Clark County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1909 (part 1 of 15)

Biographical sketches

James Howard, the founder of the famous Howard ship yards of Jeffersonville, Indiana, was born in Oldham. England, September i, 1814. The son of a poor weaver, the expectations of his family could not have been particularly bright, yet he so employed the talents of character and manhood given into his keeping that at the end of his stewardship he left a heritage of high and unblemished character, of unsullied business integrity, and of strength of purpose that is treasured alike in the breasts of those who were attached to him by ties of aflfection as well as consanguinity. His first few years were spent at the scene of his birth, his baptism being registered in the parish register of St. IMary's church. Oldham.

In 1819 John Howard, the father, actuated by a desire to lietter his condition in life by seeking a home among the glowing possibilities of the New ^\^orld. set sail with his good wife. Martha, and their two sons, James and Daniel, for the port of New York. After a rough and uncomfortable voyage of some six weeks they arrived at the metropolis of their land of promise and took up temporary residence in Brooklyn, remaining here the greater part of a year. In the spring of 1820. they joined a party bound for W'heeling. Virginia, traveling overland by wagon. This journey with its hardships and its trials no doubt had some effect in moulding the early character of the elder son. The mother was a woman of sterling worth and to her James owed much of his early ambition and determination.

The expenses of the trip westward being heavy for a poor family, each member of the party to be carried, being weighed and charged accordingly, the father decided to walk, but his determination w'as unfortunately shifted to other, but less sturdy, shoulders. He was taken ill when only a part of the journey had been accomplLsbed. and his wife and James were forced to change places with him ; James at that time, be it remembered, being not Cjuite seven 3'ears of age. The family reached Wheeling the same year, 1820. and without tarrying embarked on a flat-boat, bound for the city of Cincinnati, far down the great river, reaching there late that year. Here the father erected a small mil! and engaged in the occupation of wool carding and cloth dressing, and from the age of eleven to fifteen. James worked in the mill with him with an industry indicative of his future successes.

For a short while after leaving his father's mill he worked in William Gordon's ship yard, carrying water to the men, hut was soon afterward apprenticed to William Hartshorn, a steamboat builder, of Cincinnati, to learn the trade of ship carpenter. While sending here he lost no opportunity to advance himself in the art of building water craft, and having a keen mind for mechanics he quickly mastered the principles and details of the business, draughting a boat himself when hardly nineteen years of age.

After spending four years under his master he came to Louisville, and in a few weeks after his arrival succeeded in getting a contract for building a steamboat. Jeffersonville offering the most available situation to meet his needs, he located his yards on a small tract of land on the river bank at the foot of Mechanic street, in 1834. His service under Hartshorn had been so loyal and he had displayed so much ability at his trade that his employer readily gave him the privilege of remaining where he was and building the boat. Starting here without a dollar in the world and with very few friends or acquaintances his success, won as it was only after years of unremitting toil, was one of those remarkable illustrations of what industry, integrity and ability can accomplish, and which should be a never-failing spring of inspiration to those who are bound to him by blood or affection. His first steamboat was the "Hyperion," and was built to run on the Chattahoochee river in Alabama. She was a side-wheel boat, for Captain Leonard, and was such a complete success that it was evident to all who saw her that the young boat-builder had a genius for his profession and was destined to make himself famous at it. When the spring came, his employer wished him to return to Cincinnati, and fill out the unexpired tenn of his indenture, but he obtained a release by paying Captain Hartshorn in full for leaving him before his time was out, and he finished two more boats at his yards .in Jeffersonville during the years 1834- 1835. A complete list of the boats built here will be found in the "Histoi"y of Steamboating and Boat Building," elsewhere in this volume. Li 1836 he decided that Madison offered better opportunities than Jeffersonville and located there, remaining until 1844.

On October 20, 1836, at Madison, Lidiana, James Howard married Rebecca Ann Barmore, and of this union a family of four daughters and two sons resulted, namely : Martha Ann, who married James Baird : John Edmonds, who succeeded his father in the business ; Lucy Matilda, who married John Armstrong; Kate Isabella, who married William A. Baird, and William French and Jeanette, who both died in infancy.

While at Madison, Mr. Howard built sixteen boats, all of which proved satisfactory to their owners, but the depression in business induced him to go on the river in 1844, and during the years of 1844 and 1845 he ran as engineer and as ship carpenter on the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers. His decision to nm on the river was unfortunate, as it kept him from the work for which he was peculiarly adapted, however, lie realized that his place was ashore constructing steamboats, and the spring of 1846 found him back in the harness at Shippingsport, a prosperous and promising location below Louisville. He constructed six boats here and for a short while was in charge of the docks in the canal.

In 1847 he had the misfortune to lose two boats by the great flood of that spring. The boats were on the stocks and were nearing completion, when carried away by high water. This disaster did not dishearten him, but decided him to seek a new location for his yards, so he, in partnership with a man named John Enos. started a boat-buiiding plant in the upper part of Louisville, on the point about opposite Spring street, Jeft'erson\'ille. Enos died within the first four or five months and James was obliged to give up the idea of further business at that location, and returned to Jeflfersi^nville in 1849, the scene of his first venture and success, nearly sixteen years previous. His brother, Daniel, had become interested in the firm previous to this and after finishing six or seven boats on the "Point," the yards there were abandoned. The yards at JefTersonville have added their yearly quota of water craft to the great rivers of the ^^'est and at present are still in active operation. His experience during the War of the Rebellion was most tiwing, but at the end of the conflict the demand for water craft gave an impetus to the business and until his death he continued actively to direct and supervise the work in all of its details, constructing two hundred and seventy-nine boats.

On October 14, 1876, James Howard was drowned from a ferryboat, by his buggy backing off into the water. The outpouring of thousands of people to his funeral testified to the high regard and love in which he was held. Doctor Craik, the Dean of Christ church cathedral, in Louisville, who conducted his funeral, said, "It was the grandest and most imposing funeral I ever witnessed. There were no societies, no music, no military display, the usual trappings of an imposing funeral, to mark the obsequies of this boat-builder. We have buried from this church the commander-in-chief of the United States, and all that the power and majesty of the great government could do to make the occasion grand and honorable was done, but it was nothing in comparison with the funeral solemnities of the simple, untitled citizen, James Howard."

Among the older citizens of Jefl'ersonville anfl among steamboat men from Pittsburg to New Orleans, he was known aiYectionately as "L^ncle Jim." His unswerying integrity, his charity and his fair dealings with all, made his death a personal one to many as well as a public calamity to the city of Jeffersonville. It falls to the lot of few men to bequeath to posterity the name and reputation left by this master builder.

Hon. James K. Marsh

This well known attorney at law and e.x-Jiulge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, is a native of Harrison county, Indiana, where his ancestors settled in an early day and with which part of the state both branches of his family have been closely identified from the pioneer period to the present time. His father, Jesse C. Marsh, a merchant and farmer, was bom and reared in the county of Harrison and spent the greater part of his life at Laconia. He was a man of influence in the community, manifested a lively interest in whatever made for the advancement of the country and the good of his fellow citizens and his death, which occurred at the above town some years ago, was deeply lamented by the large circle of friends and acquaintances with wdiom he mingled. Elizabeth Shields, who became the wife of Jesse C. Marsh, was also born in Harrison county and, like her husband, belonged to one of the oldest and best known pioneer families of the community in which her ancestors settled. Of the three children born to this estimable couple James K. is the youngest and the only sen, the others being Mrs. Eliza H. Miller. who lives near Corydon ; and Anna, who married Dr. C. C. Mitchell, both now deceased.

