader of
men and well fitted to manage large and important enterprises. He
\\as ])lienomenallv resourceful, possessed Ixmndless and tireless en-
ergw and once finding the field of en(lea\-or which challenge<l his
mind forces he displayed that tenacitv of piu"pose and unconquer-
able will power which led on to success and fortune. In the prose-
cution of his business interests he was bold and daring and never
Ill III i\\ _\\u> nnxTV. jjQ
liesitated tn nio\-e forwanl. tliiiugii frei|ueinl\- ci nifnniU'il 1)\ uli-
stacles tliat wniilil haxc iliscnura.i^ed many nf a less ileteniiiiieil na-
ture. He had a i;enius for large uiidertaking-s. and what nthers
\\i uld lia\e deemed rashness was to him the safe and sure \va\- of
reaehing n melusii ins and achie\'ing the results which made liis name
familiar in business circles and gained fur him the lionnrahle re]iu-
tation fur which he was lung distinguished amuiig the leaders of
industr}- in his adopted state.
Always a \'ery Ijusy man with large and important interests at
stake. AFr. Sweeney found time to devote to healthful sport and rec-
reation, ha\ing been a great admirer of the national game of ]>ase-
l)all and a lo\-er of the horse ami a patron of the race track. For
a number of years he kept animals of good pedigree and notalile
speed, and as a race starter he was rpiite popular on the circuits, his
fairness commending him to the leading turfmen of the conntr\- and
his decisions being" satisfactorA- to all who made entries. He re-
tained his interest in these forms of sport to the end of his da\'S,
keeping in touch with the turf throughout the entire country, and
such was his liking and enthusiasm for baseljall that he seldom failed
to be present whenever a first-class game was plaved within a rea-
sonable distance of his place of abode.
Mr. Sweenev was married in Kokomo. Indiana, to Belle El-
son on Xo\ember 3, i8<)i. She was the daughter of William B.
and I'dorence (Garr) Elson. of Howard coiuitv, the father fr>r many
}-ears a successful fanner but later a resident of Kokomo. where
his death occurred in 1X03, at the age of fiftv-fi\-e vears. ^Nlrs.
Sweene}" was born and reared in Hi>ward county, received her edu-
cation in the niv schools and is a ladv of high .social standing, an
esteemed member of the Christian clnuxh, and is exceedingly pop-
ular in the circles in wdiich she moves. She bore lier husband one
child. Harr\' Lambert Sweenev, wlio is now a bright and interesting"
youth of ele\'en \ears and a inipil in the schools of Fvokomo.
230 MflRROW S HISTORY
^[r. Sweeney was bdrn and reared a Catholic and al\va}S re-
tained a warm feeling- and abiding interest in the mother church,
though l)y no means narrow or intolerant in his religious views. He
belong-ed to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which
he sen'ed as exalted ruler and was enthusiastic in all matters con-
cerning the society, contributing much to its popularity and strength
in the city nf Kok(im(^. The death uf this useful man and promi-
nent, public-spirited citizen occurred 1 ai the 5th da}" of October,
1907, and his funeral was held under the auspices nf the order with
which he had long been identified and the interests uf which he had
long been identified and had so much at heart, being the occasion
of a large gathering of his friends and fellow citizens, by whom he
was sincereK' mourned and greatlv missed. His passing remo\'ed
from the citv one of its leading men of affairs and left a vacancy
in the business world which it will be difficult to fill. In the widest
and best sense of the tenn his life was a pronounced success, as he
alwa}s measured up to the high standard of citizenship recjuired by
men of his stamp, served well and faithfully his day and generation,
and the memorv of his useful career and honorable name will long
remain in the hearts and affections of those with whom his lot was
cast and who was so greatly benefited by his example and influence.
^HLES T. RHOADES.
As long as history endures will the American nation acknowl-
edge its indebtedness to the heroes who between 1861 and 1865
fought for the presen-ation of the L'nion and the honor of that
Starr}' banner which has never been trailed in the dust of defeat in
a single polemic struggle in which the country has been involved.
Among those whose militars' records as valiant soldiers of the war
OF IKIWAKI) C'dlXTV. J^l
of Reljellitui reflect lasting- hoimr uimn tlieiii and their descenilants
is the suliject of this sketch, who is one of the honored and influ-
ential citizens of Jackson township, Howard countw Indiana, where
he has King" maintained his home and won an ln.mored name liv \ir-
tue of his consistency to truth, honesty and right living. Therefore
he is eminently qualified for a place in the present volume.
INIiles J. Rhoades was born in Randolph county. Indiana, Sep-
tember jS, 1841, the son i-if ]\Iiles and ]\Iargaret (Roe) Rhoades,
both haxing come to Randolph county from Xorth Carolina and
entered land in the former place. The father walked frcim Ran-
dolph C(^unty to Fi^rt Wayne, huliana. to enter his land. They made
the long trip from North Carnlina to Indiana in a one-lmrse cart,
the time recpiired to make the trip being se\-en weeks. The}- can-ie
across the Blue Ridge mountains, carr_\-ing- all their possessions in
the cart, using this scant furniture when the)- lieg'an housekeeping
in Indiana. ^Irs. Rhoades stopped with the cart a while in Wayne
county and Mr. Rlmades went ahead and entered the land. They
later came to Howard county in 1S60, where they spent the rest of
their days. Air. Rhoades dying- in 1865 and his widow sur\-i\-ing
until 1885. They were people of the most sterling qualities, of the
true and typical pioneer type, who braved the dangers and vicissi-
tudes of a new country under the n-mst ui-ifavorable advantages, but
they surmounted all obstacles and established a comfortable hnn-ie.
Miles J. Rhoades, our subject, was united in marriage in Feb-
ru'iry, 1867. to Isabelle Orr. who was born in Ohio, but came to
Peru. Indiana, when a young lad\- and made her home with an
uncle. Oliver Macey. Later the family nmved to Converse. Indiana,
where ]Mrs. RIk jades was married and where her muther took up
her residence and passed to her rest February 10. ic)o8. Her father,
Reuben Orr, died in Ohio when AFrs. Rhoades was a child. To
this union seven children were born, all nf whom are li\-ing- at the
time of this writino-. Thev are William. Charles. Clinton D.. lennie.
23-2
Xannie II.. I'rank ami Pearl. TlieN' all received a commnn school
eilucatidii and are \er\' ci inifortablv situated in life.
Mr. Khiiades is the nwner nf a fine farm cimsisting i.if one
hundred an<l t\vent\' acres m section i. Me Ijought i>ut all the
heirs ti i this estate. This farm shows that a man nf thrift, energy
and sound judgment manages it, and it yields a comfortable living
from ^■ear to ^■ear. The dwelling is substantial, comfortable and
nicel\' furnished, and the outbuildings on the place are al^o first-
class. Mr. Khoades feeds the maj(.r part of his corn to stock on the
])lace, al\\;i\s keeping a good class of li\'e stock, being esi)ecially
fond of good horses.
Feeling that it was his dut\' to se\er home ties and do what he
Could in defense of his countr\'s integrit\'. Mr. Rhoades enlisted in
C(>mpan\- L'. of the < )ne Hundred and Fift_\'-first Indiana \'olunteer
Infantrw in 1N03 and was with General Thomas at Xaslnille, where
he recei\ed a sun-stroke which has disabled him ever since and has
restdted in partial deafness. He took part in the great l)attle fought
at Xaslnille between Hood's and Idiomas' forces. As a result of
Ins defecti\e hearing be recei\es twent}-seven dollars pension per
month. Hut notwithstanding this affliction our patriotic subject
does not regret his scrxdce to his countr\-.
Mr. Rhoades takes much interest in the affairs of his children.
I'rank. the yonngest of the boys, is married to Bertha Leisure and
the\' are the i)arents of one winsome child. Lola, born August 27.
1004. I'rank is a member of the Knights of IVthias lodge at Con-
\erse. Indiana, as are also his brothers, and he makes his home in
Llwood. Charles P.. another of the sons, lixes with the subject on
the farm, managing the ])lace and assisting in the affairs of the farm
in general. He is a Mason, a member of the Independent (Trder of
Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, belonging to these orders at
Con\'erse.
OF IIOWAKD COLW TV. _'33
.\[iles J- Rliitades is in his fraternal relatinns a iiieniher df the
Iiiilependent Order of Oild I'elKiws. the lodoe at Cmuer^e. [ii
])iihtics he is a Denincrat. hut has iiexer aspired tn pnsitidus (it jjuhhc
trust at the hands nf his felluw citizens: hi>\ve\er, his suppi irt is
al\va\s fnr tlie liest man in the cnunty ntfices. and fur man}- years
he has taken much interest in ah nidxenients binkint;- tc. the 1)etter-
ment nf lus tnwnship and ci aintw He lia> always leil a (|uiet.
liiinest and well regulated life, which has gained fi >r him the respect
of a luist of admiring" friends whd regard him as mie of the leailing
citizens of Howard coiuitw
WILLIAM L. MAXX.
\\ illiruu 1'". Mann, the ])resent official engineer of kokonio. is
a son of John and P.arhara Maiui. the father a native of Monroe
count\'. West \'irginia. where his birth occurred on the ist of Au-
gust. iSjj. the mother horn in Shenandoah county. X'irginia, to
which ])art of the ()1<1 Dominion state her parents. Andrew a.nd
liarhara i Tluu'ni.an i I'ettie. rem( i\-ed man\' \ears ago from I'ennsyL
\ania. After remaining in the state of his hirth until i^'^.^J. John
Mann accompanied his parents upon their renio\ al to Henr\' count}'.
Indian.!, where, during the ensuing thirteen \ears he >u])porteil him-
self as a farm laborer. Init at the expiration of that i^eriod he came
to Howard county and located on eighty acres of woodland in what
is now Lnioii township, which he had ])iu-chased a few }ears ])re-
\ioirs and which under his labor was in due time cleared and trans-
formed into one of the finest farms ami most attractixe rin-al homes
in that section of the country. John Mann and Barbara Fettie Ije-
came husband and wife in the vear 1S4S. two years before their re-
234 MORROW S HISTORY
ni(i\al t<i their new hnme in the liackwuijcls of Howard cuunt^^ their
uniiin l)eing- l)lesseil with two children, a daughter bv the name of
Christina, who is now the wife of J. G. Brown, and \\ ilham F.,
whose name introduces this sketch.
W'iUiam 1*". !\Iann was b(jrn on the home place in Uninn town-
ship. As soon as did enough tn be of ser\ice he was ])ut tn work in
the \voods and during the years that followed he did his part in
clearing and developing the farni, devoting" the spring, summer and
fall to study in the (listrict school not far from his hcjme. After (jb-
taining" a g'ood common school education he entered the Spiceland
Academ\" where he prosecuted his studies until completing the pre-
scribed course and graduating in 11^75, following which he turned
his attention to teaching" and was thus engaged during the ensuing"
ii\e winter seasons, spending the rest of the time reading law in the
office of O'Brien & (iarrigus. at Kokumo. He subser|uentl\- entered
the law department of ]\Iichig"an L'ni\-ersity where in due time he
finished his professional course and recei\"ed his degree, being grad-
uated with a creditable record with the class of 1882. Returning
t(_) Kokomo he ^vas miminated for county survevnr <in the Rei)ub-
lican ticket, and at the ensuing election defeated his cumpetitur liy a
large majorit\" and at the proper time entered upi m the duties of his
office. At the expiration nf his first term he was honnred In" a re-
nomination, his victory at the jiolls following on account of his fit-
ness for the oftice. Since retiring from the office of county surveyor
he has been continuoush" engaged as a civil engineer in H(Tward and
other Counties and wherever eniplo\ed his professional work has
l)een eminently satisfactor_\- to all parties concerned.
In H>02 Mr. ^laim was appointed official engineer for the city
of Kokomo for a term of four }'ears and so \vell did he discharge
the duties of the p(isition that he was chosen his own successor in
OF HOWARD CUUXTV. J35
iQOd fi.ir an additii )nal tHur years' term, which he is iinw serxin^'
witli ci"e(ht t(i himself and justice tn the piihHc.
Mr. .Mann has lieen an acti\e wi irker in the Reiiubhcan ranks.
He is a Mason of hig'h standin.c;' and is also identified with the Be-
nevi>lent and Protective Order of P'lks.
Mr. Mann has ne\'er assumed the duties and responsibilities
of married life. He looked after his father's interests until the lat-
ter's death on ( )ctober 22d of the }"ear 1903, since which time he has
gi\'en considerable attention to his widowed mother, to w h(_>se wel-
fare he is de\-oted and whose business affairs he manages with the
fidelity becoming' a true and manh- son. She is now li\ing with her
great-grandson on the old faniih" homestea<l in L'nion township to
which she came when the countr}' was new and on which she has
resided continuou--!\' for a period of forty-eig'bt \'ears.
FRAXK KORBV,
It was once remarked by a celebrated moralist and biographer
"that there has scarcely passed a life of which a judicious and faith-
ful narrati\e would not have been useful." Belie^•ing■ in the truth
of this opinion, expressed by one of the greatest and best of men,
the writer of this review takes pleasure in presenting a few facts in
the career of a gentleman who. hv industrv. perse\'erance. temper-
ance and integrity, has worked himself from an humble station to a
successful business man and won an lumorable piisition among the
well known and highly esteemed men of the city in which he
resides.
Frank Korby, son of Peter and Heiu-ietta (Schindler) Korby,
was born Feljruary i, 1S77. in Floyd county. Indiana, and spent his
236
ear1\- life nii the farm where he first saw the hght of day. TJke the
iiiaji irit_\" iif ciiuntr\ huls. lie l)ecanie familiar with the duties of
ag'riciiltiire as snon as old enous^ii to l)e of ser\'ice and when not
l)ns\- in the fields attended the district school of his neii^'liborhood
^vhe1"e he recei\'ed a fair knowed.i^e of the English l)ranches. \\ hile
still a \outli he laid plans for the ftitin-e and it was not long until
he was enabled to carrv the same into effect 1>\' entering a cigar
factory at Xew Albany. Indiana, where in due time he liecanie a
skillful Workman, besides attaining a knowledge of Ijusiness which
sul)se(|uentl}- pruned of great |)ractical value when he started an es-
tablishment of his own. In casting about for a fa\"orable location
in which to engage in business upon his own responsibility. Mr.
Korb}' was attracted to the li\-e and enterprising city of Kokomo as
jjossessing the requisite ad\-antages. accordingly in Septemlier, 1897,
he came to this [)lace and at once began the manufacture and sale of
cigars which he has continued with gratif\'iiig sticcess to the present
time, building u\> the meanwhile a large and lucrati\e patrcinage and
establishing an honorable reputation as an energetic and progres-
si\e man of attairs. He is now proprietor of the leading cigar fac-
tories in the citv, gives emplo\nient to a numl>er of skilled workmen
and b\ close attention and careful. management has acctunulated a
Comfortable competenc\', owning \aluable real estate in the cit\- to
say nothing of personal propertv, his warious holdings placing him
in inile])endeiit circumstances and gi\ing him a ])lace among the sub-
stantial and well-to-do citizens of the coniniunit\'.
?\lr. korby has gained consi<lera])le local prominence in public
affairs and ])olitical circles and his interest in the same led to his ap-
pointment in lyoj to the cit\- council to fill out the unexpired tenn
of a former memlier, taking his seat on I'"ebrtiar\' I5tli of that \-ear
as a representatixe of the fourth ward. .\s a local legislator he has
demonstrated sound judgment and business abilitv of a hi.gh order
OF lldWAKI) CorXTV. 237
and since enterinti' the l)iul\ he has lieeii untiriiis;- in his clliu'ls tn ail-
\ ance the cit\'s interests, servini^- mi a nuniher ot iinpnrtant ci ini-
niittees and presentinsj' nieasnres which ha\e hi'en a deculed l)enelu
to the niunicipalit\'. He is a tirni and luyal l\epnl)lican. arli\e ami
influential in the counsels i>f his party and familiar with the lead-
ing pul>lic <|uestions and issues nt the day mi all nf which he has de-
cided iipinimis and the ciurage nf his conxictimis.
Mr. Kiirh\- is a man nf duniestic tastes and has a cmiifi irtahle
limiie ])resided o\er 1)\- a la<l\- of intelligence and gracious presence
who was tmrn Jul\' u, iNjcj, in Harrison cminty, Indiana. Prior to
her marriage Mrs. Korhy was ]\Iargaret Smith, who first met her
future husliaiid in the citv of Xew Alliam- where in due time their
nuptials were celebrated. Mr. and Mrs. Korh}- liaxe two children
that ha\e sur\'i\'e(l infanc\-, a son. I-^dgar and a <laughter 1)\- the
name of Lillian, both bright and interesting aiicl adding much sun-
shine and happiness t( 1 the little home circle.
Mr. Korb\- is a member of the Cigar Makers' L'liion and takes
an acti\'e interest in all matters pertaining to organized labor, being
a warm friend of the toiler and an earnest ad\-ocate of measures for
his advancements. ?le is also identified with the fraternal orders of
Red Men. h'oresters. Owls and Eagles, in all of which his efforts
lia\'e been iiiHuential and effective and in most of which he has been
honored at difterent times with important otiicial positions. In re-
ligion he was reared a Catholic and has e\er been a true and loyal
son of the Holy Mother church, of which body his wife is also a
faithful and consistent member.
.Vltliough com])arati\'eI\- \oung Mr. l\orb\- has come rajiidly to
the front and is now one of the most enter])risiiig and higlil\' es-
teemed residents of his adopted city. His industr_\- and eiierg\- lia\e
become iiroverbial and though deeph' immersed in busines> he finds
time to discharge the duties of citizenship and may ])ro|)erly be
termed a leader of the circles in which he mo\es.
238 morrow's history
EPHRAni RIXEHART. M. D.
Tlie man wlm devotes his talents and energ'ies to the noljle work
of ministering- to the ills and alleviating the suffering's of humanity
is pursuing- a calling- which in dignity, importance and lieneticial
results is second to no other. If true to his profession and earnest
in his efforts to enlarge his sphei'e of usefulness, he is indeed a bene-
factor of his kind, for to hin-i more than to an^- (jther man, are in-
trusted the safety, the comfort and in many instances the lives of
those who place themselves under his care and profit bv his '^er\-ices.
It is gratifying- to note in the series of personal sketches appearing-
in this work that there remain identified with the professional,
public and cixic aft'airs of Howard county mrni_\- who are nati\-e sons
of the county and \\ ho are abl}- maintaining the prestige of honored
names. ( )f this number Dr. Rinehart. who is prominent among the
physicians and surgeons, who is successfully engaged in the ])ractice
of his jirofession at ]'le^-na. is one of the representative men (if the
county, and is regarded as standing in the front rank of her profes-
sional men, ha\-ing l)een engaged in the noble art of medical science
and surgery within her borders for many }-ears, during which time
he has not only g-ained wide notoriety in his chosen calling but also
established a sound reputation iov uprig-htness and noble character
in all the relations of life.
Dr. Ephraim Rinehart was born in Howard cnuntv, Indiana,
Xoveml)er 10, i860, the son of John and Xancy ( Brubaker ) Rine-
hart, the former now- deceased. 'Vhttv are described as people of
many admiiable traits and their \\holeson-ie influence has had a
marked effect upon the subsequent life of our subject.
Dr. Ivinehart was reared on a farm in Er^•in township, ha\-ing
remained on the old homestead until he became of age, attending the
district schools and working with his father in the meantin-ie for
(IK IIOWAKI) CCH'XTV. 239
se\-er;il years. Reiiii^- aniliitiMus and a clnse student he laid a tlmr-
ougii fmindatinn fur a hroad ediicatiim wliich he has sul)se(|uentl\-
a\ailed himself of. He read medicine with Dr. l""l(ira. of Russia-
\ille. Indiana, and entered the Kclectic Medical scIuhiI at Cincinnati,
Ohid. in iNi).v and was graduated at the .\merican Medical College
at Indianapolis in iS()(), haxint^- nia<le a splendid record for scholar-
ship m 111 ith institntii >ns.
.\fter le:i\'ing' school Dr. Rinehart located in Carroll county.
Indiana, remainint;' there two \-ears, when, much to the reti'ret i>f a
large clientele he mo\ed to I'orest. Indiana, remaining there two
years and building up a lucrative practice in the meantime. Desir-
ing a broader field in which to e.xercise his talents he came to Tndian-
a])olis. practicing with success for some time: hut there occurring an
excellent opening at Russiaville. he located there, howexer. remain-
ing only a short time. He located then at I'lexna, December 2, 1900,
where he has since remained, Iniilding up an excellent practice, in
fact, the ill iCti ir is kept busx- all the time ni it 1 >n\v caring for his num-
erous patients in that \icinit\-. but also often respi aiding to im-
portant calls from ontlving ilistricts on serious cases, being called
from time to time in consultation with other practitioners on se-
rious cases, and his ad\ice is alwa^■s followed with gratifxing
results.
Dr. Rinehart has specialized to some extent on cancers, and be
has had a wonderful success on these baffling diseases, ba\'ing re-
mii\'ed them when all others failed. He has gained much fame
among the eminent medical men of the state by ^■irtue of his phe-
nomenal skill in handling cancer cases.
Dr. Rinehart was first married to Lydia M. Eikenberry, a rep-
resentati\'e of an old and influential famih'. and two bright and in-
teresting children were liorn to this union, namely: [Marie and
Russell, ages eighteen and sixteen, respecti\'el\\ in 1008.
240 MdKRdW S HISTORY
The (Idctor's first wife passed U> lier rest in lyoo, and he was
again married in the tall cif lyoi. his sec(jnd wife ha\'ing been
kniiwn in her maidenlnMid as Cura Dra\er, a nati\e (if Howard
connt}-. and a wunian of g'racious personality and pleasing address.
The suliject lias alwa}-s ^'oted the Republican ticket, but has
ne\er lieen acti^-e in [xilitics.
Dr. Rinehart is a ])leasant gentleman, honest and upright at all
times an<l he is nut only held in high esteem for his superinr pro-
fessional ability liut f(ir his puljlic-spirited nature, his wholesome
private and social life, and he is fast becoming one of Howard
count\''s mi.ist noted and influential men.
ISAAC P. DRAPER.
The ]iri iS])erit\' and sulistantial welfare nf a citv are in a large
measure due ti > the enterprise and wise foresight of its business luen.
It is ])ri igressi\e, wiileawake men nf affairs that make the real his-
tory of a commuiu't\ , and their influence in shaping and directing
its \c-irie<l interests is difficult to estimate. The well known gentle-
man I if whoiu the biographer writes in this connection has long
ranked among- the leading business men of Kokomo, and it is to
such enterprising sjiirits as he that the city is indel)ted for its recent
substantial gn iwth ;nid for the high ])iisition it occupies as a center
of industrial acti\-it}' and |)rogress. To ^fr. Drajier also belongs
the credit of ha\"ing ser\-ed his countr}- faithfulK- during one nf the
greatest wars nf which history has made record and as a member
of the gallant ami)- that crushed the hosts of treason and made im-
possible an\- further i-eciu'rence nf rebellinn he is entitled to the re-
spect and Imnnr <if e\ery citizen li\ing under the folds nf the Amer-
ican flat;".
(>|- iiiiw aInU C(l^.\T^■. 241
Isaac 1'. Draper is a natixe dt Sullixan ci iuiU_\ , Indiana, where
liis liirth (iccurreil cm the J4th nf .May. 1S4S. heini^- the S' m nf Jdhn
I!, and Mhzaljeth ( Wxirhees) Draper, the former horn in ( )hin, the
latter in the Honsier state, jnhn 15. Draper came to Inchaiia with
his parents in an early da_\- and settled in Siilli\an c.iiint\- when tliat
part of the state was on the \erii'e of cixilization. His father took
np and impro\ed a lartje tract of land and in due time became one
of the most extensi\-e holders of real estate in the count\-. the ,<ireater
part of his possessic.ms being- stibsecjiientK' di\'ided among- his chil-
dren, each of w-hom recei\ed a farm. ]nhn Draper grew to malurit\-
in Sullivan count}- and when a young- man accepted a clerkship in
the town of Sulli^-al-l, his ex])erience as a salesman afterwards en-
abling- him to engage in merchandising- upon his own resi)on.sil)ilit\-.
By energy and g-i;od luanagement, together with bis al)ilit\- to
])lease his customers, he soon ac(|uireil ;i lucratixe patronage, and
in the course of a few- years bis business house was the largest of the
kind in the town, as well as the u-iost successful. Me was identified
with the Commercial interests ami general g-rowtb and prosperit\- of
Sullixan for a period of Hfty-four }-ears. during- which time he not
only achie\-ed marked financial success as a ca])able. farseeing Inisi-
ness man. but ro^^e to an influential position as a public-spirited citizen
who cxer bad at heart the ad\ancement of the communit\- and wel-
fare of his kind. He li\-ed to see bis town transforn-ied from a mere
backwiiods hamlet into one of the most ]iros])erous cities of its
size in the state of Indiana, and after a long- and useful career,
fraught with much good to bis fellow men, be departed this life on
Jaiuiar)- 13, 1908. at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. John
Dra|)tr was married four times and became the father of si.xteet-i
children, sexeral of whom became actixeh' identified with their own
and other cou-in-iunities and achiexed honorable standing- as citizens.
Messick Drai>er, a brother of J'lbn. joined the army at the
242 iIOKR()\\' S HISTORY
breaking out (if the war with Mexico and accompanied liis command
to tlie scene of hostihties. where he participated in a nunil)er of bat-
tles, in one of which he fell pierced by a musket liall, and expired
on the fiekl.
Isaac v. Draper was five }'ears oi age when his parents left the
farm and moved to Sullivan, the death of his mother four years
later lea\-ing the lad i^retty much to his own resources. His adx'an-
tages for obtaining an education were limited. Xe\'ei"theless he ac-
quired a fair knowledge of the common school lirancbes. hut by
far the greater part of his mental training consisted of the prac-
tical kind such as schools and colleges fail to impart. On leaving'
home he turned his hands to \"arious kinds of employment until
strong enough to do a man's work, when he assisted in clearing and
de\'eloping a large amount of land, in this way becoming an expert
in the tise of an ax and crosscut saw and skilled in all manner of
\\-oodcraft. Although a mere ^•outh at the time indicated, he grew
up strong, athletic and splendidh' developed, and while still youn.g
he was al>le to make a full band at almost an\' kind of ])hysical la-
bor. At the age of thirteen be engao;ed with a manufacturer of
sta\'es. and during the ensuing three years worked in the factory
and became quite proficient at the business, ^leantime the national
skies had been obscured Ijv the clouds of civil war and on every
hand deep interest was manifested, many young men lea\'ing their
homes to .assist in crushing the rel)ellion and saving the Union.
At the beginning (jf the great conflict and for several )'ears
thereafter 'Sir. Draper was too young to enter the sen-ice. although
exceedingly desirous of doing- so. but in flue tinie be was enabled
to c;n-ry bis desire into effect. On March 16. 1865. when but six-
teen years of age. be enlisted in Company D. One Hundred and
l*'ifty-sixth Indiana X'olunteer Infantry, bttt in the following July
while under orders and in the line of dutv be contracted a severe
OF IIOWAKl) COL'XTV. 243
ci)l(l in the head wliich resuUed in the Inss nf hearing in his ris^ht
ear. the effects of this and Dther (hsahilities which followed snon
after remaining through hfe. Xntwilhstanding this he saw con-
siderable active service, princii>ally in line ni guard dut_\' and the
guarding- of prisoners in transit or between Alexander, Virginia,
City Point and Richmond, l-'mm April, 1865, to August following
the regiment was constantl}' 1 m guard and garrison dut\' in the
states cif A'irginia and Indiana, and \\iien the war closed it was
mustered out of service on the idtli of the latter month, althiiugh
the men did not receixe their llnal p;i\- until a week later.
On leaving the ser\'ice Air. Drajier returned to Sullivan, where
he engaged in the liipior business, which he conducted with marked
success for sex'eral }ears, and accumulated a handsome property, the
meantime beciiming one of the well-to-do men of the place. Dis-
posing of his holdings in Sulliwin in 1890 he came to Kokomo,
where some time previously he hatl boug'ht considerable real estate.
which was afterwards laid out in citx' lots and sold at handsome
prc.ifits. the proceeds from this source alone resulting in a compe-
tenc}-. 1-Au" a short time after locating in the cit}' INIr. Draper cijii-
dncted a gents' furnishing establishment. l)ut this not being alto-
gether to his liking he turned his attention to the manufacture of
soft and carbonated drinks, establishing the Ivokomo Bottling
Works, of which he still is the head, which, under his able and judi-
cious management, has continuoush- grown in magnitude and im-
joortance until it is now one of the largest and most successful en-
terprises of the kind in the state, as nia_\' readily be inferred by the
amount of business done, which has steadily increased from fifteen
thousand to the present larg-e volume of one hundred thousand dol-
lars annual!}'. Air. Draper began the Iwsiness alone. l)Ut in i8()3
he took in as a partner his son Harr\'. and the same year mo\-ed to
his present location, which is admirabh- adapted to the purpose and
244 MUKKUW S HISTORY
Avhicli he at mice began to enlarge and otherwise improx'e in order to
meet tlie rapidl}' gn.>\ving demand f(ir his product. Still later. Jan-
uar\' I. loot), his second sun, Frank C. Draper, was admitted to the
firm, the st\le nf which from that time on has been I. P. Draper &
Suns, a name wideh' and fa\()ral:)ly known in business circles
thri)Ughout Indiana and other states and secund to none on its com-
mercial rating.
In the building- up of this large and growing enterprise [Mr.
Drajjer has displa}ed ability of a \-er}" high order and as a business
man he easih- ranks among the most energ'etic and progressi\-e in
his adopted city. Industry and probity have been the chief factors
in his steadx' a(hance and his position in the world of affairs is such
as to reflect the highest credit upon himself and to add to the repu-
tation of Kokomo as an important business center. Manifesting
an al)iding interest in the material advancement of the city, he has
gi\-en his intluence and assistance to all enterprises with this object
in \iew, and he also takes an active part in promoting all worthy
means and measures for the welfare of his fellow men. All in all
he is a worthy representati\e of the sturdy, intellig'ent and prog-res-
si\-e class that give stability- to the bodv politic and character to the
conimunit\'. being broad-minded, with wide views of men and af-
fairs, anfl a true type of the enterprising American citizen of today.
Mr. Draper on August 1 7th of the year 1871 was united in mar-
riage with Jennie Earnest, of Sullivan county, daughter of Xathan
and Margaret (Osborn) Earnest, both parents natives of Indiana
and for manv ^■ears residents of the cotmty of Sullivan, in the soil
of which their bodies now rest.
^Ir. and Mrs. Draper have two children, Harry L. and Fred C.
both rising young men of high st)cial standing and fine business
ability, and, as already indicated, members of the firm of which
their father is the head.
C)l- llo\\ARI) COUNTY. ' - 245
Altlmugh deeply interested in l)usiness affairs, iMr. Draper has
iidt l)een unniindtul i>f his <hities to the pul)lic, IjeiuL;' a careful uli-
ser\er nf the trend nf events and an acli\e participant in those af-
fairs that relate t<i his own community. A DeuK^crat in all the term
implies and in touch with the leading' questions and issues of the
times lie has never entered the political arena as an office seeker,
having no taste for such a life and no use for the methods of the
partisan. Fraternally lie holds membership with the Grand Army
of the Republic. I^ist Xo. 30, at Kokomo, and is also identified with
the I'ythiau brotherhood, in which he has been iionnred with official
positions from time to time.
FRED C. DRAPER.
Pred C. Draper, member of the firm ni Draper & Sons and a
gentleman of influence and recog'nized liusiness al)ilit\', was born
August 24, 1874. in Sulli\'an, Indiana, being the second son of
Isaac P. and Jennie Draper, whose sketch precedes this re\-iew.
IMr. Draper recei\-ed a g'ood English education in the schools of
his nati\-e town of Kokomo and acquired his first knowledge of
practical alfairs as a clerk in the Stricklan<l Clothing House of the
latter cit\-, this experience being, in tact, the foundation of his sub-
sequent career as an enterprising- and ])rogressive man of aft'airs,
tlioug'h he had ])re\'iouslv intended preparing himself for the den-
tistiw. and had already taken a course in a dental college at Indian-
apolis. After returning from that citv he wrirked for a limited pe-
riod in his father's jilace of business, but later, in the year 1906.
1)ecame a partner in the concern, which relation he still sustains
and in which he has worked rapidlv to the front until he now' oc-
24<> MORROW 's HISTORY
cupies an impi.irtant position in the estaljlishment, besides gaining
h(in<ii-al_ile reci ignition among the rising- young men of the com-
munit}'.
Mr. Draper inherits man_\- ui the sterHng attributes and sturdy
characteristics for which his antecedents have long been chstin-
g"nished. and since becoming identified with the business interests
of Kokomo has made his influence felt in coinmercial and industrial
circles, being a man of forceful personality and Avell fitted by na-
ture and training t(i carry to successful issue large enterprises and
to discharge worthil}- the duties of high and important trusts. He
is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Eagdes and
in politics votes the Democratic ticket, though not a strict party
man mir e\'er an aspirant for office nr public hrmors at the hands of
his fellow citizens. Personallv he is quite popular, possessing as he
does the amiable qualities that attract friends and win close con-
fidences among- the young men of Kokomo with whom he asso-
ciates, and he is held in \-ery high esteem.
'Sir. Draper was ver}- happily married on the 15th of January,
1902, til Ice Turner, who has borne him two children — a son,
Harry, whose birth occurred July 5, 1903, and a daughter, Frances,
whii was liorn July 13th of the )ear 1907, the former dving in
infancv.
HARRY L. DRAPER.
Harry L. Draper, the older (if the two sons of Isaac F. and
Jennie Draper, and one of the representative business men of Ko-
komii, is a nati\'e of Sullivan county, Indiana, and dates his birth
from the 17th day of May, 1872. He was reared in the city of his
birth until the age of seventeen, attended the schools of the same
OF IIOWARll COUXTV. 247
and made CLUiimeiulahle progress in his studies. Actuated by a de-
sire to tit himself for business life he entered in iS88 the cnmniercial
department of Xcitre Dame L'ni\ersit\- at Snuth Jlend. where he
was graduated two years later, following wliich he worked a short
time for his father, later accepting a responsible and lucratix'e posi-
tion with the Illinois Central Railroad, which he held with credit
to himself ami to the satisfaction of his superiors for a period of two
\ears. resii,;niing in 18^)3. Inimediateh' after se\ering his connec-
tion \vith the road ]\[r. Draper returned to Kokomo, took a third
interest in his father's business, later increasing this ti) a half inter-
est and assisting \ery materiall}' in widening the scope of the bot-
tling industr\- and adding to the honorable reputation which the es-
tablishment had alread\- achie\ed. b'or the rapid ad\ancement and
almost phenomenal success which have characterized the Draper
Bottling Works during the ])ast ti\e years Harry L. Draper is
largely responsible, as he brought to the Inisiness a well trained
mind, mature judgment and the abilitv to foresee with remarkable
clearness and accuracy the future ouftrome of present action, all of
which cpialities enabled him to address himself to bis undertaking
with e\er}" assurance of success, the result being' such as to more
than realize his most earnest expectations. In addition to this lirm
he is also identified with other local interests, owning a third of the
stock in the Kokomo Sanitar\' Milk and Ice Cream Cl:lmpan^■, an en-
terprise which has proven (|uite profital)le, Ijesides being greatly
appreciated b_\" its numerous patnnis in the cit}" and elsewhere. Mr.
Draper is a Democrat but not a partisan, much less an aspirant
for official honors or leadership. Nevertheless he has intelligent
\-iews relati\'e to the issues on which men and parties divide and the
courage of his convictions on the questions of the da}'. He takes
much interest in secret fraternal and 1:)eTievolent work, being a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Order of Eagles,
2^H JK)KR{)W's HISTORY
in all (if winch lie stands liiiiii and wields a salutarv and far-reaching"
intlnence.
In the year i<S96 Mr. Draper and Maude Alexander, of Rob-
inson, Ohio, were united in the Imly Ijduds of wedlock, the union
being" blessed with t\\ 1 1 children — ^^largaret, born June 21. 1898,
and Jennelte, whose birth occiu'red on Xovenilier 21st of the ^•ear
1906. Mrs. Draper is a 1ad\- of \;u"ied culture and rehnenient, who
received her education in the ]iublic schools and the State Xormal
School at Terre Haute and who previous to her marriage was one
of the efficient anil ixqiular teachers of her nati\"e town. She also
taught elocution and physical culture in the pul)lic schools of Dan-
\ille and earned an honorable reputation for efficieucv in those spe-
cial lines of work.
TOHX STOUT.
The suliject of this sketch is one of the substantial and well
known ag"ricultiu"ists of ^ibniroe towuslhi). Howard countv, Indiana,
where he has long maintained his houie, I>eing regarded as (.me of
the leading farmers of this localit\", his fine farm representing" n"iuch
hard labor, Init the subject is a man of well known energy and de-
termination in Inisiness affairs. Indolence and idleness are entirely,
foi'eign to his nature, and his continued acti^■itv in the management
and de\'elo])ment of this property has made his one of the \-al-
uable farms in this county.
John Stout was born in Clark county, Illinois, January 28,
1842, the son of Sybanus and Rebecca (Staufield) Stout, the for-
mer a natix'e of North Carolina and the latter of R^entuck}-. The
subject's paternal grandfather, lohn Stout, was also a North Car-
( linan, who located in ( )range couut\", Indiana, when S\'l\"auus was
OF IKIWARI) (.(HWTV. _'4i;
a small hi i\- l)ack in tlie iiinneer da^s. The}' ulitaineil wild land,
which they cle.areil and on \\hich tlie\- made a cnmfi >rtahle Imme
and (in which they lived and died. ha\ini;- reared eio-jit children, as
follows: Irani, who is livin^- in Orant^'e count\', this state: S\l\a-
mis, the subject's father: Silas, who came to Howard count\- in
1S48: John h\ed and died in Orant^e connt\-: William came to Mow*-
ard coiint\- in iS()0: Fa}ette li\ed and dieil in Orange countw as
did also Ani\- and Hannah.
The subject's father orew up in Orange coiint\' .and attemleil
the common schools there. He married rnid went to Clark county.
Illinois, in 1S37. where he entered land, being otie of the pioneers
if that da\-. This land was cleared in time and a comfortable Imme
made thereon. Selling this land in i!~^52 the famil\- moxed to How-
ard couiit\', Indiana, and purchased eight\- acres one and one-half
miles north of New London. .\n old log house and stable were
on the place at the time. Being a man of thrift, he added to his land
until he had a tine farm of one hundred and sixt\" acres. He was
alwa}"s a farmer and ne\'er aspired to public office. In politics he
was a \^ hig and later a Republican. He was a member of the
h'riends church and was acti\'e in church work. Ten children were
Ijorn to this famil\- as follows: I'llizabeth. Jane and Marw all de-
ceased: John, subject of this sketch: Amy and Rachel, both de-
ceased: Thomas is an artist in Whitman count}', [Missouri : Frruik-
lin. Hannah and the youngest child are all deceased.
John Stout, our subject, attended the common schools at Xew
London, this countv, remaining at home until he was twenty-mie
years of age. He then worked out two years, after which he rented
land for about foiu" years, then bu_\-ing land, to which he has added
by reason of his prosperity resulting from his industry an<l frugal-
it_\-. until he now has a fine farm of one hundred and se\'enty-fiye
acres situated in Monroe towiishii), this count}'. He also owtis a
250 MOKKUW S HISTORY
fine home in Xe\\' Londnn, where he h\-es and has eight and one-
lialt acres of land. He has ahva^'s l>een a farmer and is regarded
h\" his neighljors as one nf the hest in the tuwnship, keeping his place
well iniprcved and under a high state nf culti\-ation. He is an ex-
cellent judge of all kinds of li\-e stock. He retired in 1905 and has
since li\ed in Xew London.
Our sul:>iect married in 1865 Mary ]\hirris, a nati\'e of Jackson
count}-. Indiana, a daughter of J(jshua and Mar}- [Morris, pioneers
<if Howard count}-. He was a merchant, farmer and stock dealer,
coming to Xew Liinilon in 1853 and opening up a store. He died
of smallpox the following year. His wife is also deceased.
VWe children ha\-e been Ijorn tn the subject and wife, as fol-
!()\\-s : Emn-ia, the wife of Samuel 'rhom])Son, living in Kokomo,
this state, and the niother of two children, Ijlanche and Hale: ]\Iin-
nie. who is living- in Kokomo; Howard, who is a civil engineer, be-
ii-ig superintendent of construction on the Xorthern Pacific Rail-
road, located at preseiit at Pasco, Washington. He was a teacher
for ten }-ears in Indiana, Kansas and ^Massachusetts. He married
Tessie AN'addell. ]Mi;irris. the fourth child of the subject, is living'
on the hon-ie place, which he manages. He was educated at Xew
London. He attended Earlhan-i College for four \-ears and becan-ie
a teacher, havii-ig graduated at the Chicago Cni\-ersity. He studied
law oxer two years and was adniitted to practice. He is married.
Blanche, the fifth child of the subject, is the wife of X. B. Th(irn.
i:)f Brad}-, Texas. Tlle^- ha\-e one son, John 'P.
'Sir. Stout has alwa}s Iieen a farn-ier and stock dealer and a
hard \\i}rker, and he has been eminenth- successful as a result of
his well directed energv and honest Inisiness methods. He started
life in a small wa}' with neither influential friends nor inherited
wealth to assist him. but he has made good use of e\-erv opportunity
and is enn'nentl}- deser\-ing- of the success and praise he has attained.
OF ]l()\\AKIi CorXTV. 251
He has ne\-er aspired fur offices of trust ami enioliinieiii at the
iiands of the [Jiibhc. In poHtics he is a l'rohil)itionist and he is al-
\\a}'s on the ri,t;"ht siile of every (juestion Im iking to tlie Ijetterment
of his communit}-, whether in moral, ci\ic or educational lines. He
is a member of the Frientls church at Xew London and Init few men
in Howard county are better known or more highh' respected than
Alt. Stout, for his life has always been clean and his hal)its e.xem-
plar\". He is a pleasant man to meet, al\\;n-s agreeable and friendlw
THOMAS AYRES.
Distincti\'elv one of the notal)le men of his da\- and generation
in Howard countw and for man\- vears a leader and authority in
lines of endea\"or re(|uiring wide intelligence, mature judgment an<l
a high order of business abilit}-, it is fitting that the career of the
honorable subject of this sketch he outlined in this connection and
that a tribute to his worth as a citizen be accordeil him. Eighty-
eight years ha\'e elai)sed int(> the inexorable past during the lifetime
of our \-eneral)le subject, who wears the crown of glorv befitting old
ag"e — a sih'ery head of hair. The period of time embraced in the
life of Air. A\-res includes the most momentiius e\"ents, most phe-
nomenal growth and development in all the annals of human his-
ton-, A life of such length, hnwe\-er devoid of tragic e\"ent or star-
tling- feature, is not without its lessons of value, and it is Imped that
the following brief outline of a protracted and useful career and
the honest tribute to honest, manlv worth, mav be read with profit
by the ^•(]ung- man whose achievements are still to be wrought out
and whose destin\' is ^■et a matter for the future to determine.
Thomas Avres was born in Bourbon countv. Kentuckv, March
2. iSjo. the Sim i_)f Thmnas and Frances ( West) A_\"res. The swh-
ject"s fatlier nio\'e(l to Xicholas count_\-. Kentucky. He came fnim
Virginia to the Bkie firass state, and his wife came from erne of tlie
Carohnas. He was a man of man_\' sterling- qualities and made a
g'allant soldier in the Indian wars. He was called fmm his earthlv
career in Nicholas countw Kentuck}'. ahout 1S37. after a bus\' life
on the farm. William A}res. his brother, lived in the same neig'h-
borhorul.
The sn])ject's parents reared a famil}- cijmposed of two sons
and two daughters, the onh" one li\ing in icjoS being- our subject.
Thon-ias A_\'res worked on his father's farm, attending the common
schools in the meantime, receiving such education as those earlv
times attorded. In 1847 he left Kentucky and came to Rush county,
Indiana. After remaining there a sh()rt tinie he returned to his na-
tive localit}-, sold the old home place and brought his widijwed
rnother, her husliaml ha\-ing died a short time previous, back to
Indiana.
Mr. ,\yres was united in marriage ?^Iay 28, 1848, to Xancy
Cross. She was born in Greene county, ^enns^-l\-ania, in 1826. She
has pro\-en a most praiseworthy helpmeet and wrirthy companion of
our subject and her life has been filled with good deeds, her ex-
ample ha\ing- been ui)lifting arid wholesome.
]\lr. and ^Irs. Ayres lived in Rush county, Ii-idiana, until Xo-
■\-ember. 1S80, when they n-ioved to Howard count}-. They had
started life with n(-)thing, but being- industrious and energetic they
accuniulated fnim the start and in time were enabled to purchase
a good farm in RusJ-i count)-, where the}- li\-ed in comfort for manv
years. Upon coming to Howard countv j\Ir. Ayres boug'ht one
hundred and sixty acres of good land in Libertv township. This
fann. which he still looks after, shows that a man of uiiusual insight
into n-iodern scientific agricultural metlnids had given it his careful
(I!-- HOWARD e'(ir.\ TV. ■ 2^T,
attentiim. hax'iiig made it one of the most desirable places in the
township. The dwelling" and outbuildings are comfortable and sub-
stantial, ha\'ing been well kept.
Se\"en children have been Imrn to the subject and wife, five
uf whom are li\ing in ii)oS. namel}' : Jacob. John. J. H., Alar}- E..
Sarah I. ; Minnie and Elizabeth are deceased.
Mr. and Airs. Ayres moved to Greentown in March. 18S3. He
bought a square in Greentown, but later sold it. Howexer. he still
owns property in this place, also in Kokomo, in addition to his farm
in Liberty township.
Air. Ayres has not only been thrifty but he has l.)een able to do
the communities where he has li^•ed much good b}' gi\'ing of his time
to their ad\ancement. Starting as he did with nothing, and having"
ne\er received aid from anv one, the liberal competence he has
shows that he has been a man of unusual business ability and also
has exercised rare soundness of judgment throughout his career,
so that in the golden e\"ening of their lives this eniinenth" xvorthy
and honorable couple are spending their closing da\s in comfort
and peace as a result of the industn- and thrift of their earlier years.
They are loyal members of the Christian church. They are perhaps
the oldest wedded couple in Howard count}", ha\'ing been married
over sixty years — vears of harmonv and hap])iuess in the highest
(leg"ree.
Fraternally Air. .\}'res is a A'lason aiid he has always tried to
live up to the noble precepts set bv this sul)lime order. ( )ur sub-
ject was forn"ierh" a Democrat, having cast his first \-rite for Janies
K. Polk, but fin" manv vears he has been a Republican. Xotwith-
standing the fact that he has alwavs been popular in his conimunity.
he has never held public office, preferring to keep the e\"en tenor
of his way aside from the public gaze.
It would be hard to find within the borders of Howard count\'
254 MORROW S HISTORY
people of more Ijeautiful characters and more wcjrthy of the undi-
vided respect and esteem than Air. and Mrs. Ayres. Their cozy
and nicely furnished home in Greentown is the gathering place for
numerous friends and admirers, and the}" are especially well liked
by the ytiung- people, who delight in according them the praise due
such worthy characters.
ALBERT RECKXAGEL.
The l)iographies of successful men are instructive as guides and
incenti\es to tlnjse whose careers are yet to be achieved. The exam-
ples the^" furnish of patient puq>ose and consecutive endeavor
strongh' illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. The
gentleman whose life storv herewith is briefly set forth is a con-
siMCUous example of one who has li\'ed to good purpose and achieved
a dehnite degree of success in the special sphere to \vhich his tal-
ents and energies have been de\-oted. As the name indicates, Albert
Recknagel is of German origin, although born and reared on Amer-
ican soil and a loyal citizen of the state in which he lives. His fa-
ther, who also Ijore the name of .\lbert Recknagel. came to this
countr\- when a ^■oung man from his natix'e land of Ba\-aria and
shorth" after his arriwal married Barbara Buckelmueller, who was
born also in Bawaria, both having settled in Milwaukee, A\'isconsin,
after c<iming to this country, where their nuptials were aftenvard
celebrated.
Alliert Recknagel was born in the above city on December 31,
lSC^y. and recei\-ed a good education in the graded schools, this
training lieing supplemented by a course in the Spencerian Commer-
cial Colleo'e, from \\hicli he was o'raduated in the year 1SS2. His
OF HOWARD CorXTV. 255
natural inclinations heint;" in the directiim of mechanism, he early
gave free rein to the same 1.))- entering- the Brand Stnve Works of
jMilwaukee for the purpose of learning sto\-e mounting, at which
lie A\as required to ser\-e a four years' apprenticeship. !!)■ diligent
application he soon hecame ipiite a skillful workman, and having
mastered the trade within the period specified he entered the em-
]i]n\ of the compan\' and contiinied with the same until resigning
his i)osition some time later to take charge of the steel range de-
partment of tlie Eclipse Sto\e Company at Mansfield. Ohio. After
remaining witli the latter enterprise until igoo he severed his con-
nection with his emplovers and \vent to St. Louis, [Missouri, where,
in June of that \ear. he accepted the superintendencv of the Artistic
Enamel Works, which manufactured the haiamel steel rang'e. a po-
sition of great responsil)ilit}- and trust, calling for much more titan
ordinary ahilit}' and tact, to sa}- nothing of the technical training
and practical efhciencv required. That Mr. Recknagel fullv met
these re(|uirements and justified the company in the wisdom of his
choice is indicated hv the four vears of faithful service he rendered
tlie companv and the high esteem in which he was held In' the man-
agement and those under him.
Resigning in June, 1004. the place which he liail so ahly and
conscientiously filled. Mr. Recknagel came to Kokonio and hecame
superintendent of the mounting- department of the Hlohe Sto\-e and
Range Company, which he held until Januai-y i. 1908. when he was
promoted to the higher and more responsible post of general supei"-
intendent. the duties of which he has since discharg-ed with credit
to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the firm, his career since
coming- to this city ])resenting- a series of continued successes that
ha\e won hini honorable repute and high standing- among the rep-
resentati\-e men of his calling throughout the countr}-.
^^'hen a }-oung m;m Mr. Recknagel not only aimed to be a
-\^^J
master of his craft, l)iit i'> prnNe faitliful to his eniplnyers 1))' always
making tlieir interests his own. To these ends he has given at all
times lo\'al and conscientious attention, and to all details of the
work in his charge, which accounts for the i)ronounced success that
has characterized his administration of the different plants where
he has been engaged and for the confidence that has alwa}-s oljtained
Itetween himself and his superi(jrs. At this time he is considered
one of the most trusted and valuable emplo}"es r)f the large com-
pan\' w ith w hich he is identified, standing- high in the confidence and
esteem of the otficials, while his relations with those under him have
always been pleasant and ag'reable and devoid of the friction tliat is
frecjuently engendered in the large industrial establishments by the
arbitrar^• manner of those intrusted with the power of management
and lea<lership. I\Ir, Recknagel is a shrewd reader of human nature
and a natural leader, his ability begetting confidence on the part
of the emplo\es, \\hile his thorough masterv of his trade and fa-
miliarity with e\ery detail ot the sto\-e business make him especially
\alnable as the manager of large and important interests.
Mr. Recknagel possesses strong domestic tastes and takes much
])leasure in his laeautiful home at Xo. 28 \\'est Broadway, which is
jiresided o\er by the intelligent and estimable lady whom he mar-
ried in Milwaukee, ;uid who pre\ions to her marriage bore the name
of Julia W'ortkotter. She was born and reared in that city and re-
cei\ed her educational training in Xotre Dame Convent at Mil-
waukee, and her intelligence and culture fit her to mo\'e in the best
Social circles of the cit\- in which she now li\es. She. tijo, is of Ger-
man descent and belongs to one of the well know'n and wi<lely es-
teemed families of ^Milwaukee, where her people have resided for
a number of vears.
Mr. Recknagel takes great interest in secret fraternities and
benevolent work and has attained to high standing in several or-
OF IKiWAKIi C()LXr\'. 25/
ders. notaljly the AlasDiiic l)r(itherhi)(Hl, in wliich he has reaeheil
tlie tliirt}--second degree, besides holding important otficial stations
in tiie intermediate branches of the order. At this time he has tlie
h(.in(ir c.if serving' as worsliipfnl master nf Howard Lodge, Xn. ij^,
and also iiolds the office i>f scribe nf the chapter, ci)n(Kictiir of the
Council and the position of third guard in the commandery. His
dee|) interest in and close stuiK' ot Masonr_\ is attested 1)\ tlie fact
of his hax'ing attained to his present eminent standing in the order
within the past two and a half _\ears, his rapid adxancement bearing
e\"idence of his energ}', fruth fulness and the lo\e he has for tlie most
ancient and honoral;)le of all fraternal societies. He is also identified
with the Knights of Pythias, and manifests an aliiding interest in
cxerything that makes for its ad\ ancemeiit, being an acti\e ami in-
fluential worker, besides holding ofticial imsitioiis from time to time.
Politically he is a Republican, but not a partisan: neither does he
take a \-en' active part in the ci>uncils of his party beyond \'oting his
])rinciples and defending the soundness of his oi)inions on the ipies-
lii.r.s of the da}'. I'ersonall}' he is affable and popular with the ])eo-
ple of his adopted city and ready at all times to encourage and aid
all laudal)le measures and enteq^rises for the general good. By a
life consistent in motive and because of his man)' fine (|u;dities he
has earned the sincere regard of all who know him, and his success
in bis chosen field of endea\'<ir bespeaks for him continued aeh'ance-
ments and the higher sphere of usefulness in the industrial world
to which in due time he will doubtless be called.
V.KPb:XTlXF. .VRXRTT
\\ hether the ele.ments of success in life are innate attrilnites of
the individual or whether they are (|uickened by a process of cir-
cumstantial development, it is impossible to clearly determine. Vet
258 morrow's history
the study nf a successful life, \\liate\er the held of endea\(ir, is none
the less interesting and prolTtaJjle h\- reasun (if existence (if this
same uncertainty. Sd much in excess of tlmse (if successes are the
records of failures or semi-failures, that one is constrained to at-
tempt an anal_\'sis in either case and to determine the measure of
causation in an approxnnate \\;n'. But in stu(l\ing the life history
of the well known resident and po|)ular citizen of Lil)ert\- township,
Howard county, whose name forms the caption of this article, and
who is now h\ing' in retirement, we hnd man\' (|ualities in his make-
uj) that ;dwa\s gain dehnite success in au\- career if ])r(iperl\-
directed, as his has e\i(lently been done, which has resulted in a life
of g(jod to others as well as in a comfortable competence to himself.
Valentine Arnett was Ijorn in W'a^ne county, Indiana. January
?4, 11^43. the son of James H. and TlKelje (Baldwin) Arnett. The
Arnett family, as far as is known to the present generation, i'^ of
Irish descent, the great grandfather of the subject having come from
the Emerald Isle and located in ISaltimore, .Mar\land. The father
of the subject was born in (inilford countw Xorth Carolina, Septem-
Iier (). ]i>](). When a \(iung man he came to Indiana and settled in
W a}ne count}" where he wdrked for wages until he had sa\ed enough
mone}- to purchase land, which he e\-entualh- did and became a suc-
cessful farmer. He married in iJ^,^(). lundng lixed on his farm there
until 1N54 when he mo\e(l to Monroe townshi]), Howard count}-,
where he lesided man\- }ears. settling on the Collins Jones farm.
In [i^^j he traded his farm for a store in Xew London and con-
tinued in the merchandise business for a period of f(irt\' years mak-
in,g it a ])rononnced success. His death occurred (Jctolier 5. i^')/.
He was at one time wealthl}- but lost considerable m(ine\- at the
close of the war b}- unfortunate dealing in hogs. Eight children
were born to James H. Arnett by his tirst wife, four of wdiom are still
li\-ing in n)0(S. He was twice married, his second wife being ^lar-
(I|- flOWAKI) CI)L"\T\'. 259
tlia W iltsie. their w edilint^' occurrino; in \i<h^^. Six cliildren were
Ixirn ti> the secmid unimi. tHur of whom are liv-int;' at this writinj^-.
\'alentine Aniett. our sul>ject, attended the country schools ami
later the schools at New London. Hax'iuL;- been ambitious from the
start and a close student, his thirst for knowledi^e was not appeased
until he attended Earlham C'olle,^e for two terms where he made a
splendid record for scholarship and deportment. He was a teacher
for three terms, hax'ing been very successful as an instructor. When
tweK'e years old he entei'ed his father's store and was a clerk there
for years, during' w hich time the trade increased rapidly.
In 1864 Mr. .\rnett was united in marriage to Caroline HoU-
ing'sworth. who was born in I'nion count}', Indiana, bebruary (),
1843. She receixed a good common school education.
In iH()6 Mr. .\rnett went into the woolen factory at Xew Lon-
don. ha\ing purchased one-fi>urth interest in the same. His con-
nection with this institution was a successful \enture. In 1872 he
moyed to Kokomo. believing that here was a larger field for the
exercise of his industrial talents. Here he entered the dr_\- goods
store of Robert Colt and went with him to Lal'orte, Indiana, where
he remained with him for three )-ears. In the fall of i>ij() he re-
■ turned to Kokomo. He was later connected with Dixon & Com-
])any in the hardware business with whom be remaine<l during the
period that firm contniued m busmess.
In all these \'arious lines of business ]\Ir. Arnett showed re-
markable a])titude and was uniformly successful in each, being a
man of inherent business al)ility and of ]>leasing a<ldress. so that his
dealing with the general jniblic was made easy and was fairly suc-
cessful at all times.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. .\rnett, all of whom
are now deceased except Hon. Will H. Arnett. the present efticient
mayor of Kokomo.
26o
'J'he subject"* second marriage was to L(_>uisa Xixon. who was
born in Henr\' CDunt}', Indiana. She came to Howard countv in
1845. She was the daughter of Richard and Asenath H. Xixon.
Her parents were members of the Friends church. ]\Irs. Arnett is
one of the .stockholders of the Howard county National Bank of
Kokijmo. Her father was one of the original stockholders of this
bank, Ijeing the instigator of the institution and was its first vice-
president. He died October 10, 1891. and he is remembered as a
man nf much business ability and of excellent traits of character.
Mr. Arnett is a loyal Republican in politics, but he has never
taken a prominent part in his party's affairs. He is a member of the
]\[asonic fraternity. Irxlge Xo. 93, of Kokomo, and his daily life
\\(iuld indicate that he adheres strictly to the sublime precepts which
this great order advocates.
^Ir. and Mrs. Arnett are quiet unassuming people, hospitable
and kind, and their well regulated li\-es and wholesome influence
renders them the recipient of the friendship and gocid will nf all
wliii know them, and the_\- are spending their li\-es in peace and
serenity in their comfortable countiy home, one and one half miles
west of Greentown, Liberty township.
\A'ILLIAM H. HIGGIXS.
William H. Higgins is a native of the great Empire state. New
York, having been born at Kendall, Orleans county, October 5,
1841. the son of Henry and Hannah (Eddy) Higgins. The former
was born at Williamstown, Massachusetts, and the subject's grand-
father and great-grandfather were born on Cape Cod, and the name
was formerly spelled Higginson, but later the "on" was dropped
OF llOW'AKI) COUNTY. 261
from the name. The IIi^;.^'iiises lia\e I'urilan blnnd cnursini;'
thniULih their \'eins, for the tirst memljers df tin's family were amon.t^-
the famous band that came tn the ne\v worM in the Mayllower.
some four centuries ago. 'Jdie ninther o\ nur suhject was Icim at
Saratoga, New York.
William H. Higgins was reared nn a farm and attended the
cciiintry schools, securing a fairly good common sclnxil educatinn.
A\'lien the dark clouds of the Rebellion hung o\-er this country,
his father, being a man of much military al)ilit\'. lu'ged liis son. our
subject, to enlist his sen'ices in defense of the flag. \\"iniam, being
small in stature, ciould hardly pass the required examination, but
after a time lie was accepted and on August 25, i86j, he enlisted in
the Twelfth Independent Battery of Xew ^'ork \'olunteers and was
in the Army of the East. His father, who was then sevent}' ^ears
old, was a Brigadier (ieneral of the State AFilitia. and he raised a
company in Xew A'ork, but on account of his ad\'anced age he was
not permitted to g(i to the front. Just two years after the subject
enlisted, on the same day of the month, he was cajitured and during
the next seven months was held as prisoner by the Confederates,
having been confined in three different prisons during the time,
Libbv, Belle's Island and Salisbury. North Carolina. During his
incarceratii'U his health was seriously depleted and he came near dy-
ing. He w-ith many others was liberated when Sherman's army
passed through that country on its famous march to the sea. He
was set free February 22. 1864. and taken back to Xew York where
he lay between life and death for some time, but he was a man of
much fortitude and stoical courage and finally regained his health,
his great desire being to rejoin his regiment, which he was per-
mitted to do and had the opportunity of participating in the grand
review at Washington City where all were discharged at the close
of the war. Air. Higgins then returned to his wife and baby in
26^
New \'iirk. he ha\ing' l)een married previous tn liis enlistment to
^larv L. Bi'dwn. a nati\'e nf tlie P^mpire state.
Fiiur children were l.njrn to this union, three of whom are now
living; and have all been married.
Our subject has been in the gas business for man\- ^-ears. first
in the East, later in Kokomo where he at present ( igo8) holds the
position of manager of the Kokomo ( ias Compan\'. which he has
acceptablv held for the past twentv-four years.
Mr. Hig'g'ins is a Republican and he cast his first \ote for Lin-
coln and during- several campaigns he was one of the enthusiastic
and acti\e members of the Lincoln Club. He has ne\'er aspired to
oflice, but at the close oi the war he was elected town clerk, but not
liking ])ublic office resigned the place before he had served out his
full term.
I-'ratemally Mr. Higgins is a member of the Masonic lodge.
ha\ing attainetl the degree of Knight Templar. He is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias lodge, having passed all the chairs in the
same. He is treasurer of the Eagle lodge. He is also a memljer of
the local post of the (irand .\rmy of the Repuljlic at Kokomo.
TOE R. MYERS.
The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article
contains no e.xciting chapter of tragic e\"ents, luit is replete with well
defined purposes which carried to successful issue have won for him
an influential place in lousiness circles and high personal standing
among his fellow citizens. His life work has been one of unceasing
industr)- and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods
which he has ever followed ha\e resulted not onlv in o-aining the
Ol'' IMIWAKl) riKXTV. 263
ciiiifidence of those with w lidiii he has had ilealing>. hut alsn in tlie
building" up of a large and i^mtitahle indnstr}- and the aeciiinnlatinn
of a handsome competency.
Joe k. M\"ers. proprietor of the largest niarl)]e and granite
works in the state, and a hiisiness man of sterling worth and honor-
ahle repute, is a natne of Jasper count\'. Ilhnois. and the sou of
Lewis and Margaret (Shires) Ahers. He was horn .Ma\- <;. 11^75.
and after spending about fifteen years in the state of his hirth. ac-
comjianied his ])arents in 1800 to Kokonio. Indiana, where during
the ensuing h\e vears his father was engaged in the pro\ision au<l
meat trade, hie R.. who is the seventh in a famiK of eight children.
recei\'ed a practical education in the public schools of his nati\e
place and Kokomo. and while still (piite a \oung man was attracted
to the marl)le trade which in due time he decided to make his life
wurk. .\fter carefulh' considering the matter in its e\ery detail
and being con\ince<l that Kokonio afforded a faxorable opening
for the business, he started in lanuar\-. 1000. the establishment of
which he is still proprietor and which under his iudiciou^ and ca])-
able management has grown into the largest and most prosperous
concerns of the kind in the state. .Mthough beginning" in rather a
modest \va\' and in competition with other and long established
firms. Mr. Myers dexoted himself assiduousl\- to the building up of
his business and 1)\' consulting the tastes of his customers and keep-
ing in stock e\er\-thing in the wa\' of monuments the pul>lic might
demand, together with the most skillful artisans obtainable to do
his work, it was not long until his efforts were crowned witli success
and he foimd himself on the high road to prosperit)- and allluence.
Mr. Myers' establishment at this time is not only the largest
of the kind in Kokomo liut there are few in the state which do such
an extensive and |)rofitable business. Ijeing thoroughly eiphi)ped with
the iiK.ist ap])ro\ed modern machiner\- for the dressing, hnishing.
264
polishint;' and engraving' nt marble and granite and ojjerated Ijv cut-
ters whose artistic a1)ilities and practical experience ha\e made them
masters of their \()cation. The lettering is all executed with pneu-
matic tools which are operated hv compressed air. enabling the oper-
ator to perform a greater amount of work and a Ijetter class than
can be accomplished l)v hand. One of tlie most con\"enient and
servicealile features of the establishment is an immense tra\'eling
crane of fifteen tijus capacity, which makes it possifde to raise and
])ut in ])lace large blocks of marble or granite \vith rapidit\' and ease.
He also owns a i)ortable crane of a similar character for placing
monuments in cemeteries. While doing ever}-thing in the line of
marl)le and granite work Air. Myers makes a specialty of the larger
grades of monuments in which he takes high rank among his fellow
dealers throughout the state, nianv of the finest and most artistic
memorials in the cenieter\- at Kokomo and other cities being the re-
sult of his workmanship and skill. Neither pains nor expense are
spared to make the jjroduct of his work acceptable and it is a fact
worth\- of note that e\'er since the business was started customers.
ha\'e been made so jileased as to render anv form of dissatisfaction
im|)ossible. all contracts being fullfilled, in letter and in spirit, and
in not a few instances the expectations of purchasers ha\e been so
g'rcath- exceeded, the desire to please, together with fair ;uid honor-
able methods, being among the influences that have Iniilt u|j the
large and lucr;iti\e patronage which the establishment now com-
mands.
.\ business man in the full sense cif the term and making all
other considerations subordinate to the successful prosecution of his
chosen \-ocation. Mr. M^'ers is also public-spirited and fullv in touch
with means and measures for the adxancement of his citv and for
the welfare of the po]")ulace. He is mindful of the duties he owes to
the communit}-. discharges the same as becomes a man of character
OF HOWAKI) COLWTV. 2()p
anil inlhience and as citiV-en is ful1_\- abreast nf tlie tunes. ha\in,t;-
ilecided (ipinions and the courage nf his crinx'ictinns cm all the lead-
ing" questions of the day. He is an acti\e meniljer ot the Inde-
pendent (Irder dt OM l-^Ildws and the order i>f Ik-n-l lur.
On the 5th day of September. 1906, Mr. .M\ers uniteil in niai'-
riage with ]Maude Jacksim, of Hnward CMnntw the acc(im])l!shed
and popular daughter of Re\-. Jacob hi. and luiinia Jackson, of
Clay townshi]). the father Ijeing a well known and successful min-
ister of the IMethodist Episcopal church and for o\er a i|uarter of a
century a member of the conference within the bounds of which he
still resides. Rev. Jackson ser\-ed his church faithfull\- and effec-
ti\-el}- during the long period indicateil and the \arious churches to
which he ministered in boh' things prospered greatK' under his
labors, and parted must regretfulh" with his services. After a use-
ful and honorable career in the sacred office to wdiich his energies
and talents were so conscientiouslv devoted, he discontinued the
Work on account 1 if ill health in the \eav ic)Oo and since that time
has li\'e(l a life of retirement in the pleasant and attracti\e rural
home in Clay township which he owns. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Silvers are
valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Kokomo and
deepl}' interested in its warious lines of reli.gious and liene\'olent
^\■ork. Sociallv the\' are among the most highlv esteemed people in
the citv, possessing as each does, the i|ualities of head and heart
that inspire respect and confidence and win warm ;uid abiding ])er-
sonal friendships.
GEORGE KINGSTON.
Theories look well on paper, and have a mellifluous sound when
proclaimed from the platform, but in the present rushing a.ge the
266
\akie of thinj^s is tested \)y the stern rule of experience, it is the
])ractical man wliu makes liis niHuence felt and wlmse services and
discourses are largeh' snught. The present is essentially an age of
progress and in e\er}- line of acti\it}' the man of practical ideas is
in e\idence. The wDrld of indnstr\- owes him a debt he\i)nd esti-
mate, and to him is ckie the credit of bringing to humanit\', ])ri\-
ileges and blessings, which, if simply hinteil at a half centur)- ago.
would ha\e subjected the one uttering them to the charge of harm-
less lunac}- or perhaps brought al)(Hit his incarceration in an asvlum
for the hopelessly insane. But times ha\e changed as the world has
nio\e<l and the wild dreams and \"ague chimeras of yesterda\- have
become the familiar facts of today. To the clear l)rain, trained
mind and skilled fingers of the witle-awake. far-seeing', ]:)ractical
artisans, therefore, who inaugurate these cunchtions and crx'stalize
into the probable and actual, what appears to be the wildest flights
of fancy or imagination, all lionor be due. It is of such a one the
chronicler essa_\s to write in this connection but \\ ith little hope of
rendering ade(|uate justice to his achiex'ements or to the usefulness
accomplished ni his \arious spheres of endeaxor.
CJeorg'e Kingston, a nati\e of Michigan, was l>orn March 22.
1863. and spent his earh- life on a farm near the town of Ionia, where
his parents, Daniel and Hannah Kingston, had settled a number of
years before. Studious and of an investigating natiu'e fr<im his
youth, he made the most of his oppurtunities for ol:)taining an ed-
ucation, Init Ijeing iniable to prosecute his studies to the extent de-
sired, he gaxe free rein to his natiu-al mechanical ability 1)}- taking
u]) the trade of carpentr\- in which from the beginning he disjilaxed
much more than ordinary prohciencx' and skill, .\fter working at
the trade for some time under the direction of others, he began tak-
ing contracts in his native countw liut impressed with the idea that
a more fa\drable opening could be found in the West, he disposed
1)1-- iinWARii cdrxiN'. 2(17
of liis interests ui Micliis^aii and (hn'my' the ensunit;" ti\e \ears he
tra\'ele<l over several western states anil territnries, t^oin^" as far as
Puget Snund. Washington, where he was instrumental in establish-
ing a lime industn'. 1)esides being emplo\ed for some time as super-
intendent and overseer of sexeral large manufacturing plants.