James K. Marsh was born on the family homestead near Laconia December 9, 1844, and received his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools, later pursuing the higher branches of learning in the academy at Corydon. Actuated by an ambition to add still further to his scholastic knowledge he subsequently took a special course in AshbuiT (now De Pauw) University at Greencistle and on leaving that institution entered the law office of Colonel C. L. Dunham, of New Albany, where under the direction of that able attomey, he fitted himself for the legal profession.

Mr. Marsh was admitted to the Clark county bar in 1867 and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession, overcoming in due time the obstacles and discouragements which usually interfere with the early progress of the young lawyer and forging to the front among the rising lawyers of Jefifersonville, by close application to business soon obtained his proportionate share of legal patronage and won the reputation of a capable and successful lawyer. In recognition of his ability he was elected in 1870 Prosecuting Attomey of the Criminal Circuit, composed of the counties of Clark and Floyd, and held the position four years, following which he served two years as Prospector of the Civil Circuit, retiring from the office in 1876. Meantime he had become greatly interested in pulilic and political affairs and by reason of valuable senHces rendered the Democratic part)- of which for some years he had been a local leader, he was elected in 1876 to represent Clark county in the General Assembly.

efforts ill behalf of his constitutents, as well as his activity in promoting measures for the best interest of the state, gained for him an honorable reputation as an able and discreet legislator and made him many warm friends throughout the county, irrespective of political allignment. He served on a number of committees where his opinions and counsel always carried weight and commanded respect and as a participant in the general deliberations of the chamber, he proved a strong debater, an influential leader and to him, as much as to say to any member was due the passage of a number of bills which had important bearing upon the subsequent historj' of the commonwealth.

His legislative experience terminating in 1878, Mr. Marsh devoted himself closely to his profession and for a number of years his name was connected with nearly ever}' important case tried in the courts of Clark county and not infrequently were his services retained in other and distant courts. His habits of industry with other qualities which guarantee advancement won for him a commanding position at the bar, in recognition of which he was elected in 1898 Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and during the ensuing six years he discharged the duties of that high and honorable position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public, bringing to the bench the result of his many years of successful practice and filling it with the dignity becoming the learned and accomplished American jurist and his judicial career, like his professional record, is eminently above reproach. Since retiring from the bench Judge Marsh has devoted his attention to his profession, which as already stated, h takes very high rank. He also keeps in touch with the people, maintains a lively interest in whatever tends to the advancement of his city and county. He has been twice marrier, the first time in 1880 to Mrs. Mary A. Lutz, who died after a mutually happy wedded experience of four years, leaving one child, who followed its mother to the grave in 1885. His second marriage was solemnized with Ella L. Matthews, daughter of the late Nathaniel S. Matthews, an old settler and prominent citizen of Jeffersonville, the union being without issue.

Judge Marsh is a Mason of high standing, including the degree of Sir Knight, and an active and influential member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, besides being one of the oldest Knights of Honor in the city, taking great interest in all of his fraternal relations. In religion he is liberal in all the term implies, not being identified with any church organization, but believing in the sacredness of their mission and recognizing in eveiy individual, however humble, the spark of divinity which bespeaks a heavenly origin and an immortal destiny. His character has ever lieen above criticism and in his relations with his fellow men he exemplifies his highest ideals of life and duty. He has kept himself free from contaminating influences and from the habits which pollute the body and degrade the mind, having never taken a drink of any kind of intoxicating beverage in his life, nor uttered a profane oath.

The "value of an ideal" was never more favorably illustrated than in the case of the present Mayor of Jeffersonville. Even as a boy he formed ambitious notions deciding, as boys often do, what he wanted to be, but unlike many other boys, he adhered to his resolutions until he saw his dreams fulfill. Undiscouraged by hardships and penury, the poor boy struggled manfully up to eminence. Besides being a fine sample of self-making, his career is invaluable as an encouragement to others inclined to falter in the weary journey that constitutes human life.

Edward X. Flynn was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1867, a son of John L. and Elizabeth Flynn. \\'hen two years of age his parents brought him to Jeffersonville, which was destined to be the theater of his life's work. He attended the public schools, proved to be an apt pupil and had finished the first grade of the high school, but at this point the exigencies of his situation compelled a temporary abandonment of study. He had always desired to become a doctor and as early as his twelfth year this idea had taken full possession of his mind. ^Manifestly, if he was to escape a life of drudgeiw, a better education was imperatively demanded and how to accomplish this was the big problem in his boyish mind. Poverty acting as a good, proved in this case, as in many others, something" of a blessing in disguise, as the necessity for earning a living also brought the opportunity to continue his studies. Before he had completed his thirteenth year he secured a job as a lighter of signal lamps on the Pennsylvania Railroad, which, though the pay was small, furnished occupation and provided means for the passing day. When sixteen years old he started the learning of telegraphy, in time became a first class operator and when, after fourteen years service, he resigned, he was regarded as one of the most expert workmen in the service of the railroad company. All of his spare time was put to excellent use in preparatory medical study. Entering the Hospital ^ledical College in Louisville he devoted nine hours daily to mastering the theory and practice of the learned profession to which he had determined to devote himself. He was graduated from this institution in 1897 ''"''1 immediately opened an ofiice for practice in Jeffersonville, but owing to peculiar circumstances was not forced to wait so long for business as is usitally the case with young graduates. During his preliminary studies he was in the habit of giving medical advice to many friends and acquaintances, especially among the poorer classes. Those who were benefited by his gratuitious assistance sounded his praises over the city, with the result that when he "hung out his shingle" he was by no means unknown, but had fourteen patients the first day. Here we have an instance somewhat out of the ordinary of a professional man whose reputation was established before graduation. In the meantime by his obliging disposition and courteous manners he had been accumulating friends and a stock ot popularity, which enabled him to realize another of his boyish ambitions which was to become Mayor of his home town. Though not a politician in the ordinary sense of the term, Doctor Flynn had always taken an active part in public affairs and was recognized among the leaders as good material for ofifice. In 1005 he was offered the nomination as candidate for Mayor on the Republican ticket, and agreed to accept if it was the desire of the part\', but he declined to electioneer or ask an\' man for his vote. He was given the nomination and in due time triumphantly elected without using any of the arts or devices usually resorted to b\- candidates for office. Thus the two fondest dreams of his lx).yhood were realizetl - when he f<.uind himself Mayor of Jeffersonville, and one of the city's most successful physicians. Recently Doctor Flynn has erected a new office building, which is regarded as one of the most complete of its kind in the county. It is fitted with reception, consultation and bath rooms, each of which opens upon the entrance hall. The con.sultation room is equipped with the latest and most approved electric instruments for use in that department of medical science known as electro-therapeutics. All the rooms are large and commodious, well lighted and finished in white tile.

Doctor Flynn is a \-alued member of the Advent Christian church in Xew Albany and his fraternal relations embrace membership in the Knights of Templar, Knights Pythias, Knights and Ladies of Honor and the Golden Cross, Pathfinders and Elks. Thus it will be seen that his activities cover a wide field, embracing religious, political, professional, social and lodge duties amid all of which the genial flavor of Jeffersonville finds himself a very busy man.

Prof. Francis E. Andrews

Professor Andrews, principal of the Jeffersonville high school and an educator of much more than local repute, is a native of Morgan county, Ohio, having been born in the town of McConnellsville on the 20th day of October, 1851. Seth Andrews, the professor's father, also a native of the Buckeve state, was a farmer and teacher, in connection with which he also preached for a number of years for the Christian church, of which religious body all of his family were members. The maiden name of Mrs. Seth Andrews was Elvira Thorla. She was born in Noble county, Ohio, and, like her husband, traced her genealog}' to German-Scotch ancestry, who came to America at a very early period, six generations having been represented in this country since the original antecedents left their native land to seek a home amid the untried conditions of a new world. Of the six children born to Seth and Elvira Andrews, all but one are living, Francis E. being the fourth in order of birth.

Prof. Francis E. Andrews spent his early life in his native state and after a preliminary educational training in the public schools, was prepared for college under the tutorship of Prof. James G. May, of Salem, Indiana, following which he took the full classical course at Alarietta College, Washington county, Ohio, where he took the literary honors when he was graduated in the year 1874. Meanwhile he had devoted considerable time to teaching and the better to fit himself for educational work he subsequently became a student of the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute, in which institution he earned an honorable record and from which he was graduated with a high standing in all of his classes in 1894. Since the latter year Professor Andrews has devoted his entire attention to school work and attained eminent success in the line of his calling. As a matter of fact, however, his experience as an educator began several years prior to that date, for from the early seventies until completing his normal course he was alternately engaged in teaching and attending school, and it may be said that all of his mature years have been devoted to the profession which he now follows and in which his success has been so signal and continuous. He was principal of the public schools of Charlestown for three years and for a period of eleven years held a similar position at Sellersburg, where he established an honorable reputation as a capable teacher and manager of schools and gained recognition among the leading educators of his part of the state.

In the year 1886 Professor Andrews accepted a position in the schools of Jefifersonville, since which time he has been very closely identified with the educational interests of the city, passing" through several promotions until reaching in 1903, the principalship of the high school, w'hich honorable and responsible position he still holds, previous to that time having had charge of the Chestnut Street School. He is prominent in the religious circles of the city and as a member and elder of the First Christian church takes a leading part in the affairs of the organization, frequently filling the pulpit besides preaching with great acceptance to various congregations in other places.

He is also deeply interested in secret societies of fraternal and benevolent work, and belongs to several organizations of this character including the Masonic Order, Independent Order oi Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern \\'oodmen of America, all in Jeffersonville excepting the Pythian brotherhood, with which he holds membership at Sellersburg. Like all intelligent and progressive citizens the professor is a politician in the best sense of the tenri', but not a partisan, nor a seeker after honors or emoluments of oflice. On state and national affairs, in which he keeps thoroughly informed he is a Republican, but in local matters, where no great questions or principles are involved, he votes as his judgment dictates, giving his support to the candidates best qualified for the positions they aspire to irrespective of political affiliation.

The domestic life of Professor Andrews dates from the year 1881, when he was married to Ehzabeth Wells, a native of Indiana and a lady of high social and moral standing, to whom he is indebted for not a little of the success with which his career has been crowned. The pledges of this union are three children, namely: ]\Iay, a graduate of the State Nonnal School and a teacher in the public schools of Connersville; Eva, a graduate of the Spencerian Business College of Louisville, at the present time is a stenographer in that city; and Ada, who is still at home with her parents, all being graduates of the Jeffersonville high school and young ladies of much more than ordinary intelligence and culture.

Maurice Coll

The subject of this sketch is a native of Ireland, where his liirth nccurred on November 2j, 1833, having first seen the light of day at the ancestral home in County Donegal. His parents, John and Hilary (Boyle) Coll, who were also born and reared in the above county, came to America in the prime of life, bringing a family of three sons and two daughters and settling in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where ]\Ir. Coll secured renumerative employment as a machinist. Two of the children of this estimable couple died in Ireland, the following being the names of those who accompanied their parents to the new home in the L'nited States and grew to maturity ; Charles, who departed this life about the year 1903; Maurice, of this review, and Bernard J., who lives in Pittsburg and who served with an honorable recnrd in the Civil war, being remembered by surviving comrades as an excellent soldier, ever ready for duty. He married Bridgett Burns, of Pittsburg, and has an interesting family of four children, who answer to the names of Charles, Mary. Eddie and Maurice. In early life Bernard J. Coll was a machinist and worked at the trade for a number of years in Pittsburg, but since the war has held various official positions under the municipal government of that city and is still in the public service. The two sisters of ^Maurice Coll died in early childhood, the only sunivors of the family at this time l>eing Bernard J. and Maurice.

Maurice Coll spent his early life in Pittsburg, where in due time, he became a skillful machinist, which trade he followed for a number of years as an employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. After a long and arduous ser^'ice with the above company at Pittsburg and Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he removed in 1869, he resigned his position with the railroad and entered the car works in this city and continued with the same until retiring from active life a few vears ago.

Mr. Coll was married at Louisville, Kentucky, on the 8th day of March. i860, to Maria Herron, a native of New Orleans, but reared in Louisville, to which city she was brought when a child. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of the following children: John P., a prosperous grocer of Jeffersonville; Bernard A., a shoe merchant of Jeffersonville, and one of the city's representative business men (see sketch); Annia M., wife of Cornelius McNamara. of Keokuk, Iowa : George, an attorney-at-law, practicing his profession in Dallas, Texas ; Nellie, wife of Doctor Edelin, of Louisville; Edmund, a bookkeeper in that city; Ernest J., in the employ of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, with headquarters in Louisville, and James, who is engaged in the drug business at Seymour, this state. Three sons are unmarried and still live with their parents and constitute a happy and prosperous household. All are practically educated, having wisely fitted themselves for the duties of life and are doing well in their respective lines of effort, two being prosperous business men, one a rising lawyer and the other three holding important positions in the railway ser\-ice in one of the state institutions, and with a large business finn respectively. The daughters married men who stand high in their places of residence and are succeeding admirably in the fields of endeavor to which their time and energies are devoted.

Like his father, who was a leading Democratic politician and an active and influential campaigner, both in the ranks and on the stump, Mr. Coll has long devoted much attention to political and public matters, being a Democrat in all the term implies, an active participant in party affairs, but not a seeker after office, nor an aspirant for leadership.

Mr. Coll is by birthright a Catholic, and has ever been true to the church and its teachings, rearing his family under its influence. All of the family in Jeffersonville worship at the St. Augustine church, of which they are communicants and take an active part in all lines of good work under its auspices.