Endowed In' nature with mechanical tastes and al)ilit\' of a
liigh order and anxious to develo]) and cultixate the same, but being
without sufficient means to take the technical training desired, Mr.
Kingston did the next best thing by oi:)ening negotiations with a
correspondence school under the direction of which he soon entered
upon a course of mechanical, electrical and gas engineering, which
being completed in due time, he was not long in securing a remuner-
ati\'e emplovment. Returning east, he finall\- made his wa}- to In-
diana and in ii>Oi came to Kokouio. where he was first employed by
Ford & Donlex'. to make patterns for the wire drawing machinery
of the new rod mill, but after a brief ])eriod with that firm, he re-
signed his position to start in business for himself. The same year,
therefore, in which he sesered his connection with his emjiloyers. he
embarked in a new and, for this part of the coinitrw an untried en-
terprise, namely, the manufacture of carburators, instruments for
the generating of gas from gasoline and air to be used in gas-
engines, for manufactiuang and other pm"poses. .\fter a few
months hv himself he became associated with Charles I. Byrne who.
to facilitate operations and enalile the busniess to be carried on more
extensix'elv purchased the plant now occu])ied 1)\' the kokonio lirass
Works, which the finn fully equipped and in due time the enter])rise
was on a solid financial basis and more than meeting the expecta-
tions of the ])roprieti)rs. Subse(|uentl\' a company under the name
of B_\'rne, Kingston & Compau}-. was duly incor|)orated fm- the
manufacture of several lines of carburators. which had been placed
on the market in addition to which all kinds of automobile acces-
268 morrow's history
series were made, also several useful instruments and appliances
which Mr. Kingstim invented and fur which he is fully protected liy
patents, the plant grnwing from a modest beginnning until it is nuw
the largest and must important establishment of the kind in the
world.
Subsequently ]Mr. Kingstun was instrumental in establishing
a compan}" for the manufacture of spark-coils, plugs for gas engines,
ignitiiin appliances and various other devices of his invention, the
incorporation of which was effected in 1904 under the name of the
Kokonio Electric Company. The capital of the concern at the
present time is twenty-five thousand dollars, which has been fully
paid, the stockholders being as follows: Charles T. Byrne. James
¥. R\an, J. W. b^hnson. J. P. Grace. George King'ston and Fay
Beal. all except the first two nameil being citizens of Kokomo, and
well kni)\\n in the business and industrial circles of the city. Like
the f(irmer company, this undertaking has fully realized the expec-
tations cif the prom(_)ters. and its continued success has made it one
of the leading enterprises of the kind in the United States, its pros-
pects of future growth and enlargement being in e\'ery respect most
encouraging'.
The original firm of Byrne & Kingston was incorporated with
a capital of three thousand dollars \vhich has since been increased to
fifty thousand dollars and has paid over one hundred thousand dol-
lars in dividends since its organization, a growth unparalled in the
industrial history of Kokomo. The stockholders at this time are
George Kingston, president and manager; James F. Ryan, ^•ice-
president: J. W. Johnson, secretary, and Charles F. Byrne, treas-
urer. The Kokomo Brass Works, with which Mr. Kingston is alsc)
identified, is the legitimate outgrowth of the manufacturing inter-
ests t() which reference has been made, and is one of the successftil
and growing industries of the city, ha\-ing a paid-up capital of
OF IIOWAUD CIIL'XTV. jf.KJ
fifty thdusand dnllars and Ijeini;' inaiiat;ed \}\ nicn nf recdi^iiized
ability and liiL;li standing in the Ijusiness WDiid.
In additiun tc the enterprises enumerated Air. Kinj^stmi has
varicnis other business interests liesides beint;' the owner of \-alnable
property including" several desirable houses and lots in the city, to
say nothing of his ample private means, all of which has Ijeen ac-
cumulated since locating in Kokomo, which place he reached with
scarcely a dr)llar in his possession.
He has won a large and permanent place in the business circles
and in the specific lines of effort t(j which his energies have been de-
voted. ha^•e given him much more than a local reputation and toda}'
his name is a familiar sound throughout the manufacturing world.
As a citizen he is public-spirited and energetic, fully in sympathy
with the prog-ressi\-e ideas of the age and ready at all times to lend
his aid and influences to whatexer promises to l^e for the best inter-
ests of the communit^•. I'ew men id' his age lia\-e accomplished as
much and as a leader in the lines of endeavor in which he is now-
engaged he is destined to make greater advancement in the future
and win a still larger place in the |)ublic eve.
In a fraternal way he is a Mason of high standing, in which
I!rotherho(]d he ha^ risen t<i the thirtx-second degree, and is also
connected with the Independent Order of Odd I'ellows and be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In matters i)olitical he
m'aintains an independent stand, obeying the behests of no partv or
leader but supporting the policies he deems for the greatest good to
the greatest numljer. and \ oting for the candidate who. in his judg-
ment, is best qualified for the ])osition to which he aspires. He has
been signally blessed in his domestic life, haxing a wife and a child
to whom he is de\'oted. and a home which to him is the dearest and
most attractive spot in the world. Mrs. Kingston was formerly
Mina X'incent. at Ovid, .Michigan, at which ])lace her marriage was
MORROW S IIISTOKV
solemnized. Ralph, the only pledge of this union, is a bright and
interesting" _\(>ung American citizen, whose birth occurred on De-
cember 2^, 1905.
JOHN AlcLEAX .MOL'LDER, M. I).
It is not always eas\- to disco\er and deline tlie hidden forces
that nioxe a life of ceaseless acti\'it_\' and large professional success:
httle more can be done than to note then- manifestation in the career
of the indi\-idual under consideration. In \ie\\ of this fact the life
of the distinguished physician and ])nblic-spirited man of affairs
whose name appears abo\e altords a striking" example of well de-
fined i)iu"pose with the abilitv to make that ]jur])ose su1iser\e not
onl_\' his own ends Init the good of his fellow men as well. He has
long held (listincti\e ])restige in a callmg which rei|uires for its basis
sound mentalit\" and intellectual disciijline of a high order, supple-
mented by the rigid ])rofessional training" and thoi"oug"h mastery of
technical knowleilge with the skill to appb" the same, without which
one cannot hope to rise al)o\e mediocrit\" in ministering" to hiui"ian
ills. In his chosen field of endea\"or Dr. Moulder has achiexed suc-
cess such as few attain an<l his present eminent standing among the
leading" n"iedical n"ien of Indiana is dulv recognized and api^reciated
not onl\' ni his own cit\' and count\" Init also throughout the state.
In additiiin to his long and creditable career in one of the most use-
ful and exacting of professions lie has also pro\'en an honorable
member of the boch" politic; rising in the confidence and esteem of
the public he has tilled worthiK" high and in"i])ortant trusts and in
e\"ery relation of life has ne\"er fallen below the dignitv of true
manhood nor in am" way resorted to methods and wiles that in\ite
criticism or censure. He is essentially a man among men, mo\ing"
Ill" IMiWAKIi COl'XTV. JJI
as cine wlin cnmniands respect Ijy innate fdi'ce as well as 1)\- ac(|iiireil
leailership. As a citizen lie easil\- ranks with the most iulluential
lit his ciinnt\- in the arena nt jxilitics where he has Innt; heen a
power, [lis course has e\'er heen almxe suspicion anil those faxored
with an intimate ac(|uaintance with him are ])rofuse in their ])|-aise
of his manly \irtues ami uprit;ht character.
Dr. John McLean Moiililer is one of Indiana's natue sons and
it has alwa\s heen to liim a matter of pride to claim How aril countx'
as his place of hirth. His father. Thomas M. .Moulder, also a nati\e
of the Hoosier state, was horn in I'arke ciiunt\-. liut when a \oun<^-
man accompanied his ]iarents in ii^45 to lloward count\-. with the
sulisequent (growth and dex'elopnient of which the leniainder of his
lite was \er\- closeh' identitied. His father. |ohn Moiililer. was one
of the earl}' pioneers of Howard count}' and a luan of considerable
local ])rominence and influence. He was a member of the commis-
sion ai)pointeil \)y the governor to locate the seat of justice and
select and la\- out a suitable site for a coiut house, which ilut\' he
discharged to the satisfaction of all concerned besides being other-
wise interested in the public atiaii's of the newl}' organized county,
'riionias .Moulder taught school for a numlier of }ears in \arious
parts of the count\'. but later studied medicine and in due time be-
came a successful plusician and siu'geon. Locating at Russiaxille.
he built u]> an e.\tensi\e and lucrati\e practice, which he continued
until his death in the year 1889. Eliza J. Williams, who became the
wife of Thomas M. Aroulder. was born in N'lrgima. but in the year
1844 accompanied her jiarents. James and I'Jizabeth Williams, to
Howard count\-. Lidiana. the faniil}- settling in Hone}' Creek town-
ship when the few ])ioneer clearings were but niches in the dense
])rime\al forests. Mr. W'illianis was among the stunl}'. honest }eo-
manr\- to whom the West is so largely indebted for its growth and
prosperitx'. bore an acti\e part in the dexelopment of the tiiwiisbi[)
2-/2 MORROW S HISTORY
in which lie located and became one of its enterprising and praise-
worthy citizens. ^Irs. Aloulder sur\i\-ed her husband several years
and departed this life on the i ith day of July, 1899. Thomas W.
and b^liza ]\bMulder were the parents of five children, namelv : Louisa,
who married Mack P. Jeter, a merchant of Russiaville: Ella, de-
ceased: James is engaged in the mercantile lousiness at Frankfort;
Anna, wife of A. \\ . Vx\, of Swayzee, and bihn McLean, of this
re\iew.
Dr. .M(.)ulder was born b'ebruary 4, 1850. in Hone}- Creek town-
ship and spent his early life in the town of Russiaville, where his
father was a resident ph}'sician and one of the representative citi-
zens. His first educational experience was in the country district
schools and the schools of his town, the training thus received jjeing
afterwards supplemented by a high school course in Kokomo and
one year in the Xational Normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. A close
and diligent student, he advanced so rapidly in his studies that at
the early age of twentv he was given a positii)n in the Kokonio pub-
lic schools and during the ensuing four Acars he was practicalh' at
the head i>f the educational system of the z\X\. He earned an hon-
orable record as an efficient and popular teacher but not finding ed-
ucational work entireh' to his taste he \'ielded in 1873 to a desire
of long standing 1)\' taking up the stud\' of medicine which he de-
cided to make his life work. After spending the greater part of the
}'ear in the ofhce of Dr. Amstrong, of Kokomo, he entered the Li-
diana Medical C<illege at Iii(lianai)olis where he prosecuted his
studies and researches until l)econiing well grounded in the principles
of his pr(_ifessic)n, later becoming a student of the Ohio Medical Col-
lege at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated with a cre(lital)le
record in the year 1875.
Immediately after obtaining his degree Dr. Moulder formed a
partnerslii]i with Dr. Armstrong, his former preceptor, the firm thus
(i| lliiW \kl> e'orXTV. J73
Ci instituted lastint^' twelxe \fars. diiiiiii; wliicli time the siil)ject rose
to a liiqli standing' in bis jirnfessii m and acliiexed mure tlian Incal
repute as a successtul phvsician and skillful singenn. he and his
assiiciate commanding the largest practice in the cnunty and anidiig
tlie most extensix'e and lucrati\e in the northern ])art of the state.
He Continued the general practice with eminent ]irofessional suc-
cess and financial emolument until iS<)3. wlien he lieg;ui making a
specialt\" of the e\e, ear, nose and throat, and it was not long until
his reputation as a skilled s])ecialist attracted to him a large iiumher
of patients from all parts ijf the countr)-, this growing and exceed-
ingh' lucratixe patronage continuing niial)ate<l to the present time,
l^r. .^hlulder has spared neither pains nor expense in littnig
himself for the special line of practice to which he dexotes his lime
and attention, ha\-ing taken se\eral post-graduate courses in Idii-
cago. wliere. under the direction of some of the most notetl special-
ists of the age, he acquired great efificiency and skill and in due time
liecame not onl\- eminentK' successful in liis oftice work, hut aNo a
recognized authority upon tliose [larts of human anatom\- whicli
have l)een the oljjects of his critical stud}- ;uid painstaking research.
In the \ear 1005 he formed a partnership with his son-in-law. Dr.
C J. .\dams. a graduate of the Indiana State School of Mechcine.
also of the Cliicag-o Eye. Tuir, Xose and Throat Institute and one of
the rising specialists in this part of Indiana. The firni is well
equipped with all tlie latest ini])ro\'ements and a|)pliances used in the
treatment of those special ])ai"ts, having elegant and commodious
office rooms and exerx'thing in the wa\ of nioilern research tliat
scientific ingenuitv has thus far inxented.
Dr. Moulder has a1wa\s heen a close student and luuing'
axailed himself of e\er\- opportunit}' to widen the area of his pro-
fessional knowledge and make him efficient in the practice, it is not
at all suqirising that his adxancement has heen rapid and satisfac-
18
274 .MORROW S HISTORY
ton" and that he mnv liitlds such a higli and hoimraljle place among"
the leachny pliysicians and surgeons in a field long noted tor the
high order of its medical talent. He is wideh' and fa\'orabl\- kn(")\vn
as a general practitioner and specialist, ha\'ing met in the course of
his career all of the eminent men of his profession in Indiana and
many nf national aiul international repute, being on familiar terms
with nut a few of the distinguished leaders of medical thought and
participating in their deliberations. He is a meml)er of the .\mer-
ican ]\Iedical Association, the Indiana State ^Medical Societ^' and the
Howard C(.)untv IMedical Society, hax'ing been honored with im-
portant official positions in the last two, besides serving \er\- ac-
ceptably for a numl>er of \ears as count\' health ofticer and filling"
other minor posts in the line of his calling. He was appointed on
the State Board of Health in 18S9, and in 1891 was made assistant
siu'geon general of Indiana on the staff of Governor Chase, in b(")th
of which capacities he acquitted himself with credit that added to
his alreafl}" well established reputation as a medical man.
Dr. Moulder has not only kept in close touch with the trend of
current medical thr>uglit but is also a close student of all social, po-
litical and scientific subjects, being broad-minded, full of spirit and
a leader in those matters relating to the advancement of the com-
munit}- an<l welfare of his fellow men. He is a man of decided
convictions on all public ffuestions, maintains his stand with resolute
firmness and has made his usefulness felt in formulating and direct-
ing ])olitical policies, as well as in \'arii:ius iifticial trusts with
which he has from time to time been honored. He is a Republican,
not in the narrow partisan sense, but from a sense of right, believ-
ing the principles of the party to be for the best interests of the peo-
ple, and ha\ing faith in the great mission which it is still destined
to fulfill in .American affairs. In i8cS5 he was elected mayor of
Kokomo and held the position with credit to himself and to the satis-
faction of the public for a period of four years, during which time
OF llOWAKL) COLWTV. 275
the cit_\' made greater advancement than in any uther period uf its
history as the numher and mag-nitude of pubhc improvements and
larg-e private enterprises tliat were inaugurated and carried to suc-
cessful issue, al^undantly inchcate. It was (hiring- liis incumbency
that the water wori<s were buih and tlie electric ligiit plant estals-
hshecL these with the disco\-ery of natural gas in the Howard county
field and the great influx of capital seeking investment in factories
and manufacturing enterprises of various kinds, marking an era of
unparalleled industrial grijwth and prosperity- and transforming
Kokomo from an ordinary inland town into one of the most flourish-
ing and prosperous cities and great Inisiness centers of the West.
As an individual and in his official capacit}' the doctor became a
leading factor in advertising the advantages of the city abroad and
inducing" manufacturers to locate their plants within this highly
favored section of the countr}-, not a few enterprises attributing to
his activity and influence, the success they have achie\'ed. He has
always manifested a deep interest in schools and other means for ad-
vancement and diffusion of knowledge and for a numlier of }'ears
ser\-ed with ability and conscientious fidelity on the local board of
education. The doctor is a Sctjttish Rite ]\Iason and has long been
an acti\e and enthusiastic wi-)rker in this ancient and honorable
fraternity, besides holding \-arious official positions in the different
branches with which identified. He also belongs to the Knights of
Pythias and the Order of Elks, while the Methodist Episcopal church
of which he has l)een a faithful and consistent member for many
years represents his religious creed.
On the 3Tst <lav of August, 1876, Dr. Moulder was united in
the lionds of wedlock to Euc}- O'Brien, of Hamilton county, Indiana,
the accomplished and popular daughter of Hon. James and Char-
lotte (Lindsay) O'Brien, who were pioneers of the county of
Hamilton and who became residents of Kokomo in the year 1873.
James O'Brien was for many }-ears a prominent lawyer and jurist.
J/U MORROW S I1IST(_)RV
ha\'ing practiced in the cnurts of Hamilton and Howard counties
and ser\ed as judge of the circuit court and state senator. Dr. and
Airs. Moul<ler enjoy great iiopularity in the social circles of Kokomo
and are w idel_\' and fa\'oral)]_\' known outside the city of their resi-
dence. The}' hold memljership with the ( irace ?\Iethodist Iqjiscopal
church, in which for thirt_\'-h\e \-ears the doctm' has acted as usher
and for a period cif twent}' _\'ears has liehl the office of trustee in the
same organizati(.>n.
hew residents of Kokonio ]ia\e occupied as large a place in the
puhlic eye as Dr. Mouldei" and no one has more worthih' discharged
his manifold iluties or sIk.iwu himself more woi"th\- of the high es-
teem in which he is held than he. His life has heen hlled w ith activ-
ity' and usefulness while his untiring energ\- an<l eminent ahilitv ha\e
gained for him a conspicuous and honorahle place among the dis-
tingihshed medical men of the da\- and generation. In e\-ei"y sphere
of endeax'or in which he has taken a part, sociallw politicalh' or
professionalh' his unpretending bearing and strict integritv ha\e
elevated him in the confidence of his fellow citizens and his in-
fluence, alwavs pi.iwerful and salutary, is destined to continue a po-
tential factor for substantial good long after he ceases frcjm his
labors and retires from the busv scenes in which he has so long Ijeen
a prominent and effecti\e actor.
GEORGE \V. SAIITH.
Conspicuous among the re|>resentati\-e business men and pub-
lic-spirited citizens of Howard county is the well known gentleman
whose name forms the caption of this article. He has made his in-
fluence felt for good in his community- in Lil)ertv township, being a
Ol- IKlWAKIl (.(irXTV. IJ'J
man nf sterling; wnrth. wlinse lite has been cliisel\' iiiterwux'en willi
tlie liisiiir\- I if the ci>ninuiiiit\' in which he resides and whose cffijrts
have al\va\"s been for the material adwnicement r)f the same, as well
as for the social and moral welfare of his fellow men. and the
well regulated life he has led, thereb\- L;aininL;- the respect and ad-
miration of all his fellow citizens, entitle him to representation in a
biographical work of the scope intended in the ])resent work.
Cienrge W. Smith was Ijorn in Clay township. Howard county,
Indiana. April 15, 1N37, the son of Henry \\ . and I'crmelia ( May)
Smith. The Smith famih' came from N'irginia to Kentuck\- and
later to Indiana. Henr\- Smith came to Howard count\ in i(S4o.
settling in Cla\- townshi]), where he died after becoming owner of
a large tract of land there. He was a dex'oted member of the Chris-
tian church.
George \\". Smith, our subject, was reared on the farm and at-
tended tlie countrA" schools, but being ambitious and desirous of
liecomin.g well educated he later attended the State Uni\-ersit)', also
took a Course in Butler College and later entered Moore's Hill Col-
lege, makin.g a brilliant rec(ird for scholarship in each. Decidin.g
to enter the medical profession, he went to Columbus. Ohio, attend-
ing" tlie medical college there, but lacked one rear of finishing at this
place. After finishing schocil he piuxhased a drug store at Burling-
ton, Carroll county, Indiana, and later con\-erted this into a g'eneral
store, conducting the same for ten ^•ears with marked success. He
then went into business at Ross\-i!le as agent. \\ bile he was there
his first wife was called to her rest. After this he conducted his
father's farm until t8qS. in which year he bouglit a stock of goods
at Plevna, where he ^^till maintains a fine and well equipped general
store, which is well patronized by people from that neighborhood
and remote localities. He owns the store building- and a modern and
nicely furnished residence at this place, all of which he has made by
2/0 MORROW S HISTORY
his iiwn thrift and industry. He carries as large a stock of goods
as one may find in a country store, and his ctistomers do not only
receive full \-alue for their mi3ne\' in purchasing his carefully se-
lected goods. l:)ut the}" recei\-e the most C(.)urteous treatment, which
accounts for the fact that his trade has constantly increased. Mr.
Smith is a stockholder in the W'inslow A'oting Machine Company
of ]\Iichig'an.
^Ir. Smith has married a second time, his last wife ha\'ing been
known in the maidenhood as Belle W'inslow, who came from Kan-
sas City, Missouri, although she was bom in Indiana. Her father
was a well kn(.)wn dentist in Kokomo and her uncle. Ki W'inslow,
\^'as at ime time clerk of the Howard county court.
Twii children have been liorn to the subject by his second wife.
Their names are John A\'. and Raymond. The first named is seven
years old in 1908 and he gives promise of a bright future. The
second child died at the age of three years.
]\Ir. and ^Irs. Smith are members of the Christian church, and
the former is an active member of the Prohibition party. He has
a host of friends in Howard countv as a result of his industrv, up-
rightness and pleasing' address, and few men are more highly
respected.
sa:muel a. bock.
Among- those men of sterling attributes of character who have
impressed their personality upon the community of their residence
and have borne their full share in the upbuilding and development of
Howard county, mention must not he cmiitted of Samuel A. Bi.ick,
of Er\-in township, where he has lung maintained his home and
where he has exerted a strong influence f<Tr good tn the entire com-
OK HOWARD COL'XTV. J/i;
iminitw beiiii;' ;i man of uprig'ht principles and desirous to see the
advancement of the communit}' along- moral, educational and mate-
rial lines, at present holding- an important county office.
Samuel .\. Hock was Imrn nn a farm near Daxtdu. (Jliio. March
4. 1858. His father was Daniel Pxick, who was a farmer 1)\' nccu-
pation and a man of great intluence in his communit\'. The mother
of the subject was Susanna ( Iu-l)augh) Bock. nati\es of I'ennsyl-
\ania and Ohio. respecti\-el}-. Tlie\' came to ll(]war<l count v. In-
diana, in 1874. settling in F,r\in tnwnship. where the\- lixed and
prospered until about i8g8. when the\' retired, mnxing tn Knkonio,
where they now reside. They were the parents of se\-en children,
of whom our subject was the second in order of liirth. He came
to Howard County with his [larents when he was sixteen \ears did.
He received a good education in the common schools.
The subject was married May q. 1880. to Kliza A. Mikenljerr\-.
who w-as born in Clinton county. Indiana, the daughter of Isaac and
Arbella Eikenberry. people of influence and high character. l'"i\-e
children ha\e been born to the subject and wife, as fiillnw^: lier-
tha 'Slay, the wife of O. S. Flora: Grace M.. the wife of C C Price:
Clarence L.. Daniel L.. Blanche J., all children 1 if much pnmu'se
for successful and bajipy futures.
.\fter the subject was married he li\ed on his father's farni
until 1893. when he settled du the fami where he has since resided.
He is the owner nf one hundred and twenty acres nf well iniproved
land, lieing well drained rind under a fine systeni of fencing. He
has skillfully rotated his crops so as to preser\e the strength of the
soil, aiul his land is as producti\-e as anv in the ldcalit\- w-liere he
resides, and no fann in the countv is looked after with an\- greater
care.
]\[r. Bock has long taken an acti\'e interest in public affairs
and for fi\e years w-as trustee of Er\-in township, which official jio-
j8o ^[(:)RR()\\•'s history
sitinii he has hlleil with much crecht ami U> the satisfaction uf ah
cuiicen^ed. He was electeil cmmty ci iiiimissioner in tlie tah of iuo6
(in the Re|;ul)hcan ticket and has faithfully perfornied the duties
of the same, usinq- the same s<iun(l judganent and adx-ocating the
same ecnnnmic and oddd husiness principles that he has exercised in
the management of liis own husiness affairs.
Owing til his loyalty to his count\-, his scrupuloush" honest
dealings with his fellow men and his kind and cheerful disposition
Air. Bock has won the undi\ided respect and esteem of all who
know him. and he is regarded \)y e\'erv one as heing among the
hest and most influential citizens of Ervin township, and no more
])atriotic or worthy character could he found in Howard county
or within the honlers of the Hoosier state.
GEORGE w. s:\rrrH.
This sterling citizen and jiopidar liusiness man is one of the
most i)rogressi\e and highl)- honored residents of Jackson townshij).
Howard count}, Indiana, where he maintains an excellent, modern
and elegant home, the owner of one of the hest, most valuable and
well-nigh n^odel farms in the locality, being influential in local af-
fairs and his character stands unblemished, without the shadow of
A\rong 111- suspicion of e\il. so that to him is accorded the fullest mea-
sure of ])opular conhdence and esteem. ( )wing to these commendable
personal traits and the fact that he is one of the bra\-e sons of the
Xorth who offered their ser\-ices and li\es, if need be, in defense
of the L'nion when its integrit\' was thi'eatenefl. he is eminentK'
entitled to representation in this work, which aims to give all worthx'
citizens of Howard ci unt^• due credit for their jM'aisewortln- lix'cs
and Commendable deeds, for such men as our subject are not fre-
<|ueml\- met with, as we shall see bv a stud\- of his life.
(II' now AKI) COlXT'b'. 281
(ieiirt;e \\ . Sniitli was Ijoni in XenniliMn ciiuiU\, Indiana, De-
ccnil)er i), 1S3S, the sun df janies W. and Eliza ( l'u,ii''il Smith. The
Smith family was Ircm ()lii<i and the father eame Ui Warren ennntx'.
Indiana, in 1833, settling;' < ai ;i farm near West Lebanon. Later
he went to \'ermili(in enunt}'. Me was married when he was eight-
een \ears did and became <ine "i the sueeessfnl farmers of the earh"
days, l>eing Ivmest and sturd}'. He was a great stndent nf the Ilible
and a de\i)ted memljer df the Llunxh nf Gud, in which faith he died,
(jenrge I'ugh, the maternal grandfather, was reared in Tennessee
and Kentucky. He went fmm there ti> Illinois in an earh daw and
al)iivit the }"ear 1S28 came tn Warren cnunt_\ , Indiana.
(ieiirge W. Smith, nuv subject, was the oldest of eight chil-
dren, of whom four are li\"ing in hjoX, all boys. ( )in- subject re-
mained a memljer of the famil\- circle until he was twenty-one vears
ol<l, assistin.g in the farm work, ha\ing attended the countrv schools
in the meantime, but his educaticm was somewhat limited. How-
e\'er, he has since l)ecome a well informed man b\' home readings and
Coming in contact with the world. His father not being especially
prosperous, our subject was compelled to work most of his \-outhful
}'ears in helping support the family. In the fall of 1830) he began
to work for a farmer at the rate of fifteen dollars per month, work-
ing for one \ear and saving mi)ne\' which he in\-estecl in farm im-
])lements with which to begin farming. He commenced farming on
his own account in the spring of 1861. After harvesting- his crop,
being of a ])atriotic nature and beliex'ing that it was his dut_\' to sever
home ties and defeud the flag, he enlisted in Com])any K. of the
Thirty-third Indiana V(i]unteer Infantry, in September. i8C)i, hav-
ing joined this regiment at Lexington. Kentucky, His cajitain was
Le\'in T. ]\Iiller and the first battle in which this compan\- was en-
ga.ged was at Hoosier Ivnob. the first battle in Kentuck\-. The sub-
ject, while on a foraging expedition, took part in the battle of Rich-
mond. Kentuck\'. in which he was wounded in his i"ighi hand and as
a result was a\va_\- from his compan}' for some time, having Ijeen
confined in the hospital at LexingtLin : later he was a prisoner but
was s<ii>n released, ha\-ing been first taken to Cincinnati, then to
Indianapolis, where they were exchanged in about three months,
Mr. Smith then returned to his regiment. From Danville, Ken-
tucky, the}- went down the Ohio tuitil they came t(_i the mouth of
the Cumberland ri\er, and finally arrived at Fort Donelson in time
f(.ir the second fight, h'rom there they were sent to Xash\-ille. Xext
the}' were engaged at Thompson's Station. The subiect veteranized.
Then he to<ik part in the engagement at Buzzard Roost. Flis regi-
ment was in the Atlanta campaign, having fought at the fierce bat-
tle of Peach Tree Creek and (jthers. The subject was in the Sec-
ond Ami}- Corps under General Joseph Hooker. He was with
Sherman on his march to the sea, also went to Washington City and
look part in the grand review. He was mustered out at Louisville
and received his pav at Indianapolis.
After his career in the arm}- ]\Ir. Smith returned to Warren
count}-, Indiana. He had saved all his money. He would k)an
money to his comrades, buy and sell things for a profit and at the
cl(ise of the war he had sa\-ed enough money to purchase ijue hun-
dred and sixt}- acres of land in \'ermilion county, Illinois. He soon
had the farm all paid for and began to improve and cultivate it, de-
veloping it into an excellent and highly productive fann.
;\Ir. Smith was married in the .spring of 1867 to Julia A. Jones,
whc) has ]>ro\-ed a most worthy helpmeet, being a woman of culture
and refinement. Two children ha\-e been born to this union, name-
ly: Ashle}- R. and Nettie J., both living in this state.
Our subject sold his farm in Illinois and returned to Warren
Count}-, Indiana, in 1876. and later ]3ecame the owner (if eighteen
hundred acres of land in that county, all well drained and well
improved. J. Frank Hanly, the present governor of Indiana, did
the ditching on his farm. This land is w-orth one hundred and
(IF IHIWAKD Cfll'XTY. 283
t\vent\"-h\'e dcillars per acre, aiul the subject also nwiis fi\-e hundred
and four acres in Hmvard cnunty. Mr. Smith is not only a nKulern.
pr(ig-ressi\-e and up-to-date farmer, skillfully mtatiui^- his crops and
handling' large numliers (if excellent stock of all kinds to ad\'antage,
but he has a wonderfulh' fertile executi\e brain and turns every-
thing intri mone\' that he has to deal with. He is tinhn- worth three
hundred thousand dollars. A large part of this was made in legiti-
mate trading, for he knows the "ins and nuts"' of trading perhaps
better than an^■ man in Howard county. ha\"ing' at the same time es-
tablished a reputation for square dealing. Since coming to this
county in Februaiy. 1904, he has become known throughout the
localit}- and is uni\ersally regarded as one of the foremost ami lead-
ing citizens of the count}'.
In i)olitics ]\Ir.' Smith is a Repul)lican, being \\-ell grounded in
his political beliefs and ever ready to lend his assistance in the fur-
thering of his party's principles, always using- his influence, which
is of niuch weight, in local conventions and elections, standing for
the best men possible in the coiuitv <iffices. Being possessed of a
laudable ambition for political preferment and constantly sought by
his political frieiids. who at once recognizeil his su])erior attain-
ments, (lur suljject was induced to sen'e two terms as county com-
missioner of Warren count}', the duties of which he discharged with
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. When
Governor Hanly was a candidate Mr. Smith backed him in se\'-
eral of his carnpaigns, not only lending his rnoral support, but finan-
cial. In 1907 the governor appointed ]\Ir. Smith a delegate tii the
Famiers" National Congress, which was held at Oklahoma City, and
in 1908 the governor again extended the honor to our subject, the
meetin.g being held at Madison. \A isconsin.
l\Ir. Smith is vice president of the First National Bank at
Swa_\'zee. Indiana, and is the largest stockholder in the bank, which
is capitalized at twent}'-five thousand dollars. This is one of the
.84
siiundest and most pnpular institutiijiis of its kind in this i)ai"t nf
the state, largely due to the subject's prestige in the business world.
fur those who know him are not afraid to place their funds in any
institntii.m or enterprise with which he has anv connection, knowing"
his unusual business abilit}' and his clean reconl for integrit\- and u])-
rig'htness. He is a memljer of the Church of ( ,od, ha\ing his member-
ship in Warren count\'. He is a man whose word is regarded by
e\ery one who knows him Ijest as being as good as his note. In all
the relations of life lie has been found faithful to ever}- trust im-
posed on him and because of his sterling worth, coiu'teous manners,
liberalit\\ public-spirited nature, pleasing address, commanding per-
sonal apiiearance and his honest^' he has won and retained the friend-
ship of the people of Howar<l count\- during his brief residence here,
and the\' are unstinted in their praise of his splendid business ability
and reproachless character. His home is a model of cheerfulness,
refinement, hospitality and wholesome atmosphere, and Mr. and
Mrs. Smith are often hosts to the best people of the country and al-
ways pleasant and kindl}' disposed to the less fortunate with \\hom
the_\- come in contact, thus meriting, winning and retaining the gT)od
will and ailmiration of all classes.
HOX. WILI. HOLIJXGSWORTH ARXETT.
It is the pn.igressixe. wide-awake man of affairs that makes
the real histor\- of a communit\' and his influence as a potential fac-
tor of the l)od\' ]iolitic is difhcult to estimate. The examples such
men furnish if patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly il-
lustrate what is in the ])ower of each to accomplish, and there is al-
wa\'s a full measure of satisfaction in ad\ertin"' e\en m a casual wav
OF lloWAKIi (,(>L'NTV. 285
t(j their achiexenients in adxanciiiii- the interests <if their fellMW
men and in gi\'ing strength ami sohihtx' to the institntimis which
make sn much for the pr<isi)erity nf the cnmnmnity. Such a man is
the wiirthv subject uf this sketch, and as such it is pmper tliat a re-
view of his career be accorded a phice anmng the representative citi-
zens of the city and county in wliicli he resides. Hon. W ill Hull-
ing'swdrth Arnett, mayor nf Kukdmn, is a native i>f Hnwanl cnunt}-.
and the son <if \'alentine and Caroline Arnett. both jjarents born in
Indiana, the mother in Howard comity and the father in the count}
of \\'a\ne. James H. Arnett, the sul>ject's grandfather, a North
Carolinian bv birth, emigrated in about i S40 to Wayne count}', In-
diana, where he reside<l until iN3'>, when he renioxed to Mow.ard
countv and located near Xew London, where in addition to farming
and stock raising be engaged in the mercantile business. He lie-
came an influential man in the couimunit}- and aside from his suc-
cess in business and respectable standing among his fellow men
possessed certain attrilnites and peculiarities which made him in
manv respects (|uite a unicpie character, but withal he e\er maintained
the reputation of an exemplar}" and eminentl}' iiraisewortb}- citizen.
Among his more prominent characteristics were a firmness in behalf
of right and justice as he understood those terms and an inordinate
fondness for colloquial discussion and debate, to indulge in which
he would ad\'ocate almost an\' proposition whether consistent with
his \'iews and opinions or not. A member of the society of b'riends
and dee])lv read in the Scrijitures on religious subjects, nothing af-
forded him greater satisfaction than to engage some friend or ac-
(|uaintance in contmversy on some obscm'e or del.)atal)le pas-
sage of Holv Writ, and such was his skill in maintaining the sound-
ness of his position that in the majorit}" of instances bis adxersar}-
was obliged to acknowledge himself worsted in argument and retire
crestfallen from the wordv contbct. .\s is well known the societv
2i50 ^[ORRO\\■ S TIISTORV
of Friends early tonk decided stands against all kinds uf secret be-
nevolent work and for many years would tolerate no member of
these organizations in the church, with the result that many good
men wln) found much td commend in the lodges were obliged to
choose between them and the church. Xow . while a l-^-iend ])y
birthright and devotedly attached to the faith of his fathers. Mr.
Arnett deemed this arbitrar}' attitude of the church an unjustifiable
interference with his ])ersonal rights, and luuing become a member
of the Mas(jnic fraternitw he refused pointedh' to submit to the
dictates of ecclesiastical auth(.)rit\". When the matter of deciding
between the church or the lodge \\as presented to him he unhesitat-
ingh- chose the latter, and for a numlier of )ears was one of the
leading members of Xew London, though still professing fealt\' to
the S()ciet\- of Friends antl practicing their principles and precepts
in all of his relations with his fellow men. The antagonism be-
tween the church and secret organizations become less marked and
virulent as time passed and Mr. Arnett was restored to full member-
ship. Aside from his eccentricities and fondness for dispute, ]\Ir.
Arnett was a man ijf high character and sterling worth and bv his
acti\it}- and influence did much to ad\"ance the prosperit\" of his
communit} anil benefit the people in a moral \\av. Originalh' a
Whig in politics he afterwards became a prcinounced and uncom-
promising Republican and S(.i great was his antipathy to human
skn'er)- that he disregarded the law protecting the s^•stem whene\'er
possiljle and during the troublous times just preceding and during
the war of the Rebellion, assisted man\- poor black men to escape
from their masters and find freedom across the Canadian border.
Like others of his kind he maintained a station on the "underground
railroad" at his place, where the refugee was assured a welcome
antl safet\- until he could l)e assisted to the ne.xt station on the wa_\-
to freedom, considering- his efforts in thus thwarting the designs
OK HOWARD Col'XTV. 287
lit tlif iitticers of the law aninii^- the must righteovis and [iraise-
\\()rth\- acts uf liis hte. In due time this slerhiiiL;- citizen and fear-
less ad\'ocate uf justice and ritjiit was g-athered to his fathers, le;i\ing
to liis descendants a \\iirth_\- name and a character tu which the i)ass-
ing years liave given achhtiunal hister.
Valentine Arnett, sun of James H., was reared near Xew Lun-
don. L'nlike the furmer he finds his chief satisfaction in the se-
(|uestered wa\s of life, helonging to that hirge and eminentl\' re-
spectahle class that in a (|uiet an<l unustentatioirs manner add so
much til the solidit}- of the pohtic and gi\-e to American citizenship
the sturd}- character that has made the name and fame of our coun-
try known and honored among the nations of the world. When a
young man Mr. Arnett was united in marriage to Caroline Holl-
ingsworth, whose famih' were among the earl\- settlers in the countv
and \icinit\" of Xew ]jin<lon. The onh' child of this excellent cou-
ple to reach maturit\- was Will Hollingsworth .\rnett. the suhject
of this sketch, whose liirth occurred in Xew London mi the j6th of
December. iS'ij, and who passed his earl}- life in and near that \ il-
lage. remo\-ing with his ])arents to Kokomo in iSji. .\t the prii])er
age he entered the citv schools and after finishing the high school
course pursued his studies for one \ear at Earlham College. ])re-
x'ious to the latter experience spenchng three \-ears in the cit\- of La-
Porte. ^'oung Arnett's practical education Ijegan at an early age
when he became clerk in a drv goods and clothing store in which
capacity he continued twent\' \"ears, a fact which speaks well for his
efficiencv and trustworthiness as a salesman, his ex[)erience during
the time indicated having had much to do in de\-eloping habits of
industr\' and fitting him fipt the more res]ionsible position of trust
with which he was afterwards honored.
In the }ear 11)03 Air. .\rnett was appointed b}' the late mayor
Brouse to the office of city comptroller, but soon after entering upon
288
the duties of the position he was called to the higher and more re-
sponsilile post of nia\-or, to fill the \acanc\' caused h\' the death iif
Mr. Brouse. which occurred Octoljer 2. igoO, just thirty-two davs
after the heginning of the term.
Mr. .\rnett hecame ma}(.ir hy right of ofticial succession and
taking charge of the office the da\- following the death of his pred-
ecessor, at once announcetl liis iutenti(in of carrying out policies
and giving the cit}' the economical administration that had been pre-
\iousl_\- planned and to which the people had lieen looking forward
with much more than ordinar^• interest and expectanc\\ Phat he
has succeeded in his laudalile designs and full\- justified the people
in their expectations is fulh- indicated in the present condition of a
municipalit}-. practicall}- free from (lel>t and with a credit second
to that of no other city within the confines of the entire Union.
;\Ir. Arnett first addressed himself to the task of reducing the
indebtedness of the cit}-. of which forty-two thousand dollars has al-
read}- been paid, twent)-fi\e thousand dollars of this sum having
been paid in .Ma_\", igo8, leaving Kokonio the onl_\- cit_\- in Indiana
with o\-er fi\e thousand ])opulation free of debt. In addition to this
laudable showing he has alwavs entered into much more fa\-orable
arrangements with certain i>uljlic utilities than ha\e heretofore oli-
tained, the contract for lighting the streets with two hundred arc
lights of two thousand candle power at si.xtv dollars annually
against the former contract of se\enty dollars, being especially ad-
vantageous. In man_\- other respects has he been mindful of the
city's prosperity and at all times he has labored zealously to pro-
mote the welfare of the jieople materially and otherwise taking an
acti\"e interest in all mo\"ements and enterprises with these objects in
\iew, thus gaining the unbounded esteem of his fellow men and es-
tablishing an honoralile reputation as an industrious public-spirited
executive, who makes e\er\- other consideration subordinate to the
Ol lloWAKIi Cdl'XTN'. _'X()
one desire nf gnxeniint;- faith tullv and well the nninieipalitx' (if
which he is the ufficial liead. He is a nieniher and trustee nf the
League nf American Municipalities, and was recenth' l)y that Ijudy
assigned the duty of preparing "A Report on a I'ity h'ree l''rnni
Deht." At the present time he is lahoring earnesth' in hehalf of a
cit^' hiispital without increasing tlie tax rate, and his ettHrts in tins
laiKlahle enterprise are meeting with sutlicient enciuiragement to
warrant the presumption that in due time this much needed and
greatly desired improvement will hecome an assured fact.
Mr. -Krnett is a stalwart Republican and as an actixe and ]) i-
teutial factor in his part}-, has contributed greatly to its strength in
Howard county, the success of the ticket in a number of campaigns
iioth I( cal and general, being largeh- attributable to his wise cnunsel
anil judicious leadership. He has been a delegate to a niunber of
district and state con\-entions to sa\' nnthing of his acti\it\' and in-
fluence in County and city bodies of this kind, all of which he in-
\-ariabl_\' attends and in the deliberations of which he takes a leading
part. As chairman of the Howard couut\" Repulilicau central com-
mittee, in which position he is now on his second term, he has ren-
dered \aluable ser\-ice to the part}-, not onl\- as an adxiser in tlie
planning ot campaigns and the making of platforms and directing
of policies. l)ut as a worker with the rank and file also where his
ability as a leader is dul}' recognized and api)reciated.
Mr. Arnett's energetic nature and public-spirit ha\e le<l him
into various organizations of a fraternal and bene\-oIei-it character,
in all of which he has lieen honored with im])ortant official positions.
l>esides contributing of his means and influence to their stability and
.success. He is a Mason of high standing-, belonging to Blue Lodge.
Cba])ter. Council and Eastern Star, holding the title of ])ast patron
in the latter brru-ich of the order, his wife being past matron in the
sanie. He holds n-ienibership with the lnde])endent Order of ( )dd
19
2QO MORKCIW S HISTORY
Fellows, iiicliuliiig the encampment and Rehekah degree, l)elongs
to the Ked Men, the trihe of Ben-Hur, the Ha_\-makers. the order of
Elks and the Eagles, holding, as alrejidy indicated, \-arious official
positions in these several societies and ex'er manifesting a h\-eh' in-
terest in their welfare.
The d(.>mestic life of Mr. Arnett dates from iqoi. on .\pril qtli
of which year was solemnized his marriage with Alarv M. KeilT, of
Kokomo, Indiana, the union heing blessed with one child, a bright
and interesting y<:ning gentleman, who hears his four ^•ears with the
grace and dignity Ijeconiing' one of his age and standing.
]\lrs. Arnett was reared a }iIethodist and still adheres to that
belief, being an esteemed member of the (irace Methodist Episcopal
church, and deeply interested in all lines of benevolent and reli-
gious work under the auspices of the same. Mr. Arnett is a hirth-
ri,ght memljer of the society of Friends, has e\-er been loyal to the
pure, simple faith m which he was reare<l. He keeps in close touch
with all matters relating to the church, attends regularly yearly
meetin,gs and in all of his relations. Ijusiness and social, demon-
strates b\- his daiK- life and conversatitm. the beautv and value of a
life in harmon\- with the religion of the Xazarene.
Mr. .\rnett belie\es in getting out of life all pleasures and
satisfaction there is in it. Consistent with and to this end his time
is not all devoted to the monotonous routine and daily grind of
business or other duties but at stated seasons he and his wife throw
aside dull care and along the northern lakes, in the woods or on the
sea shore, close to nature's heart, find the rest and recreation which
e.xhilarates Ijoth lx)d^• and mind and adds so much zest and jo^• to
what might otherwise pi"o\e but a hum-drum existence. In the
social life of their home city they are higblv esteemed, niox'ing as
thev do in the best social circles and contributing to the ad\'ance-
ment of \arious interests for the intellectual impro\'ement and
moral e'ood of their friends and associates.
OK HOWARD COLXTV. 29I
JOHN ARTHUR KAL'TZ.
Jiihn Arthur Kautz was l^uni in W abash ci>unt\', Indiana, Sep-
teml3er j6, i860, liis parents Ijeint;- Heniy Kautz and Ehza (Baker)
Kautz. His father \\as a natixe of Maryland and his mother of
Oiiio. The)' came to Wabash C(iunt\' with their parents in an early
day and married there. The father nf the subject was a merchant
at Andrews. Indiana, and at present he is living retired at that place.
His wife, mother of the sul)ject. died at Andrews. }vlarch 21,. 1908.
The}' were the i)arents of three children, two daughters and our
subject, 'idle sisters of the suljject are ]\Iar_\-, the oldest of the fam-
ily and the wife of John H. King, of Peru, Indiana: Addie. the
youngest of the fami]_\-. is the wife of James L. Flinn, and they re-
side at Alontpelier. Ohio.
His boyhood was spent at Andrews. Huntington countv, In-
diana, whither his parents had remo\'ed in 1865. He was educated
in the public schools, graduating from the hig"h school of that town.
He attended the Noith Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. In-
diana, two summers, teaching school in the winter. At the age of
twent}- he entered the freshman class at Butler College. Indianapo-
lis, from which he graduated four years later. In the succeeding
year he was g-iven the degree of Master of Arts by his alma mater,
his post-graduate reading- being a special cotirse in English lit-
erature.
On Ma}- 9. 1887. Mr. Kautz, in partnership xvith ]\Ir. H. E.
^Mcr^Ionigal, purchased the Kokomo Tribune. He came immedi-
atel}- to this cit}- and entered upon the conduct of the paper. On
July I. 1897. lis purchased his partner's interest in the Tribune and
has since been sole owner of the propert}- and has had conduct of
it in all its departments.
In the twentv-one vears din-ino- which ^Ir. Kautz has had con-
2C)2
trol of the Kokumu Triljuiie the paper has enjoyed uninterrupted
priisperit\' and has ad\'anced tij a position of large influence, not
onh' in its own held but throughout the ninth congressional district
of Indiana. It is known far and wide throughout the state as an
unusuall}- prosperous and influential ji:>urnal. The paper had its
beginning in the town of Xew Lonibm, in western Howard county,
the first issue being under date of July 12, 1S4S. The name of the
paj)er then was the I'inneer, one entirely fitting, as it was one of
the earliest publications of this territory. Xew London was at that
time the cnunt}' seat and the cnunt^'s most important town. Later
Kokomo was made the count}- seat and the Pioneer, transferred to
Kokomo, became the Tribune. It continued as a weekly paper until
September 3, 1883, when the daily edition was started. Two edi-
tions are published daih'. the farmers' rural mail edition at 7:30 in
the moniing and the cit}- edition at 4 in the evening.
Air. Kautz has been honored with the presidency of the Re-
publican Editorial Association of Indiana, has been a delegate a
number of times to the National Editorial Association and also to
the Repulilican Xational Editorial Association. He served as post-
master on the appointment of President Roosevelt, and was a dele-
gate to the Republican national convention at Chicago, June
16. T908.
He is a member of the Alain Street Christian church, a Knight
Templar, an Elk and a member of the Kokonro Country Club and
the Kokomo Automobile Club. He has always taken a lively in-
terest in public education and while a member of the city school
board he made a visit to Andrew Carnegie and interested that phi-
lanthropist in the donation he afterwards made endowing the Ko-
komo Carnegie Libran,-. He ser\'ed for a time as a member of the
board of trustees of Butler College, his alma mater.
Our subject was married in 1886 at Wabash, Indiana, to Inez
OF llOWAKI) coi'xrv. ^ J03
Gillen. a nati\e nf that place ami the dauo-hter i>t Dr. H. H. ami
Man- iC'artmell) Ciillen, natixes of Kentucky and early settlers nf
Indiana. The subject and wife are the ])arents i)t four daughters,
Bernice, dirdelia. Durnthv anil Kathrvn. all bri"-ht and winsnme.
REV. PHILIP McD.VDE.
The writer of hiog-raphy, dealing with the personal history of
men engaged in the \'arious atTairs of e\eryda)- life, occasionally
finds a suliject whose record commands exceptional interest and ad-
miration and especiallv is this true when he has achieved more than
ordinar}- success or made his influence felt as a leader of thought
and a Ijenefactor of his kind. The subject of this review is emi-
nently of that class wlm earn the indisputable right to rank in the
van of the armv of progressix'e men and bv reason of a long and
strenu<ius career devoted to the good of his fellows and to the dis-
semination of the Gospel of peace throughout the world he occupies
a pi>sition of wide influence and has made a name which will long
\We in the hearts and affections of the people.
He is not only a brave and valiant soldier under the white ban-
ner of the King of I'eace but rendered gallant ser\"ice in a more ma-
terial warfare for when treason was rife and the safetv of the .gov-
ernment threatene<l. he. like thousands of other loyal sons of the
Xorth. unhesitatingly joined the forces of the national L'nii~>n and in
many campaigns and in not a few bloody fields of conflict, nobly and
faithfully bore his i)art in upholding- the honor of his countiy's flag
until rebellion lav grineling with gaping wounds clealt by his and
other strong and sturdy hands.
Philip McDade is a nati\-e i~if Washington county. Indiana, and
294
se\-enth i.if a family of eight children whose parents, William and
Xanc}- ( Fiddler) McDade, were Imrn in the states of Maryland and
Kentuck}-, respectively. The father went tn Kentucky when a ^"c)ung"
man and was married in Bullitt cnunt}', that state, where he li\ed
during- the balance of his lifetime. His widow came to Indiana in
an early day and figured in the pimieer histor_\- of Owen and of Alor-
gan counties. She is remembered as a most e.xcellent and praise-
worthy woman and for many years a pious and highly esteemed
member of the Baptist church. She died in the latter county. The
children wdio constitttted the faniih- of this respected couple were
Elizabeth, William, ^Matilda, Malinda, Joseph, Reuben, Philip and
I\Iary, the majority of wlnjm ha\-e long been sleeping the sleep of
the just.
Philip ]\IcDade, whose liirth < iccurretl on the 20th day iif Sep-
temljer, 1826, \yas early left an orphan from wdiich time on he was
obliged to make his own way in his native county, and during a cou-
ple of months each year he was permitted to attend the subscription
schools of the count}', devoting the greater part of the time, how-
ever, to hard work in the tields. After the death of his mother he
labored b}' the month as a farm hand and while thus engaged man-
aged to increase his scholastic knowledge by attaiding during win-
ter seasons the public schools, which in the meantime had been es-
tablished in I\b:>rgan county, pro\"ing an inestimable boon to the
}'i.>uth of the countiy, especialh' those who, like the subject, desired
to advance in their studies and make the most of life's opportunities.
E!y industr}- and econijnn- \-oung" McDade succeeded in accumulating
a sufficient sum of money to enable him, when a young man, to en-
gage in business at the town of Xormanda, in Tipton count}-, where
be opened in 1855, a general store which six-in gained a fairly suc-
cessful patronage.
Finding" mercantile life rather irksome and bv no means to his
OK IKiW'AKIi C()L'XT\'. 295
taste he disposed of his stock after a short time and, returninj;" to
Oweii county, where he had f(irnierl\- H\ed. resumed the ])ursuit 'if
agriculture. Later he (hscoiitinued tdhiig tlie sciil and aj^ain turned
his attention to merchanchsing. l)ut engaging in tlie grocer\' liusi-
ness which he carried on with reasonahle profits until the disturhed
condition in national ati'airs induced him to sell out tliat he might
respond to the call for volunteers to help ])ut dnwn the rehellion.
Rev. McDade's militar}- career hegan a numher of years pre-
vious to the struggle hetween the Xorth and South. ha\ing heen one
I if the \oung men df his countr\-. whd in 1S47 tmik ])art in tlie war
with .Mexico, enlisting that xeixr in L'oni])an\- l'>. i'liurih Indiana
Infantr\'. luider Colduel Willis A. (i'lrman. He accompanied his
command tn the southland and during the two )-ears ensuing shared
with his Comrades the furtunes and \icissitude> of war in that re-
mote countr\-. taking |)art in se\eral hattles and experiencing much
acti\'e ser\ice ere the stars and stripes dnated triumphantK' tn the
breeze from the hills of the ^lontezuma. ixetmning home after the
restoration of peace, he settled down to the (piiet pursuits of ci\il
life and was thus engaged until the breaking nut nf the rel)ellion.
when, as already stated, be again responded to his cnuntr^'s call and
went t<i the front to liattle for its safety. Air. .McDade was among
the first in his county to tender his ser\"ices to the go\ernment in its
time of need, enlisting early in 1861 in Companv B. I'ifty-ninth In-
diana Infantry, which he at once acciim]>anied tn the scer.e nf Ims-
tilities as first lieutenant where, during the fnur \ears fnllnwing. be
experienced all of the realities i>f warfare. i)articii)ating in a number
of hard-fought battles and si 1 conducting himself as to earn an hon-
orable record as a bra\e and gallant snldier. l*"nr meritnrinus ser-
\-ice be gradually rose from the ranks {<< the cnmniand nf his com-
pau}' and as captain be led bis men through many trying and dan-
gerous experiences, including the battle of Island Xo. 10. the seige
2gc,
of \'icksl)urg' and other engagements, Ijesides taking- part in numer-
(lus skirmishes and doing- a great deal of hard marching. While at
the front he liecame well acquainted with General ('.rant, between
whom ruid himself a warm friendly feeling appears tu ha\'e uh-
tained. and he was also on familiar tern-is with a number of other
superior ofticers to whom his bravery and gallantry seen-\ to have
commended him. At the expiration of his period of enlistment Mr.
INIcDade returned home and the following- year ( iS(')6) yielded to
a desire of long standing b_\- entering the ministry of the Baptist
church. ])reaching- his first sermon at the town of Ouincv. ()w-en
county. Later in the same year he was duly ordained in the countv
of Clinton, after which he addressed hin-iself manfully to the duties
of his sacred office, j^reaching during the several following years at
various places in other counties, establishing churches at different
points and proving a yery able and successful evangelist and pastor.
In due time be changed bis residence to the town of Deer Creek.
Carroll county, and while living there established a church at C.al-
veston. which has grown into a large and flourishing organization,
l)esides ministering to other congregations and doing n-iuch i)ersonal
as well as public and religious w-ork. From Deer Creek be took
charge of a Mission church in the town of Rensselaer, where he
labored w itb much accejitance for a period of three vears and in iS8S
removed to ^ylonticello where the church under bis al)le and faithful
ministration soon took on i-iew- life and became one of the strongest
a.nd most aggressixe congregations of that citv.
Severing- his connection with the Monticello church after a
successful and popular pastorate. Rev. AIcDade moved to Kokomo
where, in a life of honorable retirei-nent, he is spending the remainder
of his days, enjoying the confidence and esteen-i of his fellow citi-
zens and at inter\-als attending to the duties of his holy calling when
bis serA-ices are in demand. Long one of the ]-)rogressi\-e men of
OF HOWARD COU.N'TY. 2i)~
his church in mirthcrn liuhana he has ccmtriliiitetl ^Teath' tn its
streno'th and success in adcHtiim ti> which he lias e\er lieen deeply
interested in g'eneral relijj'ious wurk, irrespective i)f deudniinatinnal
ties and read\' to co-operate with orthndox ministers of whatever
name i.r order in ])uhlishin^- the glorious truths of the (lospel
throuq-hout the world. A close and critical I'.ihlical student, a force-
ful and logical s])eaker. and when married to his theme. truK- elo-
(|uent. he was always popular in the pulpit and seldom failed to
mi)\-e liis auditors h\' the earnestness with which he proclaimed his
message. His services to the qnv'ernment diu'ing the dark and
trouhlous years of re])elli<in were not confined to the field alone, hav-
ing' \)y his stirring' words and influence induced a nunilier of v-oung
men to enlist at the same time, providing means for the support of
wives and children whose husbands and fathers were offering their
lives for the countr\''s safet\-.
In his political views Mr. AIcDade is a ])ronounced Repuhlican,
hut by reason of the strenuous nature (d' his ministerial duties and
other work, he lias never taken a very active ])art in inihlic attairs,
although familiar with the leading (|uestions of the day and deeply
interested in issues concerning wliicli men and parties are at vari-
ance. In the matter of citizenship and its duties he is and always
has Ijeen an intenseh' loval ,\merican with a profound res|)ect for
law and order, and an ardent love for the government for whose
defense and perpetuit}' he gave such gallant and ungrudging service.
\'ery naturally for one of his experience, he keeps in close touch
with military matters and nothing affords him greater satisfaction
than to meet with his old comrades and recount with them the stirr-
ing scenes and daring deeds of the iron days that tried men's souls
and tested their endurance. He is a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic, active and influential in all matters concerning the < ir-
ganization and wlieii able to be present at its sessions, acts as cliaj)-
298 M(_)RRI.)\\'s HISTORY'
lain, ill which capacity his services are greatK' appreciated lj\' his
fellow ciiinrades. At this time he is the onlv surviving" \eteran of
the .Mexican war in How aril couiit}- and one of the ver\' few in the
state, the heroes of that conflict, ha\-ing" in the main, answered to
the final roll call and joined the great arm^• of the silent nlaiorit^■.
Rev. ^IcDade's domestic life dates from 1830 when he was
united in marriage with Airs. Luc}' ( Ji:)nes ) Asher, daughter of
Thomas and Frances (Bibie) Jones, the union terminating May 5.
1905. after a long and mutually happ}- wedded exiierience of hft}-
ir\e _\'ears. Subse(|uently he entered the marriage relation with his
present wife. Airs. Minerva (Wait) Dotterer. who has pro\-en a
tnie companion and helpmate and to whom he is indebted U >y the
greater portion of the comfort and satisfaction which he now en-
joys. Re\-. AIcDade has no children of his own but he has alwa\s
had a warm feeling for A-oung people and an abiding interest in their
\velfare, manv a \-outh throug'h his influence has Ijeen induced to
abandon the paths of sin and seek the higher life and today, not a
few strong substantial God-fearing men attribute to him all of
the success they have achie\ed together with the de\elopment of the
honoralile characters which have gi\'en them high standing in their
respecti^-e communities. It is a matter of record and \vorthv of note
in this connection that Air. AIcDade has married more couples and
baptized a greater number of candidates than any other minister in
Howard count^■. Aside frijm this it is impossible to estimate the
good he has done, for like the Alaster, he has e\-er been about his
Father's Inisiness, (le\'Oting the best powers of his mind to the active
wi.irk iif saving men, and now while no longer able to prosecute his
labors as in the da\s of his prime, he still preaches the w 1 ird in his
daily work and con\ ersation, the influence of his personalit\" and the
record of his long career of usefulness constituting a sermon of sur-
passing p<iwer and elo(jnence. Xo man in this section of the state
OV now AKI) IdUNrv. _'i)i)
lias a ni(ire extensixe ac(|uaintance than he and certainh' ni ine can
l)()ast iif as nian\- (lexnteil. a(hiiirino- friends, all nf whom earnestU'
desire and hupefull}' iira_\' that his eartlil}' life nia\- lie pri iloni^eil
throiig'li nianx' future years and that liis influence f<ir s^dod may still
"row and l)less his kind.
WILLIAM \\'. DRIXKWATER.
Fealty to facts in the analxzation of the character of a citizen
of the type of William W. Drinkwater is all that is re(|uire(l to make
a biographical sketch interesting" to those who ha\'e at heart the
good name of the communit}', liecanse it is the honorable reputation
of the man of standing" and affairs, more than an\- other considertion
that g"i\"es character ai"i(l stabilit}" to the body piilitic and makes the
true glory of a city or state revered at home and i"espected abroad.
In the broad light which things of good report ever invite, the name
and character of 'Sir. Drinkwater stand re\ealeil ami secure and
though of niodest demeai"ior with no amliition to distinguish himself
in public |)osition or as a leader of men his career has l)eei"i signally
honorable and it may l)e studied with ])rofit by the }"outh entering
upon his life work.
William W. Drinkwater hails from the state so pmlihc in great
nien. lia\"ing" been born at Ithaca. Ohio, on A])ril ^o. 1N35. His
parents, Thompson and Rebecca ( Alurpby ) Drinkwater. natives of
Ohio, migrated in December, 1865, to Howard count}". Indiana, and
settled on a farm about five miles east of Kokomo in Howard town-
ship where the father devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits
until bis death in 1873. his widow surviving him until i8c)6 w"ben
she too was called to her eternal reward. In connection with his
300 MORROW S HISTORY
laljors as a tiller of the soil 'rh(impS(in Drinkwater did consiilerajjle
\\(.irk in the line i>f carpentry, which trade he learned in his native
state where he liecame a sticcessfnl cdntractor and alsi.j put up (|uite
a nnmber of l)nilding'S after his reniii\al to Indiana.
The Drinkwater family had its origin in England and was first
represented in the L'nited States 1)_\- the stibject's grandparents, who
came to this countr\' a short time pre\'ious to the hirth of their son
']di(jnipson and located in Cincinnati. Ohio, where the latter first
saw the light of (kty. The)- belonged to the sturd}- middle class of
Britain w hicli gi\e t(j that land much of its strength and respect-
ability and are remembered as a most excellent and praiseworthy
couple whose li\es were singularh" free from fault and whose in-
fluence was always salutar}'.
William W . Prinkwater was about ten years of age when his
parents mo\ ed to Indiana, since which time his life has been very
closely identified with the counties of Howard and Miami, espe-
cialK- the former, throughout which he has become wideh' and fa\-or-
abh kno\\n and to the growth and de\'elopment of which he has
freeh' contributed of his time and influence. .V farmer l)oy he was
up w ith the lark when the \ernal seastm demanded his labors in the
held, and after the deatli of his father he became the bread winner of
the faniih" although but twent\' \ears of age \yhen this hea\-y re-
sponsil)ilit\' fell ujion his shoulders. Taking charge of the farm he
addressed himself manfully to his duties and with little assistance
Worth mentioning so conducted the work as to pro\"ide comfort-
abh- for his mother and four sisters, during the foiu" \-ears they re-
lied u])on him for support. His first educational experience in the
rude log caljin with puncheon floor and slal) benches aroused in
him an intense interest in book and study and an earnest desire, for
a mcire thorough training than cotfld be obtained in the back-woods
uniwersity. which laudable amliition he was subsecjuently enabled to
OF MOWARli CdL'XTY. 3OI
gratify In' taking' a liigh school course ami still later becdniing a
student of the Xnrthern Indiana Xnrnial sclimil at X'alparaiso where
he pursued for some tinie the nmre achanced hranches of learning.
While still a mere \'<iuth he became a skillful worker with tools and
under the direction of his father learned to tiu'n his mechanical in-
g'enuit\' to good acc(junt in the direction of carpentrx', at which trade
he soon acquired more than ordinary proficiency.
His mother, re-marrying after a widowhood of four years and
mi')\'ing to Kokonio, Mr. Drinkwater was relie\'ed of much of the
burden and responsibiIit\' which erstwhile fell to him and subse-
quently he went to the cit_\' where he seciu'ed reniunerati\-e employ-
ment at his trade, meanwhile in ]March, iScSi. he married the young
ladv of his choice. Emma ]\Iills. of I'reble county. Ohio, daughter
of William and Margerie Mills, who mo\'ed to Howard county a
number of ^"ears ago and are now li\ing retired li\es in the cit\' of
Kokcimo. Immediateh' after his marriage Mr. I )rinkwater set up
his domestic establishment on a renteil farm in Miami count}', but
at the expiration of six years purchased a place and continued to re-
side on the same tintil 1SS9. when he sold out and mo\ed to Ko-
konio where he lje,gan dealing in real estate and in insurance and in
due time became a member of the old and reliable tirni of Duke
Brothers & Company, taking charge id" the loan department id' which
he still controls and in the managenient of which he has achie\'ed
signal success, pro\'ing an able and judicious business man and a
valuable accession to the firm.
Mr. Drinkwater is a most courteous and companionable gentle-
man, influential in business circles and honorrd)le and relird)le in all
of his dealings. He r.anks among the enter]>rising and jniblic-
spirited citizens of the citv in which he resides, manifests an acti\'e
interest in whatever pertains to the progress of Howard county and
co-operates with others in forwarding all measures wherebv his
302 MORROW S HISTORY
felldw men ma)- Ije benefited. .V Republican in the full measure of
the term and deepl}' interested in the success of his party and its
candidates, he has never entered the political arena as an aspirant
for public hiinors. nor sought ofhcial position at the ballot lx)x.
Like the majorit}- of wide-awake, enterprising" men. he is a member
of the ancient and honorable Brotherhood of Alasonry and in his
daily life endeavors to exemplify the sublime principles and pre-
cepts of the order in all of his relations \\ith his kind. He is also
identified with the Independent Order of Ived Men, the Een-Hur
and the Order of Maccabees, and in religion subscribes to the ]\[eth-
oclist Episcopal faith, belonging \\ith his wife to the Grace church in
Kokonio. which organization he has ser\'e(l for a period of fifteen
}'ears as treasurer.
The home life of !Mr. Drinkwater has l)een a continued series of
mutuall}- pleasing and agreeable experiences, each member loiiking
to the interests of the others, the father, mother and four children
constituting a harmonious and altogether happv famih- circle. The
names of the children are ]\Iazy B., John O., Charles ^I. and
Paul E.
GEORGE EHR:\IAX.
.\niong the representati\-e farmers of Howard county is the
subject of this sketch, who is the owr.er of a tine landed estate in
Er\in township, and is carrving on the \arious departments of his
enterprise with that discretion and energy which are sure to find
their natural secjuel in definite success, having alwavs Ijeen a hard
worker, a good manager and a man of economical habits, and Ijeing
fortunate!}- situated in a thriving farming' communitv. it is no won-
der that he stands today in the front rank of the agriculturists of
this fa\ored locality.
OF HOWAKD COCXTV. 303
(iein-o'e Ehnnan was Ixirn in nnlphin cnuiUw l'enns\l\aiiia,
March 5, 1840, the son nt (ieori^e and ]'raine_\- ( F.schelnian ) Ehr-
nian. l)(itli natives of the Keystone state. Tlie father of the snlji'ect
jjassed away in Sliell>y countw huHana, and his mother closed the
cha])ter of her hfe record in l)oI|)hin connt\', I'enns\-I\ania. TheN'
were the ]iarents of tliirteen chiKh'en. of whom om" sul)ject was one
of the oldest members.
(leorge Ehrman lived in Dolphin count}'. I'ennsyhania. until
he was twenty years old, workint^- out as a farm hand. ( )n lea\in!;'
his nati\e count\' he came to Shelh\- countw Indiana, and worked
out as a farm laborer for two years, after which he rented a farm
there for si.\ years, during;" which time he made a comfortable li\-infi'
and was al>le to la\' up a competence for the future, beiny thereby
enabled to purchase a sixty acre farm in Mercer count\-, ( 'hio, on
whicli be settled and li\"ed three vears. when he sold out, his farm
l)ringing' a good price after he had made extensive improxements.
He came to Howard count\", Indiana, in iXjj, where he has re-
mained, having' purchased an eig'ht\' acre farm in lu'vin township.
Mr. Ehrman has been prosperous during these years of residence in
this county I)}' his able manag^ement and habits of industry and he
has now a \'er\' valuable farm of two hundred and twent}- acres. 1 le
has erected a numlier of large and sul)stantial buildings on the place,
all of which indicates tlirift and i)rosperit}" as well as good man-
agement.
Mr. Ehrnian was united in marriage in Shelby count\-. Indiana,
October 23. iSfij, to ^ilargaret Beeler, who was a native of lUitler
county, Ohio, where she was born September 2j. 1S40, the daugh-
ter of (ieorge and Elizabeth ( Enirick ) Beeler, l)oth natives of
Pennsylvania. Of a family of nine children, the wife of our subject
was the sixth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Ehrman are the ])ar-
ents of three children, as follows: Williani A., county surveyor of
Howard county, and a well known and u.seful citizen of the same;
304
Joliii I'., an influential farmer of lirxin township: Sarah C, who was
a woman of hne traits, who l)ecame the wife of J. Rider. She was
cahed from her earthl_\- lal)ors in Er\in township. September q, 1891,
\\hen abont twentv-four \ears ohl
]Mr. Ehrman takes a great deal of interest in all the township
offices in Ervin tijwnship, being a public-spirited man and anxious
to see his communit}- thri\e.
The subject and wife are members of Shiloh Methodist Epis-
ctipal church in Clay township, of which Mr. Ehrman has been
steward and trustee for man}- years.
The subject has always been regarded as a man of high prin-
ciples, honest in every respect and broad-minded, a man of 1)road
charitw kindness i.if heart to the unfortunate and ever willing to aid
in an}- worth}- cause for the betterment of humanit^■ or the public
with which he has to deal, and he is held in high fa\-or and the ut-
most respect by all who know him.
lOEIX \\'. TESSUP.
L'pon the roll of representati\-e citizens and prominent and in-
fluential agriculturists of Taylor township. Howard county, appears
the name which initiates this paragraph. Mr. Jessup has been a
resident of this C(jnnt\- since his ^•outh and has worked his own wa^-
to a ])osition of marked i^recedence in both business and political af-
fairs, while he is held in un(|ua1ilied esteeni bv the people of his
comniunit\-.
John W. Jessup was born in Howard count}-, l''el)ruary 4.
iHf)] . the son of Jaci;il) and Xanc}- (Sparks) Jessup. His grand-
father and grandmother on bis father's side were natives of I^ennsvl-
vania. who first mo\-ed to Ohio, later to Parke countv. Indiana.
J. W. JESSUP.
OK IIOWARli C(JL'.\TV. 3O5
where he dwnetl and <i[)erate(l a good farm, ha\'int;' cniiie ti i that
li>caht\' se\enty-se\eii years ago. dating hack fi'dni i()oX. Mere he
reared his chikh'en, nine in number, and spent his remaining \ears.
He was a memher of the Christian cliurch while his wife was con-
nected with tlie >dethii(hst ci>ngregati(in.
Jacob Jessup, fatlier of the sul)ject, was the eighth clnld in
order of birth. ha\ing been l)iirn in ()lii(), [une 7, I'^-.v lieing
brought l.iy his parents from that state \\ hen eight years nld, tn In-
(hana. His earl}- education was recei\ed in the district schnuls of
i'arke county. He worked in his vouth on his father's farm, as-
sisting to make a farm and a home, working thus with his parents
until his father's death when he fell heir to the In pme place, on
which he remained for sexeral \ears, when he sold out and moved
to Howard county in 1S32. Iniying a farm in Taxlor township of
one hundred and sixty acres, of which only seven acres were cleared.
He had to make his own road to Center, where he had to purchase
supplies for his famih-. This town was called Tampic: > at that
time and there were but few settlers, onlv a small portion of the
countiy being cleared. But our subject's father was always a man
of thrift and he cleared the lan<l gi'adually, assisted l)y our subject,
also added to it as his fortune increaseil until he had two hundred
and eight}' acres. He not (juI}' cleared, but impr(T\'ed the farm 1)}-
draining it and otherwise transforming the wild land into a first
class farm, the land haxing originalh' been swam]iy and would
scarcely raise an^"thing of \alue at that time, but it is to(la}- \ery
productive as the result of }ears of patient labor of Air, Jessup.
Tlie original log house occupied the same site where the present
modern, substantial and commodious dwelling now stands and the
fields are well drained by tile. In addition to this our subject has
an eight\--acre farm adjoining, which is under a high slate of cul-
ti\ation.
20
3o6 morrow's history
Ten children were burn to Jaci)l) Jessup and wife, all Init nne
li\ing t(.i maturity, and se\en of them ha\e raised families. The
father is a member of the Christian church and was always an acti\e
member of the same until he became too feeble to take much interest
in church work. The mother of the subject was a Alethodist. She
passed awav Tanuarv 19, i8()6. having been born in 1831. The
father is now living with our subject. He has been twice married.
He has been a \'er\- rugged man. lieing for man}- }"ears considered
the strongest man in the district. He was long an active worker in
the Democratic party, but he never held office.
John \\'. Jessup. our subject, was l)orn on the farm where he
has since resided, aiding in his youth with the farm work and at-
tending the district schools as occasion afforded. He worked in
building up the farm until he was of age; he then rented a farm
from his father and is still continuing to work the old homestead
and in addition works his own farm. He has always been an ex-
tensive stock raiser, dealing in both cattle and hogs, the Poland
cattle having received his attention, for the most part feeding cattle
for the meat market. He feeds all the corn raised on the place and
in addition buys much other corn which he feeds there. He has
kept the farms under his management in a high state of productive-
ness through a .skillful rotation of crops, raising one corn crop and
one of small grain, then one of clover on the land before another
crop of corn is placed on it. He uses no commercial fertilizers and
he now raises larger crops than at any former peri(.id. He is of
the opinion that his land can be kept perjietually up to its present
state of ])roducti\-eness by continuing his present system of modern
farming. Xo more up-to-date and painstaking farmer is to be fountl
in Howard count}- than our subject.
Mr. Tessup was married in 1886 to Georgia Augusta Hobson.
daughter of Absalom and IMartha Jane ( Foster) Hobson. her
Ol" HOWARD COL'X'IV.
father luning been a nati\e i>f Indiana and her nmther a nati\e nt
Ohio. R(>l)ert hnster. a l>r(ither of ALrs. Jessup's niolher. was a
Soldier in the L'nion army, ha\iny enhsted earl\- in the war frijni
Indiana and ser\ed (hn"ing- the entire war, having been captured and
sent to Libh\' prison. Haxing been wounded in battle lie never en-
tirely reco\ered and he is now in a soldiers' home. There were
seven children in the family of Mrs. Jessup's parents. Her father
died at the age of eight\' years. He was a Methodist, ba\ing long-
been acti\'e in that church, fie was also acti\'e in politics, \-oting
the Repu1)lican ticket. Her mother is now li\ ing at the age of
sevent^- \ears in i<,)o8. She is also a strict Methoibst.
Onh' one child has lieen born to the sul>ject and wife, 1^'red,
whose date of birth is Xoxember _'o. i!~^i'^7, is a graduate of
the Kokomo liigii school and in 1908 is in his third year at the
State L'niversity, where he is making a brilliant record, being a
young man with much talent and ha\-ing a bright future. The}' are
raising an adopted daughter, ba\ing taken her when five months
old. She is Mr. Jessup's sister's child, whose mother died when the
child was \oung.
Mr. Jessup is an acti\"e member of the Christian church while
Mrs. Jessup suliscribes to the Methodist faith. The former is an
active Democrat, ha\iug ])een trustee of his township for two terms,
handling the duties of this important office with credit to himself
and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned during the four }-ears
of his incumlienc\-. In looS he was his partx's nominee for re-
election. He is a public-spirited man and is well au<l fa\orabl}'
known throughout the township where he resides for bis honesty
and uprightness in all his business dealings. He is a man of pleas-
ing address and is known for his hospitalit\- and kindness to the
poor.
3o8 :morro\\'s history
W. W. KELVIE.
W itlmut searching for lineage in mustv tomes or the less satis-
factory authority of trachtion it suttices to state in writing this Ijrief
sketch of a practical man and master of his craft, that his progen-
itors were in the broadest sense high, their influence salutary and
whose characters and sterling wi^rth have been reproduced on their
descendants.
W. N\'. Keh-ie. superintendent of the Kokomcj Steel & Wire
Company, and one of the leaders of industry in his adopted citv, is
a native of Xew York, and first saw the light of dav crm the banks of
the Hudson with which lieautiful and classic stream his earliest
recollections are cli^sely interwo\en. He spent his boyhood on a
farm near Caldwell, in the state of Xew Jersey, President Cleve-
land's birthplace, and earl}- became i>roficient in tilling the soil, but
when a mere youth abandoned agriculture frir a vocation more to
his inclinations and tastes. Leaving home at the age of seventeen,
young Kelvie entered a wire mill at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for
the purpose of learning the trade of wiredrawing and after becom-
ing efficient and master of every detail of the business he soon
f(^und remunerative emplovnient, the demand for skilled artisans in
the wire industr}- at that time being far in excess of the supply. His
first position was that of foreman cif a department in an establish-
ment at Anderson and he later filled similar places in other fac-
tories, the meanwhile adding to his technical knowledge until he be-
came an expert whose sendees \\ere always in demand, and he al-
ways commanded the highest wages paid for such work.
Mr. Kelvie came to Kokomo, Indiana, in 1900 and started
what has since become one of the largest and most important in-
dustries in the city, planning and superintending the erection of the
plant, purchasing and placing the machiner^• and giving persona!
OF llOWAKD COL'XTY. 3O9
atteiitiiin to e\ery detail nf an estahlishnient which under his nian-
agenicnt. is now considered one of the most successful of the kind
in the \\'est. I'pon its completion he liec;une superintendent nf the
plant and as such Ijroug'ht the industry to the highest possible effi-
ciency and earned for himself much more than local repute as a skill-
ful mechanic ami successful manager. In additinn to this connec-
tion with the wire business in Kokomo, Mr. Kelvie has also been
superintendent of a similar plant in DoiKira, Pennsyl\-ania. besides
managing for some time the Steel & Wire Compati}- at Muncie, In-
diana, to say nothing of the frecjuent calls for his services from other
larger establishments in the leading industrial centers, all of which
he was obliged to decline to build up and extend the business in his
present tield of operati(ins.
In July. 1007, he resigned the superintendency of the Indiana
Steel & ^^"ire Company at ]\Iuncie to accept a similar position with
the Kokomo Steel & \\'ire Company, which operates what is known
as the Xorth INIill Steel &; \A'ire "\\'(^rks of Kokomo, and since that
time he has l)een largely instrumental in building up the enterprise
and extending tlie scope of its operations. This establishment em-
ploys on an a\'erage of two hundred workmen, whose payroll
amounts to a large sum. From the beginning the business has
grown in magnitude and importance until the name of the firm has
bec(_ime widely known among the leading manufacturing interests
of the L'nited States.
At this time Mr. Kelvie is not only superintendent of the large
and growing plant with which he is identified but is also a stockhold-
er in the company, as he was in the former firm also. He attends
strictly to his business, discharges the duties of his responsible posi-
tion with conscientious tidelity and by making the company's inter-
ests his own. has earned the unbounded confidence of the officials
and stockholders, besides gaining for liimself a place of influence
amdiig tlie manufacturers (if the citv as well as with the general
pul)]ic.
The st(ir}- of ^Ir. Kehie's career is interesting and instructive
from almost anv \-iew and it is of little use to say that his life thus
far has been signally successful and useful and that the future awaits
with still greater rewards. During the twenty consecutive years
which he has devoted to his trade he has met and o\-ercnme diffi-
culties and embarrassments with undauntetl heart, and mii\ing
steadily and bra\-ely forward tn a large place anicmg tlie successful
artisans of his craft, he has reached the reward which is sure, or al-
most sure to crown thijse who are fit and worth}' to be crowned.
Since becoming a resident of Kokomo, he has been not only a con-
spicuous figure in the industrial circles, but also in the affairs that
concern the city's welfare, lieing interested in all lines of material
adxancement and an ad\"ocate and patron of enterprises that effect
the social and moral good of his fellow men.
Mr. Kelvie is happily married and the father of two children,
a Son, Ivussell X.. and a daughter b\' the name of Kathrvne Eliza-
beth. Mrs. Kehie was fonnerlv ^larv Braskett. of Anderson. In-
diana, in which citv her marriage took place.
WILLI. \M C. McCLXE.
The subject of this re\iew takes high rank among the leading
business men of Kokomo, and to him as much perhaps as to any
other, is the city indeljted for its material growth and expansion
during the past twci decades. In an important and far-reaching
enterprise he has been instrumental in \ery materially extending the
territorial limits of the citv and b\- being the means of procuring"
homes within the easy reach of those of moderate means, has con-
(IF IIOWAKI) CI)L\VTV. ,:; I I
ferred favors and lilessini^s u])iin a class nf penplc wlin will alwavs
hold his name in the highest j)<issil)le esteem. \\ illiani ('. McCtine.
dealer in real estate, loans, etc., and the head of one of the largest
business enterprises of the kind in northern Indiana, was horn
I-"ehrnar\- ii, 183S. in Warren cminty, ( )hio, hut when (|uitc xoung-
was taken 1)\' his parents to Clinton county, that state, where he
grew to maturity amid the hracing an's and rugged discipline of
farm life, .\fter completing the common schi lol curriculum he en-
tered the Xational Xormal School at Lel)anon, where he ])rose-
cuted his studies for one vear. Afterwards he entered the l'ni\er-
sit\' of Michigan where he hnished an elective course of twd \ears
in the literary dejjartment. following which he took up the stnd\ of
law in the same institution, receiving the degree of Doctur of Laws
in 1NO3. The same ^■ear in which he hnished the latter course. .Mr.
AlcCiuie was admitted to the bar hut instead of engaging in the
practice of the jirofessiou he went to Kansas during the business
boom and in that state opened a real estate office in the cit\- of W ich-
ita, where in due time he achie\ed marke<l success in the bu\ing.
selling and trading nf lands, cit\' lots and nther kinds uf projiertw
In 181X7, in partnershii) with other (.^hio parties, he jiurchased
se\eral tracts of land adjoining the limits <i\ Kukouiii, Indiana, and
the following year came to this city for the ]nirpose of platting the
same and ])utting" it on the market. The companx' b\- which this
enter])rise was inaugurated to successful issue was kin'wn as the
John Sherman Sxaidicate, so called in compliment to the distin-
guished statesman, who was a member of the concern and interested
in the tinancial outcome of the same.
Taking personal charge of the business Mr. McCune had the
land sur\eyed and ])latted as the Oakland and Mansfield additions
to Kokomo, which, with sexeral smaller additions represented an
iinestment of thirt>-five thousand dullars. In due time the lots
31^ M()RRO\\' S HISTORY
were disposed i:)f at a reasonable profit and the lands originally pur-
L'liased In' the syndicate now afford homes for o\er a thousand peo-
ple, all of whom were enabled to obtain their lots on easy terms and
to improve them in a like manner. In winding- np the interests of
the s}-ndicate Mr. ]\IcCiine t(.>ok o\er all the unsold real estate
amounting to twelve thousand diillars, which he jilaced on the war-
ket at especially fa\-orable advantage to purchasers, thus enabling a
number of people of limited means to procure lots and erect houses
thereon b)' loans, which he also advanced at the lowest possilile rate
of interest, in this \\av proving not onlv a promoter of the citv"s
material prosperity, but a true benefactor as well. But for his inter-
est in forwarding the enterprise of the syndicate and managing it
\\'ith such signal success, man}- families todav. who are in comfort-
al)le circumstances, woukl in all probability have l)een homeless,
while others who looked upon his efforts as a shrewd scheme for his
own enrichment are now lamenting the prejudice and follv which
blinded them to opportunities \\hich if graspe<l in time, would ha\"e
enabled tliem to obtain a fair start in life and prepare for the exi-
gencies of the future.
Since disjiosing of the \'arious interests <if the Sherman Svntli-
cate. ]\Ir. McCune has devoted his time and energies to the real es-
tate business, loaning mone\'. etc.. in which he now has an extensi\e
and lucrati\-e patronage, not only in Kokomo and Howard count}",
but in man\" parts of Indiana, and other states. During the boom
in Kansas he inxested quite hea\i!\" in land, much of which was left
upon his hands when the temporar}- Ijusiness inllation collapsed. l)ut
which has since increased in value until it is now worth far more
than the original fancy fig'ures at which it was purchased, this with
his other interests in different states making him one of the finan-
cialh' solid and relialtle men of the cit^• in which he resides.
Mr. .McCune has been acti\"e in promoting the material ad\'ance-
OF TIOW'ARD COUNTY. 3I3
nient of KokoiiK.i in otlier than extendint;' its territorial area, iKuini;-
taken an acti\-e and intiuential part in locating factories and other
industries, advertising" the ad\antages of the citv as a favorahle place
for the in\-estnient of capital and inducing an intelligent ;ind enter-
prising" class of citizens to make it their permanent place of ahode.
His public spirit has been displa}"ed in the interests he has always
taken in measures rui<l mo\"ements ha\"ing for their object the social,
intellectual and moral a(l\"ancenient of the community and as a
member of the city council from i8g8 to 1902 he was instrumental
in bringing" about much important municipal legislation, hor se\"-
eral years prior to his election to the council he ser\"ed as city com-
n"iissioner and in \arious other capacities rendered \aluable assist-
ance in furthering" the interests of the bi.idv politic and attracting
attention to a live and enterprising" city whose growth and pros-
perit)" during" the last quarter of a century have been greater and
n"iore substantial perhaps than that of anv other place of its size in
the state.
Air. AlcCime is a Democrat in politics and an inlluential worker
in the ranks in both of which capacities he has contributed i"nuch to
the strength of the ticket in the city and throughout the count\" Ije-
sides his full share in matters pertaining to district and state. In
all of his relations with his fellow men his conduct has been above
reproach and it is scarcely necessary to say that one of his sterling
business (|ualifications and substantial worth has gained the un-
bounded esteeni of those with whon"i he comes into contact and that
he is nun"ibered toila}" an"iong the influential citizens of the com-
i"i"iunit\" honored by his presence.
While engaged in business at Wichita, Kan.sas, in 18S7, Mr.
AlcCune was married to Jennie Smith, a native of Clinton county.
Ohio, and daughter of Hon. J- I- Smith. ex-men"iber of congress
from the latter state, at one time under the intelligent and cu!-
314
tured lidine inriuences anil is a lach' uf pleasing- presence and marked
indix'idiialitv, \\hi.i has e\er made her husljand's interests her own.
and w JKjse sympathies and assistance are al\va}'s enlisted in \vhate\er
he undertakes. Their union has heen blessed with one child, a
daughter. A'irginia. who is now pursuing her studies in the city
.scliools and whose presence in the home adds much to the comfort
and delight of the little family circle.
Mr. AlcCune. althmigh a liusiness man in all the term implies
and successful beviuid the majority of his fellows, is not so im-
mersed in his affairs as t<i lose sight of those hig'her and more pleas-
ing- concerns in the wav of rest and recreation which gi\e so much
zest and relish to life and make it an agreeable experience. Two
months of every vear he lea\'es his ofhce and its cares and goes back
to the old Ohio neighborhood, where his childhood and \'outh were
passed and where he still owns a valuable farm, to wdiich he dex'otes
his attention during the period indicated. This active outdoor life
in close touch with nature, amid the rugg-ed duties of agriculture, af-
fords him an ample and pleasing means of recreation and at the close
of his \-acation he returns, fresh and invigorated and lietter fitted
for the arduous duties of the large and growing business which he
CdUimands.
D. C. JEXKIXS (;l.\.ss COMPAXV.
.\mong the leading enterprises of Kokonio that ha\'e contrib-
uted to the soliclitv of the chx and a<lde<l to its reputation as one of
the most important industrial centers of the \\ est is the D. C Jen-
kins (ilass Compan^■. the record of which. co\ering a period of about
eighteen years. |>resents a series of continued successes and the high
standard of whose product has won for it prestige in the domain of
oi' iiiiWAKi) cm'xrv. 315
manufacture. D. C. Jenkins, the president nt tliis cnncern, a .^lass
manufacturer nf wide exi)erience, comes (jf a famil\- of .tjlass makers,
liis fathei". 13a\id Jenkins, nnw' a man nf se\ent\"-six \ears of ag'e.
ha\ini;' dexnted much nii irc than a\erag"e hfetime to the in(Uistry.
as has also Thomas Jenkins, an imcle of the suljject.wlio is seventy-
four years of age. During the past fort\--fi\-e vears oiu^ su1)ject has
been identified with the Inisiness in its e\■er^• deiiartnient and now
stands c<infessedK" among the most skilled and successful artisans
known to the trade.
luitering a factor\' at the age of ele\en he earK' liecame familiar
with e\er\- phase of the business and after working- at different
places he erected in i8()(:. a factor)- at I-'indlay. Ohio, which in due
time became i>ne of the leading mdustrial enterprises of that city,
and which he continued to operate until i8()3, when he disposed of
the business and engaged with the I'nited States ( dass Company to
superintend the erection of a large plant at das City. Indiana. Wdien
the plant was completed and ei|uipi)ed he took charge of the work
and continued as manager until the vear following when he re-
sig-ned his position and again enibarked in the business upon his
own responsibilit\-. erecting in i8(j4 a factor\- at Cireento\\n, known
as the Cioblet Compan\-. which he operated with encouraging re-
sults until igoo, when he sold the plant and within a sliort time
thereafter estaljlished at Kokomo. the compan\- of which he is now-
jjresident and manager.
Inaugiu"ated under favoralde auspices the business in this city
prcned successful from the beginning and cimtinued to grow and
expand until the patronage took a \erv extensive range and g'ained
for the esta1)lishment much niore than local repute. The superior
g-rade of the product which consisted of a full line of table glass-
ware, created a wide demand aniong the dealers in Indiana and
other states and to meet the same, a large iiumber of workmen were
3l6 . M0RK0N\'S HISTORY ,
eiiiplcived, all selected with special reference to etficiency and skill
as artisans. The grdwth and prosperity of the company continued
without interruption until 1905, at which time the tirst serious mis-
fortune was experienced in the complete destruction of the plant by
fire, entailing not only the loss of the buildings and equipment hut
also a hea\v damage to the business in many wa}'S, not the least of
which was the time retjuired to reco\-er from the disaster, the inter-
ferences with trade, and the heavy expense entailed by the erection
of the new and more commodious structvu'e, which was completed
and reach- for ciperatii/m in June of the following }ear. when the
enterprise was re-organize(.l as the Jenkins Compan_\- with greatly
enlarged facilities and more encouraging prospects than it had hith-
erto enjoyed.
Since the latter year the progress of the company has fully real-
ized the expectation of the promoters and as already indicated, it
now occu}>ies a prominent place among the industrial enterprises
that have given Kokomo its high reputation as an industrial center,
and under the able management of the efficient and public-spirited
president. The companv now represents a large investment of cap-
ital and bids fair to grow to still greater proportions and to become
in the no distant future, the leading glass works in the northern part
of the state. The companv represents a large investment of capital
and with its one hundred and fiftv emplcn-es. and an annual payroll
of over one hundred thousand dollars, the greater part of which is
circulated locally, its benefit to the general business interests of the
city can hardly be estimated. The out-put which, as stated in a pre-
ceding paragraph, includes the articles of glassware in general use
together with milk b(ittles, fish globes and full line of machine-made
goods, all of which finds reach" sale, and at certain seasons the de-
mand is so great as to require large additions to the working force.
Primarily it was the intention to use natural gas exclusively, and the
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 317
plant was constructed with this dhject in \iew . l)Ut with the i;ra(hial
(Umiiiishing in the xnhinie nt tliat fuel, it was fduml necessar\- to
resort to other means of su]3plying fuel. Acc(inlino-lv a lar<;e t^'as
plant was recenth' erected, the resulting" gas fnini which is now
anipl\- sufficient tn operate the plant at its full capacit\-. The stuck
(if the company is all (iwned hv the Jenkins famih', win) also Imld
its sexeral otifices and look after its management and general inter-
ests. The personnel of the company at this time is as follows : D. C.
Jenkins, president: Addison Jenkins, secretary and treasurer; Da\id.
TlKJmas. Addison and David C. Jenkins, and D. C. Davies, direc-
tors, and Howard A. Jenkins, salesman.
Since coming to Howard county the life (if D. C. Jenkins and
the history of the important entei"prise with which he is sn clnscly
identified haye hcen prett^• much ( >ne and the same thing. A master
of his craft and a man oi sound judgment, rare foresight and su-
perior executi\e ability, he has taken advantage of opportunities
and when circumstances appeared discouraging his tact and forti-
tude have enabled him to bend them to suit his purposes with the re-
sult that he gradually overcame every obstacle in his way to success
and mo\'ed stea(lil\' forward to the influential position which he now
occupies in the industrial world. I'^'om the beginning of his career
to the present time he has been actuated hv the laudable motive of
making his work worth}- of patronage and to meet this end no ef-
forts were considered ti>o great and no expense too heavy. That
lie has fully realized his expectations as a manufacturer is am])ly
attested b\' the rapid growth of his business, and the high reputation
of his brand of goods wdierever sold, the local patronag"e being \'ery
satisfactory, wdiile large quantities are consigmed to man}- different
points where they easily hold their own in competition with the
product of the factories of the land. As already indicated, Mr.
Jenkins' close personal attention to the managenient of the com-
3l8 MDRKOU'S HISTORY
pan\- wliiise honorable career in the past and present and crechtable
stancHng in inckistrial and lousiness circles aftord sufficient assur-
ance of its per^Tanenc^• and future prosperity as one of Kokomo's
most pmsperous and remuneratixe enterprises.
T. W. LEARXER.
Representing une of the oldest and best known families of
Howard c^'unt^^ and a man of enterprise and sterling worth. J. \\ .
Learner is well entitled to notice among the sul)stantial business men
of Kokomo and it is with much satisfaction that the stor\- of his life
is accorded a place in these pages.
F.ernhart Learner, his father, a native of Ba\"aria. (iermany,
came to the Lnited States when a \oung man and li\-ed for some
time in I'enns\-h-ania. where he met and married Catherine Heater,
who was born and reared in that state. Subsequenth'. in 1841. he mi-
grated to the new and unde\eloped territor\- of Howard county, In-
diana, entered land in Howard township and in due time Ijecame one
of the successful farmers and public-spirited citizens of the com-
munity, which lie assisted to estalilish. In company with se\-eral of
his neighlioi's and friends he made the long o\erland trip to Cali-
fornia during the gold excitement of 1S49 and 1850. and remained
in tlie west two \ears, meeting with fair success in his search for
wealth. \\ hile absent a distressing accident occurreil at home, in
which his wife was killed b\' the falling of a burning chimne}".
Some time after his retrun from California he ufarried Mrs. Bates,
the widow of one of his companions on his tri]) to the West, and
sj)ent the remainder of his life on the farm, which he had redeemed
from the wilderness. At one time he was a large land owner, his
OV IIOWAKD CnrXTV. 3I9
real estate in Howard townshii) almie ami )untin,iL;' to six iuindred and
flirty acres, and liis high stanch'no- as a nciL;lil)nr ami citizen, won fur
liini tlie ciMilidence and esteem of all with win mi he assnciated. An
acti\'e and consistent nicmher of the Methodist h^piscopal chmx'h
and an enterprising" ni;ui of atlairs he left the impress of his indi-
\'idnalit\ upon the ciimninnU\- in which he lued and to his descend-
ents the niemor\- of a good name which the\' prize as a grateftil
lieritage. Of the h\e children of Ilenihart and Catherine Learner
that siir\'i\ed the period of infancy, three are still luing, J. W'.. of
this re\iew ; 1!. V. and Mrs. Mary Templin, the sons heing residents
of Howard comity, hut the daughter for some \'ears past has heen
li\ing in the W est.
J. W. Learner was horn in Howard count}- in the year of 1S4X
and spent tlie greater part of his minorit}- on the faniil)- homestead
in Howard township, where he earl_\' hecame familiar with the pur-
suit of agriculttire and recei\-ed. under e-\cellent home intluence.
the discipline and training which so well fitted him for the duties of
subsequent life. While assisting to clear and cultivate the farm, he
attended school for a brief period oiih', eighteen months co\-ering
his earl_\- educational e.xperiences. notwithstanding which he made
rapid [irogress, the knowledge thus gained with information de-
ri\'ed from stuih" and reading during his leisure hours enabling him,
when a }oung man, to enter the school work and teach successfully
sex'eral terms in his nati\e townshi]). Meantime he de\'oted his at-
tention to \-arious enterprises, chief among which was the manu-
facture of drain tile, in which he was associated for some time with
his brother-in-law, James Miller, the business ])ro\iiig reinunerati\e
an<l ,gi\ing him his hrst real start m life. During the \-ears, iX8i-_>,
he served as deputy sheriff under J. \\ . DeHa\'en and later turned
bis attention to merchandising, in which his success was fairl\' satis-
factor\-. Without following his liusiness career in detail, suffice it
320 MdKKOW S HISTORY
to State that the last enterprise to which he ail<h-essed himself and in
wliich he is still engaged, was the purchase in partnership with P. E.
Hoss and W . E. Blacklidg'e of the Opalescent Glass \\^orks at Ko-
komo, the establishment being ilisposed oi at a receiver's sale in the
year 1891. Since becoming identified with this large and promis-
ing interest. Mr. Learner has given persdiial attention to the office
work and management of the concern, which is now ijne of the lead-
ing manufacturing establishments nf the city. Under the present
cijmpan}- the plant has been enlarg'ed and otherwise impnived and
from a modest beginning the lousiness has steadilv grown in magni-
tude and importance until the demand for the product is so great
that the factor}- is taxed U> its utmost capacitv. thus rendering an
additional increase of facilities, a matter of the near future. The
high grade of the out-put of the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Works
has given the plant wide reputation and it stands today among the
leading enterprises of the citv with a promise of still larger growth
in the future. ]Mr. Learner possesses business abilities of a high
order, and to him largeh' is the enterprise indebted for the series of
advancements which ha\e characterized its progress since he became
a member of the firm. .-\si(le from his business affairs he manifests
a livel}' interest in the material development ijf Kokomo. lending his
encouragement and influence t(> all wortln- measures and movements
to this end. and he is alscj an earnest advocate and liberal patron of
e\'erything calculated to promote the social ath'ancement of the cit}'
and the moral good of the people.
Air. Learner is a married man and the father of one child, a
daughter b\- the name of (irace, a }-oung lad_\' of uncommon intelli-
.gence and culture, a graduate of the Kokomo high scIkioI and for
two years a stuflent of De Pauw Universitv. Recentlv she com-
pleted the full course in kindergarten work in a professional college
at Tndiana])olis and now holds a remunerative position in the jniblic
(IF lliiWAKIi (.(irXTV. 321
schools at Hiuiinii 111(1. this state. ItetDie her niarriai^e. Mr's. Leaniei'
was Hettie Adamsnn, a native nf Hdward ciuiity, whu^e dealli nc-
euned in 1 S(;0. Snhse(|nentl\ Mr. 1. earner married Mr'-, hjnnin
|. (Small) \\ ilsi m. a nati\ e I if 1 li i\\ ard C( innty.
in his piilitical faith .Mr. Learner is staunehK and nnenm-
pri innsini;l\' a !\e]nil>liean, thiin.ti'h nut a partisan nr aspn-ant fur
(itticial hiniors. His fraternal relations are with the Masuiiie ni'der.
and in reli.Q'ion he is a Methndisi. l)el(.inL;in,s4" with his famil\- tn the
(iraee clnnxdi in Kukdniu. m whicli he h'llds the (ifhee nf truster.
] 'erSdualK', Mr. Learner is a most pleasant and at'fahle Ljentle-
man. <if honest cunxictinns and sineere piujxises. his nprii^ht eareer
and whdlesdine mural inllnence makins^- him popular thi-iiu.i;"hi uit the
eit\- in which he is so wideh' known and in which his entn'c life has
lieen s])ent.
(il'.ORCF, ]\. ]n\ES.
The tollo\\in.t;- is a hnef sketch of the life of one who. hy close
attention to business, lias achieved marked success in the world's
alfairs and risen to an honorahle position among- the enterjirisini;'
men of the cit\' with wliicli his interests are identified. Ft is a |)lain
record, rendered remarkalile li\ no strans^e or mysterious adven-
ttn-e. no wnndertnl and luck}- accident and n(j tra.gic situation. .Mr.
Jones is one of tliose estimahle characters whose inte.q'rity and siroiiL;'
])ersonalit\' must force tliem into an admirahle notoriety, which their
modest\- ne\er seeks, who command the res])ect of their coiuempo-
raries and their ])osterity and lea\e the inipre-s of their indi\ idnalit\-
u]))n the at;"e in whicli they li\'e.
( ieortje 1'.. f(ii;es is <aii .\nierican 1)\ adojitiou. Init none the less
a lo\er of the qa'eat Ixeimlilic in which the greater part of his life
lias been spent, and an ardent adniu'er nf the free institiTtions under
which liis success has Ijeen achie\ed. lie was born March _'4, i(S()4,
in Knt;'lan(h the son of John and I'dizahetli Jones, also nati\es of
that country, and representatives nf the farming class of Shropsliire,
where their home was situated. Amid the beautiful rural scenes of
his native land, the earh" \'ears of the subject were passeil and he
there learned the lessr)ns of indtistrv- and self-reliance which in sub-
sei|uent life, ci intriluited so largeh- to his advancement and enabled
him to make his presence felt among his fellow men. Circumstances
sm"n)unding' his earlv life were such that at the age of nine years, in
compan^" with an uncle, he left the home of his childhood to seek a
new home and a new career in the great Repuljlic beyond the sea,
sailing on the Sth da}- of September, 1873, and landing (in the J4th
of the same month at Norfolk, \'irginia. From that place he went
to fronton, Ohio, where he and his relative secured emplo}inent and
later he .attended the schools of fronton until completing the first
vear of the high school course. Wdien not in school h.e worked on ,a
farm in the vicinity of the city and was thus employed until his
twentieth vear. when he entered a siove foundry, known as the
W'itm.in ."^tovc Compan\-, where he labored from April 2b. 1884,
until the destruction of the plant by fire, on Xovemlier i, i88(). In
the latter vear [Mr. J' )nes went to l'i(|ua, Ohid, where he was en-
gaged with the Favorite Stove cK: Range Companv until 181)'), in
Xovember of which vear he resigned his position and, with W. J.
.Snhih, John Kemp :uid others, organized the Co-ciperati\e Ideal
Stove & Foundry Company at Daleville. Indiana, continuing with
the same until the dissolution of the lirm three years later. \\ hen
the latter enterprise ceased operations, Mr. Jones came to Kokomo,
and on |une 1, n;oo, entered die emplo\- of the ( dolie Stove & Range
Com]ianv, as general .superintendent of the foundn', the post he now
.so ablv and worthily holds. He is not onlv ofiiciallv connected with
OF IlUWARl) L'orXTV. ^21,
the alj()\e enterprise hut is also a sti)ckhi)1(ler in the same and tHr
three \ears was a nienil)er of tiie hoard i>f (hrecturs. His rehititms
with the nianag'enient ha\e ah\a\'s lieen df the must pleasant and
ag'reealile nature, while l>etween liimself and employees, feeliui^s of
tile utmost esteem and good will ha\e e\er olitaine<l. He is a l)orn
leader, who fulh' appreciates the aims ami desires of tin isc under him
and 1)v seciuing their L"onh<lenee and working' to their interests, he
has ne\er experienced any of the trouhles and diiiiculties which
come to SCI man\' industrial estahlishments, hut on the contrar}- his
ser\-ices ha\'e ne\'er failed to ad\ance the interest^ of his em]iloycr
and make for the success of the enterprise with which he h;is licen
identihed.
Air. Jones has heen a careful student of puhlic and political
cpiestions and is \vell informed on the leading' issues of the da}'. He
was a Republican until iSijo, ,'it which time he transferred his alle-
giance to the Democrac\' and lendereil xaluahle ser\'ice to the ticket,
stumping Aliami countv in the interests of William Jennings r.r\'an
and winning man\' \'Otes ])v his clear and able presentation and dis-
cussion of the c|uestions then before the people. He is an alile and
effecti\'e speaker, a good logici.'ui and comniaiids the attention ol his
audiences, not only b)' ;L|)pealing' to their reason, but also by the
ease and freedom with which he ]iresents and maint.ains the sound-
ness of his position.
Jennie B. Pauley, who becime the wife of Air. Jones, was horn
February ft. iSG^. at (iallipolis, Ohio, ;uid de])arted this life on the
2.^1 of AL'iy, 1908. leaving besides her husljand, one child to niom-n
her loss, a son, Walter ]].. whose birth occurred on l'>bruar\' _>il, of
the year 1891, and who is mjw ,'i student in the Kokomo high school.
]"raternallv Afr. Jones i- ;t member of the Knights of Pythias,
Afodern Woodmen, and iSenexolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and takes an active and ]>rominent part in ])romoting' the interests of
3^4 MOKKn\\- S lilSTdKV
these I iryanizatidiis. besides rtllmt;- at xarinus times p(jsitions ni honin"
and trust m each. He is a wide-awake, enterprising man of the
times. full\- ah\e ti > the (hgnities and responsiljihties (if citizenship,
and t(i the extent of his al)iht_\-. cimtrihutes U> the material pms-
l)erit\' I if the c<immunit\' and tn the social, intellectnal and mciral ad-
vancement (if the piiinilace. Cnurteuus. aftal)le and easih' ap-
proached, he commands the respect of all with wliom he comes in
Contact, and his frientls are as the number of his acquaintances.
While a power in the industrial circles of KokooK.i, he is unixers-
alh' esteemetl in all the relations of life, and his career thus far has
been creditable to himself and an honor to the citv which he has
elected to be his permanent place of abode.
WILUAM E. TARKIXCrrOX.
In examining the life records of self-made men. it will inva-
rial:>l_\' be found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis
of their success. True there are other elements which enter in and
Conserve the achancement of personal interests. — perseverance, dis-
crimination and mastering of expedients. — but the foundation of all
achie\'ement is earnest, persistent labor. At the outset of his career
Mr. Tarkington recognized this fact, and he did not seek any nival
)'oad to the .goal of prospt-ritx' an<l independence, Ijut began to work
earnestly and diligenth' in order to adx'ance himself, and the result
is that he is now numbered among the progressive, successful and
influential farmers of Er\in township, Hc^ward coiintv, where he has
;i well impro\'ed landed estate.
W illiam E. Tarkingion was born on his father's farm in Clay
township. December 7, 1867. the son of John E. Tarkington, who
(II'' linW.M;ii c'or.\i"\'. ^^2^
has h'Wii lit-en a man of inlluciiCL' iii hi> c iiniiumit\'. ( )ui' suhje'ct I'e-
maineil mi his fatlier's farm, assistiii!^' with the wnrk alinnt the place
anil attending' schoi il in the ncighln irh 1, where he gained a fairK
got)(\ practical edncatinn. and he alwa_\'s fnlldwed farming and stock
raisiiig, l)elie\ing' that in this field ijetter opportunities were t<i he
found than an\' other, largely because of his ear1\' training 1)\' his
w'ortln- father, who had miide a success of the same line before him.
He remained under the ])arental roof-tree until be was twent\-fi\'e
years old. when he married anil settled on the farm where be now
lives in Er\'in township. His niarriage dav was Feljruar\" i. iSi;.^
and he selected as a life compmiion. ( )ra Miller, a nati\e of ('\;\\-
township, where the ceremon\' was |)erformed. and she proved to be
a most wortln' helpmate. .She was the daughter of Henr\' Cluv
Miller, and she passetl to her rest in Tirvin township .March u,
1900. (Jne child was Ixn'n to this union, fvoscoe Rav. who is a bright
lad arid g'i\'es promise of a brilliant future.
The suliject was again married in Er\in township. 1 )ecember
-2(). 1901. to Lillie Merrill, a natixe of Er\in tow'iisbip and a daugh-
ter of Benjamin and Harriet IMerrill. well know'ii people in the re-
spective community. This union has proven to be a most harmo-
nious one and Mr. and Mrs. Tarkington ha\'e a nice and cozy home.
The ^ul>iect has lieen a member of the aib'ison- l>oard, where
his sound liusiness princiijles were a])])lied with the same tangiljle
results as ha\-e beeri oljtained in his own industrial life. The sub-
ject and wife are earnest members of the Shiloh Metbr>dist F.])is-
copal church of Chix townshi]).
Mr. Tarking'tiin's farm shows at a g'lance that a man of thrift
and industry mana.ges it. He has erected substantial and com-
moclious building's on the place, his residence being a most conx'e-
nient one. and all of his out buildings are of rnodern type. TTis
fences are ke])t in gr k .d re])air ami his fields are well tilled and care-
3^0 JIUKKOW S HISTORY
h\\\y Idoked after as to washes and cither damaging agencies and all
his improxements are \\'ell up to thuse i.in the best farms of the
ciiuntv. in fact, this farm nf one hundred and twenty acres, is equal
in e\'er\- respect to any in the Cl>mmunit^' where the suliject li\es and
where he has gained the undi\"ided respect and admiratinn nf all
who knnw him. owing to his life of industry and uprightness.
:m. o. covxer.
It w ill always be a l^adge of hnnnr in this country to ha\e known
that a person's father, or e\'en liis uncle, enlisted in the ser\'ice of his
cnuntr}- when the great Rebelliim br(_ike out, to assist in sa\ing the
I 'nil in, and in eradicating sla\-er}' from our soil. Just as to this day
we l)iiast that our grandfather or great-grandfather fought in the
Re\i ilutii in to gain independence, nr fnught in the War nf 1S12 to
protect nur rights nn the ncean, so the descendents nf the gallant
soldiers who fought during the Reljellicm to sa^■e the I'nii^u will
boast through the coming centuries of the bravery and self-sacrifice
of their fathers or either relati\es. It is a pleasure to write of the
subject nf this sketch, whn was one of the "bi.iN'S in lilue" who went
forth to die on the field nr in the no less ilangerous fe\'er camp, if
need l)e, fnr the sah'atinn nf the countrA".
M. n. Cnyner was Ijnrn in Ross county. Ohio, December 18.
ICS44. the son nf George and Fdiza (Clark) Co}iier. They spent
their li\es nn a farm in the Rncke\'e state, never li\ing in Indiana.
The father of the suliject was a native of Mrginia, and was l^rought
1)\' his parents to Ohio \\hen he \vas six years old. There were nine
children in this familv, oidy three of whom sur\i\e. (}ne snn \\ il-
liam, was a soldier in the Ci\al war, dving at Memphis, Tennessee,
(II miWAivMi (.iirxTV. 3J7
while in the ser\ice. His lifDiher, (ienr^e, was also a s^lchei' in
(/iimpanv D. Eiu'lit\-ninth ()hiii X'nluiUeer InfaiUrw lie was taken
prisDner at Chickamaii,i;a ami died in the prison at Ander^i iiuille.
Georg'ia. in Jul}', 1SO4.
Our snljject was in the One Iliunlred and Se\'ent\ -tliii'd Ohi.i
\'iilunteer Infantiw. Hnwexer. circnnistar.ces were such that he was
not long' in the senice. greatly to his regret. Me performed gallant
work in the ])ursuit of Morgan's men, when that intrejiid Sonihern
leader was on his raid through the North,
M. O, Coxner li\ed on a farm in his youth and attended the
Common schools, receixing a good education, such as those times
afforded. When he gained his majoritx' he came west and clerked
in a general store for three \ears. While there he nrirried Mar\'
K. Xeal. ilaug'hter of Rev. .\. Xeal, of .Missouri, a f,-imil\ of high
rank.
In iXjo the subject returned to ( )hio, and later engaged in the
grocer\- business at 1-^'ankfort, ( )hio. with much success for four
years. He then came to Indianapolis. Imt soon went to Circinnati.
In iNjc; he Ijegan work as tra\eling >ale>man for Mutterworth ^t
I'otts. a Cincinnati shoe house, which line was successfully followed
for h\e or six \'ear^. He then engaged with Manse Brothers \- ("oiii-
])any. of Cincinnati, with which lirm he continued for three years,
after which he was with J. W. llutterw orth, of the ?\[;irioii Shoe
Conipanv, in which he is now iKioS) employed, haxing devotcil
nine \ears to this work in their ser\ ice. He has been a traxeling
salesman for the past tw ent\'-eight years, iluring which lime he has
made ho^ts of friend^ and secured an enomi. .us amount of busi-
ness for his eni])loyers. being not only ;i man of keen bu>niess dis-
cernment, but also of pleasing jiersonality in e\ery resjiect.
Mr. Co\ner came to Kokonio. li^.diana, in 1NS7. when he pur-
chased ])ropertv at iO(ii lua-t .Sycamore street, where he has since
3jN morrow s history
residefl, niaintainint;" a ])leasant and well furnished home. lie has
one son. I',, (i.. who was horn Septeiiiher i8, 1S70. now located in
Xorwood. a sul)urlj of L'incinnati.
The suhject's jiresent wife was \'iola Ramsey, a daughter of
the late 1.. |. Ramse\\ She has one son, Harohl, a re])orter on tlie
Kokomo Dispatch. Tie .t^railuated from the Kokonio hit^ii school
in K308.
Mr. C'o^■ner is independent in pulitics. He is a memher of the
(.)rder of TraNeling- Men of Indianapolis. Being- a man of uprig-ht
])rinci])les and congenial disposition he is held in great fa\i>r hy all
who ha\e the fortune to know him.
(iEORGE A\'. lU'KE.
I'ronnnent in the i)ul)lic altairs of Kokonio, distinguished as
one of the leading men of Howard connt\- and enjoying distincti\'e
prestige in husiness circles far hcyund the limits of the community
honored hy his citizenshi]), ( ieorge W. Duke, of the old ;uid rcli.ahle
real estate lirm of Duke llrothers & Conipanw is entitled to specific
mention in this connection and it is with ni 1 little satisfaction that the
reader's attention is respecti\eh' in\ited to the hrief stor}" of his life,
emhodied in the follnwing lir.es. Mr. Duke is a nati\e of Indiana,
and the lifth of a famil\- of se\ en children whose parent.^, Daxid D.
and j.ane ( McCo^■ ) Duke, wci'e of ' 'ennsyKania and Kentucky.
respecti\ el\ . These ])arents settled in Carroll conntw Indiana, a
numher of \ ears ago, moving to Uelphi in 1835 and during the en-
suing two \ears Mr, Duke cultivated a farm near that city in addi-
tion to which he also o])erated a mill and did a fairly prosperous husi-
ness. .Meeting with certain financial re\erses, which greath em-
oi' now Ai^D corxTY. 329
barrassed liiin, lie sul)se(|uentl\- ilisixjsed dt his imprests in (arrull
ciiuiitx anil in iSdo nidxed ti 1 Kokdnm. where he upeneil a restaur-
ant anil liaker\' which he ennducteil w itli fair ])rii|its until iSSj. when
he renin\eil ti > SiKer Lake. Indiana, where his death nccurred twn
years later, his wife lia\iiii;- preceded Inni to the iL;'ra\e m iSjJ. The
names nf the children hnrn tn I ),a\id and J;uie Duke are as follows:
Alexander II.. for some \'ears an enterprising- and pnlilic-spirited
citizen of Kokonio. and a meniher of the cit\ councils, in addition
to which he also served as sherilT r)f Howard connt\- and became
widel\ and faxorabh- known as an et'hcieiit and ]io|iular oHicial :
Hattie A., the second in order of birth, married a Mr. \\ alsh ; Ladie
is the wife of Richard Dougiuilt: Daxid L. is en,L;'a,iL;ed in the red
estate and insurance liusiness in ])artnershi]) with ( leort^e \\ .. the
siiljject of ibis re\iew'. after whom comes William and Charles Duke.
(ieorge W . Duke was born in Carroll countw Indiana, mi the
22(1 da}' of b^ebruai'}', 1N34. where be remained until the renioxal of
the family to Kokoiiio in iS^iO. Like the m;ijorit\' of cit_\ lads, bis
earl\" life was without incident wortb\' of note. ba\ in^;' been put to
work as soon as old enouo'b to l:)e of ser\ice, the meanwhile .attend-
ing the public schools where in due time be obtained practical knowl-
ed,t;e of the I'jio'lisb branches and became quite well informed.
|-"rom his VMUtli. Air. Duke manifested decided business talent.
and while still a \oung- man formulated plans for bis future, with
the object in \-iew of becoming' of some use in the world, .\tter
clerking' fi ir sunie time in a drug store and becoming familiar with
the iJi'inciples and details of business life be was elected in iS-S.
city clerk, the duties of which ])osition he discharged with credit to
biniself and to the satisfaction of the ])ul)hc. for two terms. i)ro\-ing
an able and acce])table officer, gaining many warm friends and
greath' extending bis |)ersonal popularit\- during his incumbency.
Mr. Duke, in the \ear 18S0. emb.arked in the line of business
.^30
w ith w Inch he has since been identihed and in which his success has
Ijeen such as td bring hini pi'uniinently t<i the nutice nf the Inisiness
wiirld and earn fur liim a re])ntatiiin far l)e\"iind the limits i.f the cit\'
and ci )unt}- tn wdnch his attention has been principallx" de\'Mted.
naniel\- deahng in real estate, wi'iting insurance, and luaning ninne}'.
Associated with him is his elder l)rt)ther, Daniel I.. I )uke, the part-
nership under the name nf Duke Brothers & Compan\" l^eing the
oldest firm of the kind in tlie county and by far the most successful,
as is indicated by the number and magnitude of their transactious in
real estate, the xast amount of nione\" loaned and the large and
liberal insurance patronage which has come to them since opening"
their office tw■ent^■-eigllt \ears ago. 'ilieir liusin.ess from the jje-
ginning has been marked b\- a steach' and substantial growth anil at
this time represents some of the ku'gest and most imjjoi-tant real
estate transactions in the count}- and throughout the state, the firm
dealing in all kinils oi land, buying and selling, exchanging and
trailing for other kinds of projierty, the office lieing a continuously
.animated and Ijusv scene in which numerous deals are inaugurated
anil Consummated. Ijargains maile and large sums of nionev loaned,
and all lines iif insurance represePited, including life, lire, accident,
etc., written, the firm ha\ing the agency of nearly all the lai-ge com-
])anies in the L nited States, also a numl.)er in foreign countries.
Mr. Duke is essentialh- a business man of progressi\e ideas and
tendencies, pijssessing abilitx' of a high order and judgment which is
seldom at fault on matters in which be is interested. Mis familiar-
il\" with rnianciril <|uesiions .and general monetar\' affairs eii.ables him
to forsee with remarkable accuracx" the future outcome of present
transactions \\hile his thorough kn(W\ ledge of real estate walues
and e\er\tbing pertaining thereto has caused his counsel to be sought
and his .adxdce followed not ,inl\- b\' his patrons, but ]>y many others
who conteni]3l;ite selling or otherwise disposing of their holdings.
>l liDWAKII
In tlie \-ear iSgo. Mr. I )iike \\a> ap])i linteil state insurance cum-
missioner, in which capacity lie ser\e(l \'ery acce])tal)l_\' fdr a jieriml
of ti\e \ears. (hirin,;^- winch time he hail an dftice in Indiana])! ilis ami
was unrennttin,!^- in his attenliim ti> the iltities di" the pusiti'ni. I )in--
ing his tenure of office he made a careltil --tiidy of instirar.ce in its
e\erv detail and liearing', the knowledge tluis oljtained proving;'
valuable not only to the state, which profited greatly from his ser-
\-ices, liiit also to his personal interests, to say ni)thiiio- nf the fre-
quenc\- with which he is consulted hy others in relation to insnrance
matters, a l)ranch of Imsiness in wdiicli he is considered an antliorit}'.
Although a very busy man and keenlx alive to everything pertaining
to the lines of bnsiness to wdiich his attention is in the main de\'oted.
ATr. Duke is |)iil>lic-spirited and enterprising, and keeps in touch
with the progress of his cit_\' to the extent of his al)ilit\-, encourages
and assists all movements to this end. Through the meditim of his
hrm he has contributed much to the material growth of the com-
niunitw in the way cif buildin.gs and other impro\ement-^, and, his
name is inseparabh' connected with not a few enterprises that have
tended greatlv t(i the ad\anccment of the cit}- and welfare of the
pi ijmlace.
In his ])olitical aftiliations. Mr. Duke is a hrm and unyielding
aihocate of Democratic ])rinci])les. and for a nnmlier of years his
inlluence has been felt in the councils of his ])arty, having served
se\eral terms as chairman of the couiit\- central committee, liesides
!)eing active in the ranks and .a recognized leader during the i>rog-
i"ess of cami)aigiis. He has also been honored 1)} l>eing chosen to
re])resent from time to time the Dcmocr.ic)- of jloward county in
district and state conventions .and in which liodies his influence has
ahvavs carried weight and hi-; opinions commanded respect.
Afr. Duke is a commenda])le example of the wide-awake, enter-
prising re])resentative Americans of tO(la\-. and as such stand- h'.gh
33-'
in business and social circles and enjii\s the cunfidence and esteem
of his fellow citizens among whom few are as widely known or per-
sonalh' as popular. Althotigh manifesting a li\el\' interest in all
that concerns the welfare and stahilit\- of the bodv politic, he has
ne\er sought official preferment nor aspired to leadership, being
content to ser\-e his fellow men in a private capacity and satisfied
to l)e known simpl)- as a citizen. He has an attracti\'e Ikjuic in Ko-
koniii and since Decemlier 12. U)oy. has traveled life's pathway with
the partner of his i<ivs and sharer of his successes and \icissitudes.
having" been married cm that date to Klla Thorne. of Howard county.
a sister of the late Dr. John I'. Thorne. of Kokomo, and a lady of
gracious presence an<l pleasing personalit\- whose standing in the
best Social circles of the cit\- is firml_\- establishetl and duly ap-
preciated.
MARTIX .S. HOL}>[AX.
This utilitarian age has been especialh- prolific in men of action,
clear-brained men of high resobes and noble purposes, who gi\'e
character and staljility to the communities honored by their citizen-
ship, and whose influence and leadership are easily discernible in
the various enterprises that have added so greatly to the high repu-
tation which Hiiward county enjoys among her sister counties of
this great commonwealth. Conspicuous among this class of men
whose place of residence is in this count}- is the progressi\-e citizen
under whose name this article is written, and to a brief outline of
whose career the biographer is herewith pleased to address him-
self.
Martin S. Holman was born in Crawforfl count}'. (Jhio. April
2, i8;8. the son of Jacob and Sarah (Scott) Holman. The Hoi-
OF lldWAKIi (DrXTW 333
niaiis are nt ( iennan desceiU and came in lii<liaiia frdiii ( )hiM. I'Ir-
Scotts were also of German ancestrw The father of the subject
was an influential farmer. Jacob Hohiian came with his family to
lliiward C'innt\ in iN^cx later reiurninL;' t" L"ra\\f(ird ci)unt\-. nhin.
in 1857. but returned to Ibiward ciiunt\- in iXf-i, locating- in (_'la\"
townsliip. whei"e he has a farm nf fin'ty acres which is hij^hly
producti\'e. He has lived here to the present time, toeing- ei,t;'ht\-
three years old in njoS. His wife is alsd still livin"' at an adx'anced
age. Eight children were b(irn to them, three sons and h\e
daughters.
Martin S. Holman. ><uv subject, was reared on the farm, re-
ceix'ing his education in the country scliodls where he applied him-
self in a must tliligent manner. Xot being satisfied with what he
had learneil in the common schools, he entered the State Xornial
where he maile an excellent record for one term. .\t the age of
twenty-one }ears he began teaching school, continuing at this with
marked success for thirten c<inseciui\e winters, gaining, in the
mean time, a wide reputation in Howard county as an able educa-
tor, carrying a high grade license.
Mr. H<.)lman took the ci\i] ser\ice examination in iSiji ami re-
cei\-ed an appointment in i8()_'. ha\ing made an excellent average
in this test. He was jiut on the run from Cincinnati. ( )hio, to Chi-
cago, on the I'anhandle Railroad. He is still in this position, being-
the head clerk in charge of the crew. His services hax'e been emi-
nently satisfactr)ry to all concerned.
Mr. Holnian was united in marriage to Luella Thomas. A])ril
20. 1S84. She is a native of Cass county. Indiana, and the daugh-
ter of the late Lewis Thomas, who was a highlv respected and in-
fluential man of that county. She was born Januarv 14. 1X64.
Tw(i children have been born to this union, one of whom siir\-i\ed
infancy. \'erna E. was born March 7. 1887. She graduated from the
334
MOKKOW S HISTORY
KiikdiiKi high schiinl in iyo6, after making an excellent recnrd for
scholarship and depnrtnient. She is a young lad}" of many esti-
mal>le traits and attractive personality.
The stihiect and wife are memljers of the Christian church and
also of the Ben-Hur lodge.
The Comfortable an<l commodious home of the subject, which
he owns, is located at 700 W est Monroe street. It is the gathering
place for a host of friends of the Holmans. who are highly respected
and ]io])ular. owing to their upright li\"es. wholesome home influence,
hosi)italit\" and pleasing personalities, making them admired b}" all
who know them.
W. A. I-L\TbTELD, .M. D.
Success in \vhat are popularly termed the learned professions,
is the legtimate result of merit ar,d painstaking endeaxor. In com-
mercird life one ma\' come into possession of a lucrative business
through inheritance or gift, but professional adxancement is gained
onh" b^■ critical stuch- and consecuti\-e research long continued.
Proper intellectual discipline, thorough professional knowledge and
the ])o-sessiou and utilization of the qualities and attriliutes essen-
tial to .success lia\-e made the sul)ject of this re\-ie\\" eminent in his
chosen calling ar.d he stands toda\- among the scholarl}' and enter-
prising jilnsicians and surgeons in a conimunit}- long distinguished
for the high or(ler of its medical talent.
Dr. W". .V. Hatheld, I'ue of the native sons ^i which Howard
count}- nia\- well feel ])roud. was born on the i-'th da}' of Jul}-, 1SO7,
his ]):irents. W illiam and .Mar}- E. (Jones) Hatrtell, moving to this
]nrt of Indiana from Ohio in an earl}- da}' and located in I'nion
township, where the father engaged in farming but later de\-oted his
attciitMii pi'incipalK tn the hiixiiii;' and >1ii])])iiil;' nf li\e stiick. a 1)usi-
ness in w Incli he was (jnite snccessful. .Mr. and Mrs. Ilatl'ield were
mariaed in ()hiii, l)ut spent the t^'reater p;irl i>f their domestic life in
Howard ciinnt\', where in (hie tniie then' respectne deaths nceiu'reih
The earl\- \ears nf l)r. I lattield anud the l)racint;' airs and whnle-
scmie (h'-eipline nf rnral life were conducixe to stnr<l\ ]ili\sical
,t;"rowtli, while the ru,i;;L;"ed duties if the farm wilh which he earlv
hecame familiar enaliled him to fnnii a proper conce])tion of the
(li,t;iiit\' of lahor and to learn the \alne of individual effort as a
means to an end m e\'er\' laudahle undertakini;".
W hile )iursuint^' his work in the llelds or his studies in the dis-
trict schools xonui;- flatlield decideil to make the most of his op])or-
tunities with the ohject in \"iew of littin.i;' himself for '-oiiie defniite
sphere of usefulness. After aci|nirins;' a sound practical education
he.ohtained a teacher's license, hut the kahors and responsihilities of
the school ro. mi not lieiut;' to his taste, he decided to make the med-
ical profes>ion his life work, in ]nirsuance of wliich he entered in
due time a collei^'e of medicine and surL;er\- in Chicaoo, where lie
]irosecuted his studies until hein.iL;- well founded in the principles of
his professimi. after which he attemled other institutions of like
character until well fitted fm' the actixe duties of his ])rofession.
I )r. Ilatfield he.yaii hi> ])rofe-^sional career in ]\[arioii, Indiana,
where he ]iracticed with encour;iL;aiiL;' success until remo\-in!^' to Ko-
konio in iSi)S. since which time he has heen acti\ely ens^aiied in the
duties of his calling" in this cit)'. where he has huilt up a larq'C and
lucrative professional husincss and wmi for himself commendahle
standiiiL;' anion.!^- the leadint^- ])hysicians and surgeons of TLiward
count}-. -\ close student, keepin;;- ahreast of the times in all matters
relatin.iL;- to his nolile wurk. he has never iiermitted his interest to
fat;-, nor his efforts to ahate, consei|uently he avails himself of every
laudahle disco\-er\- in the domain of medical science and keeps in
336 MOKKUW'S IIISTOKV
cli ist- ti luch with tlie reccignized authnrities b)' whdiii, in tiie main,
liis ci lurse is guided.
In politics he is a stanch adxocate nf tlie princijiles and pnlicies
f(ir which tlie Republican party stands spimsur and while actue and
influential in achancint;" the interests of the part\- and pri lumtins^' the
succe.ss of its candidates, he has ne\-er soiitiht nor held public ciffice
of an\ description. As a citizen he stands high in the esteem of his
fellow men. lieing public-spirited and progressi\e. and at all times
willing to len<l his aid and influence in behalf of enterprises for the
material ad\-ancement of his city and county, and for the intellectual,
social and moral good of the pe<iple.
The doctor has ne\ er pei'mitted himself to bec(.inie nan-ow or
intolerant, as the manner of many professional men is, but being of
broad and liberal tendencies he takes wide \'ie\\s of matters and
things and is essentiall_\- a man of the times and in harmony with the
progressixe spirit of the age. lie manifests a lixely interest in things
other than his calling. l)eing a great lo\-er of fine li\e stock, especially
the horse, of which he keeps a number of the standard breeds and in
the raising of which he is a recognized atuhorit}' among the horse-
men of his cit\-.
Dr. Il.atheld was married in iS8() to Mattie I.enion. of ( irant
count\'. whose lamented death occui're<l after a compar,iti\ ely brief
but ha])p\- domestic experience, dining which she bore him two chil-
dren, the older a son by the name of .Vrtie. is a _\dung man twenty-
one \ears of age ni looN. the second being a daughter !>}■ the name
of Emma, who is the wife of liert Kink, of Kokonio. Dr. Ilatheld
is identiheil with secret fraternal and Ijeiievolent work in Kokomo.
belonging to se\'eral different organizations and taking a ])rominent
and infltiential ])art in their deliberations. He has been especially
acti\e in advancing the interests of the Red Men and the Odd Fel-
lows orders, in both of which he has been complimented at \-,arions
Ol' now _\Kli CiilW 1 \-. _^_^J
times witli pi isitii ins nf hcnicir and iniM and the success uf which is
lari^-ely (hie to tlie elTorts he has put fortli in their liehalf. The di ic-
tiir has spent the i;reater part i>t his h fe in llie CMUiit\- nf his liirth,
and is tiida\- (Hie nf its successful pri ifcsidual men and wide-awake,
]nil.)lic-s|)irited citizens. He is also an lionoral>le representation nf
one of its oldest and most hi,L;hly esteemed families, his father nio\-
inu' to this part of the state as earh' as 1S3S and locating" in I'nion
township, when the few scatterir.t;' settlements were but niches in
the surroundin^ij- forests. He ha.s h\ed to see the count\- developed
from a wilderness to its present ])roud ])osition amont;" the leading;-
counties of Indiana and is justl}' proud of his nati\-it\- and citizen-
ship ill a section so g-reatly blessed b\- nature and so si,<;'nall\' favored
in all that relates to a high and ]>rogressi\e sjjirit of ad\aiicemenL
and cix'ilizatioii.
CAi'TAix (,E()R(;h: 1). dwri-:.
In placing the subject nf this sketch in the front rank of Ko-
koiivi's business men. simple justice is done to a hioo-raphical fact.
uni\ersally recognized throughout Howard and adjoining counties
b_\- men at all familiar with his historw .\ man of judgment, sound
discretion and business abilit\- of a high order, he has managed with
tactful success, im])ortant enterjinses and so impressed his iiidixid-
uality upon the communit\" as to gain recognition among its leading
citizens and public-spirited men. of affairs.
( ieorge I). Tate is a nati\e of Indiana, born in ],a\vrenceburg
on the Mth day of January, 183S. His father, William Tate, of
iSoston, Massachusetts, was an earl\' settler of I,aw rencelnirg, and ;i
man of considerable local prominence. He was 1)\- trade a car])eii-
ter, and for a number of xears followed his chosen callino- in the
338
abo^■e city where, in addition b> erecting many pri\ate dwellings and
])ul)lic Imililings. he also constructed a large ware house du the vWev
bank at Lawrenceburg, where he received large consignments of
merchandise for ]n(lianai)olis and intermediate In<liana ]>oints. \A'il-
liam Tate was one i.if the leading spirits in arousing an interest in the
matter of constructing' a railroad jjetween Lawrencebm"g and Indian-
apolis, and in the prosecution of his efforts in behalf r)f the enterprise
he made a horseback tri]) between the two places for the purpose of
securing the right of waw In due time the road was surve\-ed and
the right of wa\" secured, after which work on its construction was
carried fijrward as rapidK' as circumstances would admit, the leaders
in the enterprise being Mr. Tate and George H. Dunn, to whom per-
haps more than to any (ither interested parties, is due the credit of
pushing the com]iletion of the road an<l putting it in successful opera-
tiiin. For man\- \ears Mr. d ate's ware house in Lawrenceliurg was
the distributing ])lace for nearl}- all the cities and towns of central
and southern Indiana and his business grew and prospered as long
as he gave it his attention. After becoming interested in railway
construction he remo\ed to the citv of Indianapolis where his ileath
subsequentl}- occurred at the rii)e old age of ei,ghty-se\-en }-ears.
The earh- life of George D. Tate was spent in the place
of his birth, and while still a young man he turned his attention to
business pursuits and f< ir some vears was engaged in (lift"erent lines
of enteqjrise. W bile in Indianapolis, in the year iSdj, he chanced
to o1iser\e three carloads of xerv fine poplar lumber, which upon
in(|uir\- he ascertained was manufactured near Kokomo and shipped
from that ]ilace. Being familiar with the business be at once de-
cided to inxestigate the territory from which this consignment came.
AccordingK- he made a trip to Kokomo in the year indicated and it
was not long thereafter until his business was extended to Howard
county, where he first lie.gan taking the out-put of se\-eral mills and
0|- IKIWARI) t'l)L'.\-|\-. 339
sliipi)iny ash, walnut and i)ii|)lar, ui)i in (|uite an extensive scale. By
gradually extending the scupe of his operations into other parts <if
the country he hecame within a few years one of the largest and
most successful lumlier ilealers in northern Indiana, purchasing the
out-put of al)out twent}' mills at Kokonm ami xarinus other places,
from each of which points large shipments were made and a great
and growing business built up. At one time he had on hand four
and a half million feet of hanlwood lumber, which he disposed of at
a liberal ]iroht. The better to prosecute and extend his lumber in-
terests he employed experts to inx'estigate the wooded territory and
make purchases and to such a magnitude did his business grow that
for a number of ^■ears his sales amounted to consideraljle in excess
of a half million dollars annuallw shipping much of the tine walnut
to Europe to sa}" ncithing of the great demand for his lumber in all
the leading- cities of the L'nited States. ]\Ir. Tate continued the lum-
l)er business with marked success until the lumber supph' was ex-
hausted in 1879-80, at which time he turned his attention to other
and more remuneratiye interests. In ccnnpany with se\'eral other
parties, he was instrumental in establishing- at Elwood the Plate
Cdass Works, which was later merged with the Kokomo plant and
was suljsequenth" sold to the Pittsburg Plate Glass Company.
He ccintinued to reside at Kokomo and in due time added coal
to his other interests and is now and has lieen for S(:inie time i>ast
the leader in that line iif trade in Howard countw In addition to
supplying the great bulk of the local demand, he wholesales wast
quantities of coal to other points. 'Sir. Tate is yice-president and a
director of the Indiana Rubber & Insulated Wire Company at Jones-
boro, an enterprise of ra]>id growth, which now does a large annual
business and which has not lieen in the least affected liy the recent
financial panic. He is also identified with various other business
and industrial enterprise-- and takes an active part in all matters
o40
relating' to the material gTuwth and aiKancement uf the city of kn-
kiiniDand Howanl cnunty.
Mr. Tate ser\ed tweKe \ears in tlie city council and during his
incunil)enc\' introduced UKnn- important measures and labored faith-
fulh and conscientiousK" for the interests of his constituents and
the municipalit\- in general, pro\ing an able leader, whose efforts
and inflnence were e\er exerted for the public good. fde owns a
beautiful farm in Cla\' township on which he has made a number of
\aluable impnixemeuts and the cultiwation of which is carried on
under his direction and management.
When the national horizon became overcast with dark and
ominous clouds of the Ci\il war, Mr. Tate was among the hrst to
tend his services to the gd\ernment in the time of peril. He enlisted
in i8()i as a pri\ate in Company V. Thirty-sexenth Indiana \ olun-
teer Infantrx-, and at the end of thirteen months was discharged on
account of disability. Twn weeks later he was ai)pointed first lieu-
tenant and (juartermaster of the Eighty-thirtl Indiana Infantry.
Second Di\'ision. Fifteenth .\nuy Corps, under the command of
(lenera! b>hn A. Logan. In this capacity he ser\ ed until the cl<.ise
of the war. taking part in a number of campai,gns and marching
with Sherman to the sea. during which e.xperieuce he had to do a
great deal of foraging for his command, this taking him into a few-
dangerous situations with occasional skirmishes with the enem}'.
During his term of ser\ice he was brexeted captain, and as such re-
ceived his discharge, having made a creditable record during his
army experience, achieved an honorable standing of which any
soldier mav well feel proud. Captain Tate is the mil}- staff officer
of the Eightv-third Imliana now living and of the entire regiment,
but few remain to tell the story of the dark and perilous period
when treason was rife and the gallant .ship of state almost stranded
on the rocks of disunion. He was a member of the commission ap-
oi' iiowAki) (■(lr^■l•^•. 341
Ijiiinted til \isit \'icksl)uri;' and lucate the nidnunients t<i his rcti'i-
nieiil (111 that IiIimhU ticld. which ihu\ he discliarL;'ed weh and faith-
fulK. and til tile entire satisfactii in nf all ci incerned. Since the war.
Ca])tain Tale ha^ kejit in clnse tnucli w itli niilitarv matters, especiallv
tliDse relating- tn his cnnirades nf the h'ighty-third. the annua! re-
nniiins nf which he al\\;ns attends, these meetings with their inter-
esting incidents tieing ami lUg his nii ist ])leasant and agreeahle ex-
])eriences.
C'a|)tain Tate was married at X'ersailles, Indiana, tn Helen l\in-
caid. wh' 1 has Imrne him three children, Anna, wife nf A. ( i. Sieher-
ing. manager nf the .\ppersnii Autn L'nm])any. nf Knknmn, and
Harry V.. whn is assnciated with his father in husiness. \\ illiani
Francis, the first in nrder nf hirth, is deceased.
The captain is indei)eiident in pnlitics. hut has ne\er snuglit imr
held pnlitical nttice. Xe\ertheless he takes a keen and active interest
in puhlic i|uestinns and heliexes it tn he the dut}' nf all whn exercise
the elective franchise, tn infnrm themsel\e> nii whatever issue may
he hefnre the penple fnr settleiiTent. and tn cast their \-ntes in what-
ever wri\- their cnnscience and judgment nvdv dictate. In the af-
fairs nf the citv in which he resided fnr sn many \-ears and with
which his interests are still identified, he has been cnnnected with a
nuniher nf mn\ements which lia\e had their aim in the uphuilding
nf the tnwn and the welfare nf the cniumnnit\'. His career, tlmngh
strenunus aii<l tn a marked degree prngressi\ e and successful, has al-
wa\'s keen characterized 1)\' Imnnrahle dealing and in the prnsecutimi
of his large and important interests he has ever been mindful of the
sanctity nf his obligations and the ethics of business life. Roru in
the nniks nf the cnnimnn people w Im hght the battles, pay the taxes,
ciimui.and all the great enterijrises and give stability tn the liody
pnlitic. he retains his liking for them which they in turn fully re-
ciprocate. Independent, energetic and resnurceful in busines-;, ;i
34-2 MORROW S HISTORY -
notable figure in the pulalic affairs of his cit)- and count}- and a broad
minded citizen with the interests of his fellow men at heart. Captain
Tate fills a consi^icuous place in the civic life oi IvokdUiii and is
destined lung- to remain one of the leading figures in the history of
his adiipted city and county.