Hon. Jonas George Howard

This name suggests a flood of reminiscenses, carrying one back to the early settlement of Southern Lidiana and the days of struggle, adventure and hardship, incident to the pioneer period. In fact, the Howard family was practically coeval with the organization nf Clark county and have been prominently connected with all of its subsequent history and development. Jonas Howard, the pioneer founder, was a native of Vermont, of English descent and started for the \\'est before Indiana had been admitted into the Liiion as a state. The route traveled was by way of the Allegheny river to Pittsburg and thence down the Ohio river on rafts and flat boats. When they landed at

Bairds History Of Clark Co., Ixd. 44I

Jeffersonville, the surrounding country was still clothed in prime\-al forests. Jonas Howard, who had been a fanner in his native state, lived but a few months after reaching Indiana Territory, his life being shortened by an attack of bilious fever. He, however, left a son and namesake, who was sixteen years old at the time of his father's arrival and proved worthy to take up and carrion to success the work mapped out by the old pioneer. Jonas Howard, Jr., remained in Clark county until 1824. when he removed to Floyd county and began farming. Six years later he returned to Clark county and engaged in the manufacture of brick, a Irighly important industry in the early settlement of a country. In association with a younger brother he made the brick that entered into the construction of the court-house at Louisville and the first and second buildings of the Gait house. In fact, the bulk of the brick used in building at Louisville during the late thirties came from the yards at Jeffersonville. Jonas Howard was also engaged quite extensively in farming and owned a large amount of land in Clark county. He died in 1849, at the comparatively earl)- age of fifty-one years, after a life of unusual activity and business success. He married Margaret, daughter of George F. Helmer, a native of New York and of Gennan parentage. He came to Clark county by the usual river route, but lived only a short time after arrival. His daughter, Margaret, who was bom in Herkimer county, Xew York, was about fourteen years old when her parents disembarked from the flat toat at the Falls, after a long and tedious trip from the East. She survived her husband many years and died January i, 1866. She was the mother of nine children, who grew to maturity, but of these only two are now living. Jonas George Howard, eldest of the sons, was born in Floyd county, Indiana, May 22, 1825. and was consequently about five years old when his father returned to Clark county. He was reared and educated in Jeffersonville, but spent much of his time on the farm, his early experiences being similar to thousands of other boys whose life began in the pioneer period of the state. When twenty years old he entered old Asbury Uni\-ersity at Greencastle, Indiana, but after remaining there three years was called home while a senior on account of the ill health of his father. One of his classmates at Asbury was the afterwards celebrated Daniel ^^". Vorhees, between whom and Mr. Howard a friendship was formed which continued throughout their lives. Shortly after returning home JMr. Howard began reading law, but as the eldest child, much responsibility of taking care of the family fell upon his shoulders. In 1848 he entered the law school at Louisville and later was a student in the law department at Bloomington, Indiana. L'niversity. from which he was graduated in the class of 185 1. being now the sole survivor of those who figured on that occasion. He immediately entered upon the active practice of his profession at Jeffersonville and continued without intermission until his voluntary retirement in 1905. at the age of eiglitv vears. In 1867 he formed a partnership with Ji^ihn F. Reed, which during its continuance of thirty j-ears, was one of the most successful legal firms in the state. Aside from their strictly professional work, Howard and Reed did much to promote the industrial development of Jeffersonville. A signal achievement in this line was their promotion of a corporation which finally resulted in building the bridge across the Ohio between Jeffersonville and Louisville, now known as the Big Four bridge. Another important industry promoted by this firm was the plate glass works, which was successfully operated for nine years under the presidency of ]\Ir. Reed.

Mr. Howard's political career was in keeping with his achievements at the bar, as he has been recognized as one of the leaders of the Democratic party for over a half century. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1862 and re-elected in 1864, thus gomg through two of the stormiest sessions of that body during its history. In 1868. Mr. Howard was chosen as one of the Democratic electors and was given a similar honor during the exciting campaign of 1876. On both occasions he made a canvass of his district on behalf of his party. In 1884 he was nominated as Democratic candidate for Congress from the Third District and also again made the race as elector, this time being successful and having the pleasure of casting a vote for Grover Cleveland in the state's electoral college. After serving one term in Congress satisfactorily, Mr. Howard was re-elected in 1886 and ranked during the four years' service among the leading representatives in the Lower House. Since 1852 Mr. Howard has not missed canvassing his district in the interests of his party at every election period and always paid his own expenses. As late as the campaign of 1908, this old "wheel-horse" was still found in harness and at the age of eighty-three displayed all the vigor of his earlier years, making numerous speeches and keeping in good voice during addresses that consumed two hours' time. He is a man of remarkable vigor, one of the best preserved of all our older statesmen.

On November 23, 1854, Mr. Howard married Martha J. Roswell, a native of Clark county and member of an old pioneer family. Her parents, James and Drusilla (Dills) Roswell, came to Clark county from A'irginia in 1829. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard three children have been b<5rn. the only survivor being Anna L., wife of William T. Ingram, of Jeffersonville. His first wife dying in 1872, Mr. Howard subsequently contracted a marriage with her sister, Elizabeth Roswell, by whom he has two children: Jonas G., Jr., who is an attorney at Jeffersonville, and Ethel, who remains at home with her father. Since his retirement from active practice Mr. Howard spends much of his time in reading, being especially interested in the study of history and politics, on which subjects his remarkably accurate memory makes him an authority.

Edward G. Davis

Mr. Davis is a native of Kentucky, born at the town of W'est Point on February ii, 1874. His father, the late Dr. Jacob T. Davis, of Jeffersonville, for many years one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons of Kentucky and Indiana, was born in Littleton, Wiltshire, England, Februai-y 24, 1833, received his literary education in the land of his birth and became a resident of the United States February 25, 1855, graduating from the Louisville IMedical College at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1872. Previous to receiving his degree from the above institution, however, he practiced ten years including his service as assistant surgeon in the hospitals at St. Louis, Missouri, and at Madison and New Albany, Indiana, during the Civil war and also serving as assistant surgeon of field hospitals while attending the army in the field. In looking after the wounded at the battle of Perryville, Kentuckv, he received a veiy severe wound and for two nights and one day lay helpless and unattended within the enemy's lines, suffering untold agony from pain and thirst until discovered by a comrade, John Marx, late of Madison, Indiana, who bore him to a place of safety and ministered to his necessities. After the war he practiced his profession with marked ability at ^Vest Point, Kentucky, and while there achieved honorable distinction for his success m fighting an epidemic of cholera which raged with terrific violence in various parts of the state in 1873, especially in the cities and towns along the Ohio river, and he was equally fortunate in his treatment of small pox patients during the epidemic of that dread disease a few years later. Doctor Davis was not only a learned and skillful physician but was profoundly versed in many subjects, possessing fine literary taste and the ability to express his ideas fluently and forcibly with the pen. He contributed frequently to the leading medical journals of the country besides writing on general topics. Many of his manuscripts on various subjects are now in the possession of his son who holds them beyond price. He was the originator of the Jefferson County, Kentucky, Medical Society at Jffersontown in 1876, and was elected its first president. After ministering to the ills of suffering humanity until infirmities of advancing age together with the pain from the injury received on the battle field, rendered the active practice of his profession difiicult. the doctor, in March, 1873, was appointed by Governor Leslie, Judge of West Point, Kentucky, the duties of which with his office business brought him a very comfortable and satisfactorv income. He was a man of strong religious convictions and a devout member of the [Methodist Episcopal church. South, and a number of years ago entered the public ministry of that denomination, being ordained a deacon April 20, 1879, in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, by Bishop H. H. Kavanaugh, in \\hich capacity he rendered effective service, preaching the Gospel among his fellow men. He was ordained elder by Bishop Joyce in Madison, Indiana, September 29. 1889, at a session of the Southeast Indiana Conference. About the year i88g he removed to Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he continued his professional duties for a number of years, but finally on account of impaired health, due to exposure and injury while in the anny he retired from the practice and from that time until his death on September 17, 1901, resided in Jeffersonville being sixty-nine years old.