LOL'IS GOODWTXE.
The history of Howard countv is not a very old one. It is the
record of the steach' growth of a communit\- planted in the wilder-
ness a half century ago and has reached its magnitude of today with-
out other aids than those of industry. The people who redeemed
its wilderness fastnesses were strong-armed, hardy scjns of the soil,
whi.i hesitated at no difficulty and fi.ir \vhom hardships had little to
appall. There was also other work to lie done, work of various
kinds. Their efficient efforts have been fulh" appreciated b\' those
who came at a later period and builded on the foundation which
they laid so broad and deep. Among the first class is the prominent
citizen of Kokomo whose name introduces this sketch. W bile his
arrixal was not as early as some, }et he came in the formati\e period
and has done much to de\-elop the wonderful resources of a county
that now occupies a proud position among the most progressive and
enlightened sections of Indiana, the subject having li\-ed in this city
for o\er a half centur}-. and not onl}' has he benefited himself by his
residence here, but also the ci>mmunit}" in \-arii:ius wa}-s.
Li an's Goodwine was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in Februaiy,
1S38. and recei\'ed what education the times afforded in Franklin
county, Ohio. But while his earl}- educational advantages in the
district schools were not what thev should have been, ]\Ir. Goodwine
OF 11(.>\\AK1) COUNTY. _^43
is a close observer and has since "'aiiied a wide fuiul nf infnniiatidn
bv coming in contact witii the wurld and 1j_\' hi inie reatbng'.
Mr. (ioodwine beg'an tn learn the carpenter's trade when nine-
teen years i^ild, in 1858. and he has never worked at an}-thing else,
having made a pronounced success at this professitm f n im the lirst,
possessing not onlv the natural al)ilit\', l)Ut also the other necessary
traits or persistence and fortitude that are ])rere(|uisites '<i such a
calling". He came tn Kokunin in March, 1833, and located nu S\ca-
more street, which was then a cutmtrv road. Since that time he has
seen the wonderful clevelopment nf the CMmmunitx' and ])riihted l_iy
the advance in industrial aiTairs. At present he owns a substantial,
commodious and niceh" furnished brick residence at the corner of
^Market and Mull3err\- streets, where he has resided for some time.
In Tune, 18(34. our subiect liegan contracting, and >ince that
time he has erected a large number of dwellings and business houses
in Kokomo. The first year he launched in this business he built the
ele\ators where C. M. Barlow now does business. ^Vniong other
important buildings which he has erected ma_\' be mentioned the
Howard National Bank, half the Ijlock on Main street where \'ailes'
shoe store is located, from the blue- front up. the Schwanger block
and several other big buildings, besides numerous dwellings of va-
rious t\-pes. The suljject has long been regarded one of tlie best
architects and foremost contractors of Howard county. He has a
reputatiiin for not only having a thorough knowledge of the build-
ing business, but his scrupulously honest methods insure him all
the work he can attend to.
( )ur subiect has been thrifty ever since lie came to Howard
County, and he has gotten possession of a valualjle and highly pro-
ducti\'e farm of seventy acres in Harrison township.
Mr. (ioodwine was united in marriage to l-'rances Jane Tjght-
ner. Januarv 22, 1861. She is a native of Logansport. Indiana. ;nid
344 MOKKdW S HISTORY
tile (l;iu,i;iiter (if (jeuroe ]l. and Henrietta I Orwick ) Liuiitner. na-
ti\es iif J'ennsvh'ania. rhe\- were influential peojile in tlieir native
Cdnmuinity. Twn chiMren haxe been horn ti > the suhject ami wife,
line iif wlmni is li\in,t;-. lata, whu is tlie wife nf Ralph E. Scnra.
manager nf the Western L'ninn rele.t;ra]>h Ciimpanx- at Muncie,
Indiana. She is a graduate nf the Knki.nK) high sclmiil. 'rhe\- ha\-e
twii suns, wiin are se\en and fnur \ears nld in ic)o8.
The '■uhject ami wife are menihers of the Alain street Christian
chui"ch. lieing liberal gixers tn the same and taking' a great interest
in the aiiairs nf that cnngregatii >n.
rnliticall\- 'Sir. (inndwine is a Republican, but he dues nnt find
time tn take an acti\'e part in pnlitical affairs.
Mr. and Mrs. (mndwine are well and fa\nral)l}- kmiwn tn the
niajnr part nf the residents nf Knknmn, where nmst of their well
nrdered li\-es ha\e been s]ient and where their hnspitalit\'. kindness.
u])rightness and Inyality tn the church and the gn\ernment ha\e
made them pnpular and \\'<n them scnres nf admiring friends.
KOKOMO. M.\R]()X .\: \\"I-:.S'rRRX TRACTIOX COALl'.VXV.
I'.ntei ]iri>-e. snuml business judgment, and well directed energ}'
cnnibineil. ha\e de\elnped the Knknmn. Marinn & Western Trac-
tinn I'l-mpanx". nf Knknmn, Indiana, tn the fmnt rank aninug the
interurban ci impauies nf the state. Its present pnsitinn i'\ imp irt-
ance in the business and cnmmercial wnrld has been attained as
the result nt a steady g-rnw'th from a modest beg'inning. The Kn-
knmn .Street Railwa\' Cnmpan\- was nrganized 1)\' .\ttnrney J.
V. Mnrrisnii, Slmrth' .afterwards the cnmpan\- was renrganized and
knnwn as the Knknmn C_'ii\- Railwa\' & Light Cnmpan\-. In the
OF HOWARD rorxTN',
343
start there were two companies, separate ami distinct, that known
as the Citizens' Li.i^iu iv I'ower (/oni])an\- and the Ki.kiinin (_'it\-
Railway Compaii}'. I'nder this cons, ijidatii ui L;reat ])i'actical aii-
N'antag'es were attained, hdth for the new ciinipan\- and the ])nl)Iic.
which the latter was not slow ti i reCMi^nize and appreciate. The
original owners df tlie street railwa\- pro]iert\- were Frank I'^. Sn^w.
W. E. Avery. William H. Stevens, ami J. R. Jacksi.m, of Detroit
^richi.i^an. and J. K. Mc( iettin.^'. nf Indianapolis.
In iSi)0 tracks were laid from Markdanil axeniie to the inncti^n.
and a year later the line was extended tn the plate ,yiass factor\-
o\er Sycamore street. The active and capahle mar.a.t^er of the jjrup-
ert_\' at this period of its uperatinn v\as \\ . K. .\\er\\ n^w ileceased.
It is to him. iierhaps more than ti i an\- imt- jjcrsuii. that the Kokomo
])iil>lic is indel)ted for the pi'ocnrement "i the heatitifiil cit\ park
for which Kokomo is fame<l throu.t;'hout Indiana. Mr. .\\er\'. Imth
for the lienefit of the aiv. and the compan\' with which he was iden-
titied. percei\-ed the henefits to he deri\ed f ri im the establishnient nf
a city park. Relmhed at first he was m n to he disc: airaijed. ami
a])proachint;- J. R. Hall, of Indianapolis, with the ])roposition. Mr.
Hall was taken with the idea at once. P.ein.s;' a former resident nf
Kiikonio and interested in her ])eople. he adopted Mr. .\\ery's sn.s^-
s^e-^tion and deeded the original jiark land to the city. The .Street
Railwa_\- Ci impan}- at once constructed a line to the park along-
Markland and CHurtland axenties.
The company marie mi.ine\- the first \ear of its organization,
and was increasin.g its business steadih' in full ignorance that it was
si>on t'l face a financial storm \\hich wduld shake the enterprise fr^m
center to circumferer.ee. Thus far the financial wisdom of its es-
tablishment had been pro\-en. and extensions were iihumeil which
were of a jiromising character. The panic of iS()3 came on. an.il for
months the com])an\' dragged empt\- cars through the streets. lUit
34'> MUKKUW S IlISTOKV
it was ti:i l)e seen that the enterprise was founded upon a rock that
the wa\'es of tinancial storm cnuld not (hsJodge. and a reorg-aniza-
tion was effected, resulting' in a sale of the railway and light prop-
erties to W. E. Stevens and Freemont ^^'oodsworth. of Detroit.
The company addeil the line of track running fn>m ^lain street
to the Clo\-erleaf Railroad. During the time of the ownershi]) nf the
])roperties bv Detroit capitalists ab<iut three and one half miles of
track were utilized. It was not until 1902 that very extensive im-
prij\ements were undertaken. T. C. ]\IcReynolds had assumed the
management ijf the business, and he had in mind plans for de\elop-
ing the enterprise, which contemplated a svstematic gnnvth. He
was confident of the bright future of the company and time has vin-
dicated the correctness of his judgment. In 1902 the Kokomo
Railway & Light Compan_\', under his direction, laid four and one
half miles of track in the cit}'. The northwest and southwest loops
were constructed and from that hinu' the companv took a step for-
ward to the vital m(jment to its profit and welfare. The trafiic was
trebled, because the \'er}- heart of important territory had been
touched and people ci;)uld go somew here. The light plant was im-
prmed to a state of efficienc}". P>ut in 1903 all that Mr. McRey-
nolds had hoped for and belie\ed would be accomplished was real-
ized in the organization of the present company, the Kokomo,
Marinn i^- Western Traction Compan\-. Old things had passed
awav, and new blinid was to surprise the most conser\ati\"e of the
companv's- well wishers. In igoj; the ciimpanv was organized with
George J. ^^larrdtt, 1 )f Indianapolis, jn-esident : L. J- Kirkpatrick,
\ice-president, and T. C. McRevnohls, secretarv-treasurer and gen-
eral manager. ]\Ir. [McRe^nolds was now enabled t(.) see that ac-
ciim|)lished which long before he had planned and upon which he
had determined. An interurban line was to be constructed con-
necting Kokomo and ^Marion. Air. AlcRevnolds was backed bv
OF lldWAKli CULXTV. 347
sufficient capital and supported by l)usincss capaliilit\' nf successful
business men. Twentv-eigiit miles (if track east of Kokduin were
laid and the line f n im the start prnxed a ,£;iii)d in\-estment. 'I'lien
the power plant was improxed. the latest iniproxemeuts installed
and the plant bruua-ht ti> its highest efficienc}". so that it cares for all
requirements and much more. In looo this i)lant represented Init
three hundred and hft\' horse power. Toda}- it represents fotu" thou-
sand five hundred horse power. The company is the owner ot four
electric light plants, located at !\okomo. Swayzee. (ireentown and
Converse. The companv's j.iro|)erties are constantlv increasing in
value, and are so situated that an increase in \alue must lie the in-
e\italile result from each passing- year.
AXDERSOX WTLLITS.
In the constant and laborious struggle f(jr an hi-)norable compe-
tence and a creditable name on the part of business or priifessional
men. there is little to attract the reader in search of a sensational
chapter, Imt to a mind thoroughly awake to the true meaning of life
and its responsibilities there ;irc noble and imperishable lessons in
the career i:if an individual who, early thrown upon his own re-
sources and without other means than a sound mind, fertile percep-
tive faculty anil a true heart, con(|uers adxersit}' and not oid\- wins
a prominent position in the industrial world, but what is et|uall}' as
great, die deser\-ed esteem and conlidence of his fellow men. !-^uch
a man is the prominent citizen of ( ireentown, Howard county, whom
the biographer treats in this connection, and whose name is so in-
timately ass(_iciated with the material and ci\ic interests of the com-
munity where he has long resided, as to reflect great credit upon the
town and vicinity, at the same time gaining the undixided respect
34'^ morrow's lllSTdRY
(if all wliii know him fur his wull directed life, which has been alniig
paths I if hdiKif and upi'i^iitness.
Andersiiii W illits, the well knnwn ex-ctunmissioner nf floward
Cduntx', Indiana, was horn in Muscatine cnunty. Inwa, ]Ma_\' 24, it^^lS.
the Sdii nf Charles and Hannah ( Kirlin) Wdllits, the former a na-
ti\e of ( )hiii and the latter <if Xiryinia. The father nf the subject
spent hi'> earl_\- life in Inwa and in 1N47 nii i\-ed tn Henry cnunty, In-
<liana, later nKuing tn [^ibert\- township, Howard county, where he
remained until 1872. He was trustee of Jackson tnwnship in an
earh- time when there were three trustees. He was a man i<\ much
influence in his communit\- and made a success in whate\er he un<ler-
took.
.Vndei'Sou \A'illits was ten }-ears old when he came with his
])arents to ],ibert\- townshi]). where he has since made his home, hav-
iui;- assisted his father in his work when a hny and attended the
nei.i;hbnrhnod schonls. recei\-iny- a fairl_\- t^-nnd education, hax'ing
been a diligent searcher after knowleilge, but when he first started
to scho(]l the Xew Testament was about the only text-1)onk used.
His work on the farm was carrieil on until he was twent\'-nne \ears
nld. hel]iing to clear up the farm and transforming a comparati\ely
poorly improved tract into ])rnducti\e fields.
The domestic life of our subject dales fmm 1859. when he was
married to Harriet j. Har^zard. who was reared in Henry county,
Indiana, the daughter of a well kaiown famih', and where she re-
cei\'ed a common school edncatinn. Mrs. Willits was called from
her earthl\- labors in 1SX4. ("iLarles, one nf their children, is a grad-
uate nf De I'auw L'ni\-ersity. He was also a student at .\nn Arbnr
L'ni\ersity. .\nn .Viimr, Michigan. He is an attnrney of much
])romise. ami the future undoubtedl)- hoMs much in store for him.
He is located in I'a.sailena. California. Henta, daughter nf the
subject, is also in California, working as a stenngrapher, ha\ing
OF linWAKIi CnrN'rv. 341;
tiinnei'l\- liceii a \-er_\ ca])al)lc teaclier in I Inward cnunlx's ])ulilic
scliiHils; Ddi'a is the witcnf (ic'(ir!;c L'urlec. ni Ixdkdiiin.
Mr. \\ illits was again married Januar_\ i. i NSS, liis seciiiul wife
heing .Mar\- LiiulleA'. wlm died in Septenilier. 11)04. < )ne daughter.
Elsie Havs. who is tweiitx \eais nld in i<jnS. was Imrn to thi^ nmiin.
She is keeping house for lier father, and is a young lad\' of attrac-
ti\'e ])ers( )naht\'.
The suljject is a menil)er of the Methodist Episcopal clun\-h.
hax'ing faithtullv ser\ed as trustee of the same for nian\- \'ears. In
politics he is a Republican, in which ixirtx" he has made his intluence
felt in local affairs, haxiiig serx'ed \ery efficiently as a memlier of the
town board, alsi.i the school board and was elected count\- commis-
sioner in \i>f)T,. serx'ing with marked credit for a jjeriod of three
\ears.
.Mr. \\ illits started life with practicalh- nothing, but being a
man (if indomitable energ\' and thrift, he has lieen successful, rear-
ing his children as the\- should ha\e been reared, and at the same
time got possession of a modern and niceh' furnished home m ( ireen-
town ami twenty acres of xaluable land at the eilge of the town.
This land recei\es his careful attention and is one of the most de-
sirable pieces of property in that \-icinit\'. Mr. \\ illits is a pleasant
and kind hearted man, ha\-ing won hosts or friends, owing to his
upright and well regulated life.
THE ARMSTR()X(i—E. \XnnX ("OMIWXV.
.\ Corporation engageil in the mercantile business including
hardware and farming im]ilements and also manufacturers of all
kinds of building material, are the successors, or rather a coiuinu-
350 MORROW S HISTORY
atiiiii nf a business started by A. F. Armstrong- in the year 1855.
Their i)lace of lousiness is tlie (ildest in the cit^• of Kukomo. and
those engaged in the conduct nf it are recngnizetl as the only mer-
chants ni i\v in Ijusiness when tlie [jresent prDprietnrs liecame inter-
ested in it.
The present officers are: George A\'. Landon, i)resident ;
Thomas C. Howe, \'ice-president : W. A. Easter, treasurer; H. McK.
Lrmdon. secretary; and Harr\' L. Ahmlder. assistant treasurer. As
al)o\-e stated, A. F. Armstrong was a partner in l)usiness with Dr.
j. A. fames, cme of the pioneer physicians of the cit}', and ]\Ir.
Armstrong continued as tlie princii>al head of the business until the
da^- of his death, in September, 1003. (leorge \A'. Landon. the pres-
ent ])resident of the corporation, purchased an interest in the busi-
ness in X(:ivember. 1873, and became activel}- interested early in
AFutIi, 1874, and he has been acti\-ely identified with the Ijusiness
from that date up to the present time, having been a member of all
the succeeding- firms ami corporations. Thomas C. Howe, vice-
president, married ^Ir. Armstrong's only daug'hter, and since Mr.
Armstrong's death, has represented his interest in the luisiness. Mr.
Howe is well known as the president of Butler l"niversity at Irving-
ton. \\". .\. Easter, treasurer, became identified with the luisiness as
a clerk earlv in the year of 1874, and has grown up with the busi-
ness until at the present time he occupies <)ne of the most important
places in its conduct, having charge of the mercantile ])art of the
liusiness at the corner of Sxcamore and ]\Iain streets, ami is well
known to almost ever\- farmer in Howard county, coming more
<lirectlv in contact with them than any other man in the conduct of
the business. The secretary, IF ]\IcK. Landon, lives in Indian-
apolis, is the son of the president and is otherwise engaged in busi-
ness in that city. Harry L. Moulder, assistant trea.surer, began ciii-
plovment as a clerk in i8f)8 and has grown up until he now has
oi' iinwAKD lorxrv. 33 i
cliar.i;e nf tlie nflice wnrk nf the corj)! iratiitn, and has the cmitulence
lit all iif the otincers cunnected with the c< irpi iratidii. 'riionias II.
I'eiin is the superintenilent nf the niamifactuving jiart of the ci>r]>iir-
atiiiii. whiise factory is located on East Monroe street, where it
crosses the I'anhandle R.ailroad in the said citw He has lieen so eni-
l)lo\-ed since 11)03. ''"^'' '^ recoj^nized as competent and efficient as a
superintendent in the management of their manufacturing;" interest,
and also as a skilled artisan, and is used lar,t;'el\- for the ])urpose of
assisting' contractors in the su])er\ ismn of ])lans and in the snperni-
tendenc\' of the construction of huddiui^s, and is of \'erv beneficial
assistance in this class of wdrk to all of the corporation's customers.
IIAKDW AKI-; iXDfsrin'.
The mercantile interests of the Armstroui^-Landon C'onipany
are conducted from their place of husiness at the corner of ^^lain
and S\caniore streets on the soiuh side of the public scjuare at ko-
konio, Indiana. Iheir business room is constructed of brick and
stone. Covering' a space of si\t\-six \t\- one hundi'ed and thirt\'-t\vo
feet, a three-stor\" and basement building, and is well suited and lo-
cated to carr^■ on the business for \\hich the building" was con-
structed. The Inisiness is of a wholesale and retail character, the
trade extensions of Ijoth branches co\ei-ing all the adjacent territor\-
in this ]>ortion of the state. .\ com])utation of the diiTerent lines
carried wnuld in\'o]\-e a catalogue of man\' jiages. Suffice it to say
that for years this cnqioration has been the backbone of the agri-
cultural and implement business of the surrounding counties. (Hit-
side of the hardware, sto\c and implement business, cmering all
classes of farming implements, a^ well as carriages, Imggies. surreys,
etc.. tliev keep at this place almost all classes of building materia!
outsiile of lumber, such as cement, sewer pipe, etc.
BUILDING MATERIAL.
Al the facttiry ami in their yards, this curpuration carries Mne
(jf the largest stocks of all kimls of lunil)er used in the niaiuifacture
iif huildinq- material in this part nt the state, and there is ni "thing
nsc-d in the ci instructii in nf a building in the way nf \\i><h\ material
hut what the\' are at all times able ti i furnish and su])])!}' in the
promptest manner. The (|uality df the work which they perfurm is
full\- reciiguized and denn instrated h}' the fact that as a c irporation
thev ha\"e ci instructed mure public buildings and mure hrst class
residences in this cit\" than all nther dealers or cnutracti irs in this
line <if Inisiness. Their work not only covers the furnishing of ordi-
nar\- building material, but includes all classes of interior finish,
stairs and stair work, office work, counters, show cases, etc.. and the
(juality of the hard wood lumber carried for this pui'i^ose is une.x-
celled. and is so well known that many dealers engaged in similar
lines of business in other cities in the state purchase such materia!
from them.
TACOB SI'AHL.
Among" the successful, self-made men of Howard count) whose
efforts and influence ha\e contributed to the material upbuilding
and general l)usiness acti\it\- of their respectixe communities, the
g'entleman of whom the biographer writes in this connection occu-
pies a conspicuous place. I'.eing amliitious from the first, but sur-
rounde<l bv none too favorable environment, his early yotith was
not especiallv i)romising, but he acce]jted the discouraging- situatiim
without a murmur and, resolutely facing the future, gradually sur-
mounted the difficulties m his way and in due time rose to a prom-
dl" lliiWAKI) C(H■.\■^^■. _:;:;_i
iiK'iit |)(isitiiin in the industrial circles nl his ci ininiiinit\ . hcsidcs
winnnii;- the c niiiilence and esteem nf tlmse with wlicmi he was
hnm.i^ht in c<intact, ;ind tnday he stands as nne nf Howard CMuntx's
nidst re])resentati\e citizens and . .ne of the |ironiinent men of Lih-
ert\' ti iw !islnp.
jacol) Stahl was horn in l\i|)le\- connl\, Indiana, Septemher J4.
1S57, the son of h"rederick and Catherine ( Schrodv ) Stahl. the
former ha\in<;- heen horn in ( lermanx . jacoh Stahl, o-randfather of
the suhject. was horn -\])ril u. iSoj, and died June 12. 1X70. in
Ri|)Ie\' count}', Indiana, ('atherine lirimes. his wife, was h irn in
( lei"man_\-, Xoxemher S, 1S03. and <lied .Se]itemliei- S. 1SS3. h'red-
erick Stahl. father of our suhject. was horn in ( ierman\", l)ecemlier
2(1. ii>T,2. and he died Se])tenil)er _'4, iSjj. Catherine, his wife,
was horn Afarch iS. 1 S :; 1 . and died h"ehriiar\' 27. 1K7;. The suh-
ject's grandfather came to America in iJ^3-', first stojijiing- at W'heel-
iii.t;-. West N'irginia. After coming to Rii)le\' count\-, Indiana, he
])urcliase(l timhered land, cleared it and fartued there until his death.
He ;nid his wife were the parents of three sons atid one dau.t;iiter.
all li\in.g" m fcjoS exce])t one son.
Jacoh Stahl was reared on his father's farm and attended the
common and .grammar scliooK. recei\in,g" a fairly good education.
His parents ilyin.g when he was a \oung man he was com])elled to
hustle for himself. conse(|Uentl\- he went out in the wdrld to make
his own wa\'. ljeifi.g comi)elled at the same time to look after Ins
other hrothers and sister. He catrie to Howard count}' March 1.
fS7(). ha\in.g heen ])receded hy (ieorge and Adam Stahl. uncles of
the suhject. Jacoh li\ed with them for eight months, working in a
tile mill: later he went to <litching'. hecommg a ditching contractor
and also contracted in cutting c<ird wood, succeeding at both.
.Mr. Stahl was united in marriage to M;irrietta Smith, who
was horn at S_\caniore, Jackson towiishiii. Howard count}'. .\])ril
^3
354 MORROW S HISTORY
5, 1856. Her father was a iiati\-e of Xorth Carolina and her motlier
of Tennessee. Mrs. Stahl recei\-e(l a fairly good C(.imm(in school
education. To this union one child was horn, the date of its birth
occurring on May i<). 1881, and he bears the name Lawrence D.
He received a common school education and later tijok a course in
the business college at Marion, Indiana. He is a \'ery promising-
young man.
The subject and wife had abont eight hundred clojlars when
the\' were married. l\ecei\ing some from home the amount aggre-
gated one thousand ilollars. After renting land for three years the
subject bought where he now li\es. the place consisting of sixty
acres. Later his wife received fort^• acres from the old home place.
The subject now has one of the best farms in Libert}' township,
having impriived it to a high degree and installed an excellent drain-
age system of about eleven hundred rods of tile ditch. He feeds
good stock on his place and of late his son, who married Tessie
Cavaielt, has been ruiniing the farm, which is kept in a high state
of producti\eness and is well fenced. On it stands an excellent
dwelling and con\-enient out buildings. Our subject has operated a
threshing machine for three \-ears with much success, and did a very
larg"e business with his machine in the season of 1908.
?ilr. and ]\L-s. Stahl are adherents to the Cathrilic faith. Fra-
ternalK' our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the
lodge at (ireentown. His S(in, Lawrence, is also a member of this
lodge. 'Idle former l)eing one of the trustees of the same. He is
also a member of the Red ]\Ien's lodge at (ireentown, having served
as treasurer of the same for fi\e years.
'S\v. Stahl and his son keep abreast of the times by general
reading and they have found time to see something of the outside
world, having attended the world's fair at St. L(^uis.
Mr. Stahl was nominated by his part)' for trustee of Liberty
OF IlOWAKl) COUNTY. 355
township and liad a majurity against him of ahuut sixt_\- Iveinibhcan
votes. He is a friendly man and has a \-er_\- hirg'e numl)er <>i friends.
He is kno^vn to l.)e a man of upris^ht ]>rinciples and anxious to see liis
count}- dexelop in aU Hues. Xo one in Liberty ti.iwnship is l)etter or
more fa\-orabl}' known than he. f(.)r lie has always taken a h\'eh- in-
terest in local mo\-ements whether political, educational or moral
and he can alwa\s lie deijended upon to lend his support and t;i\e of
his \-alual)le time in the furthering;' of all moxements looking to the
g'ood of his Community.
Air. Stahl has shown what an honest, earnest, hard workino'
man can accomplish, although he had to hew his own fortune from
the obstacles that beset his waw for he started life with no s^'reat
aid from an^• one, but he has been industrious and economical, so
that today he has a comfortal)le competency and can liiok f(Trward
to an old asfe of comfort ami (luiet.
WILLIAAI C. HO\\-ELL.
The march of impro\-ement is accelerated day by day, and each
successi\'e moment seems to demand of men a broader intelligence
and a greater discernment than did the preceding", showing that suc-
cessful men must be live men in this age, bristling with activity.
The purpose of biograph}- is to presen-e the records of such men for
the edification of succeeding generations: thus the lessons of l>iog-
rapln' ma\- be far-reaching to an extent not superficially evident. A
man's reputatiim is the propert}' of the world, for the laws of nature
have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the
controlling influence of others or wields an influence which touches,
controls, guides or misdirects others. If he be honest antl successful
in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame
3^0 MdKKiiW S UISTCIKY
and pi lint the wav along- which others may follow with like success.
Consei|nentl\' it is lieliexed that a critical stud}- of the life record of
the gentleman whi.'se name appears alio\e will he of heneht to the
reader for it has Ijeen one of nsefnlness and h(.inur.
William C. Howell was horn on the farm where he now re-
sides in Liliertv township, section jj, Howard county. Indiana, Au-
gust J(>. 1871. the son of Tense and Eln<ire ( Golden) Howell. Tense
Howell was an earlv settler of Liherty township, having entered a
farm here in section 33. near (Ireentown. erected a log cahin and
cleared the lan<l. transforming it into a good farm, which he sold
and entered another eight}' acres in section 22. clearing tlie major
portion of it. This place was later sold and he hought one hundred
and sixty acres in township 24, range 3 east. He resided on this
until his death. He was an excellent farmer and became well known
in his community. In politics he was a Republican and a member
of the < ierman Baptist church. He entered tlie Union army in 1S63
and remained at the front untd the close of the war. having been a
member of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment, Indiana
X'olunteer Infantry. He was engaged in the saw mill business for
thirtv-five years, and was a money maker at whatexer he undertook.
He was left an orphan at the age of eight years and was compelled
to make his iiwn way. His first wife <lied when our subject, \\ il-
liam C. Howell, was four years old. Tense Howell was remarried
but had no children by his second wife. Twelve children were born
of the first union, six of whom are li\ing in ii)o8.
William C. Howell was born on the farm where he now lives,
and received his education in the common schools and at Greentown.
Being a close student he received a good education, sufficient to
successfully teach school. He remained with his father until his
death and farmed on his father's place until he was married to Anna
Julow, who is a natiye of Libert}' township, Howard county, and the
Di" HOW \]<\\ cnvsjy. 337
dauj^lucr nf E. II. and Amelia julnw, the marriage cereniDiu'
haxiiig- lieen jjerfMrmed April ii. iS()4.
Three interestint;' children ha\e heen Ixirn to this union whose
atjes in i<)o8 are as follows; luhel, twehe: N'eda, ten; Clifton,
tixe.
Air. Howell owns eiohtv-li\e acres of good land which is highl_\-
prodncti\e and kept well improved hv careful and skillful manage-
ment, (ieneral farming and stock raising is carried on hv the suh-
ject in a most successful manner. He has a good dwelling house
and se\'eral con\enient out huildnigs.
Mr. and Airs. Howell are members of the L'nited I'lrethren
church. Fraternalh- Mr. Howell is affiliated with the Independent
Order of Odd h'ellows and the Knights of I'^-thias at rireentown.
Indiana. In politics he is a I\e])ul)lican and has taken an actixe part
in local ])olitical matters for many years, ha\ing been elected trustee
of Liberty township in 11)04. 'I'ld took iifhce Januaiw i. 1905. He
has made a most e.xcellent olticial. still holding the position, and
has the lowest lew of anv township in the county except Center.
Xine schools are in this township in which the subject takes a great
interest. He is well known throughout the count}- and is highh-
respected 1a- all. ha\-ing maintained a reputation for sfpiare dealing
w-ith his fellow- men and being pul>lic-s]iirited and upright in all his
relations with the world as well as in his pri\-ate life.
WILLIAM L. RlD(ih:\\"AV.
To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of
our countr-\- is due to the honest industry, the sturdy ])ersi>tence.
the unswerving- persexerance and the wise econoin\- \\hich so proni-
iiientlv characterize the farming element in the Hoosier state.
35o MORROW S HISTORY
Among this class may ht mentioned the subject uf this lite recurd.
who, bv reason of years of indefatigable labor and honest effort has
not only acquired a well merited material prosperity, but has also
richlv earned the highest esteem of all with whom he is associated.
'Slv. RidgeA\av has preferred to spend his life in his native com-
munit}'. belie\"ing that richer opportunities existed near his own
threshold than elsewhere. ha\'ing Ijeen liorn in Ervin tcjwnship,
Howard county, Indiana, Jul}' 25, iS(i8, of noble parentage, his
father jjeing the well km.iwn "Squire" Ridgeway and his mother
bore the maiden name of Alary Lee, the former being a native of
Howard county and the latter of Kentucky, -\fter their marriage
thev settled on a farm in En'in township where their li\-es have been
sing'ularly happy and prosperous and where they still reside, being
the proud parents of five chiklren, of whom c>ur suljject is the third
in order of birth. They were named as follows: Calvin, deceased;
Jennie, deceased; William E., our sttbject: James, deceased; Nora,
Our subi'ect was reared on his father's farm antl educated in
the common schools ; being an ambitious lad from the first he suc-
ceeded admirably at his studies, laying a broad foiuidation for the
subsequent building of a good education through home reading and
habits of obseiwation. The fami has always appealed to him as
being the most independent life of all. and. ha\-ing Ijeen taught much
of how to successfully conduct a farm liy his father, he began work
on a farm of his o\\n accord early in life and has always followed
agricultural pursuits, now owning forty acres of well improved land
which yields a good living, owing to the skillful management which
it recei\'es from vear to year.
Our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony in Ervin
township, December 20, 1887, to Cora \\'ilson, a daughter of Am-
brose and Phi.ebe (Griffith) Wilson. Mrs. Wilson passed away in
Ervin township after becoming the mother of seven children, of
(IF llliWAKI) (.(irXTY. 359
wliciiii the suliject's wife was the tliiril in ordt-r dt hirtli, lia\ iiiL; lieen
Ixini December 25, iSik).
Jwo winsome and interesting' children ha\e been bnrn to the
suljject anil wife, brightening' tlieir hearthstnne nut a little. The}'
bear the pretty names of Gladie A. and Hazel R.
Being' a man of recognized loyality to his Ci>unt}', state atid na-
tion and a well read man. deeply x'ersed especially in political mat-
ters, and a good mixer with his fellows, it is no wonder that Mr.
Ridgewa\' was called upon to perform public service in his nati\'e
communitv. cunseiiuenth' he was nominated and elected t<i\\'nship
trustee of Erviti township in 1804. which position he tilled to the
entire satisfaction of all concerned, ha\ing' begun his official career
in January, iy05. He has ahva\ s voted with the Republican party,
taking an active part in all the townshi]i offices and lending his tinie
and inrtuence in the support of the wurthy candidates in each
election.
The subject is a member of tlie ^bidern Wdodmen of America.
In ;ill his relations with the people of Howard county, whether pub-
lic, fraternal or industrial, ]\Ir. Ridg'ewa}' has show 11 that he is a
man of the highest integrity and hoiie-ty and one in whom the ut-
most Confidence can be reposed.
AAR(3X DOXALU HCJlLSOX,
One of the leading citizens and representative farmers of t'lay
township. I'loward countv. Indiana, is the geiitleman whose n.uiie
appears at the head of this brief review. His has been an eminently
active and useful life, but the liniited sp:ice at the disposal of the
biographer forbids more than a casual niention of the leading events
3'iO MOKKDW S IIISTdRV
in lii> career, which, in imr npininn, will snffice to show what earnest
endeaxor and honest}" of jinrpose rio-htl}- applied and persistentl\-
followed will lead to — un(|ualified success. .
Aaron Donald Jlobson was horn near Xew London, Monroe
townslh]), Howard count}-, April lo, iS()4. His father was [•lliliu
Ihihson, who was a natixe of Xorth Carolina, and his mother was
Sarah King, a natixe of Marx laud. Thex- came to Howard countv
with tlieir ])areuts when hoth were (pute \'i mni^'. When the\' ,t;rexx'
u]) tlie\- married and settled in this couutx', \x here thex- still reside,
haxni;;- reached an adxanced aye. Ihex- reared a fan-iilv of eii^ht
children, of w hon-| our subject xx as the fifth in order of l)irtli. He
was reared in Moi-iroe toxxnship and lix-ed at home until he xxas
txx eutx--fonr xears old, assistini;- x\ ith the farn-i xxork and atteudiny-
tlie ueiii-hli: irhood schools at interx-als, recei\-int;- a good common
school and acaden-iic education, lie folloxxed tlireshing- for sixteen
x'ears and has since engaged in farming exclusi\-elv. He oxxns
twentx -^e\ en acres of good land.
.Mr. Hohson xxas married in Howard countx-, Xoxemher 24,
I NX-, to Addie AI. Long, who ])r(ix-ed to he a n-iost xxurtln- hel])meet.
She xxas the daughter of Roht-rt Al. Long, an influential man in his
communitx-. .-Vfter a faithful ami lia]i]i\- life xx ith the subject, Mrs.
Long \x:is called to her rexxard June [4, iSi)(i. Txx-o children were
horn to this union, — Russell ?d. and Mar\- V.
Mr. llol)son xxas again married Xoxen-iher 10, iSijj, to Ida Max-
Haxis, a woman of fine traifs, the daughter of Ephraim Daxis, of
ri])toi!, Indiana, and to this union one daugliter has been l)orn. xxho
answers to the name of Edna M;ix-.
.Mr. Holjson has lieen a resident of Cla\- toxxnship since about
iN()0. He has tilled the responsible ])osition as trustee of his toxxn-
ship in a most creditable n-iauner since Januar\- i, 11)05. ^'^^ '^ ^
iiiembL-r of the l"riends church, ami has alxxax's been in league xxitb
Ill- IKIWAKI) t(lL'.\TN\ 3f)r
tlie Repuhlican partw and licint^' ;i man well xersed in general pu-
litical aftairs and a ])nl)lic-^]li^itcd citizen, his influence is al\\a\s
felt at local electidns and he is lodkcd u])iin as a man tin iroUi^hlN' in
sympath}' with any ni(i\-ement l<M>kin,i;- tn the Uetternient nr ad-
vancement in an\- \\a\- of his comnuinilw where he has aiwa\s heen
regarded as a man of sterling hone>l\- and worth and wdrtln- of the
utmost Confidence and res])ect, which his fellow citizens lia\e heen
tree to accord owing" to his ujiright and in<lustrious life.
WILLIAM 11. .\llLLh:R.
The record of the suhject of this sketch is that of a man who.
by hi.s own unaided eti'orts. has worked his w;n- from a modest be-
ginning to a position of influence and comparatixe aflluence in his
communit\". His life has been one of unceasing industr\- and ])er-
se\-erance. and the systematic and honorable methods he has followed
ha\'e \\nu him the unbounde<l conlidence of his fellow citizens (.f
Cla\" township. Howard countw whose interests he has e\er had at
heart and which he has al\\a\'s labored to promote.
\\ illiam H. Miller was born in Rush countw Indiana. March
31, 1IS73. His father was Henrx L' . Miller, and his mother was
L'aroline Stewart in her maidenhood, both ])eople of sterling worth
and intUience in the commtniit\. Ibex were the parents of six chil-
dren, of which our subiect was the second in order of l)irth. He
came with his parents to Howard countx' when ten years of age.
living at home with his parents, working on their farm and attend-
ing the public schools until he w.as mai'ried. soon afterward settling
on the farm where be now resides and where bis life labi irs ha\e been
so effectively applied. Although his life work has lieen largely de-
^f)2 MUKKOW S mSTURV
xiited to agricultural pursuits, our sul)ject enu'aged iu teaching" tor
four years in Clav township, during which time he hecauie well
known as an ahle educator, ha\ing taught \ery successfully His
well improved and highly pro(lucti\e farm consists cif eighty acres
which yields the suhject a comfortahle li\ing owing to its excellent
management.
The date of Mr. Miller's marriage was ]\Iarch 21. 1900. and the
ceremon^■ was performed in Kokomo. His wife was Bettie Stewart.
a native of Clav township and the daughter of John and Caroline
(Townsend) Stewart, the former now deceased. Twi) bright and
interesting children have been born into the happy home of ^Ir. and
Airs. Aliller. They are Miriam C. and Earl S.
(Jwing to the fact that the suhject has long been a pulilic-
spirited man and known to be well \ersed in political matters and
well up on current topics, together with his record of honor beliiml
him. it is no wonder that he has been called upon by his fellow citi-
zens of Clay tiiwnship to fill positions of public trust. He is at pres-
ent ( U)o8 ) a member i3f the county council where his advice and
influence has great weight in shaping the atlairs of this important
bodv. Mr. Aliller has always been deeply interested in the aft'airs of
the township and county, and he has lent liis time and influence from
election to election in assisting to jilace the best men in the offices
which control local affaii-s. He has always been a loyal Re-
])nbhcan.
.Mr. and Mrs. Aliller are consistent memljers of the Christian
church where thev are liekl in high favor and to which they are lib-
eral suljscribers.
Mr. Miller takes a deep interest in every movement having for
its object the moral, educational or material advancement of his
communitv. A man of many sterling traits of character, be is
higiil}- respected and esteemed 1)\- all who know him.
OF llOWAKl) CUUXTV. 3O3
E.MAIET E. SWA1^"F(3RD.
At tliis point we enter Ijrief record concerning- andtlier of the
rei)resentati\e farmers oi Cla}- tnwnship, Howard cuunty. and aside
from the positions which the suljject iiccnpies as a leading and higli!}'
esteemed citizen of the cotint\', there is added interest attached to tlie
resume uf his career fr(jm the fact that he came here early in life and
lias seen the wnnderful adxancement nf this section, having hjcated
here as nne (if the ad\'anced guard nf progress and material aiKance-
ment and while he has benefited himself in a \-ery material way in
this locality, he has been of much value tu the surrounding country
owing to his public spirit an<l his lo\alitv to the support of an}-
movements which ha\e as their ultimate aim the bettering of the
C(^mmnnitv in which he maintained his home.
Emmet E. Swafford was Ijorn in I'nion countv, Indiana, Sep-
tember Ji, 1S61, the son of Archibald A. and Sarah (Burroughs)
Swattord, both natives of Union count}-, this state, where the}- li\-ed
their useful and prosperous lives and where the}- both passed to their
rest, after becoming the parei-its of ele\-en children, of whom onr
subject was the youngest.
Air. Swafford was reared in L'nion countv on his father's farm
where he was taught the \-aluable lessons of agriculture, and also re-
ceived the moral training at the hands of his worthy parents, which
have done so much in successfull}- shaping his later life and render-
ing him a \-aluable citizen to the con-ininnit}- where he n-iakes his
home. He recei\-ed a g(jod education in the common schools and
at the Liberty high school, having remained at his parental fireside
until he was twenty-six years (3ld, at which time he came to Cass
count}-, Indiana, where he ren-iained one year, then settled in Cla}-
township, How-ard county, in the sjiring of i88y. where he has
since resided, having always followed farming and agricultural pur-
3''4
suits which, needless tn say. he lias made a pnmounced success, be-
ing' regarded as nne of the best farmers in bis C(immunit\- and having-
(ine I if the best impn i\"ed farms in the tnwnship. It ci insists uf (ine
hundred and t\\"ent\' acres, all \'er\- pruductixe and nf an excellent
i|nalit\' (if si lil.
Mr. Swattnrd was first married in L'ninn county. Indiana, Feb-
ruary 14. icSiS6, t(i Margaret Bicknell, wlm was called tn ber reward
in Cla\' tnwnship. Hnward cnuntw Februar\- 28. i8()4. and the suli-
ject was again married in Cass ciuint\'. this state. January i. 1896,
tn I'dnra -\. Stanlew Tun children were linrn tn this uninn. Imtb
(b.ing ni infancw
1 be subiect has bnig taken an acti\e part in pnbtical affairs,
being a stanch Repuljlican, and his influence is always felt at Incal
elections, assisting as best he can tn place gnnd men in township
and count\- nffices.
Fraternalh" Mr. Swaffnrd is a member nf the Knights nf PmIi-
ias. taking n'cuch interest in this lodge and en(lea\-oring to live up to
its wortln precepts in his daih' life which has always lieen above
reproach, standing as lie does for honest\' in business, politics and
])ri\-ate life, which has gained fnr him the uni\-ersal respect and es-
teem of a host of friends and ac(|uaintances.
REUP-FX PRESLEY ALEXAXDER.
Specific mention is made nf many nf the wnrthy citizens of
Howard county \\ itbin the pages of this book, citizens wlm baxe
tigured in the grnwth and develnpment nf this favored Incalit}' and
whose interests are iilentified with its e\er\- phase nf prngress. each
contrilniting in bis si)here of action to the well being of the com-
OF iiDWAui) c()^.\■|•^. 365
inuiiit\ in which he resi(Jfs and to the a(l\ aneenient of its normal
and lei;"itiniate growth. Anioiig this niinil)er is he whose name a])-
])ears aho\e, [jecuhar interest attaching to his career from the fact
that his entire nseful and liusy life lias been spent within the borders
of this coiintx".
Reuben I'resle\' Alexander was born in Iu"\in township. How-
ard county. Indiana, October 2. iis5(). the sijn of Joseph and Louisa
( I'oticli ) Alexander, both nati\es of Kentucky, who settled in Hnw-
ard county, Indiana, in 1X3-', where the\ lued useful and ])riis-
perous li\'es until their life records were brought to a close by the
"grim reaper," the former dying March jo, t883, and the latter
Sejjtember 3, ic)02, in her eightieth \'ear. 'rhe\' were the parents of
nine children, of whom the subject was the se\enth in order of Ijirth.
He was reared in Erviu township, where he receixed a liberal educa-
tion in the ctimmoii schools ami at the Xew London high scIiumI,
later attending the Damdlle I'entral Xormal College, where he made
a splendid record both for scholarshi]) .and deportment, gaining a
fine education which has been of such great aid to him in his later
lite.
.Mr. .Vlexander was united in the lionds of wedlock in Erxin
townshi|x ^ebruar^• 2^. 1903, to Louis;i R. C'rnme, who was born in
this township April 4, 1X75, the accomplished daughter of ( ieorge
W, and .Mahala M. ( Xorris ) Crume, nati\'es of Hiiwar<l and
Carroll counties, Indiana. resi)ecti\'elv. dhe\' were peojjle of much
iiidneiice in their communitx' and were the jiarents of se\en children.
I if whom the wife of the subject was the \'oungest in order of
birth.
yiv. Alexander settled on the farm where he 111 iw resides soi in
after his marriage. His farm consists of eight}' acres of well im-
pro\'ed and higlih- producti\-e land, well fenced and drained, in short.
one of the most desirable of the --mailer farms of the couiU\'. ( )n it
366 morrow's history
stand many convenient and substantial buildings wbich are kept in
an excellent state of repair.
Being an educated man and consec^uently of much influence in
the township, owing tn his knnwn interest in all m(i\-ements having"
as their ubiect the betterment (if the lucality where he resides, it is
Udt at all strange that his friends anil neighburs should call upon
him to ser\e them in a public capacit)-, conseiiuentl}' he was a jus-
tice of the peace for two temis, serving in this role with the greatest
alacrity and success, using rare soundness of judgment in his de-
cisions which were never reversed b\" a higher tribunal.
y[r. Alexander has always taken a li\-ely interest in the town-
ship <iffices, and he is a conspicuous figure at local conventions and
elections. He has always been identified with antl a loyal supporter
of the Democratic part}-.
Although ;\Ir. Alexander has always been identified with agri-
cultural pursuits, he has found time in connection with this line of
endea\-or to teach school iov a period of twenty-two terms, all but
two of which were taught in Er\-in t(.iwnship, where he is regarded
as one of the ablest educators to be found within the borders of this
cotmtv, having' established a firm reputation for e.xcellent discipline,
thorough training and an afl:'able disposition. Xo man in Ervin
township is more popular or liekl in an}- higher regard fijr his niany
n-ianl}- attributes and sterling uprightness than the subject.
JOHX E. -IWRKIXCTOX.
It is an agreeable task ii:>v the biographer, and pleasant and
j)rofitalile for the reader, to conten-iplate the life record of a person
who has made a success of life and won the cm-ifidence and respect
of his fellow citizens. Such is the record, briefl\- stated, of the
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 367
well kiiiiwn agriculturist df lloward cnunty, whose uauie appears
al)(i\-e, than whom a more highl_\' respected nr popular man it wnuld
he (litticult to find within the limits of Clay township where he has
his home and where he has long been held in the hiohest esteem liv
a large circle of friends and admirers.
John 1^. Tarkington was born in Monroe count^■, Indiana.
October 30. 1837. His father was h'li 1'. Tarkington and his
mother bore the natne of .Martha ( iay in her maidenhood. The
former was a nati\e of Tennessee and the latter of Xorth Carolina.
The\- came to Howard count\- in 1S31 and settled in Harrison town-
shij) where the\' led well regulated and fairh- successful li\es, d\'ing
there se\eral ^■ears ago. after becoming the parents of eleven chil-
dren, of whom our suliject was the second in order of Ijirth. He
li\'ed at home until 1861 when he came to Cla_\' township, where he
has resided continuously to the present time, haxing made a pro-
nounced success at farming and gained a re]nitation for industry
and honest\'. He now owns one hundred and iiinet}- acres of well
improxed land and he has gi\en two hundred and eight\' acres away
to his children. Thus we see that the life of our subject has been a
ven- bus)- and well directed one. else he could not have secured such
valuable pri^pertv and so handsome a conipetence as he can claim.
He has caused to be erected numerous con\enient and substantial
buildings on his farm. He is a believer in modern twentieth cen-
nn\ methods in farming. consei|uently his skillful rotation of crops
and other well known methods to our best agriculturists have made
his farm productive and one of the richest in the townshi]i. Mr.
Tarkington also has large numbers of excellent cattle, hogs and
other stock on his farm, having always been a good judge of live
stock and delighted ti) handle the same.
The subject was united in marriage in Harrison township,
lune 30. i8()T. to .\melia A. Tb>ney. who was born in Kentucky.
;,r>,s
'riie\- were the parents of six children as fnhows: Mary F>elle died
at the as^e of eighteen months: h^lecta A., who l^ecame the wife of
S. h'. Wilson, died May 17, iS()8. The third child was William E.,
living- in Ervin township: Minnie C. is the wife of Ira ¥. Keisling
of C'la\- township; Ernest W li\es in Clay township: Amelia M.
died in infanc}'.
Mr. and Mrs. Tarkington are memliers of the ]\Iethodist Epis-
coi)al church, where the}- are held in much esteem in the congre-
gation. Mr. Tarkington is a Democrat in politics, but has never
heUl nor aspired to official honors.
In public affairs the sul)ject takes a deep interest. He un-
questionabh- possesses the qualities which typify the gentleman and
because of his upright life he has won and retained the friendship
and respect of all who know- him.
JOSEPH SHEWMOX.
Agriculture has been the true source of n-ian's don-iinion on
earth e\er since the primal existence of labor and Ijeen the pivotal
industrv that has controlled, for the most i>art, all the fields of ac-
tion to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. Among
this sturdv element of Howard county whose lalxirs have profited
alike themselves and the community in which they live is the gentle-
nt;m whose nan-ie appears at the head of this sketch, and in view- of
the consistent life record lixed by the subject since c(.)i-i-iing to this
section of the country, it is ])articularly titting that the follow-ing
short record of his career be incorporated in a book (-)f this nature.
[oseph Shewmon was born in I'reble county, Ohio, 'Slay 3,
i)F IlliW ARIi CDL'XTV. ^(k)
]S4_:;. I lis father w as L liristian Shew nion ami his ninther was Anna
l-'all in litT maidenhiKjil. bnth nati\es nf I'rehle Cinmty. ( )'iiM, where
the fc inner passed away. The latter was called tn her rest I'ri iiii
(iaKestiin. Cass Cdiintw this state. Thev became the parents df
seven children. i<\ whuni urn' suhject was the -.rxth in order .if birth.
The}' are remembered as people nf much sterlin.s^' wm-th w In i foiii^ht
the iil)stacles nt lite Cllllrat;■ellu^ly, and won. teaching' their children
the \aliiable lessmis nf persistenc\, cciin(ini\- and Imnestx. which
[M'ir.ciples ha\'e been domniatnii;' facturs ni their sul>se(|nent li\es.
Joseph Shevxnicin, niu" subject, was reared in Treble conntw
Ohid. attending' the neighlxirint;' schmils in the winter months and
assisting" his father with the farm w. irk <>u the old Imniestead niitil
the tncsin nf war sounded, which i mr sul)iect could not hear with-
out heeding. conse(|uentl\'. feeling that it was bis dut\ to sexer
home ties. gi\e up the prospects of Ijusiness and defend his couutrx's
honor, enlisted May 2. i8()2. in Compan_\- H. Xiiiety-third ( )hio
\ohniteer Infantrx". and rendered gallant serxice with his rc'^inicnt
for three \ears. not caring to return from the front until the war
xvas over. Among the nmre imted engagemnets in which he was
in\dl\ed were that sanginneous battle of Chickamauga and Stone
Ki\er. .\t the former oiu' subject was taken ]ii-isoner September i 8.
iS()ji. and was held a \ear and a half, during which time he was
confined at Richmond. X'irginia. Andersonxille and b'lorence. South
Carolina, also Danxdlle. X'irginia. where he was afflicted with the
smallpo.x. which caused the loss of his left eye: but notwithstanding
this sore affliction. Mr. .Sbewnion <loes not regret his serxice to his
C( luntrv.
.\fter the xxar our suliject returned to Indiana, locating in Cass
count}', xxbere be engag'ed in the saxx' mill business until i88.v xxhen
he settled in Cla\' townshi]). Iloxxard county, buxing eighty acres ot
swani]) land xxhich he im])roxed by years of patient labor, transforni-
24
ing it iiiti) a \-alual)le farm (ni which he lias erected numerous con-
venient and sul)Stantial buildings.
Air. Shewmon was united in marriage in Cass county. Decem-
hev 25. 1867, to ]\Iary M. Shaffer, wlm was a nati\e <if Chnton
county, Indiana. I'^our chilch'en ha\-e Ijeen Ijorn to this uni()n as
follows: Charles, Hattie. whu is the wife of .Vrchie \'int ; Daniel.
Alary B. is the wife of Joseph Alills.
The subject is well versed in p(.)litical subjects and has held the
office of township trustee for two terms, having been elected on the
Republican ticket which he has always supported. This office was
filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, for it was looked
after as carefully In' Air. Shewnion as if it had been his own ])ri-
\-ate business. He has ahva}S taken an acti\e interest in all town-
ship offices.
The subject is a prominent member of the Dan Pratt Post. Xo.
50, (irand Army of the Republican, at Gah'eston, having been com-
mander of the organization for some time. By \irtue of these hon-
orary offices at the hands of his fellow countr}-men in his township,
we must conclude that our subject holds a high position of honor
and trust among them else he would not have been called upon to
fill such place.s. which usually go to men of sound moral and busi-
ness principles.
THOAIAS B. WEEKS.
.\n enumeration of the representative citizen of Howard county,
Indiana. Avould he imcomplete without specific mention of the well
known and ])opular gentleman wdiose name introduces this sketch.
A member of one of the old and highly esteemed families of the
eastern part of the state and for many years a public-spirited man of
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 37 1
affairs, he has stamped the impress oi his indi\i(hiahl\- upun the
community' and added luster to the hmiorahle name whicli lie bears,
ha\'ing always been scru])uliiuslv honest in all his relations with his
fellow men and lea\-in,t;' no stone unturned whereby he mit^ht benefit
his own Condition as well as that of his neii^hbors and friends, con-
sequenth' he has long ago won the favor of a great number of
people of Jackson township where he maintains his home.
Thomas I'. W eeks was born in l)ul)lin, W ayne count\\ Indiana,
September <). i''^43. the son of Thomas and l.^■dia ( (irifhn ) Weeks,
both nati\"es of Xorth C'arolin;i. Tlie\' were married l^efore coming
to W'avne count\-. Indiana. Thomas 11. Weeks was eight \ears old
when his father died and se\enteen wlien his mother ])assed away.
He went to li\-e with B. J. ("leutry. with whom he made his home for
man\- vears, attending scliocil and working on tlie farm in the mean-
time until he secured a fairly good common school education, not-
withstanding the fact tliat his school (Un's were more limited than
other boys of his time, \et he was a close student and took a<l\'an-
tage of his opportunity.
Mr. Weeks was united in marriage in iS66 to Martha A. De-
bored, who was born in Septemlier, 1S48, in Tennessee. Her jiar-
ents were nati\'es of \'irginia, wlio came to Tennessee and later to
Henry county, Indiana. ]\[rs. Weeks first attended tlie country-
schools and then the graded schools at Spiceland. The}' had noth-
ing when tliev were married and were compelled to borrow money
on which to go to liousekeeping, but being industri(;)us .and thrifty
the\- soon had a good start and ha\'e alwa\s made a comfortable
living at the same time la^dng by for their rTl age which promises
to be one of ease and pleasure to both. The\' lived eight years in
Rush county where they rented land and farmed. In 1S74 they
mo\etl to Howard count\' and ijurchased eighty acres, the east half
of the southeast i|uarter of section 33, township _'4 north, range 6
3/2
east, tor which the_\' i)aiil twehe huiidreil ilDhars. Ilie land was wet
and was mut w eU drained. l)ut Air. Weeks soon had it weh ini])n)\e(l;
it now has about fifteen hundred njds of drainage chtch. and all the
old buildings ha\-e been replaced b}" modern antl substantial ones.
The place is \ery pmductixe and is wnrth. ciinser\ativelv estimated,
one hundred an<l twent}-h\e dollars per acre. The fact that he paid
only f(_)rty-tive dollars per acre shows that ]Mr. Weeks has been a
giiod manager and exercised rare sijundness of judgment in l^uild-
ing up the place tu a nidilern farm. He has looked well to the rota-
tion cif crops, alternating his cr(i|)s of curn and wheat with clover
and grass. His entire farm shows thrift antl close attentinn and is
equal in e\"er\- respect to iutv in Jackson township.
Se\'en children ha\e Ijeen l)(.)rn to Air. and Airs. Weeks, foiu" of
whom are li\'ing in HjoS. The\' are Emerv O., Deborah AIa\', Ber-
tha J. and Ihomas O. All are married and nune are living near
their [)arents.
Mr. and Mrs. Weeks are members of the Christian church at
Jen ime. ha\ing hrst ji lined the lUick Creek church in Henr}- cnunty.
this state. Air. Weeks is a member of the Red Alen's lodge at
Greentown. In politics he is a Probitionist. but at one time was a
Republican. Air. and Airs. Weeks are ([uiet unassuming people, up-
right and pleasant in their home life, and the\' ha\e the undixided
respect and friendship of all who know them.
JOHN W. CROUSSORE.
It is with pleasure that the biographer has an opportunity to
place before the readers of this work the life record of the honor-
able gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, for he is
deemed eminently worthy of representation along with the best and
Ol" HOWARD CorXTV. 3J3
most imlustridus citizens nf Howard count}-, owing- td the tact that
he l)elimg-s tn the energetic and entei-])rising- class that has made
this fa\-ofed section one nf the niost noted and richest in the great
Hoosier state. luijoying (Hstincti\-e prestige as a farmer and con-
tractor. 1-ie has achie\ed marked success, while his practical intelli-
gence, mature iu<lgnient and sound hnsiness princii)les have hail
much to do in motilding pulilic sentiment in the community where
he has long maintained his home.
Jolm W . Croussore is a nati\e of Center township. Howard
count)-. Indiana, where he was born October 23. 184S. the sou of
Steplien and Ruth (I.angley) Cmussore. Relieving that better
opportunities were to be found right at his door tlian in other states,
om- snliject preferred to speml his life on his native heath, and indg-
ing- from the manner in which his successful business career lias
been spent, he was wise in making such a decision. Stephen Crous-
sore. fatlier of tlie stibject. was born in Ohio and came to Howard
cotinty. Indiana, in if^43. entering- land in Center tciwnshii). build-
ing ;i log- cabin on his place. He afterward impri:)\-ed two farn-is
in Center township and built two brick residences there in which he
lived until he came to Libertv townshi]) in 1S81. He became com-
paratively wealth)- later in life and was a n-ian of considerable in-
fluence in his communit\-. He died in I.ibertv township. He w-as
a memlier of the Cdu'istian church, baxing been faithful in his re-
latious to the same until his death. There were six sons ;md two
daughters in this famiK' who reached maturity, of whoni ti\e are
li\-ing- in tgoS. four sons and one daughter.
John W. Croussore w-as raised on the farm, working in the
crops in season and attending the countr\- schools in winter, re-
cei\-ing- a fairl\- good education.
\\'hen twent)--one )-ears old he began renting' laml which he
continued to ilo for sonie time. He was always successful at farn-i-
374 MORROW S HISTORY
ing" and he now owns a \-aluable and highh- imijroved farm oi
se\■ent^" acres, being part of the old farm owned by his father. It
has been well tilled, crops have been rotated and the soil kept up to
a hig'h state of productixeness. (3n this farm stands a substantial
frame dwelling" and many con\'enieiit i ait buildings. He carries on
general farming and stock raising and is regarded as an extra-
ordinaril}- goijd judge of stcick. especially horses and cattle.
\\ hen a young man Mr. Croussore began contracting and many
of the excellent streets (if Kokomo and Tipton were built by him,
besides many gravel roads. He mo\-ed to Libert}- township many
}'ears ago where he now lives and Ijesides his farming, he still con-
tinues to do considerable contracting.
Our subject was married in Howard county, February 25,
1872. His wife was Rebecca Lang, daughter of James and Susan
(Austin) Lang, nati\-es of Pennsylvania, who were among the pio-
neers of Indiana and Howard county and where they passed the
balance of their li\es.
In politics Air. Croussore is a Democrat, and although he is
loyal to his party principles, he has never taken an acti\'e part in
local politics or aspired t(.i public i_)fhce. He is known to all as an
honest, upright, industrious man and is a highly respected citizen of
the countv where be has always resided and where he has been
eminenth" successful.
JOSEPH HIXKLE.
The record of the sul:)ject of this review is that of an enter-
prising gentleman who worthily upholds an honorable family name
and whose life has been very intimateh' associated with the ma-
terial prosperity and moral advancement of Liberty township, H(
low-
OF iiowAKn iiiLwrv. 375
ard ci lunty, Indiana, dunnt;' tlic nmst prot^Tessix'e i)erind i>f its
histijiy. antl he has ah\a_\s l)een fnund mi the right side nf r|uestiiins
looking' to the de\'elopnieiU nt his community in any \\a\-. and while
he has heen prominent in the iiuhistrial affairs of the cnuiity. he has
at the same time W(jn an enviahle reputation fur honest\- and wlmle-
some Hving. He is one of the patriotic sons of the Xorth whu
served in sa\'ing the national go\ernment in the tr(jul)liius sixties.
Joseph Hinkle was bnrn in Delaware C(iunt_\". Indiana. De^'cm-
ber 4. 1S45, t^lis ^'"'i "1^ ^''''' '"I'l .\l)igail (Barrett) }linkle. The
Hinkle famil_\- originally li\e<l in ()hii>, who emigrateil to Dela-
ware count^•. Indiana, later coming to Howard county in ( )ctoher,
1856. The father of the subject is still li\ing in 1908, and is known
as a man of much sterling ahilit\- and honorable character.
Joseph Hinkle was eleven _\'ears old when he came with his
parents to Howard countv. He worked mi the farm during the
summer months and attended the countr_\- schools during the rest of
the }-ear until he recei\-ed a fairly good education. He leame<l the
plasterer's trade, which he has always followed in connection with
farming. He has also knig operated a threshing machine and saw
mill. In whatever he has umlertaken he has carried it through to
success. ha\'ing always made a comfortable living ami laid by a
competencv which will insiu'e his old age free from wurry or in-
conxxnience.
Desiring to take part in the great struggle between the states,
doing what he could in defense of the flag, Mr. Hinkle enlisted in
Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana X'oluntecr In-
fantr)- in the spring of 1S65. His regiment was in Kentuck}- most
of tlie time, where it rendered good serxdce. At the close of the
war our suliject returned home, k'or his ser\'ices he receixes twehe
dollars per month.
Air. Hinkle was united in marriage on Decemljer 31. 1S78. to
37'i M(_)KR()W S HISTORY
Sarah I. Kilgore, and to this union nine chil(h'en were l)()rn, eight
nf them are stiU li\"ing at the time nf this writing. ^Irs. Hinkle was
called from her earthh' laburs in March. \')Cio. ruid our subject has
ne\er remarried.
l-'raternalh- 'Sir. Hinkle is a member of the Independent Order
I if Odd I-'ellows, the ludge at (ireentnwn. and he has passed the
chairs bnth in tlie subordinate and the encampment, and has rep-
resented both in the ( irand Lodge. He is a memlier nf the (irand
.\rmv nf the Republic, A\illets Tnst, Xn. 424, at (ireentown. In
politics he is a Socialist, Init was raised a l^emocrat.
.Mr. Hinkle is a man nf few wdrds, l)ut he makes friends easil}"
nwing tn his u]iright life and kindness, and he is one of the most
highl\- respected citizens of Howard cnunt^', where he has spent the
nia)i <v pi irtii m nf his life.
TOHX HOLLIDAV
In writing a work nf so great a magnitude as is here intended,
it is lint fair tn note the life and character of a man wlm has been
brnught up without a mother's care, ha\ing been cnmpelled tn hew
his own \\a\' through trials and (hfliculties and olistacles of various
kinds, whicli the sul)ject has done admiral)h' well, as we shall see,
for he has ileninnstrated l)e}iind a doubt wdiat one can do wdin has
a well defined pm-i)nse, energw |iersistenc\- and wlm dnes not admit
the word fail to his categnrw
John llolliday first saw the light of this world in the adjoining
count^■ of (irant. the date of his birth occurring on Jul}' 25, iSf'io,
Hn the da^■ of his birth his mnther ilied and he was gi\'en tn Jesse
Ware, wlm took him as his ( w\ n to rear, he coming tn Hnward
OF IIOWAKI) C()L"XTV. 3/7
cruinty in 1S4J ami entered a piece nf timbered land in I'nion tnwn-
slii|). where he erected a cahin and hej^an t'> clear the land which he
cuinerted intn a ])ri iducti\e farm. Here it was that l<ihn llnllidax'
was reared and when he became nf sutiicient age limked to his duties
nn the farm durini^' the summer mimtlis and in the winter attended
the district schouls until he had recei\-ed a fairl\- o-(hii1 cummnn
school education. Wdien he arrived at the a.t;e of twentx'-one .Mr.
Ware "'axe him fort\" acres of land.
The domestic life of Mr. Ilollida\- dates from i XS i , when he
was united in marriage with Ji isie \\ illits, a natixe of Howard
countx', and a daughter of a highh- resjiectcd and influential family.
Our subject and wife nnwed U])on the farm and for ti\e yeai's Mr.
Hollida\' .ga\-e his entire attention to farming, making a decided suc-
cess of this work. \Mien natural gas was obtained in the vicinity
of (ireentown be left his farm and moved there, belie\-ing that
greater o])i)ortunities awaited him in another field. He entered the
hardware business which was the hrst store of its kind in that town.
He followed this line of business with much success until 1893.
when he disposed of his stock and accepted a ])osition as salesman
for the McCormick Harvesting Alachine Compau}-. \Adnde thus
engaged his political friends nominated him for trustee of Lil)erty
townshi]) and in the following Xiwember he was elected, filling this
otiice of trust with entire satisfaction to his constituents and every-
one concerned for a period of six vears. He then retired froui the
office and was a private citizen until he was elected a memljer of the
county council, which position he now holds in i<)oS, exercising
great influence as a result of his position. Wdien ]Mr. Holliday re-
signed his position with the McCormick comi>any he entered the
buggv Ijusiness in w hich he remained with the usual success attend-
ing his efforts until iSoS, at which time he entered the grain busi-
ness in which he is still engaged. In njoX he rebuilt a substantial
^yS MURKUW'S HISTOKY
ami mammoth plant in the eastern part of Greentowii, where he is
conducting a large business. This furnishes a hrmie market to all
that the neighboring farmers produce.
Three children have been l>orn to the subject and wife, one son.
Glen, who is twent}.--rt\'e )-ears old, is married and has one daugh-
ter. He is a partner in the ele^"ator business with his father and is
a young man of much l)usiness aljility. Besides this l)usiness our
subject has a fine farm oi eighty acres in Libert}- township which
he manag-es and keeps well improved.
Fraternally ]\Ir. Hcilliday is allied with the Masonic order, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the
Impi-ovetl Order of Red ]Men and the Eag'les. He has passed the
chairs of the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is a
member of the IMethodist Episcopal church.
Air. Holliday has a wide ac(|uaintance and hosts of friends as
a residt of his io\-ial disposition, his kindness, honesty and upright-
ness and his tuKjuestioned business ability, being one of the most
highly respected citizens of Hmvard c<iuntv where he has spent the
major portion of his useful and 1)US}- life.
MRS. MIXXIE COLESCOTT :\lcKXETT.
The name of this estimal)le hnW is a familiar sound to the peo-
])]e of Howard county. Indi;ina, and the Ijrief record of her life out-
lined in the following paragraphs will doubtless be read with in-
terest l)y the man}- friends and acquaintances who ha\-e learned to
prize her for her lieautiful character and useful life, which has l)een
as an open ])(j(ik in wliich there are no pages nrirred or soiled b}-
conduct unbecon-iing true womanhood, and whose influence has al-
UF IJUWARL) CUUXTV. 379
ways made for the good ui the large circle nf friends with whom
she associates.
Mrs. McKiiett is a natne uf Lil)ert\' tiiwuship. this cmuiiIw
where she was born May 0. 1S73, on the farm where she n^w re-
sides. She is the datighter of John and Celia ( W'ooters ) Coles-
cott. whci were natives of Caroline coitntv, MarA'land. the fi irmer
ha\-ing been horn there September 10. 1821, and tlie latter un De-
cember 8. 1829. Slie still sur\i\-es at the age nf se\-ent}'-nine years
in iqoS. and is making her hnnie on the nld h<ime farm in Liberty
township, section 30. with her daughter, oiir subject, who deliglits
in caring for the estimable old lady whose influence has always been
wholesome and tiplifting, lieing known to all as a \v(3man of sterling-
qualities and loved bv all her neighbcjrs.
John ^^'. Colescott was married to Celia \\ rioters Januarv 12,
1847. Pi'ioi' to this marriage he had li\ed in Fa}'ette county. In-
diana, and came to Howard count\- about 1842, later returning to
^Iar_\land, and after his marriage he came with his wife to l-'a}'ette
county, Indiana, where he estaljlished a store which he niamtained
successfully until 1830 when he mo\ed to Howard county where he
purchased timbered land and soon set about improving it. Being
an industrious man he soon had the land transformed into a good
farm, and later he purchased the farm of one hundred and se\'ent\--
three acres where his daughter, our subject, now resides. He im-
pr<jved this land b\' ditching untd the farm now has more than six
miles of tile ditch on it and he impro\ed it in man^■ w"a_\s until it was
equal to an\' farm in the communit\' in point of impriixements and
richness of soil and the soil has since been kept up to its original
high state of productiveness.
(Xn- subject was reared u])on this farm and hel]>ed with the
household duties in her girlhood days, attending school during the
winter months, later attending the schot)ls in (.jreentown until she
?<So
hail a fair!)' ginxl cumnKni scIkkiI educatiim. for she appheil herself
diligentl}- to her hodks and aiwins made excellent grades.
In 1005 ]\Iinnie Colesct)tt \\as united in marriage with W . R.
^Iclvnett. a man of pleasing personality and considerable intluence
in his cnmmunit}-. To this union one daughter was horn January
22. lonf). who is a winsome and ])romising child.
John \\ . C'ojescott ser\-ed as iustice of the peace for manv }'ears
and was regarded h\- all who knew him as a man i:)f man\- good
qualities. He was called from his earthh' labors on Januar\' 7, 1S94.
^Irs. AIcKnett is a woman of unusual tact and soundness oi
judgment, this cou]jled with her indnstr\- and gracious personality
renders her popular in her neighborhoi kI and has won and retained
hi.ists of frien<ls throughout Libert\- and adioining townships.
CHARLES F, CRAXOR,
Practical industr^^ wise]\- and \igoronsl\' applied, ne\er fails
of success. It carries a m;ui onward and upward, brings out his
individual character aiul acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts
of others. The greatest results in life are often attained by simple
means rmd the exercise of the ordinary f|ualities of common sense
and perse\'erance. The e\er\'(la\- life with its cares, necessities and
duties, aft'ords ample opportunities for ac(|uiring experience i>f the
best kind and its most beaten paths proxide a true worker with
al)undant scope for effort and impro\"ement. This fact haying Iwen
rec(jg"nized early in life b\- the subject of this sketch he has seized
the small opportunities tliat he encountered on the rugged hill that
leads to life's loft\- summit where lies the ultimate goal c.)f success,
ne\'er attained b\- the weak, ambitionless and inacti\'e, Mr, Cranor
(11" HdWAKii cdi'X'rv. 381
is carr\iu,i;' nn the \;iri(ius (leijartiiK-nls uf his ciiterpi'isc* in I h i\\ anl
ciiunt\'. liiihaiia, with that discretiun and eiiL-ryy which arc sure to
find their natural se(juenee in definite >uccess, and in sueli a inan
there is particular satisfaction in oliering in their life histories jus-
tification for the compilation of works of this character — ik it neces-
sarily that the careers of men of Mr. Craiior's t\pe ha\e heen such
as to gain them wide reputation <.>r the admirins^' plaudits of men.
btit that the\' ha\e been true to the trtists rejiosed 111 them, ha\e
shown such attributes of character as entitled them to the regard of
all and ha^■e been useful in their respecti\'e sphere of action, while
at the same time he has won and retained the esteem of all with
whom he has come in contact as a result of his in<histrious ami up-
rig'lit career.
Charles I-". Cranor was Ixirn in W a\ne count}, Indiana. .\n-
gust _' 1 , 185(1. the son of Moses and Mar\- ( Cate ) Cranor, a well
known and influential famil\- of that localit\'. llie great grand-
father of the subject was a nati\e of Ireland, who came to .\nierica
in an early ilay, settling in Xorth Carolina, where the grandfather
of the subject was born. The grandfather emigrated to Wayne
countw Indiana, an<l the father of the suljject came on to Howard
county in 18(10, locating in Jackson township, where he ])urchased
land in section J5, owning as much as foin- hundred acres at first.
He was a thrift}", hard-working n"ian and conser\"ati\e in his busi-
ness dealiii.gs, but was eminenth" successful and was of considerable
influence in his communii\". lie was an active worker in the Dem-
ocratic part\" and was at one time assessor of Jackson to\\nshi]i.
Mr. and Mrs. Moses Cranor were the parents of eight children, four
sons and two daughters of whom are living in ii)o8.
Cliarles F. Cranor, our subject, was four \"ear> old when be
was brought to Jackson towiishi]^ b\" his parents and he lia> been
li\"ing here contimioush e\"er since. i)referi"ing to remain ou his
382 morrow's history
native heath rather than seek uncertain success in other fields nf en-
(lea\-nr. He assistetl with the farm wt>ri< im the home phice and
attended school during the winter months. He made an excellent
record in the countr}- schools ami secured education enough to en-
ahle him to successfully teach school in Howard county, teaching-
one term in Jackson township. He s( k )n wi m pi jpularity as a teacher,
lieing liked Ijv the pupils in general, knowing well how best to
manage them so as to get the Ijest results and at the same time re-
tain their confidence and good will.
Mr. Cranor remained a member of the family circle until he
reached maturity, and in 1S84 turned his attention to farming. He
was also in the mercantile liusiness, which lie made a success. He
was also in the tile manufacturing business for awhile. He built
the elevator at Sycamore and has been actively engaged in the grain
business up to the present time, furnishing a good market to the
farmers in this section for their products. In whatever line of
Inisiness the suljject has been engaged he has shown rare soundness
<if iudgment and a thonmgh knowledge of business affairs, making
e\-er\' \-enture a success and winning the confidence of his patrons
bv his scrupulouslv honest methods and courteous treatment.
In politics ]\Ir. Cranor is a stanch advocate of the principles
and ])olicies of the Democratic partw with which he has been affili-
ated from the time of attaining his majority, and having been ani-
mated with the laudal.ile ambition for official preferment his party
nominated him for commissioner of the third district in 1008 and
the fact that he became the Democratic nominee of the same re-
sulted in much gratification to members of both parties for his nomi-
nation was regarded as a most fortunate one. He has e\er lent
what aid he could in furthering the party cause, and is well forti-
fied in his political convictions, while he is essentially public-spirited
and pri i^ressue.
OF ]i()\\AKi> corxrv. 383
The hap|)_\' and hanm minus dumcstic life of ]\Ii". Craiior dates
fnini Xi i\emlier 4, 1877. when he was united in niarria_t;e with Alai'\-
A. Henry, a nati\e <if Rush cnunty, huhana, and the representative
of a hiiihl\- respected and influential family. Airs. Cranor is a
woman i)f nian\- attracti\e traits and admirahle attributes and she
presides nxer the ciimf(irtal)le. nindern. well furnished and cozv
hiime I if this cheerful famil\- with niddest i^race and dii^nitx . Three
hriqht and interesting;' children ha\e lieen hnrn ti 1 the suhject and
wife, line l)(i\' and twn girls, all still nieml>ers of the famih- circle.
Their names are Hnward. ( iene\a and .Maze\.
Air. Crannr is a (juiet. nnas^nmint^■ man, and useless tn add
that he is hiijiiK' respected 1)\ all whn know him. not onlv ni Jack-
son townshi]). hut thrnu,t;hout Howard and adjoiuin"' counties,
anioui^' whom he has spent nearl\- his entire acti\e and useful life,
in .all the relations of which he has been found faithful to e\ery
trust conhded in him and because of his sterhng' worth, uncom-
promising' integrit\', courteous manners and pleasant disposition he
has won and retains the warm regard of all with whom he associ-
ates, the latter includino' the best i)eople of this locality.
T. H.\R\'EV CRAGUN.
The office of biograph\- is not to g-i\-e \-oice of a man's modest
estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave
upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the con-
sensus of opinion on the ]Kirt of his neighbors and fellow citizens.
The life of the honorable subject of this review has been such as to
elicit just praise fmm tlm-^e who know him best, owing to the fact
that he has always been loyal to trusts imposed upon him and has
384 ilORROW's HISTORY
Ijeen uprij^ht in his dealing- with his fellnw men, at the same time
leniling' his support U> the advancement nf any cause loijking- to tlie
welfare of the cnmmunity at large.
I. Harvev Cragun has preferred tn de\"i>te his life labcirs to the
land of his liirth rather than seek uncertain fortune in other fields
for his life has l)een spent in Howard ccjunt}'. Indiana, where he
was horn July 2. iS5(). the son of John R. and Ellen I. (Slider)
Cragun. The Slider famil}- came to Howard count}- in 1847 and
the Cragun faniih- about three \-ears later, d'hev located in Ko-
komo. The father started in business as a wagon maker, the firm
being known as Todd & Cragun, it Ijeing erne of the tirst business
of this nature in Howard count}-. Later ]Mr. Cragun bought his
partner's share and conducted the business alone. It was located on
Sycamore street, opposite the Sipes theater. He purchased a resi-
dence in 1852 and his children were Ijijrn there. It is located on
East Mulberry street, which is now owned b}- I'eter E. Hoss. Mr.
Cragun later disposed of his shop and was engaged in \arions lines
of Inisiness. He spent the remainder of his life in Howard count}-,
dying at the home of his daughter, .Mrs. (jeorge Murph}-, in L'nion
township, with whom he had lived three years prior t<i his death
which occurred Xoxember 14, npj, his wife haxing precedeil hin-i
to the silent land in September, 1004. 'Yhey \vere married Septem-
ber 20. 1833. Airs. Cragun was born in Clark count}-, Indiana,
I-"ebruary 13, 1834. and the date of his birth is recorded as Decen-i-
ber 10. 1821), at b'ranklin, Indiana. He alwaxs took an actixe part
in politics and ser\ ed as assessor of Center township for several
terms. Three sons and one daughter were born to this union, name-
ly : j. Harvey, our subject: John A., of Knigman, Kansas; I-~lmer
E.. of Cin-ininghan-i, Kansas: Emma J., wife of (ieorge Murph}-. of
Union ti iwnship.
Our subject was reared in Kokomo where he attended school
OF IKIWARI) COUXTV. _:;<S5
and assisted his father wlm was a street cuntractnr. also liuilt side-
walks, later nur subject contracted alnn^- the same line with his
father who later bought a stock of ."groceries in the management >>\
which his son assisted. Our subject then went in Kansas, where he
tiink up nue hundred and sixty acres nf land in Kingman Cliunt^•.
the personal tax of the subject at that time was onl\- sixt\-four cents.
Later the subject returned to Indiana.
Air. C'ragun was united in marriage \o\ember ii, i SSo. to
Sarah J. Matchette. a nati\e of ( irant coiuit}". Indiana, where she
was born May i_'. 1S33. and was rearecl on a farm, assisting with
the household work when a girl, attending the countr\- schools in
the winter months, recei\'ing a fairl\- good education. Iler parents
came to (irant count}' in an early day and remained there on the
same farm until the father of Airs. Cragun died. To Mr. and Mrs.
Matchette eight children were born, an e(|ual number of boys and
girls, all living" in igo8. They bear the following names: Louis,
Mary .\.., Sarah J.. Elisha M., Caroline. Elizabeth I''.. John I-', and
Walter D.
.Mr. and .Mrs. Cragun lia\e nexer had an\' childi'en. Thex'
raised Dan Matchette, who is a nephew of Mrs. Cragun. lie was
gi\en a good education and reared as if he had been their own child.
He married the daughter of Jacol) Moss and the\- ha\e three daugh-
ters, namel\': Sarah l*lllen, born Januar\' jO, 11)03 : ()li\e, born
March 6, 1904: Florence L., born ( )ctober 7, 1003.
Mrs. Cragun is a member of the Methodist L])iscoj)al clnu'ch
at S\caniore. In ])olitics the subject is a lo\al Republican, but has
ne\'er been acti\e in his partv. Hi)wever. he was the nominee of his
l)art\' for countx' commissioner for the third district in njoS and bis
nomination was regarded b\- all to be a most fortunate one.
Mr. and Mrs. Cragun began their married life with practicall\-
nothing, but thev ha\'e alwa\'s been industrious and thrifty and the)'
386 morrow's history
iidw iiwn one of the niDSt ])r()(lucti\e and hiohlv inipni\-e(l farms
ill Tacksi 111 tiiwiiship. CDUsistiiiii" of one hundred and t\vent\' acres,
on which stand a modern and well furnished dwelling- and cmi-
\'enieiit out liuildings. The place is well fenced and well drained
and iitherwise up tn the standard nf fldward C(iuiit\'s hest farms.
On Jul\- I J. 1908. misfortune came to Air. Crag'un hv the destruc-
tion of his ham hv hre. He recenth- conijileted a new modern
huildino- fift\--six h\- si.xtv feet, with four foot cement walls.
Mr. Craguii is regarded as one of the leading men of his com-
munit\" 111 e\erv respect, hemg i)uhhc-spirited. honest and ujiright
in all his dealings with the world and of pleasing address, winning
friends wliere\er he goes and alwa}-s retaining their esteem. Mrs.
Cragun is also much admired 1)\' those who know' her for her con-
genialit\' and hiti'h \\omanl\- traits.
\\'ILL1AM WOOTERS.
Xc)t alone are those woi-tli\- of l)iogra]iliic honors who liax'e
mo\'ed along the loftier planes of action, hut to an e(|ual extent are
those deser\-iiig who are of the rank and hie of the world's workers.
for tlle^■ are not less the conser\-ators n\ puhlic ])rosperitv and ma-
terial ad\anceinent. Through all the graduations of life recogni-
tion should he had of the true xalues, and then should full apprecia-
tion he manifested, for there can he no illlpropriet^■ in scanning the
acts of. if it he done justK'. an\- man as tlie\- effect his pulilic. social
and husiness relations. In the collection of material for the hio-
graphical department of this i)ul)licatioii there has heen a constant
aim to use a wise discrimmination in regard to the selection of suh-
jects and to exclude none worthy of representation in its pages.
1)1' I low A K!) CdL'N'TV. 387
Here will he fduiul nientinn nf wortliy citizens nf all \i>catiiins, and
at this juncture we are penuitteil tn nffer a resume i>f the career uf
line (if the sulistaiitial and liit^hh- esteemed re])resentati\es nf the
ag'ricultural interests <if Howard county, where he has maintained
his home for the ])ast thirt\- xears at the time of this writing, 1908,
;ui(l where he has not oid_\- attained a high degree of success in his
ch(jsen held of lahor and enterprise, but also established an imper-
isliahle rcputatinu for uprightness in all the relations of life.
William W outers was born in Caroline countv. Mar\land,
Februarx' (>. 1834, the son of Smith and Xanc\- ( ( Irifhn ) Wdoters.
Tlie suliject was onlv a small bo\' when his father died, and lie was
but se\'en \ears old when his mother passed awa}-. The subject was
l>ound out to his grandfather and went to h\e with an uncle. Mathew
\\'()otres, and in 1845 he came with Jnhn W". L'olescott to Conners-
^•ille, Incbana. where he worked ten months on the canal at sex'en
dollars per month. He then worked for John \\ . l'olescott, drixing
a huxter wagon. He remained in l*a\elte C(iunt\' tor ;i number of
}'ears, and he was married in that county to Xanc_\' Stockdale, a na-
tive of I'"a\'ette c<iiuitv. She was born Ma\- 27, 1834. and she died :n
Howard count\- March 5, 11)03. rhe\- nimed from ba^-ette county t(T
Tipton count\- in 1858. The\' li\ed mi a farm of fort\- acres in tlie
latter counl\- and later bought forty acres more, where he success-
fiUly farmed until 1878. when he came to Hiberty t' >\\nshi]i. Idoward
count\'. Inning sixtv acres of good land in section 32, and he has
l)een lix'ing here ever since, gradtialK' im])ro\ing his farm until it is
now in a higli state of [)roducti\eness and shows th;U a man of good
judgment and thrift has managed it. A good dwelling house is on
the place, also several comfortable and substantial outbuildings.
Mr. W'ooters alwa}"s took a delight in keeping good stock.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. W'ooters as follows:
\\"illiam A., whose date of birth was in 18^3. and Charles A., who
388 MOKROW'S HSITORY
Avas Ixmi in 1S5S. The latter is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church and fraternally is a ]\Iason, also a member of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Impn)\-ed Order of Red
Men.
\\'illiam \\'ooters, our subject, is a member of the Masonic
Fraternity and also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both
he and his son. Charles A., have passed the chairs in the last named
lodge.
Mr. \\'(joters, our subject, and his son Charles A. are both
loval Democrats, neither have been active, preferring to spend their
lives quietly on the farm.
Our subject is a man i>f scrupulously honest principles and he
has "ained and held manv loval friends bv his well reotdated life.
LE\MS lEXKIXS.
Among the thriving farmers and stock raisers of Howard
county, Indiana, the g-entleman whose name introduces this article
is especially conspicuous. Few men of his experience have achieved
such marked results, none occupy a more prominent place in the con-
fidence and esteem of his fellow men. and it is safe to presume that
his example and influence have d<ine as much, if not more, than any
other agency in the vicinity of Greentown where he maintains his
home, to promote the interests of agriculture; that he has honored
the township of his residence hv his life of industry and successful
endeavor is freel}- conceded by all who know him.
Lewis Jenkins was born in the twenty-ninth ward of the city
of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, February 25. i860, the son of Lewis
and Rosanna ( Tress) Jenkins. The former was born in Landde-
Avev. Wales. The grandmother's maiden name was Marv Lewis.
OF UOWAKl) COUNTY. 389
The g'enealoo')- of the Tress family fohows ; ("mttleih Tress was
hum in (iruss Aspach, (Jherant Bamang-. Kingdniii uf \\'urteiil>cr.L;-.
He was married in Pittsburg to Ciiristina W'ickleii. who was fmm
Oberwersich, the Kingdom of \\'urtenberg, Oberant Bamang. A
daugliter \vas born at W'iieeling, West \'irginia. July 2, 1833.
named Carohne Tress, who was Ixiptized Julv _'3th of that ^ear \)y
Re\erend Schwartz, the parents themselves acting as gudfather and
godmother. At I'ittsburg, Pennsylvania. February 19. ii'^35. \vas
born a daug'hter. who was baptized as Louisa. June 21st on the same
year by Pastor Dambereck in Alleghen}'. Angelinal Suthern. The
pastor acted as gc^dfather and godmother. At Pittsburg, on Mav
6, 1S37. a daughter was born and baptized September 24. TX37. 1.)}-
Pastor Heier, the daughters name being Rosina. the pastor acting
as g'odfather and godmother. _\ngeHnal Suthern. At lower St.
Clair township. Coal Hill, next to Pittsl)urg. in 1839, was born a
daughter on December 17th. who was baptized by Pastor Schmidt.
April 19. 1840. named Johaiuia I'redericka. Angeheal .Suthern.
Ciodfather Frederick A\'olf and godmothers, ^Nlrs. Wolf and
Fredericka Bateraffen. Eva Christina Tress died in 1842. at the
age of thirteen months. Godfather Adam Scherp and godmother
Mrs. Adam Scherp. dottleib Tress died at the age of ten months
and a few days. He was born July 4. 1843. Godparents, father
and mother. John Daniel Tress \vas born in lower St. Clair town-
ship, Januan- 13. 1843. and was liaptized on the 28th of January.
1844. li}- the Rev. Finsee. Angelical Suthern. Godfather Adam
Dierwaldt. G(idmother ]\Irs. Adam Dierwaldt. In lower St.
Clair township Adam Tress was born Septemljer 10. 1845. '^"'l
baptized on October 6th of the same year by Rev Finsee. i>f l^itts-
burg, the godparents being Adam Drenold and wife. At Birming-
ham. Februar\- 8. 1830. was born a sou. Jacob Tress, who was bap-
390 MORKUW S HISTORY
tized August 23. 1850. On August 21,, J854, was lidrn a dau^iiter
and liaptized three days later as Cecelia dress.
ddie abiixe clironicle is of tlie ( ierman side ot tlie suliject of
our re\iew, wlio had l)ut few opportunities to attend school in his
bo}-hood, but later he has educated himself in a practical \va}- by
coming" in contact with the wnrld and li}' hume reading, so that he
has beciinie a \er\- al)le Inisiness man and talks entertniningly and
intelligent!}' nn an}' current tupic.
Mr. Jenkins began working at the glass Ijusiness at the age of
nine years and bv econnniy and hard work he has been able to lay by
enough until he is toiku' in eas\' circumstances financially, having
long ago de\elope(l into a good lousiness man.
The subject was happily married in 1884 to JNIargaret Eliza-
beth Anthon}', a nati\'e of Pittsburg', a woman of Welsh parentage
and possessing' man}' admiraljle traits. Her father was a nati\"e of
\\'ales. The names ui her parents were Edward and Mar\' ( E\'ans)
Anthony.
d"o the sul^ject and wife ha\'e been born the following children :
Ethel May, born in 1SS8: Rosanna, born in 1889; Lewis E.. born
in 1892: Alargareta, born in 1895. ;md Edward A., horn in 1906.
Ethel May and Rosanna are graduates of the Greent(jwn high school
They are bright and interesting children. The}' and their mother
are members of the Alethodist Episcopal church.
INIr. Jenkins has ])ro\'ided his famih' with a niodern. splendid
and well furnished hcime on East ^lain street, where the\' haxe re-
sided for sonie time.
The subject now deyotes all his time kioking after his famis.
■which are well kept and under a high state of cultiyation, owing to
his skillful management and careful attention. In jjolitics. our sul)-
ject is a stanch Republican, but he does mit take an actixe part in
political matters. Eraternally he is a Mason, a member of the
Knights of r}'thias and the Eagles.
OF HOWARD LdlXTV. 39!
Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are pleasant penple and ha\e Imsts df
friends as a result of the kindness, uprit^iitne'-^ and ]n\alt\- U> the
state and natinn. heint;- held in hiqli esteem li\^ all whu km.w them.
Hh:.\J.\Ml.\ l,L()\d) .\IL"GG.
Althiiut^h nci section of the Hoosier state is richer in nppdr-
tunities or otters greater advantages tn its citizens than dne-^ How-
ard county, success is not here t^ he nbtained through desire aL me.
hut is tn he ])ersistentl\- wurked for. The subject nf this re\ iew nKi\'
he reckoned among the sterling pioneers nf this county. ha\ ing lueil
here his entire life, nearly three score \-ears Ui the time d" this
writing ( 190S). ha\ing jireferred h< remain nn his native hill> .and
he has here worked his way tn success and pnis])erity. while he has
So iirdered his course in all the relations of life as to command the
contidence and esteem of his fellnw men.
Benjamin Llodv Mugg was liorn in Howard count\' l-"ehruar\-
4, 1830, the son of William and Jemima 1'-. ( I'unimings ) Mugg.
(irandfather Mugg' was horn in Kentuckw while grandfather L'tuii-
mings hailed from Massachusetts. The former came to ( )wen
county, Indiana, in an tarl\- daw ownnig a farm there where he
made his home and reared his children, ahout eight m nuniher. He
is su])posed to have heen a soldier in the \\ ;ir of iSu. He reache(l
a good old age. (irandfather Lummings ;dso came to ()\\en count\'
in an early daw farmed there and raised a large familv. d\ing ;\t an
ad\anced age. He was recognized bv e\'er\one who knew him as
being a high grade farmer e\en for that earh- time. The subject's
grand])arents were de\out church ])eoj)le.
The father of the subject recei\e<l his earl\- education in C^wen
30-;
ccjunt}-. where he afterward taught scliool for a time. He remained
w'itli liis father mi the farm until he married, when he came tn Hnw-
ard ciiunty as < me nf its pioneers of alxiut 1843, entered land and
built a Itig cabin, later going back to Owen county. He and his
famih' cleared most of the one hundred and sixt\' acres befnre his
death, also draining the land and in manv ways improving it until
it was a first class farm in e\ery resjject. This family consisted of
fiiur children, three (if whom grew ti 1 matiu"it\\ The subject's
parents were strict Baptists and the father was a Democrat before
the war and afterward a Republican. He died at the age of se\-enty-
three. The ag-e reached by the subject's mother was se\'ent}--five
\'ears, who survived her husband a few vears.
Benjamin Lloyd AIn.gg attended the district schools in Hnw-
artl ciiunty and worked 1 m the nld home farm where he was raised
and has li\ed there e\"er since, a jiart nf which he inherited and the
balance nf his present farm he has since piu'chased, the place now
consisting nf une hundred and ten acres. He and his wife formerly
owned an adjoining farm on which thev built a beautiful frame
h<iuse which is now owned liy his son-in-law.
The subject's farm is well fenced with wtm id and wire and the
soil' is in a high state of productiveness, having always l)een well
cultivated. Clo\-er is at present largelv raised. He has never raised
either timothv or oats, believing that both are detrimental to the
soil, and he claims that clo\-er ha\- is both superior for both horses
and cattle.
Xo better buiklings are to be seen on an\- farm than nn that
of our subject, all of which he erected himself, in fact, the stranger
will see 1)\- a most curs<iry glance at Mr. ]\[ugg's ])lace that a man of
thrift, energ"}' and sound judgment manages it. for no more up-ti.i-
date farm is to l.)e found in Howard county.
Air. Mugg was iniited in marriage September _^. 1871. to
itV IHiWAKI) Cnl'XTV.
,VJ3
Sii|)hia Ware, (lauyiiter (if Jesse ami I'luehe (.Moore) Ware. She
is a nati\'e of Howard county, this family ha\-ing- consisted of three
o'irls. Her father recently passed a\\a\- at an advanced ag'e havint;"
been know n as a hig-h class farmer and an upright gentleman.
l-"i\e children ha\-e been horn to the suliject and wife, three
of whom died in infancy, lona is the widow- of ]]. (i. .\rnistrong
and the mother of two sons, all of whom make their home with
Mr. and ]\Irs. ]\Iugg: Iza is the wdfe of William L. W'ilcox. who
lives on the farm formerly owned h\- our .suliject and wife. Thev
ha\e three children.
The year our subject was eighteen his father allowed him to
l)low ten acres of land and raise his first crop of corn which meas-
ured one hundred twenty-three and one-half Inishels to the acre and
receixed the first premium at the Howard count}- fair for corn
raised b}- a boy, receiving twenty dollars cash as a premium. He
has been raising Poland China hogs for thirty-eight }'ears. He al-
ways attended the local fairs, e.xhibiting his hogs, until after the
Chicago World's Fair. He received fourteen premivuns at the
W orld's Fair and won two grand chamjiiou premiums c;>n that breed
of hog-s. He still keeps his registered hogs, which are as fine as
can be found an\-\vhere. He has not been exhibiting at fairs for
several }'ears but he is alwavs a iudge of hogs at fairs. He di>es
not feed hogs, hint raises and sells them for breeders.
Our subject likes to tell of the early days of his parents, which
were spent without an}' of the con\'eniences of the present time.
The}' neither had cook sto\-c nor utensils and their lieds were
straw, spread on poles, one end of which w;is driven into an augur
hole in the logs of the house and the other end fastened to an up-
right pole. The furnishings were of the most primitive sort and
the days when thev were raising their family were spent in what we
of today would call pmertv, being without conveniences and many
J()4 MORROW S HISTORY
(if the real necessities of life. But here the subject received \alu-
al)le lessdiis nf fortitude and cnurageous persistence that ha\-e
enal)led him t<i suniiount all nhstacles in his later life, hax'in"- worked
his \\a\' U]) til a pdsitiim uf ])ri lUiinence in his CdUimunity and cnm-
parative afHuence, ha\'ing- e\'er maintained a high order nf living
and dealt fairh' and honesth' with his fellow men until no man in
Howard count\' todav stands higher in general pulilic esteem.
While he has ne\-er sought public oftice he has always Ijeeu a lo)-al
Republican and ever assisted in furthering' the interests of his com-
munitv whether in a political, moral or social wa}". and no more
praise-worthv citizen is to be found in Howard countv.
TACKSOX :\rORRO\\"
an(
The subject of this sketch is one of those strong, self-reliant
tletermined characters ^vho are occasionally met with and who
are of such a distinct tvpe as to seem to be Ijorn leaders of their fel-
low men. Xot that Mr. }v[orrow courts that distinction, for he is
entirelv unassuming. Ijut his great force of character and his zeal
and energx' in w hate\er he uudertjikcs naturall\- places him at the
head of tlie crowd and he has been a ])otent factor in the de\'elop-
ment of Howard ciiunt\-. where he has long maintained his home
and where he is well known to all classes for his honorable and in-
dustrious life, in both pri\"ate and ])ul>hc.
Jackson Morrow was born March 3, 184CJ. just south of the
\illage. now the citv of Kokonm. the son of Charles and Sarah
(T^anie) Mormw. pioneers of this section, and people of many ster-
ling (|ualities and honorable standing in the community. ha\ing
nio\ed to Howard couin\- in 1X43. They were hard workers and
(ii- iinwAki) rorxTV. 395
tiKik the iiljstacles of the new C( iuntr\- as a matter of ci lurse and s( n m
overcame man_\- of them, estalihshint;' a comfortable lionie in the
wilderness.
The bo\hoo<l nf our subject dittered in no niaterial respect
from that of other Ijoys in the countr}-. especialK" those who were
Contemporaneous with him in tiie new territorw He assisted his
father in clearing and draining- the farm and in the rude and ojd-
st\de metliods of farming in those pioneer davs. When he was eight
A'ears of age he attended a two months' term of winter school in a
log cabin, with ritde benches for seats, puncheon floors and other
similar furnishings. A. L. Shar]). now a resident of Kokonio. was
his teacher. His only text-hook was the well known "Elementar\-
Spelling Bii<ik." 'idie school \e.'ir in the countr\" at that time and
for some }ears afterward was three months. The bo\ s were neces-
sarily detained at home to assist with the farm work until wintr\'
weather stopped them frnm working out doors, and thus \ery few
fanners' bovs had the ad\antage of e\en three months school at-
tendance in a year. When fifteen \'ears of age !Mr. ATorrow at-
tended a fall term of school at the Kokonio Xormal. of which
Professor Fay was principal. Our subject walked to and trom
school, it being three miles distant to his country home, making the
trip morning and e\ening. When sixteen years old he was granted
a two \"ears' license to teach, and his first experience was teaching
a cotmtr)- school near Alto. The two following autumns he at-
tended the "Old Xormal" at Kokonio and taught winter terms of
school, working on his father's farm durin.g the spring and summer
months, meanwhile closely applying himself in his preparation for
college. \\'lien nineteen yeai"s old he was admitted to the literary
department of the L'ni\ersit\- of Michi.gan at Ann Arbor, from
which he was graduated four years later with the de.gree of iiachelor
of .\rts. having made a brilliant record for .scholarship. Thus we
,:;w'i MORROW S HISTORY
are not surprised that the subsequent hfe nf such a man i>f fortitude
and determination as was necessary to he exercised b\- Mr. Morrow
in saining' an education, should admiral)!)- succeed.
Mr. Morrriw's domestic Hfe dates from 1S73. when he was
liappily married to ^lary E. Henderson and purchased a farm in
eastern Harrison township, to which he devoted his time alternating
with teaching", making a success of each.
It was not long luitil }ilr. ^Morrow was slated for political
offices 1)\' his fellow citizens, \yhc> had been quick to detect merit of
an extraordinar)' nature, an<l he was elected trustee of Harrison
township in 1880. winning as a Democrat where the Republican
vote was two to one Democratic ballot, thus showing his popu-
larit\- in this vicinitv. In i880 ^Ir. Morrow was elected county
sm^vevor and again re-elected in 1890, each time overcoming an
adverse maioritv of more than one thousand votes. In 1898 he was
chosen cit^■ ci\il engineer of Kokomo for the term of four years.
In 1906 he was appointed police C(jmmissioner by the governor. In
all these offices he exercised rare soundness of judgment and
handled the business entrusted to him in a manner that was entirely
satisfactor\- to all concerned.
Our subject mo\-ed from his farm to a nice home in Kokomo in
i8i;8. where he has since resided. In i8i)i his first wife, who had
pro\eil a most faithful and worth}- companion, was called to her
reward, leaving the subject and three children, Albert, Fred and
George, all Ijright ami interesting bo}-s. In 1905 'Slv. ]\Iorrow was
married to ^Nfrs. Alyra Bird, a \\-oman of many praiseworthy traits.
]■'( ir many years ]Mr. Morrow has been an active member of the
First F>aptist church of Kokomo, and his life has always been led
along- high planes, consequently he is adn-iired by a large circle of
friends for his honorable career, his integrity, honesty and genuine
worth, fcir in all his public career ni-)t a shadow of wrong or sus-
UF HOWARD CDl'XTV. 397
piciun of evil was ever intimated against him even 1)\- his nidst pro-
nounced oi)poneiits. and niemhers of l)otli parties were al\va\s t^lad
to di) him honor. He is a puhhc-si:>irited man, always i)erforminy
faithfulh- and well what tasks are assigned him, and the futui'e to
such a man cannot but be successful and filled with honor.
JOHN E. DLXCAX,
The gentleman to a brief re\-iew of whose life and character-
istics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the fa\--
orably known and representative citizens (if Taylor township, How-
ard count}'. He has b}' his indomitable enterprise and progressive
methods contributed in a material wa}- to the ath'ancement of his
lt.)Cality and during the course of an honorable career has Ijeen fairlv
successful in his business enterprises. ha\ing been a man of energy,
sound judgment and honesty of purpose, and is thus well deserving"
of mention in this volume,
John Eberh- Duncan was l)orn in Rush county. Indiana. Octo-
ber 10. 1S42, the son of John and Xancy ( Sergent ) Duncan. {Grand-
father Duncan was b<irn in South Carolina, but moved to Indiana,
settling in Rush county about 1820, entering between three and
four hundred acres, transforming the wild soil into a splendid
farm on which he li\ed until 185S, when he moved to Hancock
county, buying a farm here of (^ne hundred and sixt)- acres, parti}'
improved. B)^ dint of hard labor he finished the improvements,
erecting a substantial house and barn, and died here in about four
years after he took possession of the jilace, at the age of about
eighty-four, his faithful life conipanion ha\'ing [jreceded hini to the
■"narrow hou.se" froni Rush count}' at the age of eighty years. In
3g8 morrow's history
reli,t;iiius matters tl^e^■ were Alissinnarv Bajjtists. The\- were the
parents of eight or ten chiKh'en, the father nf the snljject lieing the
second in order of l)irth. The supi^osition is that their ancestors
were from Scotland.
'Idle father of the suljject was l)orn in Rush count}-, this state,
in i8j2. and was reared there, haxing heen eihicated for the minis-
trv in tlie Ilaptist church and he foUowed preaching" all his life, he-
coniing well known as a man of superior ability in the pulpit of those
days and winning sc<ires of souls to the Christian faith. Ho\ve\-er,
his career, which was one id' unusual brilliancy and promise, was cut
short 1)\- the hand (.if death, ha\ ing been gathered to his fathers
when onl\- twent\--two ^•ears old. He was the oldest of two sons,
the other being named \\ ashington, also now deceased. 1 he mother
of the sul)iect reached tlie advanced age of eight^'-four. She was
twice married and had eight children In- her second marriage She
remained a faithful Baptist all her life.
The earh' scho<iling- of our subject was gained in Rush county,
where he attended the district schools only two months riut of each
}-ear for aljout seven years. After he was twent\- \-ears old he at-
tended common school for tw-o terms. He worked on the farm in
his liii\-h 1 da\-s and left his ])arental roof-tree when twent\--one
_\'ears old, and hired out by the month for three }-ears as a farm
haml, at the end of which time he ]iurchased a threshing n-iachine
which he operated successfulK' for two \ears at the end of which
he Sold it for one thousand dollars, ha\ing ])aid only nine hundretl
dollars for it. Then he and his brother bought a farm in ]iartner-
sliip. Consisting of one liundred and fift\- acres, at fort^- dollars per
acre, haxing paid two thousand dollars down and at the end of tw-o
years sold the farm. 'Slv. Duncan n-io\ed to Howard count}- in 1863
and bonght tift}- acres at fiiiv ilollars per acre, on which he li\-ed for
fixe years when he sold the place for si.xtv dollars per acre. He then
OF HOWARD fOl-NTV. y)()
l)i(Ug'lit eii;hty acres which lie sulil rt\e ^■e;u"s later ami then bought
twii huiiilreil aci'es in 'la\l(ir tnwnshi]) ailinining his fdi'iner place
at tift_\' (Inllars per acre, cm which farm he has since resided haxing
been \-er_\- successful here in his agricultural ])ursuits. He had at
one time another good farm of eigiit\' acres adjoining this, but
w hicli was later si ild.
Resides being a successful fanner. .Mr. 1 )uncan has been a con-
tractor and builder, not onh- of houses and \arious kinds of build-
ing's. Init also of gra\el roads, for the past t\\ent\-ti\e ^•ears. dating
from i()OS. In addition to this home ])lace the subject's wife owns
one hundred and sixt\' acres, the old home farm, which has l)een
successfulK' managed b\- the Duncans for man\' \ears. This farm
is \vell sup])lied with ample barns and other tirst-class Ijuildings. also
a modern and \ er\- con\enient residence. These farms are well
drained, niosth- with tile. There are about se\ent)'-fi\'e acres ol
woods ])asture in blue grass. The soil is still \er\- ])roducti\'e. the
crops of wheat and oats being especiall}- large. Mr. Duncan under-
stands well the rotation of his crops with clo\er and other modern
methods of keejjing his soil in first-class productixe condition. He
feeds all the corn the place produces to cattle and hogs. formerl\-
l)u\'ing- much additional corn. He is widel}- known as a bi-eeder
of fine PokuKl-China hogs and Aberdeen Angus (hornless) cattle.
The entire farm is managed b)" Mr. Duncan in general farming and.
according to his neighbors, no better farmer is to be found within
the limits of Howard count}'.
Our subject was united in marriage in iSfif. to Elizabeth Xorth.
daughter of lames K. and Mary ( Afock I Xorth. Four children
have lieen born to this union as follows; ( )mer C born in 1X07.
lixes in Howard countv on a farm, is m.arried an<l has two children:
Charles, born in \^J^. is connected with the postofhce at Kokonio.
although he was formerly a merchant and he is the father of one
400 .MUKKUW S mSTOKY
child. lix'ing: J. Pearl, burn in 1X78. is miw nn his mother's farm,
having becume tlie father uf three children: R. K.. born in 1883, is
marrietl and still a member of the family circle.
Fraternally the subject is a ]\Iasnn. ha\-ing tilled all the chairs
in the local lodge. He is a Missionaiy Baptist in his religious be-
liefs, ha\-ing been an active member of this church for twenty years,
nr since 1888, and he is now deacon in the same. ]Mrs. Duncan is
also a member of this church. ha\ing long been an active worker in
the congregation. ]\Ir. Duncan is a Democrat and he sei"ved verv
faithfully and acceptably as trustee for two terms. He is regarded
])}' all as being one of the foremost citizens of Howard countv, hav-
ing established a firm reputaticm for lumesty of purpose in all his
dealings with his fellow men and l)y being the advocate of clean
and wholesome principles in the home. societ\' and politics.
GEORGE STAHL.
It is with no small degree of satisfaction that the biographer
n(.nv essays to set before the reader the salient facts in the life his-
tory of the estimable gentleman now deceased wlK.ise name initiates
this paragraph, for his life was one singularl}- full of good deeds
and of the most pronounced success, and his influence was ever
wholesome and ameliorating, so that toda}- he is rememl)ered as a
man who was held in the highest respect and admiration of his
many friends and acquaintances.
( leorge Stahl was born in Lamljurgh. Ba\'aria, Gennany. l'"eb-
ruar}- 3, 1839, the son of Jac<ib and Katherine ( Griner) Stahl. Jacob
Stahl was formerK' a stonemason, but after coming to this country
folliiwed farming. ha\-ing bought a farm near Xap(.)leon. l\ii)le_\-
01" IKIWAKI) C'DIXTV.
40 [
ciiunty, Imlinna, (Hi which he hxcd until lii> death at ihe a,L;e nf
sixt_\-se\L-n years. He and his wife were parents (it thirteen ehil-
(h'en, se\en n\ w Imm t;rew to niaturit\', ( ieorge Stahl l>einL; tlie
fourth in order of liirth. His mother lived to he ei£;iit\- \ears old.
(ieortje Stahl had a j^'ood ( iernian education and wdrked for his
father on the farm initil he was twenty-one }ears old, then worked
out at whatever he could find to do.
The father bought eit^ht}' acres of land and he and his sons
worked hard and soon paid for it. The father sold this land to
(ieors^e and Hem'y. This land was at once div ided. each takniti fortx
acres. ( ieori^e Stahl owned his fort\' acres for sexen ^•ears, when he
sold it and did \arious kinds of work for several vears. In ( )cto-
her. iS-_'. acconi])anied ])\ hi> vdunt;' wife and three small children
he c:mie to Howard count}' and joined his hrother .Vdam, who had
preceded him ahout three \ears.
(ieorge and Adam Stahl houi^lit thiitv <acres . m which the\-
Ijuilt a tile factor}' iti 1N75, later ten acres more were added. The
tile factorv was successfull}' operated hv the Stalils for fourteen
years, at the end of which tiiiie the_\' dissolved partnership, and the
land was e(piallv' divided, twentx' acres falliui^' to (ieorg'c Stahl, who
had prtviou^lv' hought fcrtv acres in iXSi. In about 1SS7 he
bought another eiglitv a.cres of im])rnv'ed land in Ta\'Ior township,
which is a part of the present homestead, in addition to the sixt\'
acres which he onginalh' owned. .Vnother eig'ht\'-acre tract was
])urchase(l in njoi. makings him twn himdred and twentv acres in
all. In 1S70 he purchased two hundred and tift\' acres of timber
land in Lawrence count\', Tennessee. This wris sold about iS(|j.
He was a hard-vvdrking man and soon irnpi'oved the place and
brought it to a high state of productiveness. .\11 of the one hun-
dred and sixtv acres now coiiiprising this excellent farm are well
drained rniil all under the plow but twentv acres which is in blue
40-'
g;rass pasture, all under a fine system of wire fencing. Mr. Stahl
underwent all the u.'^ual hardshijis incident to a life in an unim-
prdxed ciiuntry, having like the earlv pioneers cleared the heavy
timber and de\-eloped a farm. He had a number of substantial and
convenient buildings erected and liad amasse<l a comfortable com-
petencv for his famih' when he was called from his earthly laliors
b\- the "'grim reaper,"' March 8. 11)04, at the age of sixty-five years,
after ha\ing spent his entire life in tJie Roman Catholic church, and
ha\ing gained a reputation among his fellow nien as a staunch citi-
zen of exemplarv character and lil)eral to all who needed help. Ijeing
stricth' upright in all his dealings with his fellow men and was ad-
mired and much respected b_\' all \vho knew him.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stahl as follows:
John, born in 1S67, at Millhousen, this state, is living on the old
sixt\-acre place, married and has four children: Catherine was born
Ianuar\' iS. iSCn), at Xapoleon. Indiana, ami died November 29,
1872; Anna ]^Iar^■ was Ixirn at Xapoleon. December 4. 1870. and
died -Septemlier 21. 1871 : Anna Catherine. l:)orn August 9. 1872.
is the wife of James Kirby. and the mother of four children: Adam
John, born June 25. 1875. died March 17. 1879: Margaret Rosa,
born November 8. 1S77. is the wife of J. A. Coyle. and the mother
of four children: Henry Thomas was born December 21. 1879. is
single and living at home: ]\[arv Theresa, born ]\Iarch 2^. 1882, is
at lionie with her mother: Joseph Anthony, born Augtist 8. 1884,
is li\ing at home: Leo Francis. liorn July f\ 1887. is in the Rose
Polvtechnic Institute at Terre Haute. 1908.
George Stahl was united in marriage June 14, 1866. at M\\\-
housen. Indiana, to Anna ]Mary Hessler. a native of Decatur county,
Indiana. Her father antl mother both came from Germany to Amer-
ica in 1850. first settling in Indiana, then went to Cincinnati for a
short time, but later returned to the Hoosier state, where they
Ol-' IKIWAKI) COIXTV. 403
raised a faniil)-. The father was Iji ini in 1804 and died in 1X73,
and tlie mother was Ixirn in 1807 and died in Xnxemlier, 1880.
John llessler. a hmtlier nf Mrs. Stalil. was a Sdkher in the I'Vderal
ranks, lia\ing- l)een in an ln(hana regiment. He (hed June 11, iqoS.
Tiie suhject was a Idval Democrat and while he took consider-
able interest in local jiolitics. ne\er snught public office. How'ever,
he was reg-arded as a public-spirited man and alwius could be
counted on to support the right side of an)- issue.
GEORGE SCHAFER.
The best histiir\- ni a ci)nimunit\' or state is the one that deals
must witli the li\'es and acti\'ities of its people, especially of tll(^se
who, b}' their own endeax'or and indomitable energ■^^ have forged to
the front and placed themselevs -where they deserve the title of pro-
gressive men. In this brief review w-ill be found the record of one
who has outstripped the less active plodders on the highw-.'iv of life
and achie\-ed a career surpassed hv few- of his contemporaries, a
career of marked success in agricultural affairs and a name which
all \vho know- hin-i delight to honor owing to his upright life and
habits of thrift and industry.
(ieorg'e Schafer was Ixirn in Darke countv. Ohio. March 19,
1863, the son of Philip and Regina (Stuber) Schafer. Grandfather
Schafer w-as a nati\-e of Germany, where he spent his entire life.
There were three sons ii-i the family, two of them came to America
about 1 85 1. The father of the subject was about twenty years old
at that time. He first stopped at Cincinr-iati and w-orked for a
butcher. He later moved to Darke c<iunt\-, (Dhio. near l'liillipsl)urg-,
where he worked as a farm hand, later going to ]\Iercer county, (~)hio.
404 morrow's history
where he was married ami wliere he tarnied on his father-in-law's
farm for a time; he then l)ought a farm of his (iwn, part of which
was in Aiercer and part in Darke cnunties. 'Ihere was a lug- caliin
on the i)lace. It was Ijinlt ni rnund lugs; later he purchased a house
(if hewn lugs, which he ture dnwn and remo\-ed to his farm and it
was m this house that nur suh)ect was l)orn. It was here that the
subject's father cleared the land, made a C(.)nif(.irtable home and
reared his children. He li\'ed there until the fall of 1882, when he
si.ild ciut and nii >\-ed tu Howard C(innt\'. Indiana, buying an im-
pn wed farm nf one hundred and sixty acres on winch he has made
his home to the time of this writing ( iyo8). He has added much
to the im])ro\-ement of the place, especially in drainage. There
were ten children in this famih-, eight of wdiom are now living,
seven of them ha\-ing families of their own. Philip Schafer is a
member of the Exangelical church. His wife, who died at the age
of fiftv-se\'en x'ears, was also a memljer of this denomination. The
subject's father is a Republican and a Prohibitionist, and he is a
man of intluence in his communit}'.
( ieorge Schafer. our suljject. attended the public schools in
Darke count\'. (Jhio. until he was nnieteen years old. Ijut he did a
great deal of systematic studying- after that. During the time that
he attended school he worked at intervals on his father's farm,
remaining under the parental roof until after he was twenty-one
\'ears of age. He then worked for about se\en years as a farm
hand for \-arious parties, during which time he bought a lot in Ko-
komo. on which he built a home; this was as an in\'estment of the
monc}- he had earned and saved 1)\' habits of industry and economy
from his labor. \\ hen he married he mo\-ed on the place where he
has since resided and carried on the various departments of farm-
ing with marked success. Idie farm at that time belonged to Henry
]\Ietz. who was the father of Mr. Schafer's wife. Since that time
OF IlciWAKIi COfXTV. 4O5
he has purchased eighty acres in Lihert\- towiisliip, wliich he still
(iwiis ami wliich he rents fdr t;rain rent. He alsc IxmiLjiit a fnrtx-
aci'e piece adji lining' the Ik one farm. ()t this two-hiindreil-acre farm
he has cleare<l fift}' acres. The fi>rt}- he houj^iit was imK' ])artl\-
drained. Afr. Schafer has since installed an excellent S}"steni <if tile
drainaiie <i\er the entire place rnid the fields are well fenced. The
pr(>diicti\eness nf the soil has ini])r(i\ed since he came in pnssession
of it, owing' to his skillful rotation of cro])s and other metho<ls em-
l)loyed 1)\- all modern and scientific farmers. In U)0(> he had a held
of wheat which axeraged fort^"-se\■en Inishels ]ier acre. Tie fee<ls
all the Corn raised on the place to hoge which he shi])s to market.
His fa\orite hreeds are Chester A\ hites and I'oland-Chinas.
The domestic life of ^fr. Schafer dates from tSqi, when he
was united in marriage with Katie ]\[etz. daughter of Henr}- and
Catlierine Aletz. M. ]\ietz was a natix'e of ( ierm;ni\- who came to
.\merica as a \'ouug man. lie lirst settled in Ohio and from there
mo\-ed to Indiana, where he 1i\-ed until his death in H)0.'^. He was
a man of much influence in his communit\-, having heen a \'er\' in-
dustrious man and led an honorahle career, setting a worth}- ex-
ample to the \dunger generation of his community, and gi\"ing his
children a ^'jilendid training. Mrs, ?vletz also came from (iermany
and is described as a woman of inanv admiralile traits which, her
daughter, who is the wife of our subject, .seems to have inherited.
The following children ha\e been Ixirn to Mr. ami Mrs.
Schafer: Edwin, born in October, i8()2, is living at home and at-
tendin.g school in T'loS: Oris DeWitt was born in April, 1S04: l\ca
Reg'ina was born in July, t8()7: Sereno Drece was born in Alay,
1902.
Mv. and Airs. Schafer and their two oldest sons are members of
the Evan.gelical .Association. In politics the subject is a rmhibi-
tionist. He has not aspired to jjolitical offices, but he has held
about all the offices of the local church, proper.
4o6
Mr. Schafer is a man uf genuine practical ideas, thoroughly
upright in all his dealings with his fellow men and a pleasant man
to meet. He is training his chiklren in the wa}- the}" should C(jn-
duct themselves to become honorable and successful in their subse-
Cjuent li\'es and the Schafer family is well kmiwn in Howard town-
ship where thev maintain uniformilv gi)i)d reputations and ha\'e a
very large number t)f friends.
geor(;e w. breedlove.
Prominent in the affairs of Howard county and distinguished
as a citizen whose influence is far extended beyond the limits of the
community honored by his residence, the name of the subject of this
review stantls out a conspicuous figure among the successful con-
tractors and representative men of Kokonin. Indiana. Character-
ized by remarkable breadth of wisdom and strong individualit}-. and
in all of his enterprises and undertakings actuated by noble motives
and high resolves, his success and achievement but represent the re-
sult of fit utilization <)f innate talent in directing effort along those
lines where mature iudgmient and rare discrimination lead the way.
(iecjrge W. Breedlo\-e was hnm in Marion count}', Indiana,
April 8, 1844, the son of Henn- and Xancy (Medsker) Breedlove.
The father was a shoemaker and a plasterer. ha\'ing died in Boone
count}- in 1838, after a useful and well spent life. His widow never
re-marrie<l. She kept her ten children together until the}" were
grown, being" a \\"oman of unusual courage and perseverance.
George W. Breedlove attended school about three months, Init
notwithstanding the fact that his early education was limited he has
gained a o-reat fund of information from his habits of obser\'ation
OF ini\\\\KI) t(iLXT>'. 407
and hy home reading'. He spent his early yonth assisting" tn keep
lii-> mother by his labor. He began to learn the bricklayer's track-
earl}" in life, and in iS()(> he was n"iarrie(l to Mar\" .\. Kililow. a na-
tive of I'ennsyhania and of Irish descent.
]\Ir. and Mrs. Breedlove becanie the parents of ten children.
se\"en of whom survi\"ed infanc}". 'rhe\' came ti> Howard ciinnt\"
in the spring of 1880 and have remained here e\"er ^.ince. .Mr.
Breedlove became a contractor and hnildcr ar.d he erected the Fifth
house in South Kokon"io. on South I'nion street, where he lived for
a period of tw"ent_\"-si.x }"ears, w"hen he traded that propert\" for four
acres of land just outside the corporate linn'ts of Kokonio at the end
of West S}"camore street, where he now has a modern and l)eanti-
fnl suburban home. \\ hen the subject's oldest daughter was twcnt\-
one years old he presented her witli a six dollar Bible. He lias con-
tinned this custom with all his children as they reached tlieir major-
ity until he has purchased se\"ei"i Bibles, lie is an ardent beliexer in
the ni\ine Word. The subject and wife ha\e raised one pair of
boy twins. Josei)lnne, the oldest daughter, is a graduate of the
Kokomo high school, ddie bo}s are all good mechanics. James
is now bookkeeper in a luniber yard at .Viiderson, Indiana. (^li\er
is a i)attern n"iaker in Carthag-e, Missouri. William -\. is in south-
western Te.xas, engaged as a c<intractor. K. Rov is at .\nilcrson.
Indiana.
-Mr. Breeilloxe has erected a great man)" dwellings in Kokoino.
lia\"ing been one of the busiest and best known contractors of the
Count}" for a (|uartei" of a centur\". He is now" doing more repair
work than actual contracting on new buildings. In all his wurlc he
has been \'ery successful, lieing a n"ian of sound judg"n"ient rmd hon-
est business principles. He is a men"iber of the I-'riends church.
Fraternal!}" he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge. Xo. (^3. of Ko-
kon"io. being a Third J^esjree memljer. He is also a member of the In-
4o8 morrow's history _
dependent Order oi Odd Fellows. Lodge Xd. 133. Air. Rreedluve
has ^•(lted the Prohiliitii in ticket for the past twent_\-three years, up
til iqoS. His tirst presidential \iite was f(ir Hnrace (Ireele)-. The
subject has long' been a supporter nf mmements ha\ing fur their
object the material ach'ancement nf the cnmmunitw while his in-
fluence in furthering" the sncial and mural welfare nf his fellnw men
has lieen secimd to none during his twent}'-eight years' residence in
KnkcinKi. where he has always lieen regarded a man nf upright
])rincii:)les, industrinus and kind hearted to thnse in need, and hut
few men in his comniunit\' are ])etter nr ninre fa\'iirably knnwn
then he.
TAMES P.. COXKLE.
Success is (inly achiexed b}' the exercise nf certain distinguish-
ing (|ualities and it cannnt lie retained without effnrt. Idmse by
whnni great ejinch changes ha\"e been made in the pnlitical and in-
dustrial wnrld l:)egan earh- in life tn prepare themselves for their
l)eculiar duties and respnnsiliilities and it was nnly by the nmst per-
severing and cnntinuous endeax'nr that they succeeded in rising
superior tn the nlistacles in their way and reaching the gnal nf their
amljitinn. Such lixes are an inspiratinn tn others who are less cnur-
agenus and nmre prnne tn gi^■e up the fight l)efnre their ideal is
reached nr definite success in any clmsen field has been attained. In
the life histnrv nf the Imnnrable gentleman wlmse name fnrms the
ca|:)tinn nf this article we find evidence nf a peculiar characteristic
that alw;i\> makes fnr achie\-enient — ])ersistency. coupletl with fnrti-
tude and Inftv traits, and as a result nf such a life. Mr. Cnnkle stands
tndav nne nf the rejiresentative citizens nf Hnward county and nne nf
theliest knnwn and nmst highly resjtected men nf Howard township.
Ol'- IHIWAKI) COL'XTV. 40<)
lames T\. I'miklt' was Ixirn in lieaxer cnuntw reiiiis\l\ania.
luh' _' I , iSf)3. the si m (it (iedi'i^e and Jennie ( A[inTa\ ) (/'inkle.
( iraiidtatlier Samuel Cimkle was hum in l'cnns\l\ania and came ti >
Indiana in 1X69. settling iti Hnwanl cunntx- on a farm: l)nt he niined
hack til I'ennsAlvania. where he died at the age ut se\ent_\'-h\e _\'ears.
He \\a> a Alethndist as was his immediate famih" and ancestnrs. The
father nf the suhject was reared in the old l\e_\stnne state, and he
tliere received a limited educatinn in the district schnnls. remaining
there until iSfuj. W'lien nineteen \eru's nld he enlisted in April,
t86i. in the Xinth PennsvKania Keserxes, in which he served three
\-ears, haxing taken [lart in hdth liattles (if I'nll Rnn, ( iettyshnrg.
Antietam. the se\-en da\'s hattle amund Kichniund and all dther
miniir engagements in which his regiment partici])ate(h After the
war he w irked in the dil fields for f( nn- years. He then came tn
Indiana and settled in Hdward Cdnnt_\-. He rented a farm fur almut
fifteen years when he Ixnight a sixty-acre tract, which he iiartly
cleared and improved. Later he sold nut and Ixmght another farm
consisting of the same nnmher df acres. This he impnived and still
lives on it. his farm heing nnder a high state of pniductiveness and
im])rdvement. well fenced and drained and im it stand excellent
buildings. Six children were lidrn td the parents of the subject.
five of wbdUi lived to reach matnrit_\- ; fdur df these have families df
their own. The suljject's luotber is alsd living. She and her bus-
band were both fdriuerlv Methodists, but there being no denonii-
natidu of this sect near their home, they now subscrilie td the L'nited
lirethren faith. They are i)ed]i1e df fine character and exercise cun-
siderable influence fur the godd of their community.
Our subject attended the district schdols in Howard county
until he was sixteen vears of age and he worked with his father on
the farm until he was twenty-two years old. He then married and
rented farms fur fdur vears. Then he Ixiught twentv-five acres
410
whicli he impro\ed : he has since added seventy acres, niakint;' him a
farm at present of ninet_\-h\e acres, ten acres of which he cleared,
drained the entire place with tile and fenced it with wire. He has
built a niiidern and sul)stantial dwelling house, a substantial barn
and cinnenient out buildings. The soil of the jilace is in excellent
producti\e condition, which has been kept up to a high state of ex-
cellency by proper rotation of crops and the application of h<ime
fertilizers. Air. Conkle feeds all his corn to cattle and hogs. He
handled the Red Dumc full-blooded hogs. Six acres of his land
are in blue grass and w(io(ls-])asture. He uses wo\eu wire
fencing which he puts up. doing a contracting business in this
line. He also operates the only coal }-ard in this district, do-
ing an extensive business.
Mr. C'onkle was united in marriage December 2, 1886, to Katie
A'larkland, daughter of David and Margaret (Goodwine) }i[ark-
land. Mrs. Markland was born in Ohio of German parents and Mr.
]\Iarkland was born in Ohio. 'rhe\- came to Indiana about 1850.
The latter was a farmer and schoolteacher. He died aljout 181/1, at
the age of fifty-nine years. Mrs. Markland is li\-ing in 1908. at the
age of sixt}'-six years. Their six children are all li\-ing at this writ-
ing, and all have families of their own.
h'ixe children ha\e blessed the home of our suljject and wife
as follows: Elsie M., born Scpteniljer 30, 1887. is the wife of
lu-erett Smith, of Scott county. Indiana, who li\es on a farm there:
Emmett J., born October 4, 1890. li\es at home on his father's farm:
(ienrg-e D. was biirn October t6, 1893: Roscoe was Ijorn April 2^.
1897: Margaret R. was born December 8, 1^04. This ])rett\- little
girl was unfortunate enough to lose one of her limbs through tuber-
culosis, but is now in gixnl health and is a bright and ])romising'
child.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Conkle are members of the L'nited Ereth-
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 4II
reii cliurcli, lieing' actixe in the same. Mr. C'cjiikle l)eliinii"s lo the
lldi'se Thief I)etecti\e Assiiciatimi. In pnhtics he is an unci iin-
promising Republican and has al\va\s taken much interest in pn-
litical affairs. He was justice of the peace fur a period of eioiit
years, ha\"ing' made one of the best ofticials in this capacity that the
community ever iiad. He lias also been supervisor. ha\in,t;' held that
important office with much credit to himself and to the entire satis-
faction of all his constituents. In njoX he became the candidate of
his part}' for township trustee and his nomination was oenerally
concedetl to be a most fortunate one. o\\ int;' to the past splendid
official record of ]Mr. Conkle and his known upris^iit |jrincii)les and
pleasing' demeanor. In fact he is one of tlic most ])opular and public-
spirited citizens of Howard township and he numbers his friends
by the scores.
TRU:\IAX C. RAI'P.
Among' the men of sturdy integrity and reliable traits of char-
acter who have contributed their (|uota to the ad\ancement of the
upbuilding' of Howard count\". mention mav most consistenth' be
made of hini whose name appears abo\'e, who ranks among- the lead-
ing business men and public-spirited citizens of Kokomo where he
has maintained his home since May 6, t()04.
Truman C. Rapp received a common school educatiini in (Jhio.
his nati\'e state, where he was born in 1862. At the age of nineteen
he began business for himself in a sniall wa)', g'oing in debt and giv-
ing a ni:)te with his siu-etv, but his first \'enture, which was in the
sniall town of Marathon, Ohio, showed that our subject had a pro-
nounced capacitx' for industrial afifairs and that his later life would
be replete with success if he had an opportunity to deal in larger
412 MORROW S HISTORY
affairs. He prospered and increased liis line until he came to Ko-
konid. where he has maintained a first class and mrxlern store in
e\-ery respect, handling" all kinds of garments and clothing for men
and women. rea<l\- to wear. In fact, he carries a full line of carefulh-
selected and up-to-date goods, which are satisfying" a large patron-
age, so that his traile is constantly" increasing" and in\"ading" new
territor\".
Mr. Rapp o\\n> a half interest in a similar store in Logan-
sport and he spends some of his time looking after the interests of
that str)re which is also a very successful venture. In these stores
the hest of clerks are en"iploved ;md custon"iers al\\"a\"s receive courte-
ous treatment.
( )ur sul)ject attrilnites his success to the manner in w hich he
ci)n(lucts these sti:>res, selling" strictlv at one price to all bu\"ers. He
purchases his stock for cash in large quantities, n"ioves it to his stores
and gi\es the people the benefit of his experience, now carrying a
large and con"iplete line of the latest goods obtainaljle in both stores.
He owns a fine lot on \\ est Walnut street where he erected a fii"ie,
modern ;uid comn"io(lious residence in 1908. He expects to spend
the remaimler of his life in this beautiful hi^me.
Air. Ra])p is considered in. l\okon"io to be one of the most ener-
getic ai"id wide-awake l)usii"iess men of that cit_\-. being al)reast <if the
times in e\"ery respect and the hon(jrable and strictly honest methods
he has always eiiiployed in his business afifairs has gained for him
the undixided confidence and respect of all who know" him, conse-
(|uentK" this store and the one at Logansport ha\"e had a w^onderful
growth since tl"ie\" were established, which is proof conclusi\"e that
the people of both cities appreciate the manner in which the}- are
conducted ai"id the kind consideration thev get when patronizii"ig-
then"!.
Air. Rapp has alw"a\"s beei"i pron"ipt in pa^•ing all his debts.
Ol' now Akli COLXTV. 413
Being careful in all things, he has ne\ei" had a lire, and cnnpleil with
his carefuhiess and hdiiesty of principles is his ciingenialit\'. all of
whiclt has established a high creilit and he has ne\ er hail an assign-
ment or a business failure.
Mr. I'app's cheerful and niudel Imnie rs presided ii\cr b\' a
most estimable wife, and four bright and interesting children have
added their (juota of sunshine to this home.
Fraternally JNIr. Rapp is a member of the Knights of I'ythias,
having' passed all the chairs in the same: he is also a member of the
Uniform Rank oi this order.
Although our subject is too bus\- a man to dexdte much time to
political matters \et he can al\\a\'s l)e depentled u])on to lend his
inlluence and stijiport to all worthx' moxements whether |)olitical or
otherwise, that ha\e for their object the betterment or upbuilding of
his commtlnit^^ alwaAS taking a just pride in his city in the future
of which he has implicit faith.
T.WLOR X. hock;.
The biographies of the representati\-e men n\ a county bring
to light many hidden treasures of mind, character and coura.ge.
well calculated to arouse the jjride of their famih' and of the com-
munit^• and it is a source of regret that the peo|)le ai'e not more
familiar with the personal histor^• of such men. in the ranks of whom
nvAv l)e found tillers of the soil, mechanics, teachers, as well as
lawvers, pln'sicians, bankers .and members of other \-ocations and
professions. 'Ihe subject of this sketch is distinctiveh' one of the
leading citizens of the township in which he lixes. and as such has
made his influence felt amony his fellow men and earned a name
414
for enterprise, integrit)' and liunor, that entitles him to worthy no-
tice in a work on the nature of this \'okune.
Ta)'lor X. Hogg, farmer and stock raiser, is a nati\e of Vir-
ginia, and a worth}- representati\e of an old and highlv esteemed
family of the cummonw ealth, the genealogy of which is traceable
thmngh many generations to luigland, where the name apiiears to
have its origin. It also occurs in connection with tlie earlv history
of \'irg'inia. and figures (juite prominently in the Inchan wars of
tliat and nther colonies, as well as in the Rexolutionarv struggle.
The subject's great-grandfather, a natix'e of A'irginia, joined the
English arm}- when a young man for which King George granted
him a large tract of land west nf the Alleglian}- mountains, said to
ha\-e contained eight thousand acres though not all in one l)od^'.
This ancestor took part in the nld l-'rench and Indian \\ar and \vas
with General Braddock's command when that ill-starred leader lost
his life and the greater part of his men in the o\-erw-helming and
disastrous <lefeat. known in histiir\- b\ his name. When the war
of the Re\i ilutii in brnke cut. he was made an officer in the Ilritish
ranks and served as such thrnughdut the entire struggle, after w-hich
he returned to his estate in \'irgini;i and settled down to the quiet
life of a ])lanter. Being a sur\e}'or he laid much nf his land off into
farms, which lie sold to settlers at ver}- low- figures, at one time ex-
changing for a negro a \\ell situated tract, \vhicli is now conser\-a-
ti\-ely estimated at thirt}- thous;uid dollars. On another occasion he
is said to have deeded two hundred acres for a cow and a shot gun,
hut within a short time returned the ;mimal as it \vas the onh-
liropei't}- the neighljor ])i)ssessed, and made a present of the gun to a
friend. The land in this deal would now sell readil}- at two hundred
dollars per acre. He was one i>f the first men to intr(i(luce the breed-
ing and raising of live stock west of the mountains, and he is said
til lia\e ma<le the business profita])le. He cleared and reduced to
(.)F IIOWAI^D C()rXT\'. 415
culti\atii in ;i portinn of that t^Tant and l)ecamt; a successful planter,
althoug'li greatly annoyeil at lirst 1>\' Indians, wliDse cuntinued
depredatiiins caused liini much tmuble and uk little luss. The sulj-
ject"s grandfather crossed the Alleghan\' mnuntaius in an early day
and settled i>n his father's estate as ;i pl.anter and stock raiser,
tlmngii he too experienced mucli tmnhle from the saxages wlmni he
was ublig'ed to watch almost constantK" to keep them from hurning
his buildings and destro^•ing• his crops and other propert\-. Suhse-
(|uenth- he took part in the war against the red skins and rendered
valual)le ser\ice while hostilities were in progress. ha\ing been made
an officer liefore the war was lirought to a close. He married ,and
reared a famih- of nine children, some of whom became widely and
fa\'orabl_\- known in their natixe state, while se\eral mo\ed to other
parts and were highh- esteemed in their respecti\-e places of resi-
dence.
.\bner Hogg, the suliject's father was born and reared on the
ancestral estate and after recei\ing his portion of the same he en-
gaged in farming and stock raising and it was while li\ing there
that he freed all of his slaxes in order to complx with a provision
of his father's will to that effect. Like his antecedents, Altner Hogg
was a man of intelligence, energx" and good judgment and liy ju-
dicious management he so conducted his agricultural ;ind live stock
interests as to accumulate a cotnpetencx'. I lis death occurreil in
February, 1871, at the ;ige of tift}--four years. Mary Skeen, wife
of Al:)ner Hogg, was also of X'irginia birth and a Lady of amiable
(lualities and sterling moral worth. She liore her husband seven
children, four sons and three daughters, and departed this life at
the age of f\i{y rears in iSfi-. I'loth husband and wife were dex'out
Presl:)vterians, acti\e in all lines of moral and religiinis work under
the auspices of the church and their li\-es were shining examples of
the faith which thev pi"nfessed.
41 6 MORROW S HISTORY
Tayliir Hcgg \\as l)ijni ()ctiil)er 3, \X^2. and spent liis earh"
life in \ irginia, receiving his edncatiijn principally under the direc-
tiiin of pri\-ate tuturs. He remained with his parents nntil twenty
\ears nf age, when he se\"ered hume ties for the purpose uf entering
the military ser\"ice. enlisting August 13. ]802, in Company B,
Thirteenth \'irginia A'olunteer Infantr}-. with which serxdce he
shared the fortunes and \'icissitudes of war, in some of the noted
campaigns and hard fought battles which deluged the soil of his
belo\'ed state with fraternal blood. He received a severe wound in
one engagement, which necessitated his retention in the hospital for
a period of six months, and from the effects of which he has never
fullv reci.n'ered, nexxrtheless he rejoined his command as scion as
i\h\e and remained in the ranks until h<;inoraljl\- discharged at the
close of the \\ar. Mr. Hr)gg"s military recijrd is eminentl}- a credit-
able one as his discharge and the medal of honor presented to him
b\- the state for gallant and meritorious service abundantly attest.
At the close of the war .Mr. Hogg returned to his home near
I'oint i'leasant and diuang the ensuing two years devoted his time
and attention to ag"ricultural pursuits in which his success was grat-
ifying. At the expiration of the time indicated he dis])osed cif his
interests in \'irginia and mo\ing to Howard county, Indiana, in
1867, piu-chased the farm in Center township, which he still owns
and cultivates and which, by his efficient labor and successful man-
agement, has become one of the most productive and valuable places
of its area in the count)', as well as one c.)f the country's most beau-
tiful and attractive riu-al homes, 'idle farm contains one hundred
and twent\- acres, about half <if which is under cultivation, the rest
being devoted to pasturage. The fertilit}' and productiveness of the
soil have been greath* enhanced bv a thorough and successful sv'Stem
of tile drainage, while the elegant and statel}- brick residence con-
taining all of the latest and modern improvements, together with the
OK IliiWARI) C()l_XT\'. 417
artistic and attracti\e lawns, ^j'ardens. beaiUifnl trees \iel(luii;' 1>iith
shade and fruit, ci imniudii nis barns and dther substantial dUtbuild-
ing's, bespeak the presence nf a prnprietor w hi 1 is a master of his
calling' and whose efforts in all of his undertakmi;s ha\e been
crowned with abundant and hapijy results. The model farm i< just
one mile and a half from the couit house and extends to within a
very short distance of tlie city limits, the close proximit\" to Ko-
komo addint;- much to its \"alue and desirabilitv as a place of
residence.