Sarah Catherine Earhart was a native of Jefferson county, Indiana, and daughter of John and Rosanna Earhart. She bore her husband thirteen children, five sons and eight daughters, and departed this life in Jeft'ersonville on the 17th day of June, 1908, at the age of seventy years. Ten of the children born to doctor and Mrs. Davis are living, two daughters dying in infancy and one at the age of fifteen years. The oldest of the family. Flora R., wife of Burdette Golay, lives in the town of Wirt, Indiana. The following in order of birth are: Harriet M.. who married Thomas O. Ogden, of Paris, Indiana; Annie Laurie, now Mrs. Charles H. Hurlbut, of Jeft'ersonville : John ^^^, a hardware merchant and bicycle dealer of Indianapolis: Thomas W. G., a carpenter and builder of that city: Maud L., unmarried, who makes lier home with ]\Irs. Hurlbut : Edward G., of this review : Daisy Catherine, wife of Charles R. Rigsby, of Jeffersonville; Nevaston P., a car accountant in the car accountant's office of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, Louisville, and Almond H., city salesman for the Pelknap Hardware & Manufacturing Company of the same city.

Edward G. Davis spent his childhood and early youth at West Point, Kentucky, and received the greater part of his educational discipline at North Madison high school, where he made rapid progress and earned an honorable record as a student. When fourteen years of age he became day clerk of the Madison Hotel, which position he held for a short time and then accompanied his parents to Heniyville, thence subsequently came to Jeffersonville. where he secured employment with the American Car & Foundry Company, then the Ohio Falls Car works, with which he remained four years, during which time he worked in the decorating and finishing departments and became quite a skillful artisan. Severing his connection with the above company at the expiration of the period indicated he accepted a position in the finishing department of the Harland Pump Works at Louisville, where he remained one and a half years and then entered the employ of the Bee Hive Furniture & Manufacturing Company of Jeffersonville. beginning in an humble capacity, but by the end of the first year had worked up through various promotions until he became manager of the business.

Mr. Davis's rapid advancement indicates business ability of a high order and during the three and a half years he was at the head of the company's interests in Jeft'ersonville his management was marked by wise discretion and rare foresight, while his correct methnds and well directed policy added much to the reputation of the firm in the city and elsewhere. At the end of the time mentioned resigning the position which lie had so ably and faithfully filled he accepted the management of the branch store at Jeffersonville, owned by the Denhard Manufacturing Company. At the expiration of one year he purchased the business of the Bee Hive Manufacturing Company and engaged in the manufacture of picture frames and art novelties, in which during the last eight years he has built up an extensive business, his establishment being the only one of the kind in the city. He not only manufactures all kinds of frames, but also conducts an establishment for the overhauling and repairing of furniture and mattresses. Besides carrjnng full lines of goods for the retail and wholesale trade his place of business is complete in its even,' department and amply equipped to meet all the demands of the extensive trade which he now commands, and which is continually growing in magnitude and importance.

In connection with his business and industrial enterprises ]\Ir. Davis has gained wide repute as the manufacturer of "Shinette," a furniture polish of superior quality which has an extensive sale and from which he derives no small share of his income.

The domestic history of the subject dates from the 30th day of December, 1897, when he contracted a matrimonial alliance with Ida ]\Iav Smith, of Pee Wee Valley, Kentucky, daughter of the late James F. Smith of that place, the union being blessed with one child, Evelyn Christine, whose birth occurred on December i, 1898.

In his fraternal relations ^[r. Davis holds membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Woodmen of the ^^'orld and is also identified with the Travelers' Protective Association. The Methodist Episcopal church represents his religious creed and at present he sen-es as vice-president of the Methodist Brotherhood of the \\'all Street Methodist Episcopal church. In his political allignment he is a Republican, but not partisan in the sense of seeking public position. He also maintains a lively interest in military matters and sensed three years in Company G, First Regiment Indiana National Guard, under Capt. Lewis C. Baird, during which time he became skilled in the manual of arms.

Berxard A. Coll

During a continuous residence in Jeffersonville of nearly forty years, practically all of his active life, Mr. Coll has earned important officialpo'sition and a liberal amount of this world's goods. For a number of years he has been actively interested in commercial pursuits and is now one of the leading business men of the community, his establishment at 406 Spring street being one of the largest and most successful of the kind in the city.

On the paternal side Mr. Coll is of Irish descent, his father, Maurice Coll, being a native of the Emerald Isle as was also his grandfather, John P. Coll, whose ancestors for many generations lived in County Donegal. John P. Coll spent the greater part of his life in the land of his birth and died from the effects of an accident at the ripe old age of ninety-eight years, his wife, Nancy, departing this life in Jeffersonville, when ninety-five years old.

Maurice Coll, whose birth occurred in 1833, came to the United States when young and spent a number of years in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a machinist, removing in 1868 to Jeffersonville, where he has since resided. The maiden name of Mrs. Maurice Coll was Maria Herron, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has borne her husband the following children, all living and doing well in their respective spheres of endeavor : John P. is a grocer of Jeffersonville: Mrs. C. A. McNamara, of Keokuk, Iowa; Charles J., chief clerk at the Indiana Reformator}- : Edmund J., bookkeeper for a wholesale grocery firm in Louisville: Ernest, a car builder emploved at the Louisville & Nashville Railroad shops of Louisville, and James, a chemist at Seymour, Indiana ; Bernard A.

Bernard A. Coll was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of October, 1862, but at the age of seven years was brought to Jeffersonville by his parents and he has since made his home here. After attending the public schools of the city until completing the prescribed course of study he entered the grocery store of his uncle, Frank Voigt, where he remained for some time, subsequently engaging in the same capacit}' with another uncle by the name of P. Herron, in whose establishment he continued until engaging in business for himself. On resigning his clerkship he became a member of the grocery firm of M. Coll & Sons (consisting at the time of his father and brother), and was instrumental in building up the large and successful establishment at the corner of Chestnut and Fulton streets which his brother, John, now conducts and to which he devoted his attention until 1899. During the time thus engaged he made a careful study of the principles and ethics of mercantile life and laid the foundation upon which his subsequent success and present liberal fortune rest.

In the year indicated above Mr. Coll withdrew from the grocery firm to take charge of the County Treasurer's office, a position to which he was triumphantly elected in 1900 and the duties of which he discharged in an able manner for two terms, having been chosen his own successor in the year 1902. At the expiration of his second term, January i, 1905, he retired from office with the confidence and good will of the people of the county and accepting a position as traveling salesman with the wholesale firm of J. C. Hubinger & Brother, of Keokuk, Iowa, soent the ensuing two years on the road and built up an extensive patronage for his employers.

Severing his connection with the above house on January ist of the year T907, Mr. Coll purchased the boot and shoe store of J. R. Lancaster and has since devoted his attention to tliis line of merchandising, increasing his stock the meanwhile, and greatly extending his patronage until he now has the largest establishment of the kind in the city, having a well equipped store and giving employment to four legular clerks, a number he is obliged to increase during the busy seasons of the year. He owns in addition to his store a beautiful modem home and other valuable property, both real and personal, and is considered one of the solid and reliable men of. the city whose credit has never been impaired.