In connection w itii farming- Mr. Ho^-o- handles li\'e sti.ck on
(|uite an extensi\-e scale, de\'otint;" especial attention to blooded
horses, and tnne cattle, hogs of the superior roland-China breed,
which he buys and shi])S in large numbers, and for which he ne\er
fails to recei\'e the liighest prices the markets afford.
P)_\' the judicicjus rotation of crops and a plentiful use of natural
and artificial fertihzer.s he not onh- retains the soil's oi'iginal fer-
tility, but in.creases its productixeness and seldom if e\er does he
fail to realize liljeral returns from the time and labor ex])ended on
his fields. Although primarih- interested in his own affairs Mr.
Hog"g manifests an abiding regard for the adxancement and welfare
of the communitx' and for anv measure or enterprise l)\- which his
fellow men ma_\ be benefited, fie encourages churches and schools.
is a respector of law and order and has no use or s_\ iiipath}' fur any
calling or liusiness which tends to lower the moral status of the
countr\- or degrade the youth of the land. Fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Independent Order of Odd fellows and has long been
an actix'e member and influential worker in the (irand .\rm_\- of the
Republic.
On the 2()th of March, 1868. Air. Hogg was united in the lionds
of wedlock with Eliza Price, daughter of Franklin and Sarah
(Hobson ) Price, of \'irg-inia, the father a near relative of r,eneral
27
4i8 morrow's history
Sterling I'rice, a distinguislieil Confederate leader in the late Civil
war. Mr. Price came U> Hnward c^lunt^• in an earl\- da\- and was
the first man elected ti> the office of clerk of the circuit court. He
hore an influential part in j^nhlic affairs, and for many years was
one of the enterprising men and ])rominent citizens of Kokonio.
Air. and Mrs. Hogg are the parents of thirteen children whose
names are as follows: F" ranees, wife of Daniel Oldham; Xora, de-
ceased; Artlilla ; Camden; Jennette June, deceased: Mary, now Mrs,
L. Dve, of Indianapolis; Walter P2arl, and Susan \'iola, and others
d\ing in infanc^• unnamed. liefore her marriage Mrs. Hogg was
one of Howard count}"'s successful and i)opular teachers and her
oldest daughter. I'rances, was also engaged in educational work
for some time prior to her marriage.
Air. Hogg occupies a conspicuoirs ]>lace among the leading men
nf FToward countv and enjo^'s the confidence and esteem of all who
know him. His record demonstrates that where there is a will there
is a wa\- and that obstacles tt) success may be overcome by courage
and self-reliance. His career though strenuous has been fraught
with good to his fellow men and his example is cordially commended
to the vouth of the land whose life work is yet a matter of the
future.
CHAI^I.ES A\". CRAU.
That life is the most useful and desirable that results in the
greatest good to the greatest number and, though all do not reach
the heights to which they a.spire, yet in some measure each can win
success and make life a blessing to his fellow men: ami it is not
necessar\- for one to occupy eminent public positi(^ns to do so, for in
the humbler walks of life there remains much good to be accom-
])lished and many opportunities for one to exercise one's talents and
Ol- lliiWARI) CdL'XTV. 419
influence which in some \\a_\' wiU touch the h\es of those with w iiom
we come in contact, niakin.i;- them Ijetter or liri^hter. In the hst of
Howanl county's successful citizens, the subject of this re\ie\v has
long occujiied a |)rominent place. In his career there is much that is
comniendal)le and his life forcihh' illustrates what a life of energy
can accom])lisli when his plans are wisel}' laid and his actions
o'ox'erned l)\' right principles, nohle aims and high ideals.
Charles W . Hrau was horn in Darke county. Ohio. September
13. iN')4, the son of John .\. and Rosa ( Kaufman) (irau. ( irand-
fatiier (irau li\ed in (ierman\- where he died. His widow subse-
quentlw came to America, first to ()lii(], later to Indiana, where she
spent the balance of her days, (hing at the age of se\eut\-se\en
}'ears, ha\ing been born in 1 Nno. She was a cbm"ch member and an
exce])tionall\ good woman.
The father of our subject came to America from (iermauy
when a \(>ung" man, after having serxed in the arm\' of his natne
land, and settled in Dai'ke countx', ( )hio. lleing a wagon maker by
trade, he followed this in connection with farming". bu\ing a fanu of
timbered land, which he cleared and improved and on which be re-
mained until 11^73. when he sold nut and came to Indiana, settling
in Howard count}'. Howard townshij). bu\ing a farm of one hun-
dred and twent\- acres, which was ])arth- im])ro\ed. He subseipiently
impro\ed this land and lixed there for exactly eight }ears, ha\ing
died on the same da}- of the month he came there, at the a,ge of sixt}-
}ears. In his }-outli be was a Lutheran, but later in life was a mem-
ber of the E\angelical church, as was also his wife. The former
had receis'ed a good education in his natix'e land, and he spoke the
En.giish language exceedin.gl}- well. He was a large man physicall}-.
baying been xer}- strong. He was known to ever}" one as a man of
high moral princi]ile and pure character. TTis first wife was also
a nati\e of tierman\", who can"ie to .Vmerica when a girl, haxing
420 MORROW S HISTORY
made her home in Ohio, in which state she married Mr. ( irau. By
this union she Ijecame the ninther of three cliihh'en who li\e<l to reach
maturity. She ched early in hfe and ]\[r. (irau was again married,
liis second wife being Rosa Kaufman in her maidenhood, and she
was the mother of our suliject. Xine chil(h'en were l)orn to this
union, seven of whom are li\-ing in 190S. and all have families. The
mother of the subject was a member of the Evangelical church.
She was called to her rest at the age of seventy-two years.
Charles W. < irau first attended the district schools of Ohio, and
afterward the public schoi.ils of Howard count}', Indiana. He left
school in his eighteenth vear and worked on his father's farm until
he was twent^•-olle A'ears old. He then wm'ked his mother's farm
on the shares until he was twenty-six years old. He then purchased
forty acres, but c<;intinued to manage his mother's farm for three
\ears. He then moved im a farm belonging tn his father-in-L-nv,
where he has since resided working it and the forty acres (if his iiwn.
He bought eighty acres of his mother-in-law which ji lined his own,
making him a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of very ]M"o-
ductive soil. The home farm where he resides being well impro\'ed
and well drained, the soil being in a high state of productiveness and
well fenced with modern wire. He feeds most of the corn that the
place produces to cattle and hogs. He has a comfortable and sub-
stantial dwelling and good out buiklings and his farm indicates that
he is an e.x'cellent manag'er and a man i>f thrift and good judgment.
Mr. Grau was united in marriage May 25, 1890, to Mary E.
iMsher. daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Strome) Fisher. Her
pe(iple came to Indiana in 1874. settling on the fami owned by Mr.
drau. Mrs. Grau's father died at the age of se\'enty-two years.
His widow is living in 1908 at the age of seventy-six years. She
has been a useful woman and believes in the higher ideals of life. She
makes her home with our subject, who delights in administering to
her declining age.
Ol' II(n\-AI<l) COUNTY. 421
Mr. and Mrs. (irau are the jiarents of nine children, their hirth
ha\'ino' occurred in the followint; order; Ozvoe Chn'. wlio was horn
^[arch 2-, i8(;i : Merle, horn April _'o. icSyj; May. horn Ma\- S.
I Si (4; Alhert and Alherta (twins), horn I'^ehruary jo, icSyS: ( iladys.
Ijorn April 4. i()Oo: Miriam, liorn April 17. KpJ ; Theodore Charles,
horn Jul}' 3, 1004: the last child is an infant, horn June 4. igo8.
Iloth Mr. and Mrs. (irau are memhers of the E\'ant;elical
church, to which faith Wx. and Mrs. l'"islier. father and mother of
Mrs. Grau. also subscrihed. In jiolitics our sul)ject is ;i loyal Re-
publican. He has hosts of friends in Howard and adjoining;' town-
ships owing' to his l'lonest^• in business and his upright social pri\'ate
life, and he is much admired h\' all who know him for bis wbolesonie
li\'ino- as well as for his industrial success.
ADOLrHL'S E. ?IO(3X.
It is not an easy task to descril)e adequately a man who has led
an eminently active and busy life and who has attained a position
of relati\'e distinction in the community with which his interests are
allied. But biography finds its most perfect justification, neverthe-
less, in the tracing- and recording" of such a life histor}'. It is, then,
with a full appreciation of all that is demanded and of the painstak-
ing scrutiny that must be accorde<l each statement, and yet with a
feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of touching
l>riefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of the hon-
ored veteran and venerable subject of this sketch whose eminently
honored and successful career now comes under re\'iew.
-Adolpbus E. Hoon is one of those sturdy and thrifty foreign^
citizens, who have been of such great value in the upbuilding of (Uir
422 MOKKOW S HISTUKV
ciiuntr)-. He was Ijurn Jaiiuai'}' 2~ , i^jS. on the Atlantic ncean.
while his parents were emigrating from German^■ ti ■ the L'nited
States. His fatlier was Jnhn Hdon, a native of I'rance, and his
mother. Aiar_\' Snyder, a native of I'russia, in which countr\- they
\vere married and fr<ini which the\- emigrated to America. John
Hoon liad the distinction of being Xapoleon's chief bugler in the
great armies of France, ser\ing under Xajxileon in se\eral cam-
paigns. He was a n()ted musician. After coming to America he
organized a band in Philadelphia, where the familv first settled
after coming to this country. He later organized the first band
known in Pittsburg". He died in the latter citv, where he had gone
to attend a celebration, lea\-ing his famil\- on the farm in Butler
count}'. When news was sent the famih- \A his pending death, they
made an effort to reach I^ittsbiu'g but arrived after the end had come
to the noted musician. This was in 1828, the same \'ear he landed
in America. He was a member of the Lutheran church. He and
his good wife were the parents of the following children: (diaries,
\\'illiam. Christopher, Caroline and Adolphus.
After the death of John Hoon his widow settled in Sar\-est-
\'ille. Penns}-lvania, with her father, \vhi'> was Xicholas Snyder, a
nati\-e of Prussia and a tailor b)' trade. She raised her children by
hard work as a seamstress and dressmaker. She married a second
time, her last husband being Godfred h^'ank, a tanner. \)\ whom
she had live children, nameh' : ]\rar\-, Christian, Edward, a soldier;
Emily and Charlotte.
( )ur subject remained with his mother until he was ten \-ears of
age, when he went to Pittsburg to learn the tinner's trade, but the
work was not suited to his nature, so he returned home and in 1838
he was taken to Paris. Kentucky, through the kindness of a friend
of the family. Here he worked three years learning the cabinet
maker's trade. He then went to Xew Orleans. After working there
OK JIOWARI) COIXTV. 423
awhile he came l)ack tn riltsl>uri^', hiter i^innt;" to l'hila(lel])hia and
Xew Viirk City, also worked in many phices in Kentucky, remain-
ing there until 1873, haxinj^- hecciUie an expert at his trade and mak-
ing considerable m(ine\- in the meantmie. In the \"ear nientiuned
above he came to Kukonio, Indiana, where he engaged with Alex-
ander & Kelly, furniture manufacturers. This firm failed and the
suljject got control of the factorw which he successfulh' operated
for two rears, then the Hunt Ilrothei's bought the plant and he has
since worked at the carpenter's trade and contracting, but of late
years he has been retired from actue business, feeling that he lias
earned a just respite from life's arduous duties. He made a success
at all his work as a cabinet maker, being regarded as one of the best
in the countrw for which he was alwaws well remunerated.
Mr. Hoon was united in marriage in iS4(), at Ruddles Mills.
Kentuck\\ to Emil\- McClintock. who was called from her earthly
labors three months after her marriage. The second marriage of
the subject was solemnized in i''s34 with Josephine E. Bander, who
was born in LTica. Xew \'oi-k. She passed away in ic)00. after be-
coming the faithful mother of eight children as follows: Charles
E., deceased: Erancis is a preacher: ( )rian. deceased: Caroline
Emily is the wife of I3rice Williams, of K(jkomo: Elmer lives with
Ills father: William Lincoln (irant li\es in Ki>komo; Harriet is de-
ceased: .Mice Ho])e is the wife of b'dwin Uaugher.
Mr. Hoon during the dark da} s of uur nation's history showed
his patriotism and ]:)ride in the stars and strips by enlisting in her
defense, haxing rendered the Cnion forces \aluable ser\'ice at the
battles of Xashville. by assisting in the fortifications. He also
rendered inestimable serx'ice while in the engineering de]Kirtment
of the Cumberland.
The sul)ject has been a life long Republican, and he has been
a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal church for many years.
4^4
ha\-ing accdinplished a great amount of good in tliis manner. He
has l>een an acti\'e worker in this denomination during the major
part of liis life. He is a faithful member oi the Masonic lodge and
he is a Kniglit Templar. He is a strong temperance man. ha\dng
taken the pledge as early as 1849 ^"<^1 li'is kept the same ever since.
In all the relations of life Mr. Hoon has been found faithful to e\-ery
trust c<infided in him, and because of his genuine worth, courteous
manners and genial disposition he has won and retains the warm
regard of- all with whom he associated, the latter including the best
people of the ci )unt\-.
JOSEPH D. \'AXSICKLE.
Riogra])hies should not be published unless there is something' in
the life and character cif the individual worthy of emulation or
imitation by others under like circumstances — certainly not for self-
aggrandizement, Imt sufficient has lieen drawn from the life history
of the ,gentleman whose name appears above to show that there is
something in the inner life of this man worthy of more than inci-
dental mention. He began life practically at the bottom of the lad-
<ler. \vhich he has climbed to the to]) with no helji but a l.)ra\-e heart,
industrious bands and an intelligent brain, and is a li\ing example
of what ma}- l)e accomplished in this countn- by thrift and persever-
ance. e\'en under discouraging circumstances.
Joseph D. A'anSickle was born in Marion count\-, Indiana, Feb-
ruary C). iXf)^, the son of (iilbert ami Ellen (Hoo\er) VanSickle.
Grandfather \'anSickle was born in l'enns\d\-ania. He was of Irish
<lescent and his ancestors lixed and died in the Keystone state. There
were three sons in the famib', all li\e(l to raise families of their own.
(irandfather \'anSickle died in 1S49. after having become a success-
OF HOWARD COL'XTV. 425
fill farmer in (_)hin, to which state lie nioxed in iS4(; from l'eniis\l-
\'ania. The father nf the sul)ject hxed at hunie until he was thirteen
years did, ha\'ing come ti* Indiana at tliat time mi his own account
and without funds. He stopped near Indianapolis where he re-
mained with a family as a fami hand until he was twentv-six x'ears
old. At that age he was married and soon afterward rented a farm
in that neighborhood, having worked rental land in a \'ery success-
ful manner until 1S69. when he came to Tipton count}', this state,
where he made his home until liis death in 1904. which occurred
wdien he was si.\t^■-nine A-ears old. He attended school onl\- a few
weeks, but read extensi\-el_\- at home. He owneil a good farm in Tip-
ton count\'. where he raised a faniih' of six children, four of whom
lixed to maturity ; three of them raised families of their own. Their
mother ]5assed to the silent land when she was forty-four years old.
Both father and mother were Xewlight Christians. The father was
also a Alason. Thev were lioth peojjle of manv excellent traits anil
had hosts of friends.
Joseph D. A'anSickle, our subject, attended the district schools
in Tipton county until he was eighteen years old. working on his
father's farm. He then taught school in a most acceptable manner
for a period of five )ears. Being aml>itious to learn from the start
he studied hard and secured a liberal education. l)ut he finally de-
cided to devote his life work to agricultural pursuits, having begun
farming on his own hig'hly producti\e fann in Tipton count}', re-
maining on this place for a period of seven years and then nioved to
Miami count\'. buA'ing a good farm which he successfully W(^rked
for six \'ears. when he sold it and purchased the one in Howard
townshi]). Howard county, on which he has since resided. It con-
sists of two hundred and sixty-three acres, all being under a high
state of improvement, .\bout fifty acres are in woods-pasture, on
which is a fine set of blue grass, the balance is under the plow. He
4-'C) lAlORROW's HISTORY
lias excellent fences, partly nt wire and [jarth- of wood. The fields
are all tinder an excellent system of drainage and the soil is kept in
a high state of prodtictix'eness tlir()tigh the skillftil management of
the owner. He rotates his cmps with clover and uses home ferti-
lizers. It is Mr. \'anSickle's intention to feed all the corn on the
])lace that he produces each year. He prepares lioth cattle and hogs
for the market. He raises Duroc hogs, and usually has a large herd
of registered sh(.)rt horn cattle, which are tine specimens <if the hest
l:)o\dne tvpe. He has a hue orcliard of a variety of excellent fniits.
All the surroundings show that this is an exceptionall}' well cared
for farm and that the owner is a man of thrift and excellent judg-
ment in agriculture, horticulture and stock raising. His resilience
which is a suhstantial. comm<idioiis and niceh' furnishetl one is re-
garded as among the hest farm houses in the county. Several con-
venient out builclngs stand upon the farm.
The domestic life of our subject dates fr(.ini September 9. 1888,
when he was happily married to Orpho O. Duncan, the refined and
accomplished daughter of h"rancis M. and Hannah E. ( Runk ) Dun-
can, natives of Indiana. ^he^' li\ed on a farm and were jieople of
much influence in their respective communit}'. Mrs. \'anSickle's
father was called from his earthh' labors in 1905, at the age of sixty
years, after an active and useful life. He had l^een a soldier in an
Indiana regiment during the war between the states, having enlisted
when onlv eighteen years old and served till the close of the war.
He came home disabled from disease contracted while in line of duty.
His government later remembered his gallant services with a lil)eral
pension. There were five children in his family, three of whom lived
to maturit}-. The mother of the subject's wife is living at the age
of sixtv-foiir in 1908. She is a member of the Xewdight church as
was also her husband.
Our subject and wife have had eight children born to them as
Ol- lldWAkli COL'NTV. 427
follnws; Hazel E.. liorn July -'3, iNNi). i> '^till a menil)cr nf the
hap|)\' faniih' circle: (Irace H. was burn March 2. iSgi ; neniian 1).
was hiirn Ndx-eniber 14, u^u^: .Mai;;^ie L. was burn Jul\- 21). iS<)3:
Saimiel ami Jdlm (twins), w ere Ix nn December d, iX()7 ; jdseph ( ).
was born October 2^. 1900; Franklin was born April (>. M)oS. All
these children are interesting' and give promise of successful futures.
I'rateniallv our suljject is a memlier of the Masimic nrganiza-
tinn and his daily life wnuld indicate that he is lixing up t<i the sub-
lime precepts which it f<isters. In pnjitics he is a luyal Denincrat.
Airs. VanSickle is a member i)f the L nited llrethren cluu'ch and
Ijoth she and Mr. X'anSickle are higiil}- respected by a large number
of friends and acijuaintances fur their e\-en tempered kindl)- natures
and their u])rio'lit li\es.
ROBERT .VLEXAXDKR OCC.
Of bi.gii pri)fessi(inal and academic attainments and ranking
among the foremost educators nf the state. Rnljcrt Alexander Ogg",
the efficient and popular superintendent of the Knknnid jjublic
schocils has achieved marked distinctiim in the ni>l>le wtuk to which
his talents and energies ha\e Sd kmg been dexdted. and judging by
the past it is safe to predict for him a futiu'e of still greater useful-
ness and honor. Xot on1}- as a teacher and manager of scIkhiIs has
he made his presence felt l)Ut as a citizen in the daily walks of life,
his influence has tended to the advancement of the community and
the welfare of his fellow men. while the se\-eral responsible jniblic
l)ositions to which he has been called from time to time bear testi-
monv to his aliilitv to till worthily high and important trusts. His
name with eminent fitness occupies a conspicuous place in the pro-
fession which he adorns and bis career presenting a series of sue-
428 morrow's history
ce.^ses such as few attain has g'ained f<ir him much mrire than state
reputatiim, as a successful organizer and manager of educatinnal
interests.
Superintendent Ogg is a native of Xcible county, Ohio, born
near the tnwn of Summerfield on December 14th, of the year 1848.
Paternal]}- he is descended from sturdy Scotch ancestry and traces
liis genealogy back a number nf }'ears to Ireland from which cnun-
tr\' his grandfather, Alexander Ogg\ in 1770, emigrated tn the
L'nited States, and settled in Maryland, where in due time the family
]>ecame widely known. Rribert A\'ashington Ogg, the superin-
tendent's father, was burn in the above state, but spent his early life
in Flelmnnt C(.iunt\', Ohio, and moved to Xoble county, Ohio, when
he married, thence in i86() tri (ireene countv, Indiana, where he
located on a farm near the town of Solsberr}', His life was devoted
to agricultural pursuits.
Superintendent Ogg spent his chililhood and vouth in the state
of his birtii and at tlie proper age entered the public schools in the
count}-, where he early displayed the powers of mind and desire for
stud\' w Inch subseciuentlv won fi ir him honorable distinction as a
scliolar and success as a teacher. \\ hen seventeen years old he ac-
companied his parents upon their remo\al to Indiana, and the fol-
lowing }ear entered the State Uni\-ersity at Bloomington. where he
prosecuted his studies until completing the prescribed course and
receiving his degree in 187J, the meantime devoting part of his
vacations to teaching, bv means oi which he was enabled to finish
his education, according to prearranged plans. His record as a stu-
dent was in even- respect creditable and he was graduated with an
honorable standing in a class composed of an unusual number of
Ijright ;md an-ibitious young n-ien, an-iong whom were Hon, George
\\ . Cooper, of Columbus, who sened his district with distinguished
abilit\- in congress, and H(mi. Pierce Xorton, late of Indianapolis.
OF IIOWAKD CUL'XTV.
429
and for some time a Icailint;' lawyer and jurist nf that eitw liesides
others equally renowned in their respectixe \-(ications and pvo-
fessions.
.\fter cnnipleting- his unixersity course Superintendent ( ),£;'g' ile-
cided to devote his life to educational work for which he had alreadx-
manifested a strong' predilection, and haxing made up his mind to
this end, took advantage of e\-ery opportunity (if adding to his
knowledge and increasing his elSciency for the practical duties of
the noble calling in which he had engag'ed. Following" his gradua-
tion he took charge t>f the schools of Ellets\-ille. and three years
afterward oi those of Mitchell, which under his management made
rapid advancement and won for him honorable repute as an able in-
stnictor and later be was chosen princijial of the Xew Alban\- high
school, which ]josition he filled with credit to himself and to the satis-
faction of superintendent, students and public, for a period of eight
}'ears. Superintendent Ogg' served eleven years as superintendent
of the public schools of Greencastle and g.ained recognition among
the leading educators ()f the state. Resigning his position in the
latter city in 1898, he accepted the superintendency of the pul)1ic
schools of Kokomo, which he has since held, and in which ])erbaps
the greatest of his labors as an educator and manager ha\e been thus
far accomplished. His great force of character and ripe scholarship,
together with his ability as an organizer enabled him to bring to his
w(irk in this cit_\- the results ot his professional experience with
marked effect, and it was not long until the schools under his sn])er-.
vision advanced to the high standing of efficienc\- fur which the\-
are now noted. The teaching force during his incumbenc\- has been
increased from fort}--nine ti^se\-ent_\'-four and the enrollment of
pu])ils from two thousand two hundred and ninetv. to two thousand
nine hundred and fift3--one, while many things tending to lessen the
teacher's labors and at the same time make them effective have been
430 MORRUW S HISTORY
intrixluced : the cnurse nt study tlimughnut lias been modified and
ini|)r()\-ed. the latest and nmst approved ajjpHances purchased and
e\'er\'thing in kee])ing' witli modern educational prijgress, tested and
where practical retained.
Superintendent Ogg takes great interest in his teachers, all of
A\ honi are selected \vith especial reference to their abilit}' to fill ac-
ceptahh' the positions to which assigned, the force being' increased
from time to time hv such graduates from the high schools as he
deems l)est fitted for the work. In fact he encourages man^• of the
high school students to enter the teacher's profession and to this end
dex'otes considerable time to jiedagogic lectures and instruction c)n
this important and far-reaching subject, being greatly prized by
those who contemplate making the school mom their chosen field
of endeavor. That the adxantage of a lilieral education mav be
generallv disseminated, he has encouraged voung people of the
count\- to attend high school b\" giN'ing them e\erv possible con-
sideration.
In ad.dition to the duties of the superintendenc\' Air, Ogg is
deeph' interested in educational matters throughout the state and
from time to time, he has been honored with impoi"tant ofticial posi-
tions in \arious societies and associations, which make for the good
of the work and the ad\ancement of the teacher's profession. He
was formerh' an actixe and influential memljcr of the Sotithern
Teachers' Association, which he ser\ed one \ear as ])resident ; in
i8<;7 he was president of the State Teachers' Association, besides
holding the honorable position of jjresident of the elementar\- de-
])artment of the National Association, the largest and most im-
l>ortant organization of teachers' of the L'nited States. As a mem-
ber of many inportant committees in those Ixxlies. his influence has
been felt while his suggestions ha\-e alwa\"s commanded resjiect and
carried weight. He has also ser\-ed on a numl)er of the leading
committees in the Cit\' Superintendents' .\ssociation. besides taking
Ol' IIIIWARII C'OL'NTV. 431
an active ])art in tlie (liscussii)ns and ,i;enera1 deliberations i>f ilie
org-anization, adxncating" certain measnrcs with niasterh- force and
skill and opposin"' \\liate\er he deemed dan,t;erous to tlie ])i"oL;ress of
e(lncati( mal thought.
Superintendent < )o-<>- is widely and favorably known as an in-
stitute worker and lecturer on educational subjects. Fie is an easv
and pleasing speaker, and at tunes torceful and elo(|nent. his famib
iarit^■ with the subject under consideration with his ful] command of
strong and \'igorons luiglish making him ])opular with his audiences
and to n<i small degree a master of the ])ubhc assemblages. Ilefore
his classes he entertauis and nistructs at the same tmie. His stvle is
direct and forceful, entireh' free from rcdundancw his ])erce])tion is
keen and his anah'sis acute and in all of his wdrkhe selects from a
choice vocabularv the i>recise words that con\e\- his meaning accur-
ately and elegantly. His work in every de])artnient of education is
characteristically practical and in teaching", in superintending and in
deyising or modif\ing the course of study, he ])ossesses to a re-
markable degree the sense of proporti<in and fitness. Continuous
a]iplication through a period of thirt}--si.\ )ears has given him a
clear and comprehensi\e insight into the philosophy of education
and the largest wisdom as to method and means of attainment of
ends, while his steady growth in public favor wherever he has
labored and his ])opnlarit}" with teachers and ])upils have won for
him educational standing. TTe jjossesses the |)ersonal charm .and
tact which make him jxipular with tlie young and it is nothing un-
usual to see him on the street surrounded bv a .group of urchins,
some of them clinging to his arms and all listening intently to what
he may be saving. V>y entering into their spirit and pastimes, sym-
])athizing- with them in their troubles, listening to and settling their
disputes and making their interests his own, he lias become the idol,
almost, of the juveniles of the city, his being one with them render-
ing the teachers' work easy and adding greatly to his own i>o]nilar-
43- MORROW S HISTORY
it}', not (inl_\ with the cliildren Ijut also witli the adult portion <if the
populace.
Althdiig'h a .'ichiHil man in the Ijruadest and liest sense of the
term and as sucli, makint^;- e\ery other consideration secondary to
liis professional and official duties. Superintendent Ogg has never
ljec(.ime narrow or pedantic as ha\e so man)^ whose lives have been
spent in intimate association with the immature minds within the
foiu" walls (jf the school ro()m. He is a well rounded, svmmetric-
all_\- dexelopetl man, fully ali\-e to the demands (.)f the times, thor-
oughly informed on the leading questions before the pul^lic and takes
broad views of men and things. B\- keeping in touch w ith the times
and tlie trend of current thought he is enabled to discharge the duties
of citizenship in the intelligent manner becoming the level-headed
American of today, and his ac(|uaintances w ith the histor}- of the
countr}^ and its institutions makes him in the true meaning of the
word a politician, but not a partisan. In state and national issues
he votes with the Republican party, but in local matters and issues
he is practically independent, voting as his judgment dictates, in-
stead of obeying the behests of party leaders. He believes in prog-
ress in other than the profession to which he belongs and to at-
tain the end manifests an al:)iding interest in wdiatever makes for the
material advancement of the communitv, encouraging all w(.)rthv
enterprises and lending his influence to means wdiereb\' his fellow
men ma\- be Ijenefited. and made better. He is in lieart\' accord
with laudable and healthful [lastimes and spi.irts, such as tiase ball,
basket ball, hurdle and foot racing, and all kinds of athletics that
tend to (le\-elop and strengthen the ]5hvsical powers. These he en-
com-ages among the pupils of the schools, beliexing that dexelopnient
of the liodv as well as the mind and heart to be essential to the
make-up of the scholarlv and well rounded man.
Our subject owns a farm in Greene countv, which he pur-
Ol' UiiWAKli l.i)L'.\TV. 43_^
chased in a wild CDiiditinn and with his nwn liands helped u> clear
and ditLdi, de\elii])in!^' the land fri ini a marsln state intM a line and
])ri iductixe ])lace. I'nr a nmnth each summer he hies a\\a\ Im his
farm and s]_)ends the time as a tiller mI' the muI. In this \\a\' he finds
rest and recreatidu which the ardu'His duties of his office render im-
perati\'e. and later returns tn his work in the citw strent^thened and
refreshed in l)iid\- and rein\it;'(irated in mind. He has his farm
thi>r(iut;hly under <lrained and impnixed with suhstantial and com-
fortable l)uililin,t;s and from its cultix'ation no small part of his in-
ci ime is deri\'ed.
Superintendent Ogg was married in the ^■ear 1S77 to Louise
Hutcherson, of Xew Albany. Indiana. Init at that time lixin;;- in the
town of Mitchell, where the cerenion\- was solemnized. Die two
children born of this union died in infanc\-. Superintendent and
j\lrs. Ogg' ha\'e ojiened their home and hearts to several nephews
and nieces whom the}- ha\-e partially reared and to whom they
ha\e devoted the same consideration and affection the\' w. uld ha\e
shown to their own off-spring. Both are well known ami highly
esteemed in social and religious circles, mo\ing as the\- do in the
best Society of their cit\' and being active and proniinent workers in
the Methodist f'lpiscopal church. Iloth are deepl}- interested in the
Sunda\- school ami ha\e done much in their res])ccti\-e lines of en-
dea\-or to bring it up to the present hi.gli a.i;d tlourishing con<lition.
The -superintendent now has charge ofaliout thirty-five \'oung men.
the majority of them students of the high school, who proiit b}- his
analysis and interpretation of the word of Cod. He is a man of
commanding influence in his church, both in local and general mat-
ters, stands high in the councils and deliberations of the organiza-
tion in Kokomo. He has also l)een ])rominent in the state Sunday
school work, being for se\eral )-ears a memlier of the boar<l of
directors of the State Association, attending at intervals the various
28
434
MdKROW S HISTORY
con\'entii)ns under the auspices of the State Sunilav Sclnml Associa-
tion, liesiiles Ijeing" a delegate ti i the interdenominational ciin\entions,
in all of which ho(lies his \dice has heen heard in helialf of hetter
methods of instruction and a higher grade of teachers, for what he
considers one of the greatest and most im])ortant he1ds of lahor e\'er
\-onchsafed to human instrumentality The Lieta 'Iheta I'hi Society,
a college fraternity is the onl\ fraternal organization wUh which he
is identihed. nexertheless he is in s\ni])ath\- with the ends which
secret henexulent societies ha\e in \iew' and to the extent of his
ahilit) and influence stri\es to li\e up to the high standard of man-
hood and citizenship which the\ enjoin. He was for six }"ears a
memher of the lioard of trustees of Indiana Uni\ersity.
.Superintendent * )gg is a gentleman of ])leasing ])ersonaht\-. re-
tined and cultured, ci>urteous in his relations with his fellow men
and retains the warm ami ahiding friendship of all with whom he
associates. His iudi\idualit\ . which is \'er\' distinct, is impressed
upon an\- wurk with which he is connected, and in the accomplish-
ment of a purpose, he is willing to assume an\- amount of lahor re-
(|uired or an\- measure of responsiliilit\' incurred. In hrief he is a
hroad-niindeil. manh' man. a credit to his ])rofession. a leader among
the eiluc.ators of the state, and a gentleman without pretense whom
to know is to respect and honor.
TOHX I. X'lXEV
The suhject of this sketch is a well known and jiopular citizen
who has heen commissioned pension attorne}- at Kokoiiio where his
lahors among his fellow men ha\-e made him a much liked pnhlic
character, being known as a man of keen percepti\e faculties, un-
OF UOWAKl) COUNTY. 435
usual soundness of judgment and u])rig"lu in all liis dealings with his
fellow ciiuntrynien. until tiida\- his name stan<ls high mi the scroll oi'
honored residents of Howard count\-.
John [. \'ine_\- was horn 111 hriyette cmuitw West X'lrginia, |anu-
ar-\- i_', 1X40, and came to Indiana with his mother and step-f;ither
iu iSt-', settling in L'arroU eount\. The name of the latter was [ohu
\ . hiillwider ami his mother's name was hraiicina. The suhjeet was
reared to manhood in that eount\', living there until i>ast twent\- \ears
of age. when he felt it his dut\- to sexer home ties and otter his ser-
\'iees iu suppressing the great rehellion that was threatening" the Re-
])ul)lic. cousei|ueutl\- he enlisted in Septemlier. iSfu. in Conijiam- .\,
l'"orty-sixth Indiana \dhniteer lnfautr^■. at Delphi. Carroll count\\
with John H. (i(>ul<l. ex- judge of the circuit court, as captain. The
conipam' saw its hrst ser\'ice m l\entnck\' and 1 eunessee, later in
.Missouri, where Xew Madrid was taken; then in .Vrkausas and
A[ississi])])i : was sent to Xew Orleans, and later returned to \'icks-
hiu'g. where it engaged in the great siege for fort\-se\en d;i\ s. and
\\;is iu the arm\- that took [ackson. .Mississippi. The couipan\- was
again sent to .Xew ( )rleans with ( ieueral lianks and to .Matagorda
I!ay. The suliject was wovuided Xo\emher 3, iSf)^, at l-'aux Cariou
trow llaxon. Louisiana, receixing a musket hall in the left arm and
siile. The hall came out and he still has it in his jjnssession. to-
gether with a |)art of the hloi)d\- coat slee\e. Me refused :i dis-
charge from the general hospital, the chief surgeon ad\ ising it. and
after a furlough of sixt\- days he rejoined his coin])auy at .Xew
Orleans, heing at that time on the Red ri\er expedition. P.eing
wdundeil he was refused, hut was i)Ut in charge of twent_\' men in
guarding re]>air shops, later ser\ing as military ])olice in Xew (Or-
leans. He assisted in making out the ])a\' rolL of non-\eterans fin-
six or seven regiments. He was discharge<l Decemher 1. iX(i4. after
an alisence from home of three \ears and three mouths, and came
436 ^ morrow's history
back to Carroll county. He had met Susan Z. Powell in Xew
Orleans, a southern girl, horn in I'anola count}', Texas, and ed-
ucated in Xew Orleans, wlio then lixed at Tangipaho Station, Louisi-
ana, where her parents moved Octoljer, 17, 1864, but he left her to
come home for the purpose of beiu"' musteretl out. He sent for her
and she came on t(i Burlington, Carroll county, Indiana, Her
famih" was dixided. one brother was a captain on a Confederate
gun boat and lost a leg at the battle of Bayou Beth, Louisiana. One
brother. Henr\-. was in the Seventh Louisiana "Tigers". One ^ister
was also in league with the South, but the girl who became our sub-
ject's wife was a Xc)rthern s\-mpathizer. One brother. wh(j at-
tempted to surrender, was accidentally shijt by Federal troops.
After returning home \lv. \'ine}' engaged in farming for sev-
eral }-ears near Burlington. Carroll county. His wound somewhat
handicapped him for farm work, and he went to Burlington, en-
gaging in a gnicer}' store for six years. He was postmaster of that
town umler Harrison's administration, having ably served in that
capacitv for four years and six months. Then he was elected as-
sessor for one term, after which he was re-appointed postmaster
under President McKinley. serving another tenn for four years and
again was re-appoined for four years, but resigned after nine years
of ser\ice as pristmaster, having l;)een compelled to do so on account
of failing health. He came to Kokomo May 29, 1902. h'or a time
he clerked in a store; then operated a garden and since 1906 has
lieen devoting his time exclusivel}' to his duties as pension attorney.
ha\-ing a commission dating back to General O. C. LaMars as
secretary, having ser\-ed in a similar capacit}- in Carroll county after
the war for three temis. He has also been deputy county assessor
for one term and also did other similar work on various boards. He
was quarter master of the local post of the Crand Army of the Re-
public at Burlington, of which he was a charter member, having
belli the position mentioned until the post was disbanded.
OF IlOWAkI) COUNTY. 437
Air. \'iney hail mie son. Claude, 1)_\- his lirst wife, lixini;- in Ko-
k(.mii. The first wife nf the subject passed to her rest after they
had been married sixteen years. The mother nf the subject's
tirst wife was a radical L'ninn w(.>nian. Mr. X'inev married Alar\- C.
Afcduire, of Burlingtcin. Xi>\ember iS, i<SjS. He has the fulliiwinti-
children by this union: Omar, living- in K(jkomo : Roscne. a nail
maker: Ethel, a milliner: .Myrtle is a school girl in iqo8. Mr. X'iney
is and has been notary pulilic fur alxiut eleven years. He is a mem-
ber of the Alethodist Episopal church. He has been well and favir-
ably known \\bere\er he has resided, always maintaining a high
standard of living, being ujiright, industrinus, hunest and kind
hearted, so that be makes friends easilv.
PROF. SHERIDAX COX.
Of high professional and academic attainments and pnssessing
organizing force and executive ability of a superior order the late
Sheridan Co.x, of Kokomo. fur twent}' }'ears the efificient superin-
tendent (if the city's educational system, achieved honorable distinc-
tiiin in one of the most responsible and exacting callings and at the
time of his lamented death occupied a conspicuous and influential
place among the leading educators <if the ^Middle West. .\s an
organizer he had few equals as his work in \-arious places abundantly
indicate, as an executive he possessed rare judgment and foresight,
together with the ability and tact wdiich enabled him to take ad-
vantage of circumstances and mould them to suit his purposes, and
as an instructor he bad the faculty of imparting t(-> others precisely
and specificallv wliat he knew so as to obtain the best possilile re-
sults. Distincti\elv one of the most successful educators of bis dav
438 MORRUW'S HISTORY
and generation in Indiana, and a gentleman of commanding talents
and sterling worth whom to know was to esteem and honor, he left
the impress of his inili\iduality deepK' impressed upon his \arious
fields of labor, the schools which organized and raised to a high
state of efficiency through his eiforts constituting a monument to his
al)ilit\- and painstaking endeaxur.
l^"of. Cox was a nati\e of Harrison count\-, Ohii>, where his
birth occurred on tlie 20th (la\' of December, 1833. His earh- life
amid the stimulating influences of rural scenes was conducive tci a
well rounded physical de\-elopment ami on his father's farm, where
he spent his childhood and \-outh, he not only learned habits of in-
dustr\- but matured plans for the future with the object in \'iew of
becoming something more than a mere passi\'e agent in a world
which called for men of strong will and well defined purposes to di-
rect and control its affairs. Possessing a keen and naturally inquisitive
mind and a liking- almost akin to passion for l)ooks and study he made
rapid progress in the countr\- schools which he first attended, the
discipline thus recei\-e(l being afterwards supplemented In' a course
in the McXeeh' Xormal School at Hojiedale, where he prosecuted
his studies for the purpose of fitting himself for the still higher
training of the university. In due tune he entered the Ohio \\'esleyan
University at Delaware, Ohio, where he applied himself closely and
earned an honorable record as an able and industrious student, stand-
ing among the first of his class when he was graduated in the }'ear
i<S02 with the degree of Bachelor of .\rts. Prior to and during his
uni\ersit\- course he de\ote(l considerable time to teaching and im-
mediately after receixing his degree he accepted a professorship in
Marshall College, ^Marshall, Illinois, which he held one }ear, re-
sigming the position at the expiration of that time to take charge of
the public schools at Winchester, Indiana.
P'rofessor Cox's ad\'ancement as an educator was rapitl, and it
was not Idiig' until his ser\ices were in demand in dtlier and lari^er
tielils than the ime at W inchester, where he earned such a crechtahle
record as a sui)erintendent and insti'uctur. Learnino- df his success
as an organizer and manager tlie schnol lioard at Luganspdrt. In-
(h'ana. tendered him the superintendenc}- of the schrmls of the city,
which position he accepted and in which lie accomplished a work
of great and far-reaching importance, such as had ne\er before been
attempted in the place and as signall\- successful perha])S as any of
his sul)se(|uent efforts. He found the schools of the cit\- in a dis-
organizetl condition with no executixe head, each teacher being in-
dependent and prixileged to make his own course of stud\ . In due
time he effected a radical an<l important change. e\"ol\-ing order from
chaos I)v reorg-anizing the entire educational sxstem and establish-
ing it upon a permanent basis and securing" onl}- such teachers as
were professionally (|ualihed to c mduct the work assigned them.
The hapi)v results of his efforts were soon apparent in the enlarged
enrollment of pupils, the adoption of a systematic course of study .ami
the introduction of new and improved methods together with a full
complement of apparatus for scientihc and other work in the higher
grades. !Mrs. Cox was elected |)rincipal of the high school and as
such ])roved the right person in the right place, being eminently
litted bv professional and academic training for the duties and re-
s])<insil)ilities of the position and so demonstrated her al)ility as a
teacher that within a comparatively brief time the apartment was
crowded t(.) its utmost capacity with eager and aml)itious students,
not a few of whom were \oung men and women from the rural dis-
tricts, anxious to a\ail themselves of this opportuiuty for ac(|uiring
an education. From the time that Mrs. L'ox became i)rincipal of the
high school it took ou new life and during the seven years -he held
the position the growth was steady and substantial and its popular-
ity much more than local as was indicated bv the large number of
440 MORROW S HISTORY
Students that came fn im (jther ])arts. many of win mi, as already
stated, in the first bhish of )-(iung" nianhtind and womanhoiuL Xexer
was the attendance of mm-resident pupils so great as during' her in-
cunll:)enc^" and it is a matter c.if frequent comment that after her
resignation there was a decided dimunition in this class of learners.
,\mong' those \\ho formerh' protiteil hy the able instruction of Mrs.
Cox and who hold her name in grateful remem[)rance are manv of
the representati\e men and wonien of Ijiganspurt and Cass countv.
some filling honorable positions in law, medicine, business and other
\ocations and all attriluiting to her an}' success in life thev nia\' have
(ibtained.
In the year iSj^ l^i'ofessor Cox and his estimable \vife sev-
ered their connections with the schools of Logansport to accept
similar positions in K<ikon'io where, during the ensuing twenty
}ears. they laljored earnestly and eftectiveh', bringing the educa-
tional system <if that city to a high degree of etticiencv and making
it one of the best in the state. As a superintendent Professor Cox
had no superiors. An excellent disciplinarian, the schools tinder his
management were always orderh' and in the highest degree s^'stem-
atic and between his teacher's and hiniself a niutual confidence e\'er
obtained while his relations with pupils were such as to gain their
good will and profound regard, b'ersonally he was the most afl'able
and Companionable of men, possessing' to a marked degree the qual-
ities that win and retain strong- friendships and his high standing
as a citizen with the best interests of his fellow men at heart gave
him influence such as few in the community exercised. In appear-
ance he was abo\'e the a\erage height and compacth' built, a com-
manding figure in anv crowd or assemblage and of calm dignified
demeanor, nK)\'ing among his fellows as one born to leadership.
Notwithstanding' the dignity of his i)resence, he had a pleasing and
attractive personality, w;is easily approachable ami tlniugh modest
OK HOWARD corxTV. 44 1
and luiiistentatiiius in liis relatmns with tlie wurld, made e\er\' otlicr
consideration sulxu'dinate to dnt\- n.\L;ai'dless of ciinsei|uences and
lived in liarmonv with his his^hest ideals of manhood and citizenship.
Professor Cox was a student all his life, froni his first cxjieri-
ments in living until its toilsome close. He accepteil labor as the
motive diit\' and destin\' of man and ne\er was he known timidly to
shrink from its mandate or iniunction. Labor tii him was a jov and
pleasure and his amliitifm to excel in the noljle held of endeaxor to
which his talents were de\-oted became the predominate inccntixe of
his life. That he rose to a high and honorable ])osition among the
distinguished educators of Indiana and won a rejnitation second to
none of his contemporaries was due to his inborn determination to
succeed and in the broadest and best sense of the term he was the
architect of his own fortune, and emincntlx' worth}' tii wear the
proud American title of "a self-made man".
.Kfter serxing the people of Kokoiiio very acceptably for a
period of twentx- ^■ears and identifying his name for all time with
the educational interests of the city he resigned the superintendency
and established the Maplewood Classical School, which in con-
iunction xvith his wife, he conducted until his death and xvhich has
become a popular eilucational institution, patronized and greatly
prized by the best families of the city besides attracting students
from other places. In his church relations the professor xvas a
Methodist and for many years occti])ied a position of commanding
inlluence in religions circles, haxing been an influential xvorker in
the Grace church of Kokoiuo and widely ami favorably known in
his denomination throughout the state. He also stood high in
]\lasonry, in which he took a number of the advanced degrees, in-
cluding that of Sir Knight and Chaplain of the Grand I.o<lge and
was ever actixe in disseminating the principles of the order among
his fellow men, his own life affording a conspicuous example of
their xalue when applied to human affairs.
44- ilORROW S HISTORY
Professdr Cdx was an u|)ri<:;ln, maiil\- man nf imlile aims, liig'h
ideals and genemus impulses wlnise life was fraut;lit with .^ikk! to
his kind and whuse lunt^" and useful career presented a series nt cnn-
tinued successes such as tew educaturs acliie\e. There were no
wJiirl-eddies ur cascades in the current of his years, it had rather a
(jiu'et, steady, earnest and placid tli iw . He chuse the noiseless wavs
and paths of the world rather than the din and clamor of the mad-
dening crowd that induce unrest, hut when it hecanie necessar\- to
enter the ])ul)lic arena he did s<i fearlessly and left upon the minds of
his contem])oraries the impress of iluty alily and faithfulv iperformed.
As already indicated, he aimed to l)e thorough and exhaustive in all
he undertook, assuming nothing and taking nothing for granted,
any sul)ject under his consideration recei\ed his undi\ided attention
and discriminating thought. This accounts \er\' largeh- for his suc-
cess as a teacher and superintendent, and for the honorable standing
which he attained in social and religious life ami in the world of
affairs. If there was one mastering, dominant instinct or impulses
of his nature, it was to do right for he earh- chose the good as his
law and alwa\s aimed and laliored to diffuse it. His temperament
was exen, calm hut positi\e, and like his moralitv it ne\er abated
He cared little about the probabilities — the end was the truth and
from this he would not fluctuate nor with less than logical or rational
moti\es make excursions from it. He was withal a man of w.arm
heart and tender sensibilities and few^ unkind words e\'er escaped his
li]3s. His friendships \\ere ardent and unflattering, his integrit\' and
candor abo\e re])roach and his large and genial nature stole int<i
the minds and hearts of all who knew him in such a wa}- as to gain
and permanentl}- retain their confidence and esteem. After an ill-
ness of one week's duration, on AIa\' -'d, of the \ear I goo, Sheridan
Cox, student, teacher. ])rofessor, su])erintendent and prominent e<l-
ucator, also an influential co-laborer with ointd men and women in
(IF IKIWAKI) COL'NTV. 443
\\(ivtli\-, iicil)le Lhristiau enterprises, clnseil his eyes in tliat sleep
wliicli eiiils this transient mortal life.
llessie C'londliarne, wife nf I'rofessDr Sheridan Ci i.\ and. like
liim. ediicati.ir of distinction and many years' experience, was horn at
Xew Philadelphia and recei\ed her early mental discipline in the
schools of her natix'e town. snhsc(|ntiitl\- pursnint;- the hiujier
hranches of stuily under the direction of some of the most noted in-
structors of the state. Among- those from wdiose teaching- she pro-
fited were Professor Joseph W'elty : Rev. A. 'SI. Bicknell. of the
Pntheran church; Re\-. .\. !■". Oerter, of the Mora\-ian church: and
her own hushanil. rdl men of distinguished talents in educational
circles and widely and fa\-oral)l\- known in their respectixe s])heres
of enclea\-or. In due time she became a teacher and soon n-iade an
en\-iable recortl as such liefore and after her marriage, her success
as principal of the Logansjiort and Kokonio high schools, as already
indicated, gaining for her a prou-iinent place among the leading- ed-
ucators of a state long noted for the high order of its teaching talent.
Her work in the high school of the former city was especially suc-
cessful and it is doubtful if the high school there has ever had a
n-|ore efficient principal, certainly nexer a luore popular one and the
same with equal projjriety may be said of her long and useful and
distinguished career in Kokomo.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Cox has devoted her at-
tention to the Maplewood Classical School which, under her etiicient
and iudicions management, has liecon-ie one of the most successtui
and popular institutions of the kind in northern Indiana, its aim be-
ing not only to prepare students for college but to give then-i a
thorough training- in the ordinary branches as well as to the end that
tliev n-iav be well fitted for the duties and responsibilities of life.
Students from this school are achuitted to all eastern colleges as
well as to the colleges, high institutions of learning in all parts of
444 • MORROW S HISTORY
the ci>uiitr\' withdut examinatidii, the course of study including' in
addition tn the ci>nim(in and high school branches, the six books of
\'irgil and the se\'en orations of Cicero, the higher mathematics,
physics, biology and other advanced studies for the completion of
which degree are conferred at the annual graduating exercise, the
granting of these degrees being authorized by the state. Aside from
her school interests and reputation in educational circles. Mrs. Cox
is identitied with the social, intellectual and religious adxancement
of the cit}' in which she resides, being active in church work, a leatler
in the literary life and moving in th,e best society of the community.
She is a lady of beautiful character, affable in her relations with
others, a close and critical student of mam- subjects, not the least
being the world's best literature, of which her knowletlge is lioth
wide and profound, and the high esteem in which she is held bears
e\'idence to her many admirable qualities of mind and heart.
Professor and ^Irs. Cox never had an)' children of their own,
l)ut some }'ears ago thev opened their home and hearts to two bo^'s,
whijm the}' reared to maturity and to whom they gave all the care
and ad\antages they would have shown to children of their <;)wn
flesh and Ijlood. One of these lads grew to useful manhood and is
now a well known ph}'sician and surgeon, practicing his profession
in Kokouio.
EDGAR V. COYER.
The subject of this review is a representative farmer and stock
grower of Hc^ward township. Howard county, and he is known as
one of the alert, progressive and successful y(iung agriculturists of
this fa\'ored section of the Hoosier state. In his labors he has not
perniitted himself to follow in the rut in ;i blind, apathetic wav, but
OF IIOWAKI) COl'XTV. 445
lias studied and experimented and thus secured the maximum retiuiis
frdUi his enterprising" effdi'ts, while he has sn ordered his course at
all times as to command the contidence and regard of the people of
the communitv in which he lives, being a man of honorable business
methods and advocating \vhate\er tends to promote the ])ulilic wel-
fare in any way.
Edgar \". Goyer was born in Ho\vard county. Indiana, Jinie to,
1875, and, believing that better opportunities were to be found right
at his own door than in other fields of endeavor, he preferred tii re-
main on his nati\-e hills, rmd judging from the success he has
achie\-eil here one must conclude that his decision was a wise one.
The parents of the subject are Vesspassian and Luc}- ( Remington)
(ir)\-er. (iranflfather (io}er was a nati\e of I'enns^lvania, who
nio\'ed to Howard countv, Indiana, where he settled about 1856.
He secured some unimproved land. He built a log cabin here and
I)egan clearing the land, transforming it into a \-alual)le farm on
which he lixed luitil well advanced in ^"ears. He was a Reiniblican
and well known in his communit\-. He was an old man when he was
called from his earthly labors, and his good life companion was also
well advanced in }-ears when she passed away several years after her
husband's death. They were the parents of nine children, all of
whom grew to matiu'itv.
'I"he father of our subject, wdio was born in rennsylvania, came
to Indiana before the Civil war. He secured one hundred and sixty
acres of land which he cleared, improved and made an excellent farm
of. Here he raised his family and spent the remainder of his days,
living at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. His early life was
spent in rennsylvania where he became fairly well educated, later
being able to successfully teach several terms of school. He was an
active member of the L'nited Brethren church, having been a class
leader. Sunday school superintendent and a teacher in the same. He
446 -MdRROW's HISTORY
was alsii a tine musician and a teacher of music. He was noted for
liis upright, conscientious Christian lite and he was highl}* respected
1)}' all who knew him. The subject's mother, wlio is still li\ing- at
the age of se\'ent}'-ti\e )ears in 1908, was also an active mem])er of
the United Brethren cliurcli and she has Ijeen a Christian woman in
all that the term implies. ]{le\en children were born to the suljject's
])arents, nine of whom reached maturit\-.
Our subject attended the district schools and worked on his
father's farm dming his \ontli, ;md he has li\ed on a farm all his
life, -\fter his marriage he rented gi-ound of his father on the grain
share for h\e _\'ears and then bought a farm on which he lixed and
de\'oted his attention for three \ears. He then sold out and bought
the farm of one hundred and t\\ ent\-t\\ o acres on which he has since
li\-ed. This farm has been placed in a higii state of j)roducti\eness
through the superior skill of ?\fr. r,n\-er. It is <ine of the best im-
pi'o\-ed farnrs in the township, and a modern and commodious resi-
dence has been built b\' the owner, also an u])-to-date and conxenient
barn has lieen recenth- built: UKun- other splendid buildings adorn
the place. All the lields are under an excellent s\stem of drainage:
the fences are mo.stK- of wire. The soil of this fine farm is as pro-
ducti\e as it was when the subject first took possession of it. He
rotates his croiis in such a manner, cloxer e\er\- third \ear. that the
Soil ne\-er grows thin and he uses all home fertilizers but no com-
mercial fertilizing material.
.Mr. ( io\-er carries on a general s\stem of farming, feeding all
the corn raised on the place to hogs and other st<ick: his favorite
breed of hogs being the Poland-China. Xeedless to ad<l that the
subject has been successful in farming fiom the first, and he is re-
garded as one of the most progressive and painstaking agriculturists
in Ho\vard township, using rare judgment and foresight in all his
undertakings and seldom makes a mistake in his calculations.
OF iiowAuii cor.xTV. 447
Mr. (lover was uniteil in niarriaye in Se|)temlier. iS()(). to Maud
llcstetter, the accomplished daiiinhter of Monte\ille ami Maria
A. ( ( ireen ) Hostetter. There has l)een no issue to this iinii m.
Mr. ("lOver is a Repn1)lican in politics, l)ut never has aspire<l to
ottice.
ALEX.VXl^F.R TT AAHT.TOX DUKE.
In presenting- the l)ioi;raph\- of this well renieniliered gentleman,
whose life was that of a high grade man, of nol)le ideals and lau<lahle
amliitions. we l>elie\e that the reader will he l)enefited and encour-
aged, for his was a life that made for success hecause of the lionor-
able principles he emplo\ed in dealing with his fellow men and lie-
cause of the manv admiral)le attributes he ])ossessed wliich maile his
daii>" walk one worth}' to he emulated.
.Alexander H. Duke was horn in Chillicothe. Ohio, September
15. 1840. the son of ]:)avid and Jane ( McCoy ) Duke, the latter a na-
tive of Kentuckv and the former of rennsylvania. Wdien our sub-
ject was .six vears old. his parents removed to Delphi, Indiana, where
David Duke built a mdl, which he o])erated until he became wealthy.
Here our suliject learned the miller's trade. During the war they
moved to Kokouio. starting a hi>tel. Here the subject's mother died
in 1S70. Da\id remarrie<l and went to Coshen, where he died at
about the age of seventy years, the three sons and two daughters
remaining at Kokonm were: Lady Day Huff, a widow: Hattie
Walsh, also a widow: Charles, C.eorge and .Mexander.
( )ur subject enlisted lirst for three months when he heard his
countrv's call for tmnps. then re-enlisted in the l-'orty-sixth Indiana
Volunteer Infantry and sen-ed through the war with distinction, re-
ceiving an honorable discharge, having been wounded by a jiiece of
44'^ .MORROW S HISTORY
shell striking- his knee. He was in man_\- battles and ranked as
orderly sergeant, and other non-commissiimed ottices. While absent
in the army his family nuived to Kokomo. Da\-id Duke had lost his
pr(jperty by going securet}- and Alexander loaned him money to
start in the hotel business. Later he engaged in the c<jnfectionaiy
business. The father luanaged these affairs until our subject re-
turned from the army when he took charge. He was citv marshal
for si.\ years after the war: then elected sheriff' for two years, and
he remained in charge of the Ixikery and confectionery until his
death. He made an excellent sheriff" and did much to corral many
noted criminals, bringing them to justice, and he became popular
through his excellent management of the duties entrusted to him bv
the public. He had built an excellent two-story brick building on
Alain street, where his bakery and confectionery were housed be-
fore his death, which occurred October 30. 1899. at the age of fifty-
nine years. He also seiwed in the city council for six years, haying-
Ijeen councilman at the time of his tleath from the first ward. While
he always fa\dred improyements. he looked well to curtailing- ex-
penses, being as careful of the public's business as he was of his own.
which was excellently manag-ed. He was eyer read^■ to protect the
widows ruid aid those who needed help.
yiv. Duke was a radical Republican and was acti\'e in all elec-
tions. He had the happy faculty of devoting his undiyided attention
to wliate\er he had on hand.
I\Ir. Duke was united in marriage on October 4. icSjo. to Louisa
Clatterbough. who was born in Rockingham county. \'irginia. and
reared at Eaton. Ohio, her ancestors first coming to Kokomo in 1869.
The subject's wife operated a dress rnaking- shop in this cit}' in com-
pany with a sister-in-law. Two interesting children lia\e been born
to this union. May and (ieorgia. both liying at home.
Mr. Duke found his greatest enjo)-ment with his friends and he
OF JIOWAKl) COUXTY. 449
often had .£;eiitlenien friends ;it his hi >nie. his splenihd residence hav-
ing;' l)een erected ahont icS8i.
The suliject was a man who attended strictl}' to his nwii hnsiness
and ne\er mixed in other [jeople's affairs. Trior to his death he was
an inxah'd for some years, l)iU lie was alwa_\s cheerful, .i^ixint;- exi-
(lence of unusual fortitude and patience. He was a memher of tlie
Masonic fraternity and endeax'ored to li\e up to tlie noljje ideals it
set fortli. He was a liheral minded, whole-souled, kind hearted and
witlial a useful and nofile man. who justl}- won the unstinted praise
and respect of all w ho knew him.
WILLIAAF T. TEMPLIX.
Idle suhject of this sketch, who has l)een a resident of Howard
count}' for nearly a half century in lyoS. ha\ing- heen horn here on
August 7. 1859. has won a well deserx-ed reputation as one of the
distinctivel}' progressixe hushandmen of his localitx" and has also
gained the reputation of a man of high character and sterling prin-
ciples. He is the son of Jacoh and Deborah (Fruit) Templin. the
former horn in Ohio and the latter in Jay county, Indiana. (Grand-
father Timoth}' Templin mo\-ed to Howard county among' the pio-
neers, about 1838. and triok uji one hundred and sixty acres of
government land, on which he built a log cabin, twelve feet square,
which was occupied b}- his wife and their four children for some
time. The only tools he had to build the cabin with was an axe:
l)ut he cleared the land and in time made a good farm of it. spending
the balance of his life here, haxing li\ed on this place for nearly
sixty years. At the time of his death, wdiich occurred when he was
seventy-six years old. it w^as all cleared up and under a high state
4^0 MORROWS HISTORY
of iiiii)r(i\-emeiits. He was trustee of Howard township for one term
and lie assisted in erecting the Ho])ewell Methoihst Episcopal church
in the neighborhood, in the congregation of which he was al\va}^s a
faithful worker, being a member of this organization f(jr many }-ears :
his wife was als() an acti\e and faithful member (jf this churcli which
was Methodist in creed. 'Idie latter sur\'ived her husband about <ine
\-ear. being at the time of her death well past the psalmist's allotted
three score and ten \-ears when she was called to her reward. They
were the parents of thirteen children. h\e of whom li\ ed to maturity.
Richard, one of the Ijovs. was a soldier in an Indiana regiment in the
I'nion arm\', serving out his enlistment and receiving an honorable
discharge and soon thereafter died froui disease contracted during
the war, having been sick when be came home. It is said of him
that be ne\-er failed to have his daily worsbij) during his service in
the army.
The father of the subject was seven years old when be was
brought to Howanl county. As a l)oy be bad attentled the district
schools in Ohio, ddiere was a school house on one corner of his
father's farm where he went to school and where he met the girl
who afterwards liecame his wife. He remained with bis jiarents on
the farm until he was married at the age of nineteen. Then his
father ga\e him a small farm, which was later added to until he bad
one hundred and sixty acres of good land, which be cleared u]) and
nnpro\-ed, but later sold and returned to li\e <iu a portion of the old
home-tead, which was added to until be bad three hundred acres,
all of which was well impro\cd in time, accinnulating considerable
pr(j])ert\' by his thrift and good management. Rut this farm was
later sold, the subject having been unfortunate in a fire which de-
stroyed ;ui ele\ator and some other ])ro])erty belonging to him, which
compelleil him to close out his farming, although be held a portion
of his land. He and his sons bought one hundred and sixtv acres
(IF llnWAKIi eOl-.XTV.
431
adjoining' uf parti}" inipri)\eil land, which was transfdrnied into a
g'ood farm on which Jacoli Teniplin, onr suliject's father, is still
living at the age of se\ent)'-three at this writing. His main work
has been farming althongh he operated a grain ele\'ator for se\-eral
years. He also managed a pump facttjry and a hardware store for a
time. He has always been an active member of the ]\Iethodist church
Twelve children were l.iorn to Jacob Temijlin and wiie. ten <if whom
lived to maturit}-. ]\Irs. 'rem])hn is still li\ing at the age of se\-entv-
two. She. too, is a li^yal Methodist and has been a wciman of great
courage and had a capacity- for much work.
Grandfather Fruit was l)orn in Ireland. Fie settletl in Howard
county after coming to ;Vmerica and assisted in digging the canal at
Peru. He is rememl)ered as a \er\- strong and \'igorous man plu'sic-
ally. Both he and his wife l;>elonged to the Xewlight church. He
owned a farm in Howard count}', which he sold and moved to U'is-
consin, where he bought a farm and remained dtu'ing the balance of
his life. It was there that the mother of Mrs. Teniplin died and Mr.
Fniit again married. There were six children bv his first wife and
fi\'e bv his second. Two children \}\ his first wife were soldiers from
Indiana in the Civil war, one of whom died while in the army.
Grandfather h'ruit lixed to lie eight}'-one years ol<l. ("irandniother
Fruit was abi lut fiitv ^'ears old ^\■hen she died.
\\ illiam T. Templin, our subject, attended public school in
Howard county until he was nineteen years old, working for his
father the meanwhile. He was married at the age of nineteen. Soon
afterward be bought a farni and work-ed it for ten years when he
sold it and brmght the farm on which be now resides in Hi'ward
township. It consists of eighty acres which is well impro\"ed in
ever}' wav, having' been skillfull}' managed by our subject, who is
regarded as one of the best and most painstaking farniers in his ciou-
rnunit}". the farm lieing at jiresent in a much higher state of pro-
45- MUKROW S HISTORY
ductiveness than when he took possession of it. He feeds all the
corn the place produces to hogs. His place is fenced with wire and
cement posts, which he manufactures on the farm. He regards them
superior to wood in man)- ways, heing' less expensive and are sup-
posed to be much more durable.
The subject was married in 1879 to Florence ^NlcOuiston,
daughter <if John and Susan (Julian) AlcOuiston. natives of this
state. They are living on a farm in Howard county. Thev are
members of the Xewlight church.
Three children have been born to the subject and wife as fol-
lows : Cora Dell, bom in 1880. is the wife of Han'ey Kendall, liv-
ing" in this county, and the mother of three children ; Eva, born
in 1883, is the wife of ^^"illiam Buchanan, a farmer in Howard coun-
ty and the mother of one child: Loruma ]M., born in 1885, is the
wife of S. F. Buchanan, also a fanner in this county.
Both ;\Ir. and ]\Irs. Templin are IMethodists, the former being
treasurer of the local church, and both are active in the work of the
same. Politically Air. Templin is a staunch Republican, and it
would be hard to find within the limits i:>f Howard county a more
public-spirited, scrupulously honest and altogether upright citizen
than our subject, who has long enjoyed the friendship and esteem of
all who know him, having ever led a consistent and well ordered life
as has also his entire family.
LINDLEY M. FARLO^^^
The gentleman to a review of whose honorable career we now
call the attention of the reader is one of the representative citizens
of Howard county and one of the best known and most substantial
OF IKIWARIi COUNTY. 453
farmers in Aronroe township, liavinin' maintained liis home in this
locaHty for nearl_\' a (|uarter of ;i cenlur\-. heint;' llie owner nf a fine
landed estate. An analyzatiim of his Hfe work sh^ws that he lias
been dependent upon no inheritance kv intlnential friends fur what
lie has actjuired, Init lias throug'h his continued effort and capal)le
management gained a desiraljle propert}- A\hereby he is classed
among- the self-made an<l intlnential men of the c immunity.
Lindlev AI. h'arlow was Ijorn in Orange count\'. Indiana, (^)cto-
her JO. 11^53. the son of Jonathan rmd ]\Iary (Hill) I'arlow. the
former a nati^•e of Xorth Carolina an<l the latter of Orange county,
Indiana. She is still living there in 190S, at the adx'anced age of
eightv-nine years. Her husband passed to his rest in September,
1873. His father, the grandfather of the suljject. was Juseph I'ar-
low. a nati\'e of Xorth Carolina, who came to Indiana in 181 1. set-
tling near Paoli, entering a large tract of land there, giving each of
his children one hundred and sixtv acres. He was a hard working
man and cleared a great deal of this land, transforming it into a
\'alual)le and highly ])roducti\-e farm. He married Ruth Lindley,
who passed to the S])irit land in 1854, having been preceded to the
other shiire by her husband in 1843.
The subject's great-grandfather was Jonathan h'arlow. but
scarcely anything of him is known to the present generation. The
father of the subject, also named Jonathan Farlow. grew up in
Orange cnunt}', Indiana. He was born in Jul)', 1807. and was four
years old wlien his parents brought him to Orange count}-. He re-
mained at home during his young manhood, assisting in clearing a
farn-i in the pioneer days of the Hoosier state, and attended such
schiiols as those earlv times afforded. He was a \A'hig when that
part}- was in power, and later became a Republican. He l)ecame well
known, being a kindly disposed man and always ready to lend as-
sistance and aid to those in need, having assisted in a material way
434 MORRO\\' S HISTORY
man\" pom" people. He dex'oted his life tn farming, becoming inter-
ested in a bank later in life. He was an active worker in the Friends
church, and he was calleil from liis earthly labors in 1S73. He was
twice married, first to Ruth Maris, of Orange county, Indiana. Five
children were born to this union, namely: Jane, deceased: Joseph,
a merchant and grain dealer at Independence, Kansas: Deborah, de-
ceased : Thomas, also deceased : Xathan, who is a merchant at Inde-
pendence, Kansas. Four children were born tii the suliject's father
b}' his second wife, namely: Lindle\- M.. our subject: Ruth, who
died in young -womanhood; Ellen, wlio married Joseph Trimble, of
Paoli, this state: Asenath, who is li\ing with her mother.
Our subject's education was receixed in the home schools and in
the high schocil at Pac^li. Indiana, remaining at home until 1885.
In 1X78 he was united in marriage with Alary Peacock, of Xew Lon-
don, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Jones) Peacock, natives of
North Carolina. They lived in Howard county, the mother now
being deceased, the father residing in Kokonio.
The following children have lieen born to the subject and wife:
Lois, who was educated in the home schools and graduated at the
Xew London. Indiana, high school, and developing" into a teacher,
which she has followed since 1900, now teaching in Kokomo; Ed
O.. wh(i married Septemlrer 14. 1907. his wife having been known
in her girlhooil as Pansy Thompson, of Xew London. This son
lives at home with his father, assisting w ith the management of the
farm. Lilith I\I.. the third child, is a graduate of the X'ew London
high school, and is at present a student at lu'irlham College.
The subject's wife passed to her rest September 16, 1902.
Air. Farlow came to Hi^ward county in 1885. locating" in Alon-
roe township, having there liought his present farm of eighty acres,
known as the Thomas place. This well improved and highly pro-
ducti\e place is now known as "The Middle Brook Farm". On this
Ill' iKiWAKii corxTV. 435
place is an excellent (ncliaril df a choice \'ariet\' nf frnits. and a
niddern. ci mininilidns and nicel\- furnished dwellint;' and nian\- cnn-
\enient out liuildini^s also stand on the place. Mr. l-arlnw takes a
ti'reat interest in stock, beins^' an excellent ju<lii"e nf all kinds of li\e
stock. lie is a breeder of thoroii,L;hbred Jersey cattle, and it would
l>e liard to find a finer i^'rade of this class of stock an\\\here than is
to be seen in his pastures. He also raises excellent Southdown sheep
and I'oland China hoijs.
Mr, Farlinv served as trustee of Monroe township in a most
acceptable nianr.er from iSi)i) to \i)04.. lie is a member of the
school Ijoard, and has ;d\\a\s been a loyal Republican, lie is an
active worker in the b'riends church at Xew London, haxini;" been
superintendent of the Sunda)' school there for si.x )'ears.
Our subject is a man of kindl_\' disposition, pleasant to all
classes, honest and thoroughh' trust worth\-. according to the lar,ge
circle of acquaintances whicli he can claim and he is much admired
l\v all who know him for his uprightness and business integrity.
WILLIAM T. CARTER.
There is no calling howe\-er huml)le, in which enter])rise and
industry, coupled with a well directed pur])ose, will not be i)roducti\e
of some measure of success and in the pm-suit (d" agriculture the
<|ualities mentioned are (|uite essential. Among the well known and
highly respected farmers of Howard county who have attained to a
definite degree of success in their line and who. at the same time
have .greatly benefited the community in which they live, is the
gentleman to a review of whose career ue now direct the reader's
attention.
456 morrow's history
William T. Carter was Ijorn in Bartlniloniew cnuiitv. Indiana,
in 1N32. the son iif Xathan and Alan- ( Browning) Carter. nati\'es of
Xew Jersey, who nio\-ed to tliis state during its early settlement,
ha\ing entered land, farmed and raised a family in Indiana (.luring
its infanc}- among the sister states of the L'uion, and where the\' re-
mained during the halance of their lives, the father dying at the age
of se\-enty }-ears. Like man}- of the pioneer ])eople their famih- was
large, consisting of twenty-one children. 'rhe\- were acti\-e mem-
bers of the Methodist church. He liad nearl)- one thousand acres of
land and became \-er)- prosperous. He is remembered as a veiy
generous man. This family were AletlKjdists Ijack to the days of the
subject's great-gran<lfather. The subject's maternal grandfatiier
came from Xew Jersey with his ])arents to Bartholomew county, re-
maining with his father on the farm until of age. attending such
schools as there were in the county at that time, receiving what was
then called a good education. He was alwa^■s a farmer, having in-
herited a ])ortion of his father's land, making his home there and
accumulating other i^rojiertv until he liad abotit five hundred acres oi
land. He and his wife were the parents of se\-en children, all of
^vhom reached maturit\- and raised families of their own. He was a
Methodist minister and died at the age of fift\- \-ears. His wife
was als(.) a Methodist.
The father of our sul)ject was born in i82() in Bartholomew
connt}' and receixed his earl\- education in that count\\ \vorking in
the meantime on his father's farm, later inheriting and making a
home on part of this land, but he sold out there and came to Howard
count}- in jSiX). bu}ing the farm on which oiu" subject and his mother
now reside, which consists of one hundred and fort\--se\en acres.
X'athan Carter li\ed on this farm until his death in 1003. at the age
of se\-ent}--three }-ears. He rece\ied a fairK- good education and was
known as a public-spirited man and generous to the need\-. He was
OF IIOWAKI) COL'NTV. 457
a .Mt'thiidist in his relij^inus aililialiniis. 'IWo children wert' Inirn ti i
Nathan Carter and wife : the name uf the other child l)eside imr sul)-
ject is Elzie M.. who is a macliinist in Knkumo. He is married and
has one child.
The mother of grandmother Carter was a ]\Iiss Francis, hurn in
\ irt;inia. but this family moved to ( )hio where she and Mi', lirown-
mg were married, the father l)enis.;' a natixe of ( )hio. They came ti)
Indiana in 1840 and settled in liartholomew county, where land was
entered In' them and on which they farmed and li\ed until their death
which occurretl on the same day. less than si.x hours apart. The
father reached the ag'e of eighty-two and the mother seventy-five.
The date of their deaths was \i<(-j. They were Methodists. Mrs.
Carter had t\vo brothers in the Civil war who enlisted from Indiana,
Thomas Ijeing in the Seventy-third Regiment X'olunteer Infantry
and was wounded in the battle of .\ntietam. the wound being so
serious that his discharge from the ser\ice became necessary, after he
had ser\ecl o\er oiie \'ear. He ne\er reco\ered froin the wound. ha\-
ing been a cripple to the present day. The other brother. \'incent.
was in the Seventy-Ninth X'olunteer Infantry, and he served until
the close of the war. having been once captured but was exchanged.
The father of the subject was of Irish descent and the mother
of iMiglish ancestry, the latter being se\enty-three years <ild in 1008
and is living with her son, oiu' subject. She is a woman of much
more than ordinar\- intelligence, her memor_\' is bright aial her
plnsical he'dth perfect.
William T. Carter, our sultject, attended school in Bartholomew
and Howard counties, working in the nieantime on his father's farm
where he remained until his father's death in Howard county. He
was sixteen vears old when he moved to his present farm in Howard
countv where he has since remained. This fann is excej-jtionally well
draine 1. the work havinii' been done bv the subject and his father.
45<^ morrow's history
and the lences are of \vo(k1 and wire, l)eing in excellent ciin(liti(.)n.
The si)il has been kept up to its former pro(lucti\-e capacit\- thrDUgh
the skillful management of our subject, who is a UKxlern farmer in
every respect. He not imly feeds all the corn to stock that the place
produces Ijut pinxhases much additional. He belie\'es in the use of
clo\-er to keep his land properly fertilized, always rotating his crops.
He feeds hogs for the market. Poland China is his favorite breed,
and he is regarded not only as one of the most up-to-date farmers in
the township where his fine farm is located, but also as a man of un-
usually good judgment in the selection, care and liandling of all
kinds (.)f li\e stock.
Mr. Carter was luiited in mariage in 1887 to Jennie V. licit, a
nati\e of Howard county. Her i^arents were natives of Ohio.
Two children ha\-e been born to the subject and wife, nameh' :
Clen .A... born in iS/O. is on the farm with his father; \'erna B.,
wh(j was born in 1880. died at the age of two vears, having lost his
life in a tragic and unfortunate manner, haxing been burned to death
in a fire which destroyed the subject's barn. Mrs. Carter was called
to her rest in 1882, at the early age of twenty-two years. She was
a woman of many estimable traits, being a faithful Methodist, of
which faith om- worth)- subject is also an adherent. ha\ing been an
elder in the church.
Fraternally he is a meml>er of the lmpro\ed Order of Jvcd .Men,
lodge at Kokonio. In politics he is a Republican, long been active
in the party, ser\-ing with credit on \arious committees. He is a
man of man\- ])raise\vorthy traits, being scrupulonsly honest in all
his dealings with the business world, generous and pleasant, possess-
ing rare fortitude and good judgment, advocating clean politics,
wholesome living and honesty in business. Xeedless to add that
such a man has Ik jsts of friends and stands high in the estimation of
.'dl who know him.
OF IIOWAKI) COL'XTV. 459
\MLLIAAI AIERAXDA.
Amoiis;' the citizens ot Tju'lor tii\vnslii]i, ITnward ciiuiit\'. In-
diana, who ha\e hnilt nji a ct niifdrtahle hdUie and snrrnnndcil them-
selves with valuable landed estates and iiersimal iimperty, few ha\'e
attained a hig'her degree <if success than tlie suliject nf tliis sketch.
With few oppiirtunities except what his <iwn efturts were capaljle
of mastering- and with many disci mragements to overcome, he has
made an exceptional success in life and in his old age has the grati-
fication of knowing that the communitv in which he has resided has
been benefited by his presence and his counsel.
William Aleranda was liorn in h'ayette count}", Indiana. De-
cember 4. i-S^tj, the son of Samuel and Susan ( Shinkle ) Meranda.
Grandfather Meranda was a native of Kentucky. (u-andfather
Shinkle was from renns)lvania. the famil_\- ha\ing settled there in
I-17.
The father of the suliject was horn in 17S8. He secured a
farm in his vouth which he managed successfully all his life. He
was in the War of iSij, also fought against the Imlians at the battle
of Tippecanoe, serxing through each and receiving honorable dis-
charges. Samuel T.. Meranda, a brother of our subject, was a
soldier in the Civil war. having enlisted in the One Hundred and
Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he died while in
the service of disease contracted while in line of duty, at Tj misville,
Kentucky. Francis Harland. a son of our subject's sister, was also
an Indiana soldier in the I'nion ranks, whi"i also died of disease
while in the army.
Samuel jMeranda. father of the subject, w^as born in Kentucky
and reared there, but his early educational advantages were limited.
He alwavs followed farming and married in Brown county. Ohio.
Coming to I'avette countv. Indiana, he entered one hundred and
460 morrow's history
twent}- acres of laml which he cleared and im])r(_)\-ed, making a oood
home there and rearing his family (m this land, dying there Julv 2,
1868, at the a<l\-anced age of eighty )ears. lie and his wife were
actixe members of the Xewlight church, in xvhich the former was an
elder for years. Ele\en children were horn to them, se\'en of whom
reached maturity, hve of them raising families: our subject being
the tenth in order of liirth. The mother was nearly seventv-eight
years n]t\ at the time of her death.
William Meranda. our sul)ject, was reared in Fayette county,
this state, receiving there a district school education, remaining on
his father's farm and a member of the family circle until he was
twenty-one years old, when he responded to the patriotic spirit that
prompted him to enlist his ser\'ices in defense of the tlag wdieu the
Re]jublic was threatenetl with dissolution, consequently in Septem-
ber, iS('i[, he became a member of Company L, Forty-first Indiana
Regiment, Second Cavalry, going int(j camp at Indianapolis, where
the company was drilled. The companx' was later sent into Ken-
tucky under ( icneral McCook. The subject was in eighteen engage-
ments among which were Stone Ri\er and Perrysl)urg, first battle
at Xaslnille, liowling (ireen and bjught during the Bragg and Buell
raids in Kentucky. He was disal:)led and transferred to the in\alid
Corps, in which he remained one year. He ser\-ed to the end of his
three }-eai-s' cidistment and then was honorabh- discharged. After
the war he returned to his old home in I'avette count^•, Indiana,
taking charge of the farm and caring for his parents for the next
three years. Then he Ixiught a farm in Hciward county. mo\-ing
thereto about 1868. later selling out here and returned to Fayette
county. Flis father having died he bought the old home farm of one
humlred and twenty acres on which he farmed for three years, then
sold it and returned to Howard count^■, bu\'ing a farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres in Tavlor township, on which he has since re-
Ol' IIOWARII Ci>-,S\\. 461
sided. It was iinl_\' partially cleared at the time he tiM)k char,i;"e nf it.
Mr. Aleranda has cleared thirty acres liimself, one hundred and hfteen
acres nnw being- under the jjIdw. ten acres are in timber, the b;ilance
in blue g'rass pasture. The farm is well drained with tile, nf which
there are over eighteen hunch'ed mds im this place, which the sub-
ject put in himself. Since this was dune crops can be raised mi all
the place. The fences are ninstK- nf wdod. The snil is in excellent
])ri)ducti\'e conditic)n. dwin"' to his skillful management. He feeds
his corn to cattle and hogs. Mis nut buildings are in first class
(irder and his dwelling house is m<ulern and of fine appearance. The
farm is considered one of the best and most desirable in Taxlor
townshii), in fact, it would be hard to bnd a better imprm-ed or more
producti\e ])lace in Howard county.
Mr. Meranda was married December _'(>, T(S()4, to Margaret
Lo\-e. daughter of \\"illiam and Eliza ( West ) Lcjve. natix'es of Ohio.
Thomas Love, a brother of Mrs. ^Meranda. was a soldier in the Ci\il
war in an Ohio regiment, serving three vears, recei\'ing an honor-
able discharge from Company K, l''ift_\-ninth Ohio \'olunteer In-
fantry. S^ Ivester Love, a cousin of Mrs. Meranda, was in the same
companv and regiment, als(^ ser\-ed three \-ears, receiving an honor-
able discharge. INIrs. ]\Ieranda's people were farmers and spent
their days in Ohio, the father li\ing to be nearlv eightv years old;
the mother is li\-ing in Ohio, being eighty-nine ^•ears old in i()oX.
She has the active use of all her faculties. Her father was twice
married, his wi\es having been sisters. Mrs. Meranda was of the
second marriage. There were four children Ijy his first wife and
seven by his second, only one of these died in infancy. ]Mrs. Me-
randa was the third in order of birth. All of the children by the first
wife li\ed to maturit\' as did als() all of the six last children.
The following- children have been bom to Mr. and ]Mrs. ^[e-
randa : Dora A., born Septemljer 24, 1865, was first the wife of
4b2 MORROW S HISTORY
Joseph Alug-g-, by whom she had two chihh-en: her secoiul husband
was Edward Finn. lia\-ing- also two children bv tliis union: Eliza F
the second child, born Januar}- 31. 1XO7, is the widow of Vincent
Hobson an<l the mother of three children: Offa A\'., born December
8. iSCiQ, is married and li\-ing- in Kokomo : Charles B.. born October
2-j. 187J. lives in Kokomo. married and has ime child: William L.
bom March 16. 1876, is deceased: John Arthur, born Xo\-ember 10,
1880, li\-es on his father's farm, is married and has one child.
I'^raternally Mr. JMeranda is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, having tilled all the chairs in the local l()dge. His
wife l)elongs to the Rebekahs. They, together with all their chil-
dren, belong to the Christian church, being active members. Po-
litically ]\Ir. Meranda is a loyal Republican, and he is always in
heart}- s}-mpathy with an)- nio\-ement looking to the a<l\ancement of
his communitv.
WILLIAM F. XEWBV
Self-assertion is belie\ed \)\ man\- people to be absoluteh- neces-
sary to success in life, and there are good reascins for the entertain-
ment of such belief. The modest man \-er_\- rarely gets what is due
him. The selfish, ag-gressi\-e man elbows his way to the front, takes
all that is in sight and it sometimes seems that modesty is a sin with
self-denial the penalty. There are. however, exceptions to all rules
and it is a matter greatly to ])e regretted that the exceptions to the
conditions referred to are not more nunierous. One notable excep-
tion is the case of the honorable gei-itleman whose life history we
here present, who p(issesses just a sufficient amount of modesty t<^ be
a gentleman at all times and ^-et sufficient persistenc\- to win in the
business world and at the same time not apjjear o\-er bold, and as a
oi- imwARii coi/XTV. 463
result I if these well an<l liappil)- hleiuleil i|iialities Mr. .\e\vb\- lias
Willi a bust nf frieiKls in Moinde township, Howanl couiitv. Indi-
ana, where he is well kmiwn to all classes as a man cjf inlluence, in-
teg'rit}" and business ahilitv.
William V. Xewby was horn in the localtv referred to in the
precediiii^- parai^ra])h. May 24. 185S, and he has preferred to remain
on his nati\e hills rather than seek uncertain aiKantat^e-- in other
states as many of his earl}- companions ha\e done. He is the son
of Edniond J. Xe\vl)_\', who was horn in Washington conntw Indiana,
Xovemher 11. 1X23. the son of Joseph .and 1 lannah ( t/osand )
Xewhy, hoth nati\es of Xorth Carolina, who came to \\'asliin,i;-ton
county, this state, in an early daw lieiiii^' anion^' the pioneers who
settled there, ddiey secured wild land which the\' cleared and on
w Inch tlie_\- made a comfortable home. ha\'ino- alw;us Ijeen farmers.
They both died there, rearing' three sons and fi\e dauii'liters, the
only one now li\ing- being lulnioiid J., father of the subject. T'.d-
nioiid J. Xewb\- grew uji in Washington connt\- and in 1S47 came
to Howard count^■. locating in ^hniroe township, on section 8. He
hrst procured one Inmdred ;md sixt\' acres of wild land, wdiich be
cleared and 1)_\- dint of bard work transfomied it into a good farm.
He married Eliza E. Trueblood. of NN'ashington county. Indiana.
She was a daughter of William I'enn and .\nna Trneblood. both
natixes of Xorth Can)lina. ba\ing come to Washington count}-, this
state, in the ])ioneer days, where the}- secured wild land and started
life in a small wa\-. but the}- n-iade a good home and Ijoth died there.
Edmond J. Xewbv b\- habits of industry and economy added to his
lar.d from time to tiii-ie until be bad a large tract. He was a Re-
])uljlican ii-| politics and at one time alii}- ser\ed bis township as
trustee. He was an actixe n-iember of the T'riends church and is still
living in the township. His wife passed to her rest in t8()5. Ed-
mund E X>wbv is well known and bigblv esteemed for his many
4'i4 JIOKKOW'S HISTORY
line traits of character. He lias always dev<jted his hfe to farming
anil (luring- the latter part has heen a breeder of shurthnrn cattle:
alsd raises line Imrses and hogs. Three children constituted his
family, namely: Alary, who resides at Xew London, this state, the
wife of Jesse D. Da\-is. of Washington county, who is a merchant
and also operates a threshing machine, also taught school for fifteen
years: William F., our subject, was the second child in order of
birth: Linden J. is a farmer and stock raiser on the old home place
in Monri'ie township. He married Laura Carey and thev are the
parents of two children, Alabel and Russell,
William [■'. Xewb}', our subject, atteniled the sclic;)ols in his na-
tive community where he applied himself diligenth- and received a
g(.)od education, remaining- at home until he was twenty-iine years
of age. He married in 1882 Alerab Shirley, the accomplished
daughter of Dr. J. D. Shirley, who is now deceased, and whose wife,
a Miss Seward, was a nati\'e of Ohio, while his nati\'e state was
Kentuck}'. Airs. Shirley- is still li\ing in 1908 at Xew Li)ndon, this
count}'.
Si-\ children ha\e been horn to the subject and wife as follows:
I'rank C. a farmer in Monroe township, who married Cecelia Han-
son: E\-a, Harr\-. Shirle^•, deceased: Glen and Kenneth.
Li i8~() the subject located on the place where he now resides,
in section 13, Monroe township, and he has made man\' of the ex-
tensive improxements of the ])lace, bringing it up to a high state of
etiiciencv and producti\'eness. carr\'ing on general farming and stock
raising in a most successful manner. He is also interested in land
in South Dakota.
Mr. Xewb\' is one of the directi:)rs and stock hcilders of the
Howard County Fair Association and <ine of the leaders to get it
located at Russiaville. Owing to his indomitable energy and the
interest he has taken in the fair, its success has been assured from
Ol-' HOWAKI) CnrXTV. 465
the first. He is also interested in an attempt tn get an electric rail-
\\a\' tlirnugli the c<iunty.
Altlmnsjii an acti\e RejJiihlican ah his mature \'ears. Mr. Xe\\b\-
has ne\er aspired to nffice. Jhi\\e\er. his assistance ma\ al\\a\s he
relied ui)iin in jilacing- the best lucal men jjussilile in tlie cunnlx utiices
■ tor he l)elie\-ed in clean jxilitics as well as whulesonie sucial ami
home life. He is regarded as a gooil l)usiness man, an excellent
manager, haxing sound judgment and foresight and he has heen
\ery successful in his business career. He kee])s well abreast of the
times, being well read on current to])ics. He has won the res])ect
and esteem of all who know him for his friendly manner. Ijusiness
abi]it\' and u]M'ight li\ing and he is regarded b\ all as one of the
substantial citizens of Abinroe township.
FLK.MIXC; lOHXSOX.
It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result
of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determinations
and perseverance in a course of action when once decided iii)on.
She is ne\'er known to smile upon the idler or dreamer and she ne\er
courts the loafer, ruid only the men who ha\e diligently sought her
fax'or are crowned with her Ijlessings. In tracing the histor\- of the
influential farmer and representati\e citizen of Honey Creek town-
ship, Howard county. Indiana, whose name forms the caption of
this review, it is plainly seen that tlie prosperity wliich he enjoys
has l)een won b\- commendable (|ualities and it is also his personal
worth that has gaineil for him the high esteem of those who know
him.
1-deming Johns(}n was born iri Stark county, (^hio. September
466 morrow's history
-4. ''"^o-v t^'i*^ *'^" ot' Riiibert and Milley (Stanley) Jnhnson, nati\es
of X'iru-inia. where they grew to niatnrity. nKjving td Oliio in 1S26
and l)eing married in Ciikinil)iana county in 1832. They mo\ed to
Stark conntw Oliin, and secured one hundred acres of lan<l which
ha<l never l)een under cuhi\'ation. lint tlie land was soon cleared.
Mr. (ohnson, being a rugged, hard wdrking man. and a home was
here established, the land Ijecoming highly producti\e under his
skillful management. He de\"oted his life to farming. In politics
he was a' Wdiig and in his religious affiliations he subscribed to the
I'riends church. In 1853 the ]jarents of the subject came to Howard
count\'. Indiana, and settled in Hone}' Creek township and secured
one hundred and sixt}' acres of land which was wild an.d there \\ere
no roa Is leading from it to the outside world, hut the same energy
and tact was applied to its development that characterized the re-
claiming (d' their farm in the (ild Buckeye state and the new farm
was soon a comfortable place on which to \We. Eighty acres of this
land was cleared and Mr. Johnson remained here until bis death in
-March, iX'jO. Mrs. Johnson ha\ing sur\'i\ed him until September,
i8()i. when she, too. passed to the s])irit land. The\- were \'er}' strict
with their children, rearing them in the \va}- they would lie <d' the
greatest benefit to their neighlx>rs as well as to themsebes. There
were eight in number, named in <irder of birth as follows: Flem-
ing, our suhiect; Dempsy died in December, i<)Of): Jonathan who
is living in Hamilton county, Indiana: Asenath. who married Ben-
iamin Terrell, li\-ing in Oliio: .\l)raham, who died in n)00, li\ed at
"^'(■ung America, Indiana, having been in the .saw mill and lumber
business: Bewis. who resides in Greentown : Elizabeth, who is now-
deceased, married Simeon Mendenhall : William, who is li\ing at
K'oki lUio. Indiana.
The sul)ject of this sketch was educated in the common schools
and the high school wdiere he applied himself diligently and liecame
OF ]Ili\\'ARD COUNTY. 467
well educated, liaving taug'ht scIkhiI in a most satisfacton- manner
for three years. He wa.s united in marriage March 15. 1853. to
Rachel Bund}', of Rush Cdunty, Indiana. She was called from her
earthly labors in March, IQ04. She was a wnman of manv praise-
wnrth}' traits and proved at all times a faithful lielpmeet. j\lr. and
Mrs. Johnson became the parents of ten children, namely: Eh'a.
who is living- at home: Charles, a farmer in Harrison township, this
count\- : John is also farming' in the same locality: Laura is the wife
of Albert Lindlev, of Honev Creek townsliip: Millie is the wife of
Charles Carter, of H<ine}' Creek township: Sarah is the wife of John
Bowers, oi Middletown. Indiana: Josei)h is a farmer in Honey
Creek township: Abram has alwa^'s lived at home, devoting' his life
to farming' and operating' a threshing machine; Margaret married
Samuel Turner, of Russiaville, Indiana; Martha is living' at home.
After the subject married he located with his wife on the farm
where he still lives, the old homestead of his father. The suljject
has made all the impnn-ements on the place and he has a fine farm
of one hundred and forty-two acres, oi which one hundred are
under a high state of cultivation. He has skillfully mtateil his
crops and kept his helds fertilized until the land has retained its
original strength and is today one of the best farms in this C(jm-
munit^". Air. Johnson has always beeii a farnier ami stock r;user,
being an excellent judge of live stock, especially horses and cattle
and he raises all kinds of cattle, horses, sheep and hi:)g's. He has
also, in connection -with his farming interests, successfully operated
a threshing machine for over forty years, becoming widely k'ui )wn
as one of the best men in this line in the countr}-.
Air. Johnson is an independent voter, but his support is always
for the best issues and the liest men, for he believes in honesty in
public affairs just as strong!}- as in private life. He is a member of
the Friends church. He is well read on current and general topics
468
and is an interesting conversationalist. He is well presen-ed for a
nian (if his years. He is well knnwn and has a host of warm friends
as a result of his upright and industrious life.
JASPER -AI. BL'RT.
Agriculture has been an honored \'ocation from the earliest
ages and as a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses,
as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of hus-
bandry. The free out-of-door life of the farm has a decided tend-
ency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-re-
liance which characterizes true manhood and no truer blessing can
befall a bo}" than to be reared in ch.ise touch with nature in the
heitlthful, life inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the
fruitful soil from which haye sprung the moral bone and sinew of
the country, and the majority of our nation's great warriors, re-
nowned statesmen and distinguished men of letters, were born on
the farm and were indebted largelv to its earlv influence for the
distinction which they have attained.
Jasper M. Burt was born in Henrv county, Indiana, September
23, 1843, "^'i^ s*^!'' of Daniel and Clementine (Smith) Burt, the
former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. As early
as 1816 the Burt family came to I'nion county, this state, when that
section was in the primeval ftirest. Settling on a farm there they
dex'eloped it by hard work, making a comfortable home.
The father of the subject spent his boyhood days in Penns)'l-
\ania and came with his parents to I'nion county, Indiana, receiv-
ing there a ciimmon schocil education, the Iiest that such early times
afforded. When a young man he engaged in the saw mill business,
but his principal life work has been de\-oted to fanning in Henry
county, especialh'. He came to Howard county in i860, buying the
OF IIDWAKl) COUNTY. 469
farm mi which oiir sul)iect has hxeil since he was sixteen \ears nld.
li(>\ve\er. Mr. I'.ni't (hd not ha\e an oppmiunity to (lex'elup this farm,
having- been sumnmned from his earthl_\- lahnrs in Xc>\enil)er. i860,
at the age of sixty _\ears, ha\iiig heen burn in 1 Soo. Tins farm was
all in the woods with the e.\ce]:)ti<in df fu'e nr six acres when the
Burt family first tmik possession df it and the llnl^• buildings dn the
land was a small log house and stable. It Cdiisisted of mie hundred
and eighty acres, ])ut eight\' acres were sold In- our subject and he
did all the clearing and made the imprd\enients. The first drains
were made of timber. The mother of the subject reached the age
of seventy-eight years. Daniel Biu't was three times married and
had seven children \)y his first w ife. mie b\' his second wife and three
by his third wife, df whom dur subject was the dldest.
Jas])er M. I'.urt. dur subject, attended the district schddls in
Henr\- Cdunt^" and later in lldwai"d Cduntw working on the farm
during the summer nidiiths in bdtli counties. Having taken charge
of his father's farm at liis death, he has continued the management
of the same up tn the present time, having placed the fields under a
splendid svstem df fencing" and erected sulistantial and Cdinniddidus
buildings dii the place. The sixt\- acres which he now manages are
higiil}- ini])rd\-ed, well drained ami in e\'er}- respect is a niddel fanu.
shdwing thrift and gdod mana.gement.
The ddinestic life of our su1)ject dates frdin iSi)^, when he was
united in marriage with Hannah M. Sal!}', daughter of Ldi>ney L.
and Procena ( I'iice ) Sail}', the former a nati\e of Ohid and the lat-
ter of Indiana, the furmer haxing been a Sdldier in the I'ederal ranks
during- the war between the states, having enlisted fi'dui Indiana,
serxing fdur }-ears with distinction, receiving at the close df the war
an boiidrable discharge. His regiment, the b'ifty-first Indiana In-
fantry, was commanded by Colonel Straight. William i'.urt, the
oldest .son of our subject's father, was also a soldier, having enlisted
4/0 MORROWS HISTORY
from Indiana and died while in the senice. John, another brother,
lost a leg while in the senice of his country.
Four children ha\"e been born into the home of nur subject as
follows: Rosa M., born in 1866. died 1892, was the wife of 'SI. P.
Cox, and she left one child; Charles L., born November 9, 1869,
after attending the district schools from which he graduated mar-
ried and is the father of two children ; Thomas N. was born in De-
cember, 1878, and died in infancy; \\'illard R., who was bom in
1876, died in 1879.
Both ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Burt are consistent members of the Chris-
tian church. Politically ]\Ir. Burt is a Republican, and fraternally
he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having
filled all the chairs of the same, also a member of the Subordinate
Lodge and Encampment. Mrs. Burt belongs to the Rebekahs, hav-
ing filled all the chairs of the same.
Both Mr. and ^Irs. Burt are among the most influential and
popular citizens in their community, having long ago established rep-
ittations for uprightness, kindness and hospitality, being abreast of
the times in every respect and alwa}'S willing'to give their time and
substance, if need be, to further any movement looking to the better-
ment of the locality where they reside whether religiously, education-
ally or politically, and they are highly respected by all who know
them as are also their children.
WILSOX T. HIATT.
Among the honored \eterans of the Civil war and the leading
agriculturists of Union township, Hnward county, the well known
and influential subject of this review is numbered. There is much
OF llOWAKl) COUNTY. 47 I
that is commendaljle in his hfe record, for he has heen tHund true to
dut\' in ever\' relatimi. whether n\ a |)ul)hc nr prix-ate character, and
while energy and unaliiihng ni(histr\' have l)ecn sahent features ni
his husiness career, he is e(|uall\' well known for his uprightness and
the honorable methods he has alwa\s followed and for his loyality
to anv puljlic trust reposed in him.
Wilson J. Hiatt was Ixirn in ivandolph count}-, Indiana, June
2<). i<S43. the son <if Richard and Charlotte (Coats) Miatt. The
Hiatts were natives of \'irginia and the Coats family of South
Carolina. 'Idiev were among the line old southern families of the
earK- davs. 'i"he father came from X'irginia to Highland countw
Ohio, and fr(]m there to Indiana, settling in Randolph couiitv, enter-
ing land there which he transformed 1)\- har<l wm'k and l)y dint of
persevering energy into an excellent farm, making a good li<.)me for
liis famih', and where lie spent the remainder of his life, his death
occurring there. Both he and Mrs. lliatt were well known and in-
Huential in that county.
To them five sons and sex'en daughters were Ijoni. three of
whom are living in igo8. These children received careful home
training ar.d the l.)est ail\-antages that were possible to recei\e in such
environments.
Wilson J. Hiatt, our subject, had scared}- in. opportunities to
Ijecome educated in his boyhood d-us. it being necessar}- for him to
assist with the farm work and to help support the large family, but
he has since developed a strong and fertile mind through general
home reading and liv coming in contact with the Imsine-s world, so
he is well versed on most current topics and is an interesting con-
versationalist.
When the tocsin of war sounded and the great armies of the
Xorth were assemliling to crush the rebellion that threatened the
foundations of the republic. Mr. Hiatt w-as one of the brave and
47- MORROW S HISTORY
l(i}al citizens of tlie Hodsier state U> respond to the patriotic im-
])nlses which lie feU, and. severing home ties, he marched a\va\' for
tlie ]mr])ose of ottering his serx'ices and life, if need he. to defend
the Hag, enlisting in Comijan}- V. One Hundred and 'rhirt\-fourth
Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, and he also ser\-ed three months in the
Fitt_\'-hfth Indiana \'i.>liuiteer Kegiment, heing in the field for a
period of one }'ear, taking ])art in the battles of Richmond, Ken-
tuck}', in ii>()2. and he was in the famous Atlanta campaign in
which heperfi irmed conspicuous ser\'ice, as a result of which he re-
ceixed a testimonial from President Lincoln and he is now remem-
liered \)y his go\-ernment with a pension of sexenteen dollars per
month.
After his career in the army he returned to Randolph county
and resuiued actixe life, dexoting himself to agricultural pursuits,
\xlnch he carrie<l on successfull\- as a result of his industrx' and
sound judgment.
Air. Hiatt was miited in the Ixmds (if xxedlock in 1863 to Jen-
netta l\. Hunt, xxho x\as called to her rest in 1S75 after a harmoni-
ous married life of ten years. In iSjj Air. Hiatt married .\bigail
Chamness, a representatix'e of a xxell knoxxn familx', and to this
second uiuou twn children hax'e heen horn, nameh' : Lmdlex' T. and
]\larx- A., the latter the wife of Emerx- Ault. liotli these children
lixe in L'nion toxxnship and Ijotli receixed a common school educa-
tion. Thex are comfortahh' situated in life and haxe manx' friends
in this communit\-. Marx- xx-as especialh- adept at her text-books,
haxing graduated from the ci.immon schools in xxhich she made an
excellent record. Lindlex- T. is knoxxn as a man of strong ])erson-
ality and excellent business ideas. He is also a graduate of the
common schools, hax'ing outstripped manx- of his classTuates xxho
xxere less ambitious than he.
Mr. and .Mrs. Hiatt are consistent members of the Ouaker
church in which thex" ha\-e long taken a delight.
Ol IKIWAKI) LOrXTV. 473
Mr. lliatt. as niit^in he ex])ectc(l. is an acti\-e meniher of the
local |)()St lit the (iraml .\rni\- nf the Reptihlie at Knknnii), kiinwii
as the Harrisim I'ust. Xn. 30. in his pulitical relatimis he is a lii\-al
Repuhlican and has taken cimsiderahle interest in local affairs, al-
ways lending his support to the hest candidates and being a strong
believer in honestv in politics as well as in the business affairs of
life. He is in 1908 the efficient justice of the peace of his com-
ninnit\'. ha\ing faithfulK' ])erfornied the duties of the same for a
period of si.x vears. He has become well and most fa\orably known
throughout L'nion township for his loyalt}" to the truth, his u])-
rig'htness in business, his public-s])irit and his Iriendly disposition.
D.WID .\. HEL^rS.
In the historv of Howard county, as applying to the agricul-
tural interests, the name of l)a\id -\. Helms occupies a cons])icuous
))lace, for through a number of years he has been one of the repre-
sentative farmers of Ta^dor townshi]), ]jrogressi\"e, enterprising and
persex'ering. Such qualities always win success, sooner or later, and
to Mr. Helms they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well
directed effort, and while he has benefited himself and community
in a material wav he has also been an influential factor in the ed-
ucational, political and moral ui)hft of the community favored by
his residence.
David A. Helms was born in Hamilton county. Indiana. March
y. 1S47, the son of William and Su.sanna ( Shenk I Helms. Grand-
father Helms was from Kentucky. He came to Hamilton county.
Indiana. a])out 1807. when there was only a wilderness infe.sted by
savages and wild Iieasts. Init being a hardy pioneer, he soon had a
474 ilORROW S HISTORY
farm of one hundred and sixty acres cleared and under cultivation.
Here he raised his family, lived the remainder of his life and passed
to the unknown be}-ond, his death occurring after he had reached
more than three score and ten years, his wife ha\-ing- passed away
in the sixties, leaving" nine children, all of whom lived to maturity.
The parents of these children were lo\al Baptists. Thev were both
scions of German stock.
^^'illiam Helms, father of our subject, was born in Kentucky,
and was thirteen years old when he was brought to Indiana liv his
parents. He attended school in the former state, completing his ed-
ucation after he came to the Hoosier state, l)ecoming a fairlv well
educated man. He \\'orked on his father's fann in Hamilton county
until he married at the age of twent_\-. In 1847 he came to Howard
county and entered forty acres of land in Taylor township, which he
cleared and farmed, living for a time in a house built of round poles,
the only door being an opening in the wall sheltered l)y a quilt. He
afterward built a house of hewn logs and later on erected a sub-
stantial and commodious farm house, having lived in this spot con-
tinuously for over half a century, dying in 190J, at the age of eightv-
two years, at the time of his death owning one hundred acres. This
farm is now in the liands of his second wife, who is still living in
1908, his lirst wife and our subject's mother ha\-ing died in 1S69.
after becoming the mother of seven children, two of whom died in
childhood, the others growing to maturity, our snljject being the
fourth in oriler of birth. His father and mother were members of
the Church of (iod, and they lived a consecrated Christian life. The
oldest son, Mark L., enlisted in the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry and was killed at the battle of Winchester, A'irginia, in
1861. Our subject was also one of those patriotic sons of the North
who felt it his duty to respond to the call for troops to save the in-
tegrit}' (.)f the nation, consequently he enlistetl in bebruarv, 1865,
Ul'' IKIWAKII CdlXIV. 475
when diih' sixteen }ears did. ha\ini;" rej;retteil ever since tlie war
commenced that he was too younii' U> take i)art. He ser\-ed faith-
fulh" until the close of the war and was hunnrahlv discharged.
Mr. Helms received what education he could at the district
schools, but such advantages were limited. He remained on his
father's fann until lie was twenty-two years old, then jjurchased
twenty acres of land on which there was a pole house, then soon
afterward traded it fur twenty-two acres nn which there was a new
log h(iuse intii which he niii\ed. here he and his young wife did their
first housekeeping. He farmed here for two years, then he sold the
place, buying sixty acres of heavily wooded land. On this he erected
a house of hewn logs, being nearh- on the identical spot where his
present modern residence stands. He cleared this land and made a
fine farm of it in due time. It n(jw consists of one hundred and
seven acres. He also has another farm of forty acres in Liberty
township, being ten miles from his residence, one of his sons living
on the last mentioned farm. With the exception of alxnit thirteen
acres it is under a high state of cultivation, '["he thirteen acres are
in blue grass and woods-pasture. ]\[r. Helms builds new fences as
soon as the old rail ones get out of repair. The farm is well drained
with tile, the major portion of the place having been reclaimed from
the swamp, which has made the most productive land in the county
and is therefore of much greater market value per acre. Our sub-
ject understands well the management of his farms, rotating the
crops so as to keep the land in a high state of productiveness, it now
being richer than when he first took jiossession of it. ]\Iost of the
corn raised on the farm is fed. principally to hogs by ^Ir. Helms.
He raises Chester Whites and Duroc crossed.
The residence on this farm is first-class, being a model farm
house, and at a convenient distance are many comfortable out build-
ings. A fine orchard is not far awav. in fact. ]\[r. Helms lias three
4/6
(irchards. ime nf cherries, mie of iilum-^ ami one nf apples, all well
kept, fur he is imt only a first-class farmer l>ut also something' of an
horticulturist.
The subject was united in marriage in 1871 to Sarah L. IJar-
rett. (laughter of Milton and Mahala ( jNIoon) Barrett, who were na-
tives of Ohio. ha\ing come to Indiana about 1850. Two of ^Irs.
Barrett's brothers. Benjamin and Joseph Moon, were soldiers in
the Federal ranks. ha\'ing' enlisted from Indiana. Joseph served
througii the war: while Benjamin was discharged on account of
disease contracted while in line of duty.
Two children ha\e been born to ;\Ir. and Mrs. Helms, namely:
^Iar\" K.. l)orn in 1871. is the wife of Elmer Davis, of Howard coun-
t\'. and the mother of three children: ^\'illiam Elden was born in
1872 and died in infancy. Mrs. Helms passed to her rest in 1873.
She was a member of the Friends society. The sul)ject was again
married in 1874 to Xancy F. Flmore. daughter of John and Mary
Jane (]\Iills) Elmore, natives of Xorth Carolina, and who were
earlv settlers in Howard count^•. Upon coming here they were
obliged to li\'e out doors until thev could erect a pole house on the
land which the\- took up. The wife of the subject was educated in
the district schools. Three children have been Ijorn to this union as
follows; Minnie Jane. Ijorn in 1876. chad in 1887: John V.. born in
1877. is married and has two children: Orin O.. born in 1871), is
married.
Mr. and Mrs. Helms are members of the Seventh Da}- .Vd\ent-
ists. The youngest son i.if our subject was a soldier in the Twelfth
United States Infantry, stationed for some time in the Philippines,
having been three years in the amiy, returning to the old home after
his enlistment had e.xpired. having received an honorable discharge.
His stay in the tropics did not seriously imijair his health.
Our subject is in ])rinci])le a Prohibitionist and by his ad-
Ul' HiiWAKh COL'XTV. 477
Ndcacv (if whnlesdnie lixiiii^'. pure politics and hiinest\' in liusiness
lie has li)ii<i- enjoyed the undivided resi)ect and esteem of all who
know him, being' regarded as one of Howard county's most sub-
stantial and wortln- citizens.
JOHN B. -MOORAIAX.
There are individuals in nearly ever}" community who, liy rea-
son of pronounced ability and force of character, rise al)o\e the
heads of the masses and command the unbounded esteem of their
fellow men. Characterizetl b}' perseverance and a directing" spirit,
two \irtues that ne\-er fail, such n"ien always make their presence
felt and the vigor of their strong persoi"ialities ser\"es as a stimulus
and incentive to the vouug and risii"ig generation. To the energetic
and enterprising" class the subject of this review very properly
belongs. Havii"ig never been seized with the roaming desires that
have led manv of Hcnvard count^•'s voung men to other lields of
endeav"or and other states, where thev" have sought their fortunes.
.Mr. Abiorman has (le\"oted his life to industries at home and has
succeeded remarkably well, as we shall see bv" a study of his life
history.
John B. Abiorn"ian was born in L'nion townshi]), Howard
county, Indiana, March 4, 1S3S, the son of C'huza and Rachel
(Fellow") ]\[oorman. The ?\Ioorman family first came to Wayne
county and later to (Jrant county, this .state, hnally moving to How-
ard count}". The subject's father was four }"ears old when lie came
to (irant countv, and when he was twenty-four }"ears oUl he came
to L'nion tow"nship, this coui"it\". a!"id here he lived near Jouesboro.
for a ntimber of vears. He becan"ie well known, having been a
478 morrow's history
Quaker preacher. He met his death accidental!}- in a gas well, one of
the first that was drilled in Howard county. The neither of the
subject was the second wife of his father. There were four chil-
dren in the family, three sons and one daughter, namely ; John B.,
Amanda J., wife of Henry Tolle. of Tiptmi county. Indiana; C. D.
and C. O. C. D. is a telegraph operati:)r in Oklahoma and C. O.
is living on a farm in Tipt(jn Cduntw this state.
John B. Moorman, i mr subject, was reared on a farm where he
assisted w ith the work during the summer months, attending school
in the winter until he was nineteen )-ears old.
The domestic life of the subject dates from 1877, when he was
happily married to ?klartha A. Jackson, of Howard county, a daugh-
ter of a well known family. To this union eleven children have been
born, all but one sun^ving in 1908. the familv consisting of eight
sons and two daughters, n.amely; Omer L., Lulu ]M., Lewis A.,
Frank L.. Tristrum L.. Russell L., James L., Deva A., Wilbur L.,
and Tiarald L.
In politics <iur subject is a Prohibitiunist, but he at one time
affiliated with the Republican party. In the fall of 1904 he was
nominated for trustee on the Prohibitionist ticket. The Democrats
did not nominate a candidate and ]Mr. ^Moorman was elected by
ele^"en ^■l>tes. The township is largely Republican. He is the pres-
ent trustee and is exercising the duties of the office in a manner to
reflect credit up(Hi himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Ah". Abioi-man resides nn a portion of the old homestead, where
he owns fort\' acres of well impro\"ed land.
Lie is a man of sterling ([ualities and is highly honored b)- all
who know him as a result of his public-spirit, honesty in business
and his advocacy of wholesome Hving and bis support of all move-
ments looking to the betterment of his community and county. He
is pleasant and kindl}' disposed and it is not too much ti) say that
OF iiowAKii corxTV. 479
11(1 man in Howard county is held in liij^her esteem by these who
kudw him hest.
FREDERICK VOl'XCArAX.
Germanv has cnntrilinted sume nf her liest citizens tn tlie I'nited
States — men who ha\"e here entered into the sjiirit nf dur institu-
ti<ins and lia\'e not oii'v gained pecuniary independence fi>r them-
selves, hut have alsci been a distinct accpiisitii m ti i < lur p: iimlatii ni. In
taking- up this review of the life nf the worthy g-entleman wlmse
name ajipears ab'U'c, the bingrajjlier calls attentinn to nne whu has
b\- a life nf earnest and cimsecutixe endea\i)r wmi fur himself the
sincere respect of all who ha\'e come in contact with him. l-'or
manv Axars he has been a potent factor in the ci\'ic and industrial
life of Howard count\', where no man stands higher in the estima-
tion of ihe people.
Frederick Youngman w;is born in l>avaria. (ierman_\-, Feljruary
i8. 1S45. the son of 3ilichael and ^Margaret ( Peisch ) Youngman.
The snljject's grandparer.ts were natives of Bavaria, but this family
was originally of French stock. ( )ur subject was the oldest of his
father's family, and was brought to America when nine years old,
his father settling in Ripley county. Indiana, where he lived the
l)alance of his days, on his fine farm there. \\ hen ele\en years old he
held the great Xapoleon's horse while the general went into his
father's tavern. Wlien the emjieror returned he gave the boy a five
franc piece. The father of tlie subject was drafted in the C.erman
amiv. where he sen-ed for six years as a private .soldier. .\t the
e\i)iration of his term of enlistment he was commissioned an officer
of cavalry which be b.eld acceptably for ten years, then resigned and
returned home, where he married at the age of forty. Three sons
480 ilORROw's HISTORY
were burn to the sul)ject's father ami muther, all of whom are living
in lyoS. two in Indiana and one in Champaign connt\\ Illinois.
Their father ])assed away when abont eighty-three }"ears old, their
mother ha\ ing died when about fift}"-eight years old. The second
son, a l)rother (jf our subject, owns the old home farm and other
land to the amount of four hundred acres. Their parents were
R(.>man Catholics and all three children adhere to that faith.
Our subject attended school one summer and one winter in
iia\-aria and also attended schodi in Rii)lev count\', Indiana, for a
jjart of two winters, also two terms of a ( ierman school when twelve
}'ears old, when he began worknig out. ha\'ing been emplm'ed h\ one
man in Decatur county for six }'ears, during which time he learned
tile making, having turned out the first machine-made tile e\'er pro-
duced in Indiana. The first year he worked out he received eight
dollars per month, and the most he received during any part of the
si-x; years was thirteen dollars per month. At the breaking (jut of
the war between the states he was recei\ing fort^■ dollars per month
making tile. Then he same tC) Howard countv and receixeil si.xty
<lollars per month and he loaned the monev he had saved to the man
will) owned the factorv and when the season was over could not col-
lect anvthing, so he went to Li->uis\ille and worked in a meat pack-
ing house, but the following xe'dv he wiirked for the same tile man
and emplo^•ed his Ijrother and his team for which he paid out of his
share in his father's farm, the sum of six hundred dollars, and this,
together with the amount he had pre\iously loaned the owner oi the
factorw together with his ser\-ices went into a note. Then he went
to Boone count\- and with a partner started a tile factory, which in
time was sold out and oin- subject then bought the factory in How-
ard count\' which he successfulh' o])erated for fourteen }ears. It
was located on a portion of his present farm in Taylor township.
During that period he had gradualh" accumulatetl about two hun-
(_)l' IJDW AUli CDrXTV. 40I
(Ired and se\-eiU_\-h\e acres of land and after disCdntinuint;- the niami-
facturc I if tile he went tn farming, lleini^- thrift\- and a ,i;(Hid man-
ager he has added tn this until he nnw has a tine farm nf three hun-
dred and se\ent\-ti\-e acres, all hnt t\\ ent\-ti\e acres nf which are
in cultivatidn, the nnmher nf acres specified lieinti' in hlne i;-rass and
timbered pasture. Mr. Vdun.i^inan cleared thirt}' acres of this land.
which he has "stumped", in fact, he has hruuglit his farm up t^ an
a\"erao-e nf any in Hnward ciamty. Me manufactured and laid the
tile which has rendered this the best dranied farm in this district.
The niainr part >>\ the place is fenced with wire and nn better build-
ings are ti> be fi lund 1 in an_\- farm in the tnwnship than thnse the sub-
ject had erected mi his farm. These buildings consist of three large
barns anil three dwelling hi mses, all in ])erfect repair. ()ne nf these
houses is a large and cnuinindinus brick, in which his snn-in-Iaw re-
sides and cnnducts the farm. Our subject li\-es in a modern and
nicel}- imaiished farm house on the main pike and the place .gTes
e\'ery indication of good management, thrift and prosperit\'. being
one of the state's model farms.
Mr. \'oungman feeds all the corn the jjlace produces, often
buying additional corn to feed. He fnrmerlv fed bnth cattle and
bogs (juite extensi\-el\-, but he is nnw feeding sheep and Imgs, bu\--
ing sheep and lambs in the West and ])re])ares them fnr market. He
rotates his crops with clo\er e\er\ third }ear and keeps his soil in
high productixeness, being as rich toila\- as when he took ch;irge of
it. h()we\"er he uses no commercial fertilizers.
Air. \ nungman was tinited in marriage ni .\prd, 1N70, tn Ii\'a
Hover, (iaugiiter of John .\. and Afargaret (I'eetzi Hoyer, Imth
natives of Ba\-aria. wlm came tn America, settling in Ripley cnunt}-.
Indiana, in iS;,-'. nn a farm, bu\ ing a farm where the father it\ Airs,
Youngman still resides, the mother ha \ ing died at the age of
31
48j morrow's history
se\'ent\--ti )ur \ears. The father is ni>\v ( 1908) aljout se\"ent\"-seven
_\'ears old.
Three daughters have l:)een l)iini in the suhject and wife.
namel\- : Luna, liorn in 1870. m.iw the wife of Lewis Becker. H\ing
in Tii;)tiin countv, and the parents <>f ime cliild : R<!sa. burn in 1874,
the wife nf George Becker, a l)rMther to the huslaand (if the oldest
daughter, and \vho also li\-es in Howard county, being the parents
of one child: Xellie, born in 1880. is the wife of Ed (jrishaw. now
h\-ing in- the home It use an.d managing the subject's farm.
]\Ir. Youngmau is a ]\Iason in his fraternal relations and a
Democrat pijliticallv. Xo man in this section of the state stands
higher in jmfjlic esteem. ha\ing always led a life (if uprightness and
been stricth' honest in his dealings with his fellow men. besides aid-
ing in any \va}- possilile the ad\-ancement of his communit}'.
GEORGE XE\\'K]RK.
In the respect that is accorded tr) men who ha\e fought their
own wa\' to success through unfavoraljle en\'ironment we find an
unconscious recogn.ition in the intrinsic worth of a character which
can n.ot only endure so rough a test, but gain new strength through
t'^e discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls
the reader's attention was not fa\-ored 1\\- inherited wealth or the
assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this, hv persex'erar.ce,
industr\- and wise econom\-, he has attained a comfortable station in
life, making his influence felt for good in his communit^■ in Liberty
towiishi]). Howard count\", where he has long maintained his home.
ami l:)ecause of the hnnoral)le career he has known here and also be-
cause of the fact that he is numbered among thiise patriotic sons of
UV IIOWAKl) COUXTV. 483
the Xnrth wIki assisted in saNiiii^' the L'ninn's integrity in the dark-
day's (if the sixties, he is eminently wurthy of a place in this. book.
(ienrge Xewkirk was horn in A(knns cnunty. Ohio, November
5, 1842, the son of Cyrus and Cassie ( Phillips) Xewkirk, the
foniier a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of X'irginia. The
subject's lineag-e is of Scotch, Enoiish and German l^lood. Cvrus
Xewkirk, who spent his life as a farmer, Ijecame a man nf inlluence
in his Community, and was knnwn as a de\iited Christian. iKudng
been a member of the P-aptist church.
George Xewkirk. our subject, \\as ten years old when he came
to Indiana in 1S52, locating in (irant count}-. He received a good
education. ha\ing attended the common schools and later a college
at Tipton, this state.
Our subject was onl}- nineteen years old when he felt his call to
duty in defending the ilag. consefjuenth- he enlisted in i8r)j in Com-
pany H. One Hundred and First Indiana X'olunteer Infantr}-, and he
was with this regiment when it t'-iok part in the follr)\\ing engage-
ments: Hartsville. Xlellon. Hoo\er's (^ap. Tullahoma. Cliicka-
mauga, Missionary Ridge, (ir.-iysville, Ringgold, Tunnel Hill. Rocky
Face Ridge, Adairsville. Dalton, Resaca, Ackworth. Cass\-ille. Xew
Hope Church, Pickett's Mills, Gulp's Farm, Big Shanty. Lost ]\Ioun-
tain. Pine ^fountain, ^Marietta. Kenesaw jNIountain. Smyrna, Peach
Tree Creek. Atlanta, Chattah(->ochee River, Ezra Church. PToby
Creek. Jonesboro, Altoona, the march to the sea with Sherm;u-i.
Ebenezer Church. Sa\-annah, Sisters bY-rry. through the Carolinas.
Barnsville Court Plouse, l"ayette\ ille, A\erysboro, Bentonville and
Smithfield. Although the subject was in the most exposed places
in man}- of the above nan-ied engagen-ients and picked up the tlag
niany times ;ifter it had been shot down he was never wounded. He
Avas mustered out June 24. 1865. in Kentucky.
After the war [Mr. Xewkirk returned to Grant countv. Indiana.
4S4 morrow's history
anil later lijcated in Howard cnunty, near Russiaville, nn a farm.
He has al\va^•s devoted his life to agricultural pursuits with marked
success in CDiinectiim with trading and dealing in stuck. He still
owns a fine farm in Liberty t<i\vnshiii, Howard C(_>unt_\', which is well
improved and well managed. Mr. Xewkirk has been able to lay by
a comfortable competance for his declining years owing to his habits
I if industry and frugality.
(Jnr subject was united in marriage January 9, 1867, U> Martha
A. Flci}-d, of near Russia^•!lle. Three sons, all deceased, were l)om
to this union, namely: William, Morris and Charles.
The subject's first wife died and he was again married, his
secdud wife Ijeing Mrs. Kingery. Two daughters have been born
to this uni(.in, one of whom is living, Maude, who was Ijorn April
21, 187S, is the wife of Thomas C. DeVaney. They live in the state
(if W'ashingtiin. [Maude was a student at New London and received
a musical education at Indianapolis, later l;)ecoming a successful
teacher nf music.
The subject and wife are members of the Christian church,
having always been active workers in the same. Fraternally ]\Ir.
Xewkirk is a ?vlason, having taken the first degree in 1863. He
has taken the \'t>rk Rite, the Knights Templar and the Scottish Rite
degrees. Li ]\Iarch, i8i)2. he became Master of the Blue Lodge.
The dailv life of the suliject shows that he is living up to the teach-
ings of this great order.
In piilitics \lr. Xewkirk is a loyal Republican and his public-
spirited nature, crmpled with his pnpularity among the members of
this party, caused him to be selected for various county offices of re-
sponsibilitv and trust. He has served ver}^ creditably as county com-
missioner of Howard county for two terms, from 1888 to 1894,
filling this important positinn to the entire satisfaction of all con-
cerned, ha\'ing represented the first district.
OF imwAKi) corxTV. 485
Our sul)ject is a nieniher <it the post df the < irand Anm of the
Repiil)Hc at I\iissia\i11e, being" coniniander nf the same, and he has
ser\e(l as delegate to six of the national encampments <>\ this great
organization. In i(jo6 he was enmniissidned enlduel nn the staff
of tlie ciinimander-in-chief. It is (|uite an liontir ti> receive such an
appnintment, wliich is ne\er gi\en unless tlie recipient lias had a
past record wurtlu' nf the same.
Mr. Xewkirk has found time during his l>us\- life to tra\el to
nearl}- all i)arts of interest in tlie L'nited States, ha\ing spent con-
siderable time in the South.
Since up4 our subject has made his home in Greentown. ha\--
ing practically retired from business life and he is spending his clos-
ing }'ears in comfort and the blessings of a serene age, consci(ius of
the fact that his life has l:)een well and profitably spent. He is a well
informefl man on cm-rent topics, hr)nest and upright in all his re-
lations with his fellow men, and but few citizens of Howard county
are better known and none more highly respected, for he has spent
nearly his entire life within the liorders of this county, and has al-
ways been acti\-e in the proniiition of the county's welfare.
TOSEPH SILCOX.
Among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Howard
county none stand higher in the esteem oi his fellow citizens than
the gentleman wliose name forms the caption of this sketcli. He has
long been activeh- engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county
and the years of his residence here have but served to strengthen
the feeling i)f admiration on the part of his fellow men (wving to the
honoral)le life he has led and the worthy example he has set the
486 morrow's history
younger generation, consequent!}- the pul:)Iishers of this biograph-
ical compendium are glad to give such a worthy character repre-
sentation in this work.
Joseph Silcox was burn in Shell;)y\ille. Kentuck\". January 4,
1844, the son of Joseph Louis and Letticia ( Ryder) Silcnx. Grand-
father Silcox was a native of England, who came to America about
1807, settling first in New York, later in Marylantl. He and his
wife raised two children to maturit\-.
The father of the subject was born in Xew York August 25,
1808. His early educational ad\-antages were limited, but bv close
application he has liecome a well inf<jrmed man on general topics.
He went with his parents from the Empire state to Maryland and
became a journeyman shoemaker and followed his trade until he
came t(i Indiana in 1846. He was married in Kentuckv. He oper-
ated a grist and saw mill in Shelliy county, this state, the mill hav-
ing come into his possession b}' inheritance, and which he managed
foi- a number (.)f years, continuing to operate it all his business life,
ching in 1856, at the age of forty-eight years, having been killed
in an explosion in a saw mill. The mother of the sul)ject was a
member of the Christian church. She lived until about seventv-
three years of age. They were the parents of ten children, two of
their sons having met death in the same unfortunate manner as their
father at the same time. The other children lived to maturity ; one
of them, William, was a soldier in the Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry,
serving t\\(_i )-ears until the close of the war.
The subject's early education was obtained in the district schools
of Shelby county. He afterward attended graded schools, working
on the farm after his father's death, later working at the carpenter's
trade.
Our subject was one of those ])atri(itic sons of the North who
could not stand idly by and see the foundations of the Republic
Ill' liDW Auii rorxTV. 487
shaken with reheUiini. cnnsequcntly i;"i\"iii.ii' rein to his patrintic
teehii.i^s he enhsted in iSdjj in the Thirteenth Imhana ( a\ah-\ and
serxed in a nicist j^allant and ennimen^lalile manner nntil the clnse
of the war. He tmik part in the battles amnnd .Murtreesl)i im, Ten-
nessee, and the siege i>\ .\[iil)ile, rnid was in ah tlie battles and eam-
paigns in which his rei;inient was inxoKed fmrn the time of his en-
hstment to tlie close of the stni.t;".^le. haxins^' been honoi-abl\- dis-
charo^ed in 1S65. after which he came to Idowanl countx'. where lie
bong'ht an interest in a saw mill, which he snccessfnlK' mana,i;ed for
several \ears. Then be bont^ht ei^htv acres of hea\il\- timbered
swam]) land, which he cleared, tlrained and m;ide a comfortable home
on and where he has since resided. Me has a splendid dwelling-
house and se\eral con\enient out buildings. His farm is well fenced
with both wire and rails and is well tiled. Ilis land is rather low.
being in the creek liottonis, conse(|uentK' it is ke])t rich l)v deposits
of silt and on fa\iirable \ears is \-er\' iiroductue. lie rotates his
crops oil the fourth \ear plan. corn, wheat, oats, clo\-er; and he sa\s
his soil is in a much better state of productiveness than when it was
new. He feeds all his com to hogs .and sheep, his fa\(]rite breed
of the latter l)eing Shropshire. He uses e\ ery home method known
to keep his soil fertilized, but does not emplo\- commercial ferti-
lizers, and he now produces nuich more wheat per acre than f irmerly
and it is just as sure a cro]i. He still raises good applet but this
crop is not so sure as foianerh". but jjeaclies do fully as well, for our
subject undertsands the care of fruit trees, being something ol a
hortictilturist, although he has r.ot followeil spraying, a >ystem em-
])loyed l)\- nvmy. iUil he has the best of luck with hi^ trees and
wiien there is a failure of either ap])les or ])eaches it is imariably due
to climatic conditions, rather than ])ests and other causes.
.Mr. .Silcox was united in marriage in iSfxj to M,ar_\- Iv
Hercules, druighter of William ;nid AFargaret ( \'cwc(mibi Hercules.
488
natixes (if Ohio. Her father was a snldier from Sliell)\- cnuntv. In-
diana, serxini:;' (Uit his enlistment.
I'"i\e chihhen ha\e been l)iirn tn the snljject and wife as fohdws:
Xettie, liorn in 1870, rhed when a ehild : Henr}-. Ixirn in 1871. is
alsd deceased; Jennie. Ijurn in 1874, is single and a nieml)er of the
liome circle: William, horn in i87(>. is married and the father of
three children: (lenrge -V.. who was born in i8Sj. is single and liv-
ing at Imme with his jiarents, assisting- with the wurk on the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Silcox are faithful Chi'istian people, alwa\'s do-
ing what the\' can to foster religions ])rinci|)le.s in their communit\'.
Fraternally Mr. Silcox is a member of the independent Order of
Odd l'"ello\vs. haxdng filled all the chairs in the local lodge, and has
been re])resentati\e to the ( irand Lodge. He has been acti\-e in Re-
])nblican politics f<ir man^• Aears. iKU-ing been for some time justice
of the jieace and he is in 1008 assessor, successfulh' ])erforniing the
duties of this office in a laudaljle manner. He is known to his com-
mnn)t\' as a man of ujjright business ])rinci])les and but few men in
his township stand higher in the estimation of the ])ul)lic.
REV. CHARLES E. DISP.RO.
The honored gentleman whose name intro<luces this article is
one of Tdoward county's most popular citizens and his life forcibly
illustrates what energ"A-, integrit-\- and a fixed ])urpose can accomplish
when animated bv noljle aims and correct ideals. Rew Disbro has
long been ])rominentlv identified with the moral and spiritual affairs
of Howard count\-, baxing de\'oted nearly a half centurx' to the
ministry in this and other sections of Indiana, ancl is also a \eteran
of the war of the rebellion, in which he rendered \alliant ser\-ice in
defense of the nation's honor. During the long \'ears of his resi-
(II'' IIIIWAKII
4'^')
deuce in the county he has held the unei|ui\ > ical ciintidence :iiid esteem
of its people as is today a popular and much aihiiired resident of the
beautiful and serene \"illag-e of ( ireenlown, liein,>;- wideK- known ])rin-
cijjally through his office as presiding elder of the Kokouio district
of the ^[ethodist Episcopal church which he held with great ci-e(lit
from iS8i to 1885. hax'ing done a \ery commendable work in this
field during those \'ears.
Rev. Charles E. Disbro was i)orn in Johnson count v. Indiana,
b'ebruary 3. 1839. the son of Z;dmon and Rachel ( Masse\' ) Disbro.
the former a nati\e of Xew ^'ork and the latter of l\entuck\. I'.oth
came with their parents to Johnson countw Indiana, in an earl\- da\ :
there the_\- became acfpiainted an<l married. mo\-ing to Tipton count}'
in 1831, when this count\- was practicalK' a wilderness. The sub-
ject's father followed farmnig all his lile. beconiing a man of con-
siderable influence in his community. Me passetl to the "silent land"
in 1904. after an acti\'e and useful life, having' reached the advanced
age of ninetv-oue vears, bis faithful life companion ha\ing been
called to her rest in 1892.
As a \'oung" man oiu' subject worked on his father's farni, at-
tending the common scluxils in the district in the meantime: being a
close student he received a fairlv good education. He was con\'erted
to the Christian faith at the age of eighteen }'ears and soon after-
wartl joined the Methodist T<l])iscoi)al church, lleing under the im-
])ression that he shotikl preach, he entered the niinistry at the age of
twenty \ears. ( )wing' to dex'otion to study, coupled w ith his nattu^al
ability as a speaker, etc., it was soon seen that he would be enii-
neiitly successful in this calling, later }'ears proxing that he made no
nrsfike b_\' entering the held of the ( lospel. I'or his first year's w 1 n'k
he receix'ed one humlred and twent_\'-twi ) dollars and one hundred
and twenty-five dollars for his second year's work. Me was in the
mir.istry for fortv-one \'ears, luu'ing ser\ed in the following ])lace>
490 MORROW S HISTORY
during that time: Pern, Hnntingtrm. Decatur, BlutTtun, LaClrange,
KnkdUici district, Elkhart and Pdrtland. In all these charges he
hecame pcipular and ninch liked, having built up the churches at
each and won scores of souls for Christ. Finally the great strain
was too much for his ner\es and he \\as compelled io relincjuish the
wiirk in icScjy, much ti > the regret of all who knew him or had heard
him exponnd the (iospel.
Rew ^Ir. Disbr() responded to the patri(_)tic fer\or that seized
him when the integrit}' of oiu' nation \\'as threatened, and se\'ering
home ties, he went forth to defend the stars and strips, having en-
listed early in the war in Compau}- H. Fifty-se\'enth Indiana A'olun-
teer Infantr}-. as a pri\'ate. So(jn his conspicuous senice caused
the superior oflicers to jjroniote him to the rank of second lieutei'iant,
later to first lieutenant, and he ser^•ed as captain nearly all the time
he was at the front, but he \\as ne\-er commissioned as captain. His
regiment took part in the battles at Pittsburg Landing. April o and
7. iXOj. Perr\s\ille. Corinth. ]\Itu"fordsville. Stone Rixer. ]\[ission-
ary ]\idge. Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Xashville. Idie regi-
ment was later sent to Texas, but the subject did not accompany it.
He was mustered out late in 1863. He at once returned to Howard
Count}', Indiana, and re-entered the ministry and for fort^- years
occupied the pulpits of \-arious charges of the Xorthern Indiana
Conference. In iSgo he became pastor of the church at (ireentown.
ser\ing fi\"e }'ears in that ca]3acit^". and with the exception of five
years has contin.ued in make (ireentown his hiime e\er since.
Rev. ]\Ir. Disbro was ajipcjintecl jjostmaster of (ireentown in
1004. in which capacity he ser\-ed very eificienth" until 1008. He
was nominated as trustee of Liberty township at the close of his
term as postmaster and his nomination was generally regarded as a
most fortunate iine.
The suljject's hap])\- domestic life dates from [March 7. i8(3i,
(_)1- lltiWAKD COUNTY. 4() I
when he was united in marriage with Ahirv C. Hall, nf Tiptnii
county, this state. She was burn Xuveniher 13. 1S43. the (lau.giiter
of Eli and Margaret Hall, who resided in Tipton cnuntv, where they
were reckoned among' the leading families of their ci immunity. Her
father was a Kentuckian and her mother was a native of Scott
county, Indiana. They were Methodists. Mrs. Disbro received a
common school education and early gave evidence of the possession
of many admirable attributes, which her sul)se(|uent life has mani-
fested, b'our children, two s<ins and tw(.i daughters, have lieen burn
to this union as follows: Mary Florence and Emma Flora, both
still members of the family circle; Charles M. is in the supply de-
partment of the Wabash Railroad Company, located at Decatur,
Illinois; Willie S. died March -'4, 1X84.
Our subject is a member of the Grand Arm_\- of the Rei)ublic.
the post at Butler, Indiana, and he receives a twelve dollar pension.
He owns a beautiful and comfortable suburban home in Greentown,
and is pleasantly situated, enjo}-ing his declining \ears, cunscious
of the fact that his life has been weW spent. He is well prcser\-ed
physically and gi\'es promise of a \-ery lung life; this is no doubt
due to the consistent and e\ en tempered life he has led. He is held
in high regard by those who know him, as is shown by the o )ntidence
the people of his cijmmunit}' repose in him by honoring him in official
capacities and many other wa}'s.
BEXIAMTX F. DIXOX.
Among the honorable and influential citizens of Howard county,
Indiana, is the subject i>f this review, who lias here maintained his
home for man\' \ears, winning a definite success b^■ means of tlic
49^ MORROW S HISTORY
au"ricultural inciustrv, to which he has dexoted his attention during
the \'ears of an active lousiness hte. His career has l^een \vitl:out
shadow of wrong or sus])icion of e\il. and thus he has e\'er com-
manded the confidence and esteem of liis fehow men.
Benjamin F. Dixon was l)oni in Morgan county, Indiana, in
1855. the son of Rile}- and Anna Jane ( Thompson) Dixon. Grand-
father Dixon came from North Carolina, locating in Indiana in
1X28, settling among the pioneers in the southern part of the state.
Taking up land from the go\-ernment he impro\'ed it and de\-eloped
a fine farm to which he ga\e his attention, also assisted others in
getting land in order that he might ha\-e neighbors. Here he made
a good home and raised his familw d\-ing at the age of seventy-five
}ears, haxing spent his last }'ears on this farm in which he took a
great pride. His wife passed awa}' at an earlier age. They were
both Oiiakers, being acti\'e members of this denomination, (jrand-
fatber Tb<impson was from North Carolina and came to Indiana
about the same time of grandfather Dixon's atlvent, also settling
in the .-oiitbern iiart of the state, near Paoti, Orange count)-. He
was a farmer, having raised bis family and spent his last da\'S in
Orange countx-, d^-ing well adx'anced in age, having been preceded
to the 1 ither shore 1)\- bis wife. 'rbe\-, too, were loyal Quakers.
The father of the subiect was born in North Carolina and was
brought to Indiana by his parents when six years old, having been
reared at White Lick, Boone count}-, this state. He attended such
schodls as there were at that earl\- time, w-orking on his father's
farm during the summer months, but he was a close stu<lent and re-
cei\-fd a gm id practical education. He li\ed with his father initil he
was about twent}--fi\-e }-ears old, when he was married. Being-
thrift}- he always owned a farm but did many other things in a
ciiuimercial wa}-, haxing in turn been successful as a merchant and
li\e stock dealer. Elexen children were born to the subject's parents.
OK iinWARi) (.'mxTS'. 4(j_^
two (l_\'int^" while mhiiiil;. nine reacliint;' in;iturit\ and li\i!i!^ tn raise
families of their own, eitj'ht of whuiii are li\iiii^' in n^oS. The father
and mother were h'riends in their relij;ions afiiliatii ins, the former
(lying- at the ag'e i>f sevent_\--ti\e am! the latter when fift\-li\e \ears
old.
Benjamin 1'. Dixon, nnr ^nhject. first atteiKled seho< '1 in In-
diana and Illinois, working' on his father's farm nntil he was ahnnt
twenty-five years old. Then he rented nne hnndred and si\t\' acres
of land in Howard connt\' nn which he farmed f' ir two \'ears when
he hongiit a farm in the same c^nntw Selling it at an adxance he
hongiit another farm in Hamilton ci>unt\', managing this with his
accustomed snccess for two years, when he sold it for one thnnsand
and twij hundred dollars more than he ga\e for it. He then dealt in
produce for a time, later g'ning td Kansas, where he hongh.t une hun-
dred and twent}' .acres of jirrurie land, which he kept fur fnurteen
\'ears, making consideraljle nmne}' i ni it, princi])alh- hy raising large
crops of wheat. He then worked at the car|)enter's trade for some
time, and, returning to Howard connt\-, finally bought the farm on
which he now resides. It consists of eigiit\'-tw 1 1 acres, all hut eight
acres of which are under the plow'. The eight acres are in woods-
pasture, in which is a fine set of hlue grass. The entire farni is well
drained with tile and the soil is in a good productive condition. The
fields are under a good s\"stem of wire fencing. howe\'er. souie rails
are used for fences. He keeps his soil in a fertile condition hy the
skillful rotation of crops and the employment of home fertilizers.