As a representative Democrat few men in Clark county have been more influential. In party councils he has been a judicious adviser and in a number of hotly contested campaigns, it was by following his directions that victory was achieved. That his services have been fully appreciated by his co-workers is readily admlitted and that he is entitled to still further recognition by his party is the general verdict of his many friends and fellow citizens.

Mr. Coll belongs to several fraternal organizations, in all of which he has been an influential worker besides holding imp<3rtant official positions from time to time. Among these societies are the Benevolent and- Protective Order of Elks, Improved Order of Red Men and Ancient Order of Hibernians. Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Knights of America, the last three being largely under the auspices of the Catholic church and designed to inculcate a religious and patriotic spirit and make for a higher standard of manhood and citizenship. He was reared within the fold of the mother church, and has ever been one of its loyal sons and true to its teachings, his wife and family also being members of the same body.

Mr. Coil's marriage was solemnized with Carrie Meadows, of Jeft'ersonville, daughter of Galen Meadows, a well-to-do fanner and representative citizen of Clark county, the union resulting in the birth of three children : Edna, Louise and Bernard J., the oldest of whom is the only one living, the second dying at the age of eight years, and the youngest in infancy, at which time the mother was also called to her eternal rest. Edna, who is still a member of the home circle, was educated in the graded schools and high school of Jefifersonville, and is a young lady of pleasing personality and many admirable traits, being popular and moving in the best society circles of the city.

Richard L. Flood

At one time conditions in Ireland were such that large numbers of her citizens bade farewell to their native soil, bound for America, with the firm intention of making this land their permanent abiding place. Among the

Mr. Flood was born in New Albany, Indiana, on the 21st of December, 1855, the son of Joseph and Alice (Xear\') Flood, both natives of Ireland, where they grew to maturity, having married before migrating to America. They arrived here in due time and after casting about at various places, finally took up their abode at New Albany, where they lived out the remainder of their davs, ^Ir. Flood departing this life in 1864, being survived by his wife until January 21,1 899.

Richard's boyhood days were spent under conditions that made him familiar with the rugged pathway that lies before the boy that must largely make his own way in the world. He was the only son in the family. Of the sisters, the following sur\'ive : Bridget, wife of William A. Elliott, a contractor in Jeffersonville; Mrs. Anna Gregg, a resident of Terre Haute; Kate, a trained nurse, having her home in Jeffersonville, being employed at the Mercy Hospital ; Mrs. Benjamin Stallings, now residing at Dallas, Te.xas.

When approaching manhood Richard engaged in any kind of manual labor at which he could find employment. This often meant exceedingly hard work and small pay, but he never shirked his duty, nor went out of his way to avoid facing a hanl day's task. For some time he was engaged at the Casting Hall Glass Works. After 1884 he became a salesman, and in 1887 went into business on his own responsibility, and has continued so ever since.

On June 5, 1888, he was joined in marriage with Annie 'SI. Eagan, born in Jeffersonville. She was reared and educated in Kentucky, near the town of Alorganfield. She has become the mother of four sons and one daughter, viz : Mary A., Richard L., Jr., Robert E., William P.. and James A. These children, according to the custom among these families, have been educated in the Catholic Parochial School. Robert is taking a course calculated ti.^ fit him for subsequent work in the business w'orld at the Bryant and Stratton's Business College in Louisville.

Mr. Flood and family are members of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic church, loyal in their support and zealous in their observance of all that their church represents. Our subject adheres, for the most part, to the tenets of the Democratic party, but has no aspirations for political preferment. His desires have rather been in harmony with the ideas consistent with an unassuming citizenship, believing that the ballot should be used only as an instrument for the advancement of the best interests of the community at large. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of America and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. being one of the charter members in the latter organization. He was the charter treasurer of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Jeffersonville. and is held in high esteem by all who have had opportunity to make his close acquaintance.

Austin Fuxk. A. B.. M. D.

This distinguished physician whose reputation is much more than local is a native of Harrison county, Indiana, horn in the old historic town of Corydon, where he also spent his childhood and early youth. His father, Joseph P. Funk, who was of Genv.an descent, devoted the greater part of his life to educational work and achieved marked success as a teacher and school official. He was the first superintendent of the Lawrence county pulilic schools, later served as superintendent of the schools of Corydon and for many years was principal of the New Alhany high school, in which position he achieved much of his distinction as an educator. ^Irs. Joseph P. Funk was of Scotch lineage and inherited many of the sterling qualities of head and heart for which that nationality has always been noted and which in a marked degree have been reproduced in her son, Austin.

Doctor Funk received his preliminary' education in the public schools and after being graduated from the New Albany high school entered the State University, where he laid the intellectual foundation upon which his subsequent professional career has lieen buikied, yielding to a desire of long standing bv taking up the study of medicine, he became in due time a student of the medical department of the Louisville University and after complet'ng the course of that institution began practice pf his profession at New Alliany, where his ability as a physician and surgeon sijon brought him prominently before the public. Aleanwhile the better to increase his efficiency in his chosen calling, he joined the Second Army Corps for service in the Spanish-American war, later was appointed acting assistant surgeon of the Alarine Hospital at Cairo, Illinois, and afterwards was made a surgeon on S. S. ^Montreal of the British Naval Reserve during the Boer war.

Resuming his practice at New Albany on his return to the United States, Doctor Funk remained in that city until 1906, when he removed to Jeffersonville, where he has since devoted his entire attention to the treatment of diseases peculiar to the eye, ear, nose and throat, fitting himself for special work by taking a course in the Royal London Ophthahuic Hospital and in the Central London Throat and Ear Hospital, where he was instructed bv some (.}f the most distinguished specialists of the age.

Doctor Funk is a inember of the Clark County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Association and the American Medical Association, taking an active interest in the deliberations of these distinguished bodies and contributing in no small degree to their influence in ad\'ancing the standard of professional efficiency. While devoted to his chosen calling and prosecuting his studies and researches with an enthusiasm characteristic of the man who aims to reach the highest possible standard in his profession and become a true healer of afflicted humanity he keeps in close touch with the trend of modern thoug-ht and activity. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic Order, and he also holds membership with the two college fraternities, the Phi Delta Theta. with which he united while a student of the Indiana State University, and the Phi Chi of the Universitv of Louisville.

This voung business man, proprietor of one of the largest jewelry establishments in the city of Jefifersonville, is a native of Kentucky and the older of two children. Their parents were Jtihn and Charlotte Young, the fonner born in Harrison county. Indiana, and the latter in Germany. John Young was reared to maturity in his native county and state and when a young man located in Louisville, where he learned the machinist's trade and where in due time he married Charlotte Kraushaar. He still follows his chosen calling in that city and with his wife is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, being a man of sterling worth and fully entitled to the ci:)nfidence with which he is regarded. Besides \\'illiam G. Mr. and ^Irs. Young are the parents of a daughter who is the wife of Charles P. Crowder, a mail carrier of Louisville.

\\'illiam G. Young was born in the above named city on the 4th day of May, 1874, and spent his childliood and youth under the parental roof, attending meanwhile the public schools and receiving a good practical education. At quite an early age he gave evidence of more than ordinary mechanical skill and having a decided liking for tools he began while still young to learn the jeweler's trade.

Animated by a detennined purpose to become something more than a mere subordinate he addressed himself cheerfully to his labors and during the ensuing fifteen years was employed in Louisville and Jefifersonville and made substantial progress in his vocation. His great proficiency in the more skillful lines of work gave him an enviable reputation and within the period indicated his services were constantly in demand by the best jewelers of the city, with the result that he was never out of empl(iyment and always commanded the remuneration of an expert.

In 1903 he started the nucleus of his present establishment and within a comparatively brief period had all the work he could do in the way of repairing, besides building up quite a lucrative patronage in the commercial line. Of necessity he was obliged to begin in a somewhat modest way but it was not long until his business increased to such an extent that he was enabled to increase his stock and employ an assistant. Without detailing the growth of his business or noting specifically the various steps in his successful business career.

his enterprise advanced not only steadily and substantially but rapidly until within the brief space of five years he became one of the leading jewelers of Jefifersonville, his establishment at this time being one of the largest and best stocked of the kind in the city and his patronage second to that of few others in the southern part of the state.

Mr. Young carries full and complete lines ^>i watches, clocks table cutlery, all kinds of jeweln,^ from the ordinary priced to the most valuable on the market, also a large and varied assortment of cut glass and fine hand painted china-ware, making a specialty of the finer repair work on watches and jewelry. A skilled artisan himself he employs none but the most proficient workmen and guaranteeing everything that goes from the repair department, it is not strange that the best people of the city are among his patrons or that his reputation has become much more than local. Keeping fully abreast of the times in all matters relating to his calling, he is well informed concerning the making of jewelry and time-pieces of all kinds and thoroughly familiar with the trade, being a careful and judicious buyer and a successful salesman as well as an artisan of great ability and much more than ordinaiy artistic talent. Few men have achieved such signal success within the brief space of five years, advancing from a common work-b'^nch and a kit of tools to become the head of one of the largest jewelry establishments in a populous center. His success financially has been commensurate with the energy and ability displayed in his chosen sphere of endeavor and today though comparatively a young man with the greatest part of his life in the future he occupies a conspicuous place among the substantial business men of his cit)' with prospects of still greater success as the years go by.

Mr. Young is a married man and the father of four children, three of whom. Selma. Catherine and Dorothy are living, and one, a son. by the name of \\ illiam G.. died when eighteen months of age. Mrs. Young was formerly Dora Kreutzer, and the ceremony by which her name was changed to the one she now so worthily bears was solemnized on November 29th of the year 1898. She was born in New Albany. Indiana, and is the daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Bomwasser) Kreutzer, of German descent and both deceased.

For a number of years Mr. Young has taken an active interest in Masonry, joining Lewis Lodge, No. 191, in Louis\ille, at the age of twentythree. Later in 1901 he transferred his membership to Jefifersonville Lodge, No. 340, and has since been one of its most active and influential members, besides being at intervals honored with important official positions, holdingat the present time the high and responsible post of worshipful master, to which he was elected in 1904. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Hope Lodge. No. 83. at New Albany and his name also occupies a prominent place on the records of Hope Lodge, No. 13, Knights of Pythias, in Jeffersonville. Politically he is a Republican, of which party he is a recognized leader in the ward in which he resides. In 1905 he was elected to represent his ward in the City Council, of which body he is still a member, his term expiring January i. 1910, and in which he has been faithful, laboring earnestly for the general welfare of the municipality.

Charles Edgar Poindexter

The ancestors of Mr. Poindexter were of that sterling type which should excite the admiration of everv'one. and many of their noble traits have descended to the present generation of the Poindexters. Charles Edgar Poindexter was born in Jeffersonville Indiana, December 4. 1853. the son of Gabriel and jMary F. (W'illey) Poindexter. Barzillai \\'illey, grandfather of Charles Edgar, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. from Connecticut. His son, John F. Willey, was born in June, 1809, where the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, now stands, and the following year he was brought to Clark county, Indiana, his father having moved near Memphis. The family came down the Ohio river before steamboats were in common use and landed at Jeffersonville, the Poindexters having come from Louisa county, Virginia, a year or two previously, this family having long been residents of the Old Dominion state, from which Clevias S. Poindexter's father, Gabriel Poindexter. Sr., went as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Both the Virginia and Connecticut branch of this family were well known and influential in their day, all people of genuine worth.

Charles E. Poindexter is one of a family of four children now living, namely : Harry C. is Judge of the City Court in Jeffersonville ; Bertha F. is librarian of the Carnegie Public Librarj' in Jeffersonville; Frank C. is in the postal services in Indianapolis. The following are deceased: Fountin W., who married Emma Willey, of Madison, Indiana, left two children; Ella, who married Chester T. Berryman, and Randall ; they both reside in Louisville. Mary A. married Dr. Edward L. Elrod, of Henryville, Clark couny; they both passed away early in 1908, leaving one daughter. Bertha Mary.

After leaving school Mr. Poindexter received his first business experience in the employ of the A.dams Express Company in Jeffersonville, in which he remained for eight years, most of that time acting as agent for the company. He then went to the Louisville & Cincinnati Aldil Boat Line, in whose employ he remained for a period of six years, giving the same unqualified satisfaction as he had his former employers, acting for the latter as cashier and agent in Louisville. After this he was freight agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the city of Jeffersonville for a period of eight years. Then in the year 1893 he was employed by the Citizen's National Bank of

Jeffersonville as cashier, which responsible position he still very creditably fills, having done much to increase the prestige of this institution through his able and conscientious sen-ice and courteous treatment of its patrons.

The matrimonial chapter in the life history of Charles E. Poindexter began in April, 1884, when he united in the bonds of wedlock with Ophelia Read, of Port Fulton. She is the daughter of John F. Read, who was bom in ^^'ashington, Daviess county, Indiana, October 4, 1822. He was educated at Hanover College, studied law with the noted Humphrey Marshall, of the same family as Chief Justice ^Marshall of the United States. He made a subsecjuent record at the bar, sen-ing one term in the Legislature. He was in the United States land office at Jefifersonville for a period of eight years. He was not onlv prominent in legal affau's but also in business circles, having been at one time president of the Ford Plate Glass Company of Jeffersonville ; also president of the Citizens' National Bank of that city. In 1840 he married Eliza Keigwin, who died in 1852, and in 1853 Mr. Read married Eliza Pratt. One child was born to the first union and nine to the latter, the wife of Charles E. Poindexter being the eldest. Mr. Read is deceased and his widow lives with Mr. and ]\Irs. Poindexter. Mr. Read was a very prominent man in his day and one of the most useful in this county in both public and business life.

One son, James Edgar, has brightened the home of Charles E. Poindexter and wife. He is individual bookkeeper in the Citizens' National Bank, and is a young man of much promise.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Poindexter is a member of Clark Lodge, No. 40, Free and Accepted Masons : Horeb Chapter, No. 66 : Jefifersonville Commandery, No. 27. H is a member of the Presbyterian church.

A. Rudolph Schimpff

Jefifersonville has reason to be proud of her newspapers, among the most progressive and ably conducted in the city as well as in the southern part of the state, being the Jeffersonville Star, which under its present management, has made rapid strides to the front and met with popular favor of a cumulative order and became an unfailing index of the civic pride and commercial and industrial prestige of the city.