The subject is a hard worker and understands all the modern and
improved methods of farming, conse(|nenlly he has one ot the best
farms of the size in the township and it yields him a comfortable
li\'ing',
Mr. Di.xon's dwelling- is modern, substantial and commodimis,
nicelv furnished. He has two good hams and other convenient out
494 MORROW S HISTORY
buildings. He delights in horticulture and has a g'Oi:)d orchard,
well kept and of excellent quality. He has all that goes to make up
good provisions. He carries on general farming, feeds hogs and
cattle, using all the curn that the place produces. He is a believer in
sowing jilent}" oi clnver after crops of larger grains have been har-
\-ested. He has l)een mi his jiresent farm five }"ears in 190S and since
he secured the place the soil has been constantly improved.
Mr. Dixon was united in marriage in 1880 with Alamanda
Richardson, the refined and estimable daughter of Ji'hn Henrv and
Alar}- ( Heaton) Richardson, the father a native of Indiana and the
miither of Ohio. Gramlfather Heatnn was a culnnel in the war of
1812. He was also a Sdldier in the ^Mexican war. having- served
out his enlistment and received an honorable discharge. His saber
is now in a lodge room in Kokoniii. Gramlfather Richards(-in was
also a stijdier in the War of 18 u. He lived to ].>e an rild man and
his wife reached the age of i-iinety-four. All Ijut two of this family
are living in 1908 and all Ijut one have raised fan-iilies of their own.
The Heaton stock originated in England. The father of the sub-
ject's wife was a contractor, ha\-ing- spent the last years of his life
in Howaril count\-, his death occurring in I-"rankfort, this state. Ten
children were ])ovn to them. fi\-e 1jo>-s ar.d an equal numlier of girls.
Three children lia\-e been born to Benjamin F. Dixon and wife
as follows: Lela, l)orn March 14, 1S81, is the wife of John D.
Rogers, of Marion, Indiana, and they are the parents of one child:
Doyle I., who is a graduate of Kokomo high school, is a teacher and
was l)orn .Vugust (\ 1888, is single and living at home: Walter X.,
who was born Alarch 31, 1892, is also a niemljer of the fai-nilv circle.
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon and famil}- are members of the societv of
Friends, Mrs. Dixon ha\-ing- joined this faith after her marriage.
The subject has alwa\-s been a Republican in politics, but is now a
Prohil)itionist. He i^ known to all who luue f(M-med his acquaint-
0|- lliiWAKI) CorXTV.
4M5
ancetoljea man ( if genuine wnrtli and nilegritw scrupuldUsK- lionest
in all his dealings with his fellow men and he and his familv are all
liighh" respected and have hosts of friends througiiout the county.
THOArAS A. RL'SE.
Hard and laliorious et'fovi was the lot of our suljject (hu-ing his
youth and earl}- manhood, lint his hdelit\' to dnt^' won him the re-
spect and conhdence of those with whoni he was thrown in contact
and h\" patient continuance in well doing he gradualK- arose from
an humble station t(j his present high standing among the leading
farmers and stock raisers in the \ icinit\' of Kokonio. Indiana, al-
ways gi\'ing h.is personal attention to his \ arious industries with the
same energ}- and foresight that ha\e characterized his labors during
his bus}- and hcmra-able career and ha\-ing e\-ery d<->llar in his pos-
session as the result of honest effort, and that, toi>. in the face of
opposing- obstacles and not a few adxers^- circumstan.ces, he can
witliout ostentation lay claim to the proud American title of a self-
made man.
Thonias A. Ruse was borr. in Clinton county. Ohiii. August 2S.
](S68, the son I'f Lewis and Sarah i !\[a}-es) Ruse, the father ha\ing
lieen one of those patriotic sons of the Xorth who. in time of the
nation's dark davs of rebellion, came forth. 1 ilfering h.is serxices and
his life in its defense, sening in the hederal ranks ui-itil the close of
the war, ha\-ing enlisted in an Indiana regiment, from Clinton coun-
t}-. After the war he returned Imn-ie. spending the remainder of his
life there, dying at a fairl}- ad\-anced age, lea\-ing a large famil\- of
children.
In 1S72 the subject's mother mo\-ed with her children to Mow-
4^jC) M(JRkU\\'s HISTORY
ard ciiunty, Indiana, where she resided until she was suninioned to
annther world in 1S83. These parents were people i)f high integrity
and s])ared nn pains in gi\ing their children e\ery cnmfort and en-
ciiuragement to lead noble and wholesome lixes. which influence has
heen plainly manifested in the subsequent careers of the subject and
his brothers and sisters.
'Idiomas A. Ruse was (jne of the most industrious lads in his
native communit\'. haxing worked hard to assist his mother in main-
taining- the h(.)me, consequently his earl\' education was somewhat
neglected. Howe\er. l:)eing an obser\ing man and an avid reader, he
has broadened his intellectual \iews and is now a well informed man
on di\-erse topics.
.\t one time he met with misfortune and was depri\ed of all his
earthly possessions, being thereafter compelled to begin life o\er
again as a common laborer, \vorking for a dollar an<l twent\--h\'e
cents per day : this was as late as i8c)S. ten years ag(j from this writ-
ing. lUit in these ten \"ears he has rapidh' accumulated a ciimpetence,
being a man of e.xtraordinarv perseverance, soundness of judgment
and force of character. Toda\- be has three fine farms in Howard
count}- and is conservativeh' worth twent)- thousand dollars, all of
which he and his w ife ha\e made l)^■ their indi\idual efforts.
Air. Ruse maintains a fine dairv farm, as indicated above, ad-
joining the corporate limits of Kokomo, on which he has caused to
be erected many substantial and u])-to-date Iniildings. In the city
he finds a read}' market for all the iiroducts of his \\ell managed and
excellentlv ec|uipped dair}-.
Mr. Ruse was united in marriage in 1804 to Lula Cook, who
was born in Hancock county, this state, Jul}" 22, 1870. She was
left without parents earl}- in life and was placed in the Orphans'
Hou-ie at Cincinnati. Ohio. This couple started at the l)i>ttom, and
so well and wisel\- have the^- worked that their li\es lirue been
01' iiow'Aun inrxTV. 4()7
siii.L;ularl\- lianiii inioiis and rcsultfil in much t^odd tn utiiers as well
as successful trdUi an imlustrial \ie\\ -pi lint. The}' ha\e um children.
Mr. and Mrs. Ruse are pleasant and aftable. their Imniir and
inte.ti'ritv being- irreprnachahle and the_\' nunilier their friends hy the
sci ires.
.Mr. Ruse is affiliated with the Red Men's lc>dg-e at Knkumo,
and in ])iilitics he is a staunch ReiJuhlican, being' an admirer and
sup])(irter nf men in public office wlmse reciird> are In >nest and un-
assailable, and he is wideK' known as a man <if strictl}' liDuest busi-
ness methiids and upriglit principles in e\ ery walk of life.
T. W. lX41A\-h:X
The life histor\' of the subject is deemed eminently wnvthv to
be included in this v<ilume alor.g with the other representative char-
acters of Howard Count}-, parti) because of its consistency to the
right and partly becau.se of its usefulness and inspiration to others.
Mr. DeHaven was in the sheriff's othce of this county until iSg,:;,
his own term having expired in iSS_>. He had served two terms
since the election of 1880, but he continued under three or four suc-
cessors. In 1893 he becan-ie justice of the ])eace and has served in
this capacitv ever since, being the oldest similar official in the county,
and the et'ticiency with which he has handled the large volume of
work that has con-ie thmugh his hands ma\- be understooil whei-i we
learn that he has seldoii-i \r.\i\ an a]ipeal from his decisions, evei-y-
bndv being of the opinion that he is one of the best justices of the
])eace the countv has ever known. His decisions have repeatedly
been sustained in the circuit court. He is a loyal and active Re-
])ublican. never liising an o]>])orttniity to aiil his party in any honest
498 morrow's history
manner, and he is always to be found doing his part in local con-
\-entions and elections.
Shi>rtl_v Ijetore assuming the duties of the sheritl"s office the
subject's wife died and in 18S4 he was again married to E\aline
Ray, a nati\e of Ho\\ard count}', l^i this union has been liorn one
daughter. ^Margaret, wh.o is twelve years old in 1908.
Charles A. DeHaven, son of the subject, was linrn August 15,
1865. in ( ireene count\'. Ohi(T. and died Juh' 3. 1903. at Kokomo,
where he had made his home for man)' years and gained a reputa-
tion for industry and U])riglitness. In 1890 he was assistant clerk
in the house of rei)resentati\es. and was admitted to the bar and was
in acti\-e [practice. He was elected as senator to the sixty-fourth gen-
eral assemljly and had seiwed one term in a most satisfactory man-
ner. ha\ing been on \arious important committees in connection with
which he showed rare ingenuity and foresight. A resolution setting
forth the regret of the President, senate and some of the committee-
men at the death of Charles A. DeHa\'en, was passed. It may be seen
in a frame hanging in the subject's office. His mother's death oc-
curred when he was si.xteen vears old and he was self-raised and self-
educated. He spent three or four \ears in Xew York City as clerk
and other capacities. He assisted in making the citv directiirv at
Harrisburg. ^enns^ Ivania, and also was in f'ittslnu'g' for a while:
Ijut cit\- temptations did not affect him and he came out from them
all unscathed. He returued home for the purpose of studying law
and read in the office of Cooper & Harness. He was fairl}- success-
ful in law jjractice, but was always inclined to politics, which seemed
to be his ]iro])er held. He had a wide accjuaintance, partly as the
result of his clerkshii) in the house cif representati^'es. He was liked
and admired b^■ e\erA-one who knew him, and the future would
doubtless ha\-e been replete with signal success had he li\'ed. His
funeral was attended l.)v Vice-President Fairl)anks and Senator
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 4(^1)
Be\-eritlg'e, and uas in charg-e of the ■\rasunic fraternity, in which
he had l.)een a highly respected and active memher. He had nc\'er
married, l)Ut had fnr many }'ears made his home with his married
sister. In liis fatlier's residence hangs his portrait as clerk snr-
rounded by his assistants. Charles was one of the most popular
young men of his home cit)-, having been admired both for his in-
tellectual attainments and his e.xemplary character.
John DeHaven, another scm nf the sul>ject. is on the editorial
staft of the South Bend Times, where he is doing creditable
service.
The DeHaven family has long been known as among the lead-
ing people in Howard county.
PLEASANT H. W". HAYXES.
It is with a great degree of satisfaction to the biographer when
he averts to the life of one who has made the rough path of life
smooth by his untiring- perseverance, has attained success in an}- vo-
cation requiring definiteness of purpose and detennined action. Such
a life, whether it be one of calm. consecuti\'e endeavor, ok of sudden
meteoric accomplishments, must aljound in both lesson and incentive
and prove a guide to the voung men whose fortunes are still matters
for the future to determine. For a number of years the subject of
this sketch has directed his efforts toward the goal of success in
Howard county and by patient continuance has won pronounced
success.
'Sir. Haynes was born in Clinton county, Ohio. October 15.
1865, and when eighteen years old settled in Jackson township.
Howard county. Indiana, with his parents, Isaac 'S\. and Eliza J.
( Haynes ) Ha}-iies. both living on a farm five miles east of Kokomo
in 1908. When nineteen years old (jur subject began to teach school,
in 1S84, ha\ing received a fairly goml educatiijii in the common,
high and old Xornftil scIiodIs. He followed teaching for twehe
years, becoming one of the most successful in the countv. Eight
years were spent in teaching in Jackson township and fi lur in Honev
Creek and Clay townships. He kept well advised on all lines of
teacher's \\ork. but his arduous duties in the school roc mi hnalh' told
on his health and he ga\e up teaching in 1896 and began farming
in 1898. He was made deputy sheriff of Howard county by L. W.
Harness, which position he successfully filled for four )ears and two
months, or until 1903. He had charge of the office and also most
of the fielfl work.
During this period there was much crime of \-arious kinds, horse
stealing and similar riffenses, and there was loose prosecuting at
times, and in order to keep crime down and break up the several
g'angs that operated in Howard count}' the sherift"'s office was a busy
place and a great \'olume of work was the result, but success attended
the eft'orts of Mr. Haynes.
In 1902 the subject was a candidate for sheriff' before the
primaries, receixing eleven hundred votes and carried his own town-
ship with a good majorit}- o\er all the candidates in Howard count}'.
He received his appointment as superintendent of the county farm
in 1905 and during the three years that he has had charge of the
same much excellent \\ork has been dime to the satisfaction of the
authorities. The farm consists of one Inmdred and fift^•-five acres
of good land l}'ing just west of Kokomo. The number of inmates
of the fann will a\erage from thirty-fi\-e to fift}-, and sometimes even
mi.ire. The count}' has its stock on the farm. ^Ir. Haynes works
for a salary, keeping one hired hand and one woman servant. Mrs.
Havnes is matron.
ol' iKiW ARli ei)i\i\-. 501
The sul)ject was niarrie'd in 1X1)5 tn Lida ( LaRnwe) (lossctt. of
Greentinvn. the dau.t^hter of lliarles l.aKuwe ami wid'iw nf J.
Leonard (inssett. Charles l.al\i'\ve is an nld Sdldier. a teniperanee
wurker and a highly respeeted eitizen nf Howard cnunty. Tlie sul>-
jeet has one step-son. Silver (lossett.
'Sir. Havnes has served two _\ears on the exeeuti\e committee
of the Kepnlilican p;irty. Me and his wife are members of the L'nited
Brethren church.
INIr. Havnes is one of the few men living who ha\e had the
privileges of reading his own oljituary. of kmnving what the ])eople
had to sav of him at his su])])osed death, an account of which aj)-
pearetl in a Kokonio paper while the subject was li\ ing in lllack-
ford count V. news ha\ing- reached that city of his demise while ill
w ith typhoid fe^•er.
Mr. Havr.es is a man of unquestioned force of character and
personalitv. which he makes felt in Howard county where he is well
and fa\'oral>h' known to all classes.
JOHX PICKETT.
This honored veteran of the Civil war is to be designated as
one of the progressive and influential citizens of Howard county
where, for more than a (|uarter of a century he has maintained his
home in Tavlor township, near Creentown, figuring as one of the
builders of the communit\ and is especially worthy of consideration
in this work. He has not only li\- his industry and sound judgment
improved a fine farm and gaine<l a fairly large competence for his
old age but he has materially assisted in the general welfare of the
communitv, in many ways lending his valual)le time and influence m
the promulgation of various uplifting movements.
502 MORROW S HISTORY
John Pickett was born in Hemy county, Iniliana, ^Nlay 20, 1839,
the son of Joseph and Ehiiima (Chew) Pickett. Grandfather Pickett
was a native of Xortli Carohna. who muved to Wayne county. Indi-
ana, coming through Cincinnati, Ohio, when it was merely a village.
After remaining in \\ ayne ci:aint}' for a time he came td Henry
county, entered land tliere. and the first season, not ha\ing time to
clear the ground, he "barked" the trees so the leaves would wilt and
not shade out his corn which he planted among them. The land was
cleared as soon as possible and an excellent farm finally developed,
on which he reared his family and where he passed to his eternal re-
ward, leaving eight children, seven of whom were g'irls : the Ijoy be-
came a teacher as was alsn his wife. The Pickett stock is Scotch-
Irish and English.
Joseph Pickett, father of the subject, had a fairly good crimmon
school educatiun. He worked on the Wabash & Erie canal at
twenty-h\'e cents per day until he had laid up enough money to enter
eighty acres of land, which had to be entered in his father's name
on account of his minority. He walked from Greensboro to Marion,
Indiana, a distance of sixty nn'les. ti.i i)a\' his taxes. After he was
married he entered land on which he farmed ten or twel\-e years,
then he ]j( mght a fann in Henry county. It was all heavily timbered,
but he was a hard worker and soon had it cleared and a comfortable
home established, where he reared his family and where he died in
1SS5, his widow sun-i\-ing until February 9, 1893, reaching a very
old age. They were the parents of four sons and three daughters,
all but one of whom lived to raise families of their own, the subject
of this sketch being the oldest child. The parents of these children
were strict Quakers.
John Pickett, our subject, did not have the educational advan-
tages that he desired, attending several terms of sitbscription schools,
which were tauglit imh' a few months each ^-ear. He worked on
UF iloWAKIi CiirXTV. 50,^
his father's tann until Au,L;ust _'<i. iSdi, when he resijonded t' i liis
C(iunti\\"s call fur luyal citizens tu defend the flas^'. enlisting- in C'oni-
pan}- D, Thirty-sixth Indiana \'olunteer Infantr\-, and he proved In
he a \ery cciura.tieuus and \aliant suldier fcir the I'ninn. his hrst
hattle heini^- the threat en.tjat;ement at L'hickaniauLi'a. then he fniv^ht
at L(_n)k()Ut AL.iuntain and at the hattle uf Alissiunar)' Riilj^e and at
Ringgold, Cieorg'ia. tlis ])rigade was sent hack to the hattleheld of
Chickamauga on December i. iS(i_:;, to gather up the hones of the
L'nion soldiers who fell in hattle and hnr\- them. ]\[a\- 4th of the
following \-ear the regiment, of which our subject was a member,
startetl on the Atlanta cam]5aign. At the battle of lUizzard Roost,
the I-"ourth Corps, of which this regiment was a ])art, occupied the
center of the arnn, also the same position on the march to the sea,
the principal battles being fought at Resaca, Rerrys\ille. Kingston,
]3allas and Kenesaw Abmntain. Around the latter place there was
more or less fighting for ten da\s. 'rhe\' were also in the battle of
I'each Tree Creek and in the siege of Atlanta, also in the engage-
ment at Jonesboro. The enlistment of the sul)ject luuing expired he
came to Indianaiiolis and was mustered out on September _■ 1 , iS()4.
On ]\larch 13th following, he enlisted in Company A, [■"ourth Cniled
States \'oIunteer Infantr\- and went to Washington City, where he
remained on guard dut}' until March 13, ^^«^t\ when he was nuis-
tere<l out, recei\"ing an honorable discharge.
After his military career, .Mr. I'ickett went to Missouri, where
he remained nine vears, farming with pronounced success, after
which he came to Howard count\-, Indiana, and inu'chased forty
acres of im])ro\-ed land. Later he a<lded twenty to this, all of which,
with the exception of seven acres, is under ])low. It is under an ex-
cellent state of culti\-ation. being well drained and the soil has been
kept up to the standard through the skillful management of the sub-
ject. He empl(]ys the usual system of crop mtation, and he feeds
504 MORROW S IIISTOKV
all his c<ii'n t(_) stuck, mosth" tn hogs. He is considered a \er\- care-
ful farmer and giiod manager nf both his crops and stuck.
(Jur subject was married Se])tember 27. 1866, to ]\Iar^■ Jane
Kern, daughter of Henry and Rebecca Ann ( W'aldron ) Kern. Five
children ha\'e been born to this union as follows: Sherman, born
]"el)ruar\- iS, 1S68, is married and has one child; Bertha \'., born
Max- 10. iS()(), died in 1872 : (i. W., born October 16. 1870, is mar-
ried -and has one child; H. .\., born December 2. 1874. is married
and has fmu" children; Josejih W ., born iMarch 2(\ 1878, is married
and has three children.
1 he subject is an acti\e member of the Grand Army of the Re-
]iul)lic. Harrison Post, Xo. 30. He is a lijval Republican. Mrs.
I'ickett is a meml:)er of the Christian church and thev are both es-
teemed throughout the townsliip where the\' reside for their in-
tegrity, uprightness and hospitalit}".
willia;\i trueblood.
Xo one of a coutemplati\e turn of mind could study the life
history of a man like the gentleman whose name forms the caption
of this article and not be benefited thereby, not feel an inspiration
to lead a life of industr^■. sobriet\- and uprightness; while his record
is, in the main, like that of mau^" other men, a general mingling of
life's jo\-s and sc.irrows, triumphs and defeats, ^et Ave shall see how
he brought success out of situations where weaker souls would ha\'e
g'i\'en in, surrendered to the enenn-, despair and conse(|uently
failed.
William Trueljlood was born in Orange county, Indiana, -\u-
gust 3, 1833. and after spending a busy life within the borders of his
Ol' IIDWAKD CdL'XTV. 3<J5
nati\'e state lie is lea<lin,<i' a retired life in Kukdniu, cmiscious nf the
feet that his (hit\- has l)een well ]ierfi irnieil ami tliat he can take a
well earned rest. His })arents were nati\es nf Xdrth C'anilina. wlin
eanie ti> Orang'e cnuntw this state, almnt iSi i. and the subject spent
Ills lx)^■hcll 111 da\s in that cminty. Jdsiah Truebloud entered land in
Orange ciiunt\-, where he spent his life, dxing at the age nf eighty-
three vears. i in the farm which he entered.
Thdmas Maris, tlie subject's maternal grandfather. ser\ed "U
the first grand jury in Orange cnunty. William TruebliHid re-
mained in ( )range cnunt\' mi his father's farm until he was twent\-
one vears nld. He had a gond district schdul educatimi, attend-
ing schoiil three nmntlis cut ni each yeai- until he ciim])]eted the cmui-
mnn Ijranches. .Vn nlder brother, Alfred, was a merchant at I'auli.
Orange C(!unt\-. and William became a partner with him when
twentv-iine vears old. remaining in this capacit)- fur fiiur years.
In 1861 he bought a farm near Xew Ijnidon. Hnward cnuiit\-. The
place had been impnAed but the subject sunn had it in much better
condition than ever it had been and much nmre prdductixe. .\fter
spending six years nn this farm he came to Kokonid in iS^)-. when
he and liis brother-in-law, Xatlian Obxnn, (irganized a company cniii-
prised of Xathan Dixon. William Truelilood, Jonathan Johnson and
(ieorge Maris, for the puri)ose of operating a hardware store. I he
subject remained in this store for twelve years until iSf^3. having
been largely instrumental in that time in building up one of the lead-
ing hardware l)usinesses in the count}-. Xathan Dixon died in iS()3
and ( Ieorge Maris died in ,\pri1. kjoj. The subject was in the grain
business, which was also conducted by this lirni with elevators at
Kokomo. Rushville and other points. They bought large consign-
ments of grain and did an extensive business in ship])ing. Dixon
and Trueblood continued the grain Imsiiiess for four or five years at
Kokomo, but in 1886 they disposed of the grain business. Tdoracc
;o6
and Jdhn Trueblond, sons (if the subject, had engaged in the slioe
business in 1883 and Charles, their brother, was taken in later on;
our subject joined them in 1890 and devoted his attention to this
l:)usiness for the next ten years, retiring in rqoo, the business be-
ing S(jld two years later. John became an osteopathic physician and
is now practicing at Traxerse City, Michigan ; Horace and Charles
are successfully operating a launch-}- at [Marion, Indiana : William,
the subject, has since lived retired, after gaining an ample compe-
tence fiir his i.ild age, and realizing that his life had been well spent
along all lines and that he coul<l take a well earned rest in comfort.
The subject was identified with the Repul)lican party up to 1886
since which time he has been a radical Prohibitionist, taking an ac-
tive part in the C(junty campaigns arid \vas a delegate to vari<jus con-
\'enti(_ins. He has Ijeen mi the ticket for count}- treasurer, also f(jr
representati\e. He has always lieen at the front in this part}-, ready
to sacrifice an}-thing for the part}-'s l>enefit. He sa\-s the mo\-ement
has surpas>ed his expectations. He has been acti\e in church work
all his liie. ha\-ing been identified with the h'riends church. He has
often ser\-ed as a delegate to the annual meeting of this denomina-
tion for a period of twent}--fi\-e xears. and his \oice in the delibera-
tions of the gatherings has always been heeded and recognized as
being for the best interest of the church. He has for man}- }-ears
been a member (if the E\-angelistic Ci immitees, als(;) a member of the
pennanent board and has held man\- other minor offices on \-arious
boards and C( mimittees.
The subject was married in Orange count}-, on April 21. 1858,
to Ruth E. Di.xcui. sister of Xathan Dixon. She A\as a nati\-e of
() range county. Indiana. Her parents were nati\-es of Xorth Caro-
lina. Their family consists of the following children: Lindley M.
has his headquarters at Kokonio. while he travels for a laundry
supply h(.)use : he is also a mechanic: Hiirace X.; John O. and
Charles.
(II'' IKIWAKI) COL'XTV. 3O7
William TrueljliKxl has a ciinifnrtal)lc residence at ~2 East
IMullierr)- street, Kokcimo, which has Ijeen his hmne since 1872.
Mrs. Truebloocl is a gTamhhuit^hter df Junathan Liii(lle\'. wlm came
to PaoH, Orange count}-, alimit 1809. Her uncle, Zach I.indley,
was the first sheriff of Orange cnunt}'. Zach serx'cd in the \\ ar nt
1S12 and was wounded at Tippecanoe. He died at the age of sixty-
seven ^ears.
Xo man in Kokomo stands higher in the esteem of the citizens
than the subject, for his life has been ime singularh- free frcmi sus-
picion of wrong doing <ir e\'il df any kind.
DAVID T. TERRELL.
Standing- for upright manhdixl and progressive citizenship the
subject of this sketch has long (jccui^ied a conspicuous place among
the representatives of the great agricultural interest of Indiana and
his influence in even' relation of life has made for the material ad-
vancement of the community in which he resides and the moral wel-
fare of those with whom he has been brought into contact. Da^-id
J. Terrell comes of an old and higlil}- esteemed Ohio family, the
genealogy of which is traceable to an early period in the history of
that commijnwealth, the first mention of the nau-ie occurring in High-
land county, where Richmond Terrell, the sul)ject's father, was born
and reared, the ancestral home being near the tmvn of Lexington.
Maria ]\I. Hansell, wife of Richmond V. Terrell and mother of the
subject, was also a native of Highland county, and her father,
a farmer by occupation and a most excellent and praiseworthy citi-
zen, spent his life there, dying a number of years ago at bis home
near the above seat of justice, at the advanced age of seventy-five.
The subject's father was eaidy left an orphan and after the
5o8 morrow's history
death of his parents Ijecanie an inmate of the home of his cousin,
with wlioni he Hxed until ^•olnl,^■ manhood, tlie meantime ser\ing an
api)rentice^hip at the trade of cal)inet making, which lie fohowed
for a numl)er of }'ears in his nati\e ?;tate. sul)sequently discontinuing
mechanical work to engage in the jjursuit of agriculture. In 1851
he disposed of his interests in Ohio and mined to Howard count\',
Indiana, jjurchasing a partiall}' imi)ro\ed farm, which in due time
he hrought t" a hi.gh state of cultixatiun and on which he continued
to reside until his death, at the age of se\"enty-eight }-ears. Rich-
mond I-". Terrell was a man of excellent traits, upright in all his
dealings and his life was filled to repletion with good to his
fellow men. He was reared in the faith of the S(.icietv of I'riends.
hut some time after his marriage he united with the ]\[ethoilist
church, of which his wife was a niemher. and continued in that com-
munion until her death, when he returned to his former helief and
to the end of his days remained loyal to its teaching. Airs, Terrell,
whose death occurred at the age of fift\-two. hore her hushand ten
children. !i\e sons and fi\e daughters, the father li\-ing to see all of
them married and well settled in life. One of the sons, John H..
was a soldier in the Fift\'-se\enth Indiana Infantiw. in the
C'i\il war and ga\"e nearl\- four \-ears to the service of his coun-
try, during which time he tonk part in a number i_)f Ijloodv battles
and for meritorious conduct rose from the ranks to the position of
adjutant "i his regiment, lilling the intermediate offices with credit
to himself ami to the honor of his command.
na\id J. Terrell is a native n{ Highland county, Ohio, where
he was horn June 11, 1S30. He sjient liis childhood and \'outh on
the famil)- Immesteail near the town of I^exington antl in 1X51 ;ic-
comjianied his parents upon their remo\-al to Indiana, since which
time he has been an honored resident of H(.)ward county. In due
time he entered the district school, not far fmm his honie. and con-
(11- iiDWAkii ((irxrv. 309
tinned Ins attendance at the same until > Ijlainin^- a knuw led.Ljc nf the
Ijranches constituting the regular course of study, meanwhile de-
voting" the spring and summer seasons t( 1 farm lahor. al which he
was able to make a full h.and at a ci im]taraii\ el_\- early age. lie re-
mained with his father assisting in the cuhi\atioii of the liouie place
until his twenty-sixth year, when he [nu'chased a small farm of his
own in Center township to which he at once remo\'ed. and which
under his efficient lal)ors and excellent management soon became one
of the best cultixated and most highl\- im])ro\e(l places in the town-
ship. He still owns his original purchase, but has increased his
holdings from time to time until lie now owns se\eral \aluable
tracts of land, the greater ])art thoroughly drained and otherwise
well impro\ed. the general appearance of the lands indicating the
])resence of a master of agriculture who aims to keep freely abreast
in all matters relating to his vocation.
In the \eav K)00 Mr. Terrell tiu'ne<l bis farm iwer to other
hands and mo\ed to Kokomo. where be maintained a residence initil
the fall of 1905. when be returneil to the country and took po.^scs-
sion of a beautiful farm adioining bis own in '1 axlor township,
which came to bis wife through her parents, and on which he has
since lived and prospered. Since resuming agricultural pursuits he
has made a numl)er of wdnable improvements <in bis place, adding
much to its beauty and attracti\eness. and it now is conceiled that
he has one of the best and most desirable rural homes in Taylor
township, the land being enclosed with wire fence and well tiled.
all but fifteen acres being suceptible to a high state of cultivation.
Although giving personal attention to his farming interests au<l look-
ing carefullv after the management of his lands, Mr. 'I errell d< les
little ])hvsical work, bis son-in-law attending to the active o])eration
of the farm, which vields an income sufficiently ample to maintain
bis own and the latter's famil\- in comfortable circumstances.
5IO MORROWS HISTORY
As already indicated, Mr. Terrell has devoted much study to
the science of agriculture and easily is the peer of any fanner in the
ciiunty. being progressive in his methods and making use of the
latest and most approved implements and appliances bv menas n{
which the labors of the farm are not only greatly lessened, but made
much more effective and economical. He also keeps in touch with the
trend of current e\-ents. takes an acti\e interest in the public and po-
litical issues of the day. and as a Republican wields a strong in-
fluence for his party, being one of its leaders in the township in
which he resides.
On October 12, 1876. Mr. Terrell was united in marriage with
Julia A. Xeal, daughter of Enos and Margaret A. (Fauchier) Neal,
natives of Ohio. Mrs. Neal was of French lineage, her grandfather
Fauchier having been born in Marseilles. France, in the vear, 1766,
and Martha D., his wife, born in Xew Hampshire in 1780. and their
marriage occurred on September 2^,. 1798, in the city of Boston.
Massachusetts. John B. Fauchier, the grandfather of Mrs. Neal
was born in Suffolk, Massachusetts, in 1799, married in December,
1823. to Sarah Broyles. of Kentuck}-. and became the father of
fifteen children. Enos Xeal. father of Mrs. d'errell. was brirn May
-3' I'^o,^- "1 Miami count}', Ohio, came to Howard count\' in 1851,
was married on August 8, 1858, to Margaret Fauchier, who de-
parted this life in August, icjoo. his tleath occurring in Kokomo,
Fel)ruar}" 12, 1905, at the age of seventy }-ears.
]\lr. and ]Mrs. Terrell ha\-e twri children living, the older being
Oma May, who was born in the \-ear 1878, and who is now the wife
of John F. Harland, and the mother of three oft'spring. Charles
¥.. the second of the family, was born March 16, 1S82. He too is
married and the father of two children, his home at this time being
in Chicago.
'Sir. 'I'errell is well situated to enio^• the material comforts with
OF IlUWAKl) COUNTY. :; 1 1
which I'lirtune has l)lesseil him and stands hi,t;h anioii,^- tlie citizens
of the ctininninity in which he h\es. He l)el()ngs to the Inipmved
Order of Red ^len. aside from whicli he is identitied with no fra-
ternal (irgauizatii)n, liis greatest satisfaction l)eing in the <|uiet hfe
he leads as a prosperous and contented tiller of the soil and in the
mutually agreeable domestic ties which make In mie the hapi)iest
and most attractive spot on earth to one of his tastes and ideals.
THOMAS I. O'TOOLE.
The enterprising farmer and ])rominent citizen of whom the
lMi:)gra])her writes in this connection is a native of Rush count\-, In-
diana, where his birth occurred .March 2(), 1863. As the name in-
cates the paternal branch of his famih- is of Irish origin, his grand-
parents having spent their lives on the beautiful Emerald Isle, while
his father and mother also came from there a number of years ago.
Clement O'Toole. the subject's father, came to America in his
}'outh and li\ed ior some years in the city of Xew \'ork. where he
worked at the saddler's trade, and it was there that he met h^llen
Smith, also a nati\'e of Ireland, who afterwards l)ecame his wife.
From Xew" York INFr. O'Toole went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
followed his ch(:isen calling until his remoxal a few }'ears later to the
town of Raleigh, in Rush connlw Indiana, at which ])lace he o|)ened
;t shop of his own and during the ensuing ten }-ears did a thri\-ing
business, making and dealing in saddelry and harness. At the ex-
piration of the period indicated he removed to F.lwood. thence after
a short time to Curtisville. where he operated a shop until the break-
ing <put of the Ci\-il w;u". when he dispused of his business and
entered the armv. enlisting for three ^■ears in an Indiana regiment
'^12 MdKKDW S HISTORY
(if infantr\-, which in (Uie time he accnnipanied td the scene ut hostil-
ities. (.)n accijunt nf his intelh^ence and skill with the pen he was
detailed fur dnt\' as a w riter uf dis|iatche-i. lia\ ing been well dlucated
in the land id' his birth and at the time indicated he was able to write
tlnenth' in the English language. Mis abilit\' and aptness for the
dnt\" assigr.ed him so pleased his superiors that he was retained in
the position until the close of the war, at which time he returned to
Tipton County. Indiana, where he sjjent the remainder of his life,
(h'ing some vears later at the age of hfty-two. His widow, who
still sur\i\es, has reached the ripe old age (d' eighty-eight }"ears. She
retains to a remarkable degree her bodil)- and mental powers, is as
keenly ali\'e to current e\'ents as in the days of her prime, possesses
an unfailing mem()r^' and de\'otes the greater part of her time and
attention to reading, which she has alwa)s been aljle to d(j without
the aid of glasses. Like her husband she was reared in the Catholic
faith and is intensel}' loyal to her church and when able, a regular
attendent upon its ser\'ices.
Of the four children that constituted the family of Clement and
Ellen O'Toole, Thomas J., id" this rexiew, is the fourth in order of
birth. He was educated in the district schools and until his twen-
tieth year remained under the parental roof, the meantime looking
after his parent's interests and matiu'ing plans for his future course
of action. He was reared to agricultiu'al ])ursuits and at the age
indicated above, rented lar.d and engagetl in the tilling of soil upon
bis own resi)onsibilitv. After spending se\enteen years as a renter
he purchased his present farm of fifty-se\en acres, one mile north
of Kokomo, which he has since cultivated with success and tinancial
])rotit and in addition to wdiicli he also owns a half interest in nine
hundred acres of Colorado land in the (irand \'alley, near Grand
Junction, about four hundred acres of his share being in a high
state of tillage. Erom all indications the latter is destined at no dis-
(>|- HOWARD CmXTV.
3 '3
taut (lay to prove a vtvy fnitnuatc and lucrative investment, as the
!>-o\'ernnient is now constructin,i;' a coni])lete s\-stem of irrigation,
which when completed will add i;Teatl_\- to the producti\ eness of the
land besides increasing- its value many fold. The lan<l under the
present conditions yields bountiful crops of sugar beets, potatoes
and other vegetables, all varieties of fruits are gr, iwn also, besides
cereals, etc., and in due time with the enterprise in han<l fullv car-
ried out it will (lout)tless become a beautiful and exceedinglv valu-
able possession.
In connection with his agricultural and real estate interests
Mr. O'Toole deals (|uite extensi\el\' in li\e stock, especially horses,
which he buys and ships in large numbers. ha\-ing in his pastures
as many as three hundred and fifty head at a time. All the corn
raised <jn his farm is fed to his stock and the better to prosecute the
business he rents eight}- acres adjoining his place for i^asturage. He
has been more than ordinarily successful, both as a tiller of the soil
and stock dealer. Ijut on the latter be relies chiefl\' for his income,
althiaigh the returns from bis in\estment in the West are by no
means small ny insignificant.
Mr. O'Toole is a man of sound judgment, wise discretion and
keen Ijusiness ability as his rapi<l rise from a \-ery modest beginning
to bis present high standing .among the enterprising- and successful
farmers and stock dealers of Howard county abundantly attests.
l'.\- iu<licioush- investing- his means from time to time he has con-ie
into ])ossession of an ample fortune, owning in addition to the real
estate indicated in a preceding paragraph, considerable city property,
eight pieces in all which are well situated and steadily growing in
value. A man who takes ])ride in the growth and advancement of
his county. Mr. O'Toole encourages to the extent of his ability, all
worthy enterprises and is also ileeply interested in whatever makes
for the social and moral welfare of the community. Personally, he
514 ilORRUW S illSTORY
eiiJDVs great pi:ipularitv amung his friends and neighbors, inheriting"
as he dues man^" uf the sterhng characteristics and amiable ([iiahties
for which the people from beautiful Erin ha\-e been made welcome
in all parts i:if the world. In liis political \'iew's he is all tlie term
im]ilies an indeijendent. )'ielding sujjport to those principles that
best Coincide ^vith his standing and voting f(jr the candidates whose
moral standing and intellectual qtialifications best fit them for the of-
fices to which thev aspire. In matters religious he is a Ri.iman Cath-
olic and a loyal and devoted son of the mother church, belonging at
this time to tlie St. I'atrick's church of KokouK). in which he has
filled every position to which a lay member can be called.
Rosa Kiefer. who became the wife of ;\Ir. O'Toole in the year
1883. is a (laughter of ^'a]entine and Carrie ( Wdieat) Kiefer, na-
tives of Germanv, but since their childhocjd resitlents of the I'nited
States, the Kiefer family having first settled at Brookville, Indiana,
where these parents grew to maturity and married. Mr. and ^Irs.
O'Toole have had five children, all born in Howard county, namely :
Clementine, born in 1866: Carrie died in infancy; Edward. Josepli
Francis and Thomas Paul.
JACOB L. S:\IITH.
Idle subject of this sketch holds worthy prestige among the
enter]>nsing fanners and representative citizens of Howard county
and it is with no small degree of satisfaction that the liiographer
gives to the pulilic the following Jirief outline of his life and achieve-
ments, lacob L. Smith is an Ohio man and the youngest in a fam-
ilv I'f seven children, whose parents were John and Rebecca Smith,
natives of ]\Iarvland and \'irginia, respectively. The maiden name
(IF IKiW'AKIi CilL'XTV. :^ I :;
of Mrs. Smith was Rebecca l.i.t^lit. Her father moved to Ohm when
AveH along- in years and settled in Alontg'omerv countv, wlicrc he
spent the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of eight) -
four, his wife preceding him to the grave before the familv left
Virginia.
John Smith, the suldect's father, moved to Ohio after his mar-
riage and .settled in the connty of Moiitgomerv. where he engaged
in ag-ricultural pursuit.s and became a worthy and substantial citizen.
After his death, which occurred in the prime of manhood, hi> widow
rented a farm in order to keep her children together and with tlie
aid of her sons managed her affairs so as to ]We in comfortable cir-
cumstances and give to each of her offsiiring a good practical ed-
ucation. She sur\"i\-ed her husband forty-five \-ears and departed
this life at the age of eighty-four, honored and esteemed bv all who
knew her. ]Mrs. Smith possessed many noble attributes of woman-
hood and all who enjoyed the privileg'e of her influence were profuse
in their praise of her amiable qualities of head and heart. Her de-
votion to her children when depri\-ed of a father's care and guid-
ance, she made paramount to e\ery other consideration and so loy-
ally and unselfishl}" did she look after their interests that they grew
up to honi.iraljle manhood and wDmanhood, attiabuting to her un-
selfish eflorts, all the success in life which the}- achiexeil.
Jacob L. Smith was born .\i)ril 23, iS,V.)' in ^bjntgomer} coun-
ty, Ohio, and spent his early life in close t(juch with nature on a
fari-n, and while still a mere lad contributed his share towards the
support of liis widowed mother and the rest of the fan-iily. At in-
tervals during his minority he attentled the schotils of his neighboi--
hood and until his twei-ity-third year remained with his i-i-iothei'.
managing his fari-1-1 in her behalf and otherwise looking after her
con-|fort and interests. During the Civil war he serveil in the Ohio
Home Chiard. btit experienced no acti\e duty outside the slate.
5i6 morrow's history
tliDUgii ready at an}- time to resixnid to tlie call of the goveninient in
case his services were needed.
When t\\ent}'-three }-ears of age Mr. Smith rented a farm in
partnership with his lirother and engaged in the pursuit of agricul-
ture upon his own responsihility, the two continuing together until
the end of the second year, when the subject withdrew from the
com])act and came to Indiana, locating in Aliami count}', where dur-
ing the ensuing four }-ears he tilled the soil on rented land. B\ in-
dustiy and excellent management he made his farming interest quite
remunerative, so much so in fact that at the expiration of the time
indicated he was able to purchase a fann of his own in Howard
county, to which he at once removed and which under his well
directed labors was in due time greatly improved, much of the land
being cleared after he took possession and its value increased by
nearly one half over the purchase price. After residing on this place
for a period of twelve years and meeting with encouraging success,
he disposed of the land at a handsome figure and purchased the farm
in Center township, where he has since lived and prospered and
where, as alread}' indicated, he stands in the front rank as an enter-
prising agriculturist and representati\'e citizen. A\dien he purchased
his present place. 'Slv. Smith found it much run down and neglected,
the fences being overgrown witli briars and other shrubbery and
much decayed, all the buildings out of repair and the soil so de-
pleted by indifferent culti^•ation as to produce less by almost half
than what it should have }'ielded with even ordinary care and at-
tention. On taking possession he immediately inaugurated a series
of improvements, which soon resulted in bringing the soil back to
its original fertility and enhancing its productiveness to such a de-
gree that in the matter of corn alone the vield is now fiftv bushels
per acre more than formerh-, the g'ain in other crops being almost
if not quite as great. This change has been brougdit about by ample
UF IIOWAKD COUNTY. 517
fertilizing", judicious rutatinn and a successful system of tile drain-
age, t(.)gether with correct methods of agriculture and the careful
attentiiin which evevx pntgressive farmer (le\-otes to his labor and
without which e\en the best land and most approved implements of
husbandry are unavailing. Mr. Smith is a modern farmer in the
best sense of the term, a close student of agricultural science, and
b}- adopting th(.ise methods by which the grejitest and best results
are obtained he has achie\'ed marked financial success and is now
in independent circumstances w itli a surficienc\' of this world's gomls
on hand to enable him to spend the remainder of his days in com-
fortable and honorable retirement. Vnr some years past he has lieen
renting" his land, alx lut ninety acres being susceptible to tillage, re-
taining the rest for pasturage. Like most enterprising men of his
ciimmunit\' he de\'i>tes much attention ti> Ii\e stock of the finer
breeds, to which he feeds his share nf the grain and from the sale
of which lie receives no small part df his income. His buildings are
substantial and in excellent repair, ha\ing a C(_>mmi:idious and cum-
fortable dwelling amph- equipped with modern ci)n\eniences. a
large and well arranged barn, good . .ut buildings, indeed, e\ery-
thing on the premises being systematic and in good taste and l)ear-
ing evidence of the intelligence and progressive spirit of the pro-
prietiir.
Mr. Smith was married in the year iN(i4 tn ^lartha J. Turner,
daughter of Andrew and Rachel Turner. Ijnth parents nati\es of
North Carolina, but eai'ly settling in Miami count}-. Ohio, where the}'
fived man\- \'ears and where their rcsi)ecti\e deaths occurred after
passing the eightieth milestone on the journey of life. The}- reared
a familv of seven children, six daughters and one son. the latter a
soldier in the late Civil war, serving in the Lorty-fourth and Seventy-
first Regiments, Ohio Infantry, and taking ])art in a number of liat-
tles and minor ens-aeements in one iif which, P)e\-erlv, \ irginia, he
5iS morrow's history
was shot tlimug'h the IkuIv. the missile inflictin;;- a dangerdus wound,
from the effects of which he has ne\er entirely reci>\-ere(l. ]\Irs.
Smith was born in Xnrth C'anilina an<l taken to Ohio bv her parents
when small, and grew to maturity and married in her adopted state.
She bore her husband nine children and departed this life on the
5th of April, 1908, at the age of sixt}--six years, three of the children
dying in infancy.
John v., the oldest of the subject's children. \\as Ijorn in 1S64,
and is now a civil engineer, his home being at Green Bav, A\'iscon-
sin ; Ida ^[., the second of the familw born in 1867, is the wife of
Hilas ]\bjrris, a farmer and carpenter of Howard county, their
union being blessed with one child: Glen R. was born in 1S69 and
resides in Tipton cijuntv, being superintendent of schools at \\'ind-
fall : Grace, whose birth occurred in Howard county in 1874, is the
mother of one offspring: Dr. Henry Smith, the tifth in succession,
a well known and rising ])h}-sician of Indianapolis, was born in 1872 :
Dorothy, born in 1882, is the wife of Edgar Utterback, to whom
she has borne three children.
Although not an acti\e p(^litician. ]Mr. Smith is pronounced in
his allegiance to the Democratic party and has the courage of his
convictions on the leading (|uestions and issues in which the public
is interested. He has been identified with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellow s f()r a number of vears. having passed all the chairs in
the local lodge which holds his membership, and he endeavors to
e-\emplify the spirit of the noble fraternity in all of his relations
with his fellow men. Broad-minded and liberal, a thinkei" and close
observer, he keeps abreast ()f the times and in touch with current
thought and discharges the duties of citizenship in a manner be-
coming an enterprising and progressive American of the age in
which he lixes. He stands high in the esteem of those with whom
he mingles, has man^■ warm friends and has e\'er tried to do the
Ill- l|()\\ ARII iOi;XTV. :; II)
ris^lit as he sees ami uiulerstamls ilie rit^lit. (Juiet and uiinsteiila-
tinus anil seeking the secjuestered ways of lite rather than its tnnuilt
anil strife he has e\er attended strictly tn his i >\\ n affaii's and made
hetter all whu conie within the range nf his influence.
JOEL S. HAMILTClX.
Few residents nf Hnwanl cnunty are as well and fa\'irahh-
known as the enterprising farmer and representatixe citizen whose
life story is briellv told in the following lines and none stand higher
than he in the esteem and confuleriCe of the commtinit\- in which he
resides and for the material aihancement of which he has ikwoted
so mtich of his time and influence. The famih- of which he is an
honorable representative has been known in .\merica since colonial
times and for man\" \'ears the name was familiar in \'arious [larts of
South Carolina, of which state his grandfather was a natixc. This
ancestor came to Indiana when a ^•( mng mar, and settled in the coun-
ty of Favette. where he purchased land and developed a farm, but
after a residence of some vears there he disposed of his lioldings and
chang-ed his place of aboile to Shelbx' colnlt^^ where he also became
a tiller of the soil and a citizen of ])ul)lic-si)irit and more than ordi-
nary local prominence. He [)nrchased land from the goxernment in
the latter county. labored long and diligently on its im]irovement
and in due time his eitorts were rewarded b}' a hue farm, a com-
fortable home and a sufficienc_\- of this world's goods to jjlace him in
independent circumstances. A devout I'resbyterian he contributed
of his means and influence to establish churches and spread the truths
of religion among the sparse settlements, and his life as well as
that of his goc.id wife and helpmeet was long a power for good in
520 MORROW" S HISTORY
the CDinmunit}' h(jn(ire(l ]^y his citizenship. He spent the remainder
of his tlays on the family homestead in Shelby county and died a
number of }"ears ago. at the age of seventy-eight, his wife pre-
ceding him to the other wurld \vhen sixty-eight years old; they were
the parents of six children, the majurity <>f whum grew to maturity
and Ijecame fathers and mothers (if families, but most uf them have
long lieeii sleeping the sleep of the just.
The Sheltons, the subject's maternal ancestors, were English,
the fanirl}- being first re]jresented in the I'nited States by Mr. Hamil-
tiins' gran<lfather, who sailed from England in an earh' dav and
was among the pioneers of Slielbv cijuntv, Indiana, settling in the
same n.eighljorhood with the Hamiltuns. Subject's grandmother
was l)orn in Ireland, and inherited fn.im the sturdv Scotch-Irish an-
tecedents man}- of the sterling (|ualities for which that dual nation-
ality has long been distinguishe<l. Mr. and ]\Irs. Shelton were the
parents of nine children, three of whom served in the Ci\il war, go-
ing from Howard count\', of \\hich the\' had become residents some
years ])re\ iousb-. lioth grandfather and grandmother Shelton lix'ed
to be (|uite old. and had passed the Scriptural allotment of three score
and ten years before resjJCinding to the summons which soijn or late
must Come to all. They were an earnest, (iod-fearing and praise-
worth}- couple, who li\-ed in harnionv with their sense of right, and
left to their descendants the memor\- of kindh- <leeds and lives that
n-iade the wurld better b}' their ])resence.
Saniuel Han-iilton, the \-oungest member of his i)arents' family,
was Iiorn in I'ayette coui-it}- in the }-ear 1^13. and spent his early
life on the farm. The countr-\- being new- aiid sparseh- settled and
schools almost unknown, he had but lin-|ited educational adxan-
tages, notwithstanding which he managed to master the arts (if
reading and writing arid later Iw coming in coiitact with his fellow
men. became the possessor of a fund of ])ractical knowledge which
0[' HOWARD COL'N'TV. 3J 1
pr(>\'e(l I if threat \alue. when lu' started nut to make liis nwn way.
W'liile still a ynuth he accniiipanied his parents to Shelhy county and
after residing' there for a ])ei"iod of fifteen years, came to Howard
county, then comparati\eh- wild and nnde\eloped land, a portion of
which lie cleared and con\'erted into a g-ood farm. After a resi-
dence of fifteen rears on his original ])urchase. he sold it and in 1X31
in\'ested the proceeds in a two hundred acre tract all ciwered with
a dense forest growth and in a wilderness state. Addressing him-
self to the formidable task of removing tliis timber and titting the
soil for culti\-ation. Mr. Haiuilton worked early and late during
the sex'eral rears ensuing and in due season reaped the reward of
his labors in the shape of a fine farm, :i beautiful and attractise
home and a competence which enabled him to spend the closing
^■ears of his life in comfortable circumstances.
When a \-oung' man Afr. Hamilton chose a wife and helpmeet
in the person of Lrdia Sbelton, whose parents as already indicated,
were among the pioneer settlers of b'ayette county and in due time
she presented him with six children, of whom the subject of this
review is the third in order of birth. Samuel and Lydia Hamilton
were an estimable and much respected couple whose influence tended
to make wLser and Ijetter all who came in contact with them, and
whose memories still are cherished in the community so long blessed
Arith their ]>resence. They were earnest and derout Methodists,
did much fur the church which they loved .so well and both died in
tlie triumphs of a living faith, the wife in iS-^h. at the age of forty.
the husband surviving her until iS<S(), when he was called away
after reaching" his sevent\-sixth year.
Joel S. Hamilton, to a brief review of whose career the reader's
attention is respectfully calleil in the following paragraphs, was
born December (\ T83S. in Sbelbr county. Indiana, and four years
later was brought br his parents to the conntr of Howard, with
^22 MORROW" S HISTORY
wliicli his life has since l)een \'ery closelv identified. Growing up
amid the stirring scenes of the pioneer period, he was early taught
less(jns of industr\- and frugality, also the dignit\" that attaches to
honest toil and as soon as his services could be utilized to an ad-
\-antage he hore his full share in clearing the land and cultivating
the Soil and garnering the crops. Dwmg to the lack of pri\'ileges
his earlv education \vas scnnewhat neglected, nex'ertheless he was
])emiitte:l to attend a few months of suljscription school during his
_\'outh in which he made \er\' commendable progress.
Like a dutiful son he remained ^vith his parents, assisting in the
culli\-ation of the farm until his t\\"eiit\'-fourth ^-ear, when he ]nu"-
chased fort}- acres of his own and engaged in the ])ursuit of agricul-
ture for himself. He cleared and otherwise improxed the greater
portion of this land and by industrv and judicious management and
rigid economy was sul>se(|uentl}" enaliled to bu\' an adjoining forty
acre tract, which further increased b}' twentv acres bought some
years later, made him the jxissessor of as fine a body of land and as
good a farm as could lie found within the limits of the township in
which it lies. B}- a series of improvements including buildings,
fencing, tile drainage, fertilizing, etc., he has not only increased the
l)i"oducti\eness of the land Init added largely to its \-alue and as in-
dicated al>'ne, now has a beautiful and attractive home e(|uippecl
with a full complement of m(.i(lern improvements and coineniences
and is one of the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists
of his township, as well as one of its exemplary and public-spirited
citizens. Like the majority of enterprising farmers in his part of
the countr\-, he does not reK' entirely upon his crops for an income,
but dexdtes Considerable attention to li\-e stock, making a S])ecialty
of fine breeds of cattle and hogs which he markets every \"ear at
good prices.
Air. Hamilton is a man of liberal \ iews, belie^"es in ])rogress
n|- HOWARD Cia'.\T\'. 3-2^
ami iniprnveiiient and dues wliat he can tn further these ends, tak-
ing;' an interest in \vhate\er makes t'l a" the material advancement nf
the ciiunt\- and the social, intellectual and moral <;dod (if the people.
He is a Democrat Ijut not a politician, much less a partisan, and in
his religious views he suhscrilies to the faith of the ^Methodist Epis-
copal church, to which hoth he and his wife helonjj-. I'raternall)' he
holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
has passed all the chairs in the local lodge with which identified.
Mr. Hamilton's d<.imestic life dates from 1863. when he entered
the marriage relation with Afattie Tarkington. daughter of John
and Martha ( \\"liale_\- ) Tarkington, a union resulting in the hirth
of five children, viz, Flossie M., horn INlarch. iS()3, is the wife of
Fremont I'helps and the mother of two offspring; W'illard, horn
in 1S67, is deceased: Sallie M.. born in the year 1869, married (lien
R. Smith and has two children: Allie. who was born in 1871, is
now Mrs. I'rank Jackson and has one child: Tunma. the youngest
of the famih', was born in 1873, married (31i\-er B. Carter and is
the mother of two children, with whom our subject now makes his
home, Mrs. Hamilton having died Christmas day, 1890.
TOHX WTLDRIDC.E.
The character of a cimimunity is deteianined in a large measure
bv the lives of a comparatively few- of its members. If its moral
and intellectual status be good, if in a social way it is a pleasant place
in which to reside, if its reputation for the integrity of its citizens
has extended into other localities, it will lie found that the standards
set l>v the leading men have been high and their influence such as to
mould their characters and shape the lives of those with whom they
5^4 IIORKUW S lUSTURV
mingle. In placing the subject ui this sketch in the front rank of
such men, justice is rendered a biographical fact universally recog-
nized thmughout Howard county by those at all familiar with his
histor}'. Althijiigh a (juiet and unassuming man with no ambition
for public position or leadership, he has contriljuted much tn the
material ad\-ancement nf the communit}-. while his admirable quali-
ties of head and heart and the straight forward, upright course of
his daily life, ha\-e tended greatly to the moral standing of the circles
in which he moxes and gi\en him a reputation for integrity and cor-
rect Conduct such as few achieve.
John \\ ildridge was born in Franklin count}', Indiana, I'"eb-
ruary lo. 1833. the son of James and Xancy ( Abercrombie) Wild-
ridge. His paternal ancestors were among the early settlers of Xew
Jersc}-, in which state his grandfather was born and reared and from
which he migrated to southern Indiana during the i)ioneer j^eriod,
locating ill the county of Franklin, where he took up land, dexeloped
a farm and spent the remainder of his da\s. This ancestor appears
to lia\e been a man of intelligence and influence among his neigh-
bors and friaids, also an enterprising farmer and distincti\'el\' a
man of affairs. He reared a lamiK- of se\en children and died in
the ]irime of his [lowers, leaving a widow who li\eil to be (|uite old.
James Wildridge grew to maturit}" in Franklin county and when a
young man married Xanc\- .\bercrombie, whose father, Alexander
.Vliercrombie, a nati\e of Ireland, was also a pioneer of southern
Indiana, and liy occupation a tiller of the soil. The Abercrombies
were an eminently respectable and law-abiding faniih', <levonth- re-
ligious and their iiiHuence diil much to promote the moral athance-
ment of the coinnumitx' in which tlie\- Ii\ed. .\fter the death of the
parents some of the cIiiMren, of whom there were (|uite a number,
scattered t(p xarious ]iarts of the state, others remaining in Franklin
County where they became prosperous agriculturists and li\ed hon-
orable and e.vemi)lar\' Ii\es.
OF IKlWARli CdTXTV. ^25
James \\ iUlridge was reareil a farmer and later in additinn
to agricultural pursuits worked as a mechanic, and at 1 me time was
engaged in the mercantile business. In the spring of i84<; he made
the long and hazardous trip oxerlanil across the ])lains to California
with the famous sc<.)ut. Kit Carson, for a guide, and returning three
}-ears later to Indiana. In 1854 he disposed of his farm and other
interests in the count\^ of hranklin and mo\ed to Howard county,
where for S(_ime }'ears h.e cultiwated the soil as a renter, subsequently
purchasing the place on which he li\ed, still later he l)ought an
eig'hty acre tract on which a part of Kokonio now stan<ls and in
due time became one of the substantial and entei"]:)rising citizens of
the comnumity. He did not li\e long. bowe\-er. to enjoy the fruits
of his industr\-. dying in 1857, at the age of sixtv }'ears. lea\ing a
widow and six children, the former departing this life in 1873. when
sixty-eig'ht )'ears old.
The early life rif John Wildridge on the famil_\- homestead in
Franklin county was ci)nduci\'e to a well rounded physical de\'elop-
ment and his home influences were such as to give him. while still
voung. correct views of life and its resp(Tnsibilities ;uid enable him
to prepare for its duties. Owing to the lack of educational facili-
ties he was depri\'ed of school advantages, but l)y private study and
the reading of such brioks and papers as he could procure he made
up in a large measure for the deficienc}' and in the course of a few
years becaiue widely informed on many subjects and was recog'-
nized as one of the most intelligent voung' men of his neighborhood.
He accompanied his parents upon their removal to Howard county,
and assisted his father on the farm until the hitter's death, after
which he managed the place to the satisfaction of all concerned un-
til its di\ision among the several heirs. Following this he accepted
a position in a store at Kokomo and was thus engaged until the
Iireaking out of the Ci\-il war. when be entered the ser\'ice as clerk
526 .morrow's JIISTORV
t(.> the quarter master in which and other capacities he cmitimied
with the army until 1865, thdugh not regularly enlisted. At the
cliise I if the war I\Ir. \\ ildridge assumed the pursuits of civil life
to which he has since devoted liis attention, the meantime hv ju-
dicious in\'estments and successful management adding greatlv to
his possessions until he is now recognized as one of financially
strong and relialjle men c>f the cnunt}'. The first line of business in
which he engaged after the war was o\"er was merchandising, in
connectii m with which he also devoted considerable attention trad-
ing" in various cummodities, live stock, etc., meeting with encourag-
ing success in his ventures and within a shrirt time la}-ing- the
foundatiiin of the liberal fiirtune which he miw commands. He
\\as fur some time in the real estate and loan l.nisiness which, like
his other enterprises, proved satisfactor}' and added much to his
income while the near proximity of his landed estate to Kokomo
made it \er\' \aluable and was also the means of augmenting his
fortunes. Mr. Wildridge has a beautiful and attracti\-e home within
a short distance of the cltx and is well situated t<.i enjtiy the fruits
of his man}- years of endea\-or and to make the most of the pleasant
life which he is no\v li\'ing. He manifests an abiding interest in
whate\'er makes for the good of the cit}' and count^•, materially or
otherwise, and all enterprises ha\-ing for their C)bject the social
welfare and ninral uplift of his fellow men are sure to enlist his in-
fluences and acti\e co-operation. He is liberal in assisting worthy
measiu'es, Udt the least of his dnnations being a gift of one thou-
sand diiilars til the r,i-and Army Piist of Kokonid, tn be expended
for the benefit nf suffering sur\-ivors of the war, and their families.
This liberal benefaction, indicati\-e oi his interest in a most praise-
wnrthy oljjcct, nut onh- greath' endeared him tn the members of the
organizatiiin but made him pupular with the general public, and
gave his name ]nd)licit\- as a loval citizen and true lo\er and Ijene-
factor of his kind.
OF now AKl) C'orXTV. ^JJ
Siiicf the oriianizatidii of the ]ve])iil)hcan party Mr. W'ildridtje
has been i me of its ardent and acti\e suppi irters. l)elie\iny thor-
ous'hl}- in tlie prii;ciples npi ni whicli it is fnunded and tlie i^reat
mission which it is desit^-ned tn fullill. ( )ri,i;inall\- he was an old
hne \\ hi;;, l)nt when that hist(]ric party went i mt of existence he
was htted h\' stin"(l_\' ol)ser\-ation and experience to become alhj;ned
with its snccessor. Ahh<iii^h interested in matters of pnlibc
monien.t and well informed on the issues of the times he has ne\'er
had an\- aniljition in the directii:)n of official preferment, neither
has he tlistinbed his ipiiet b}' entering;' the arena of partisan politics
as a campaiu'uer or leader.
Mr. \\ ildridqe has been twice married, the first time in
i(S()3 to Sarah Roliinson, the second in iSj6 to Olia 1j. Da\-is,
daughter of Dr. Samuel and Hannah ( L'ase ) Davis, of Indiana-
polis. Dr. Da\is was an nati\e of New \'ork and after hnishing
his medical course, practiced in Franklin count v. Indiana, fmni
1836 to 1873, dtirint;" a [larl of which period he ser\ed as sur-
geon (jf the Eight\'-third Ir.diana \ dlunteers in the Ci\il war, re-
cei\-ing a serious injurx' while at the fn>nt. In 1873 he mo\'ed to
Indianap( ilis where he built up a large and lucratu"e jirofessional
business which he carrieil on until his death in 18S6, at the age
of sevent}'-two years. .Mrs. Da\is. who was born in the state of
Indiana, departed this life in 1877, when hft\-six \'ears of age,
after bearing her husband a family of ten children. Mr. and
Airs. Wildridge ha\e not been blessed with children of their
own. btu ha\e al\\a\s taken great delight in young people, and
de\"oted much time to their interests. Mr. Wildridge has I)een a
meml)er ni the Masonic lirotherhood for 1 i\er a half centur},
having' risen to high standing in the order and held manv ])osi-
tions of honor antl trust in the local lodge with which he is iilenti-
fied. As alread\' indicated he has long been deeplv interested in
5-'8 morrow's history
tlie (irand Army uf the Repulilic and at (me time was made an
hunorary niemljer uf the Kokumo I'ost. ncit being ehgible to full
membership. When the first fire department of Kokomo was or-
g'aiiized he became a meml)er and as lung as able reported for
active duty, but b}- reason of ad\'ancing age he was placed some
years agi> on the retired list, though he still keeps in touch with
the department and is familiar with e\'erything concerning the
same.
Mr. \\ ildridge is recognized as one of the honored and
influential citizens of his count}' and stands high in the esteem
of the people of his immediate community as a true t}'pe of the
intelligent broad-minded g'entleman (.)f the old school. In the
larg-est and most liberal sense his life has been successful and
fraught with good to his fellow men, and the futiux awaits him
with great and abundant rewards.
\villta:m .middletox.
d he family name of the suliject oi this sketch is familiar
throughout the county of Howard and as highl)- esteemed per-
haps as that of any (jther in this part of the state. It was in honor
of this family that the thrixing town of Middletown received its
name, the land on which it stands having formerly Ijelonged to
the subject to whom is also due the credit of attracting attention
to the place and making it an important trading' point for a large
and enterprising community.
From the most relial^le data obtainable the ]\Iiddletons ap-
pear to ba\e l)een among the early pioneers of eastern Ohio, espe-
cialh' the old count\' of Columliiana. in \\hich the subject's grand-
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 5-'9
father was Imni and spent the t;reater part of his hfe. This an-
cestor was a farmer 1>\ ncenixitinn. a hirth-rif^iit menil)er of the
societ\' lit I'riends and a man nf sterling;' wdrth and hii^h stan(hn!4-
in his ciimnmnity. He nrnvcd ti i 1 li^^hland cuuntx' alxmt llie l)e-
ginning nf the nineteenth century and there si)ent the remainder of
his da_\'s, dyint;- at the ripe "Id a.i^e i>\ ei.i^hty-fix'e years, ami leaxin;;-
a famih' df h\'e children. l.e\i .Middletun. the snliject's father, was
Ijnrn in tlie latter cniintN' in iSoj. reeei\ed his early training;' on
the family iidmestead, and later turned his attentitm to carpentry,
at which he hecame a \er\- efficient wurkman. Abnut the \ear
iSjg he nil i\ed ti i M(int.L;"< imer\- cimnt}, Indiana, and settled near
Crawfiirdsville, the site nf which at the time nf his arrival was
coveretl with a dense forest ,L;"niwth and i;ave little promise df what
the seat of justice would ultimately Ijecome. Wdien the county-
seat was located and sur\e\ed, .Mr. Middleton erecteil the first Imuse
in the town. After a residence of a number of years in Mont-
gomery county, he came to the county of Howard shortly after the
latter was c)pened for settlement, locating near the \illage of Kussia-
ville, where he purchased three quarter sections of laml. to which
he sul)se(|uently added another quarter, thus becoming one of the
largest land owners of that ])art of the county. A portion of this
land was improved before he made his investment, the latter tract
costing him three thousand dollars, a mere pittance compared with
its present \alue. While looking after his interests in the county
he was taken sick and within a brief time jiassed away, d_\ing in the
year iS;^. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hilary I'osgate
and who became the mother of nine children, departed this life
si.\ years later. It is a fact worthy of note that the land in Abmt-
gomerv county which Mr. Middleton purchased from the govern-
ment and which he sold t'or three thousand tivc hundred has be-
come very valuable, the present owner having frequently refused
530 .AJURROW .S HISTORY
to sell tliiiu,t;'h offered the sum. of twent^'-two tiidusand dullars for
the farm. Aljuut one-third of the land in Howard c<>unt\" which
Air. Aliddleton entered is now in piissessidn of two of his de-
scendants, a son and a granddau.i^iiter, Ijoth of win. mi reside in
the town of Aliddleton. Of the se\'en sons and twd daughters that
constituted the family of Levi and Mary ^Nliddleton, four of the
former and one of the latter are still li\ing, (_>ne of the sons be-
ing a well known minister whose labors take liim into other and
remote fields.
William iMidtlleton. whose name introduces this article, was
born Decemlier 6, 1830, in jNIoiitgomery county, Indiana and spent
his early life on the home farm in the \-icinit}' of Cra\vfords\-ille.
He was reared to agricultural pursuits with the strenuous duties
of which he Ijecame familiar while still a mere lad and grew up
to the full stature of manhood with jiroper conception of life and
its responsibilities. What educational discipline he secured was ob-
tained entirely in the sul)scripti(in schools, there lieing at that time
nv public funds for tuition, but in <lue time he mastered the ordi-
naiy branches (.)f stud\- which with the reading of such books and
papers as he could procure made him ((uite a well infijrmed voung
man. After remaining with his father and assisting with the farm
work until his twenty-fourth vear he mo\-ed into the woods of
Hijward county to carve his own wa\' through life, clearing and
de\-eloping a good farm in the coiu'se of a few \ears, and accu-
mulating a sufficiency of material wealth to place him in independent
circumstances.
]\lr. Middleton long rruiked among the UKjst enterprising and
successful agriculturists and stock raisers of his part of the country,
but in the \ear iqoo he discontinued acti\-e farm lalior and has
since Ijeen living a retired life in his pleasant and comfortable home
in the town of ]\Iiddleton. He still owns his farm, consisting of a
OF llDW'AKl) COL'Xl'V. 53 I
quarter sectirm of fertile and admiral)!)' situated land, all of wliicli
is susceptil)le to culti\atiMn, l.)eiiig thurMug-hly drained and im-
pnived with snl)stantial huilding's. fences, etc.. and c(.iniparing fa-
\'oral>l\- with any like inuiiher of acres in the cnuntv. By recourse
til lUddern methods an<l the judiciijus rotatimi nf crops, together
with anii)le fertilizing and a successful s\'stem of tile drainage, this
farm produces more grain and vegetables to the acre now than when
first cleared. Air. Aliddletoii ha\ing made a close and critical
study of the science of agriculture and knowing how to obtain the
largest possible results from his labors. lie also raises cattle and
hogs and sheep tif the best breeds to which he feeds all the corn
his land will produce, and like many enterprising farmers, he finds
good li\e stock much more remunerative than the cultivation of the
soil. In addition to his farm he also owns three lots in Middleton,
besides \"alualjle personal propert}" and, as already indicated, he oc-
cupies a prominent place in the fn:int rank of the county's substan-
tial and well-to-do agriculturists and representative men of affairs.
Air. Aliddleton was married November 12. 1854, to Jane
Aloulder, Avhose parents, John and Eleanor ( Alaris ) Aloulder, were
nati\-es of Xorth Carolina and earh' settlers of Orange count}-,
Indiana, subsequently moving to the county of Parke and still later
to Howard. Air. and Airs. Abailder became husband and wife while
living in Parke county, but spent the greater part of their married
life in Howard, both living far beyonil the allotted span of three
score and ten, the father dying in 1000. at the remarkable age of
ninety-six vears, tlie mot'.ier preceiling him to the grave when
eightv-five vears old. This estimable and God-fearing couple were
greatlv respected by all w!io came within the range of tlieir in-
fluence and as earnest and devout memliers 