A. Rudolph Schimpft' is a nati\'e of Jeft'ersonville, Indiana, where his birth occurred on the 14th of November, 1875, of German descent, his grandparents on both sides of the family having been born m the Palatinate Rheumth, Bavaria. His father, Charles A. Schimpfif, also a native of the Fatherland, came to the United States in 1858. at the age of eleven vears and located with his mother, four brothers and three sisters, in Louisville,

Kentucky, where he remained until liis removal ten years later to Jeffersonville, where he engaged in the confectionary business and in due time became one of the substantial men of the city. He married in 1873, Alvina Rossler, daughter of Charles and Caroline Rossler, and became widely known, not only in business circles but as an energetic man who took pride in the growth of his adopted city and did all within his power to foster and encourage all enterprises tending to this and other laudable ends.

A Rudolph Schimpff was reared to maturity in Jeffersonville, enjoyed the best educational advantages the city schools afiforded and at an early age entered the office of the Star, with which paper he was connected for a period of fourteen months, during which time he served on the editorial staff and became skilled in nearly every department of newspaper work. At the expiration of the time indicated he took charge of the city circulation of the Jeffersonville Star and Clark County Republican, which position he held until January, 1903, when he became business manager of the two plants under the receivership.

In August, 1903, in partnership with Charles A. Schimpff, Mr. Schimpff purchased a half interest in the Star and Republican and on the loth of December following became sole owner and publisher, this being the only Republican paper out of a total of nineteen in thirty-five years to weather the stomis of discouragement and succeed. Under his able and judicious management the Star has made steady and substantial progress, meeting with a favorable reception from the time of his taking charge of the office and proving an alert, progressive and admirabl)' conducted paper, attractive in makeup and latter press and an able exponent of the political principles to which it is pledged. Mr. Schimpff is not only an easy, graceful and forcible writer who impartially discussess the leading questions and issues of the day, whose editorials are widely ciuoted and copied, but is also an enthusiastic and enterprising newspaper man who has made the Star a credit to himself and an honor to the city. He has an office thoroughly equipped with modern machinery and appliances which with a large and constantly increasing circulation and a liberal advertising patronage, the plant is now one of the most valuable of the kind in the county, with every prospect of continuous growth in power and influence. Through the medium of his paper, Mr. Schimpff' has advocated all worthy measures for the upbuilding of Jeffersonville and the advancement of Clark county.

As already indicated J^Ir. Schimpff is a Republican and by reason of his position as editor of the official organ of his party and vice-chairman of the County Central Committee, he has become one of its leaders in Clark county, and an influential factor in formulating and directing its policies, not only in local matters but in the larger and more extended affairs of district and state.

Baird S History Of Clark Co., Ixd

In his religious faitli Air. Schimpff is a member of tlie German Ex-angelical Lutheran church, belonging to the local congregatinn in Jeffersonville, known as St. Luke's church, his wife being identified with St. Augustine Roman Catholic church of this city. Fraternally he holds membership with Jeffersonville Lodge, No. 340, Free and Accepted IMasons, Hope Lodge, No. 13, Knights of Pythias, in the latter of which he now holds the ofiice of chancellor and for a number of years he has been one of the prominent workers in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Tabor Lodge, No. 92.

Margaret Fredricks, who became the wife of Mr. Schimpff on the 13th of April, 1898, was born at Port Fulton, Clark county, Indiana, August 20. 1880, being the daughter of Air. and Mrs. E. J. Fredricks, well known residents of Jeffersonville. The pledges of this union are two interesting children, who answer to the names of Margaret and Alvina.

John Gienger

John Gienger, wholesale dealer in pr(.)duce and feed at Jeffersonville, Indiana, is a native of W'urtemburg, Germany, and the son of George and Katherine Gienger, both born and reared in that kingdom and descended from ancestors who, from time immemorial, lived and bore their parts in the affairs of the German nation and figin"ed more or less conspicuously in their respective places of abode. George Gienger, in 1880, emigrated to the L^nited States and settled at Jeffersonville, Indiana, where for seven years he conducted a successful dairy business, but at the expiration of that time disposed of his interests in this city and movetl to the state of Oregon, where he continued dairying until retiring from active life at a comparatively recent date. Having acquired a competency he sold out his business and with his good wife is now enjoying the fruits of his many years of toil and judicious management in a comfortable home in the city of Portland.

John Gienger whose birth occurred on the 19th day of November. 1863, spent his early life in the land of his nativity and enjoyed the advantages of a good education in its schools. At the age of seventeen he accompanied his parents upon their removal to the New World and for some time thereafter assisted his father in the daii-y at Jeffersonville, subsequently engaging in the produce trade upon his own responsibility and in due time building up a thriving business. Since the year 1887 he has devoted his attention to produce and feed, which he handles in immense quantities, supplying the local market and shipping to a number of tradesmen in neighboring towns, his wholesale house at 303 Court avenue, being the largest and most extensively patronized establishment of the kind in the city, and one of the best known in the southern jiart of the state. Mr. Gienger"s business career has been eminently creditable and satisfactory, presenting a series of successes which have gained for him a conspicuous place among the progressive merchants of his citv. He gives steady employment to five men every working day of the year and during the busy seasons it is found necessary to augment this force by several additional assistants, the demand for his goods being so great at times as to tax the establishment to its utmost capacity and keep the proprietor busy almost day and night in order to supply his numerous customers.

Mr. Gienger is a stalwart advocate of Democratic principles and policies and in the local ranks of his party he has been an active and valued worker. He has sen-ed in various positions of honor and trust and in ver\- instance has proven worthy of the confidence of his fellow citizens as well as of the party to which he belongs. He represented his ward for some time in the City Council and as a member of that body was industrious and untiring in his efforts to promote the interests of the municipality, having introduced a number of important bills which became ordinances and in other ways made his influence felt as a safe and judicious local legislator. As a member of the local educational board he has done much to advance the schools of the city and make them among the best in the state. He is an active worker in the fraternity of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in religion subscribes to the creed of the Gennan reformed church, holding at this time the position of elder in the local congregation with which he is identified.

^Ir. Gienger is essentially a business man and as such ranks among the most enterprising and successful of the city in which he lives. He has so managed and prosecuted his afifairs as to acquire a liberal share of this world's goods, a third interest in two successful canning factories in Jeffersonville and is also interested in a similar enterprise in the town of Henryville, besides holding considerable valuable real estate in both city and country and a large amount of personal property to say nothing of private investments which add very materially to his income.

Mr. Gienger's domestic life dates from 18S5, on November 5th of which year he was united in marriage with Catherine IMosser. whose birth occurred in Kentucky, but who for some time prior to the date men*:ioned lived with her parents in the city of Jeffersonville. This union has been blessed with one child, a daughter by the name of Amelia, who is now a young lady, the pride of her parents and popular in the social circles of the city. The Gienger familv is highlv esteemed socially and religiously and the name is closely identified with charitable work and benevolent enterprises through which the desen-ing poor and unfortunate receive assistance.

Oscar Theodore Johnson

The family of whicli Mr. Johnson is a representative has been identified with the histon- of Clark county since the pioneer period, his grandfather, Stephen Johnson, leaving been among- the early ministers of this part of the state and one of the first to preach the doctrines of Methodism to the fewscattered settlers who subscribed to the faith of that church. Stephen Johnson was a man nf good mind and sound practical sense, a de\out Christian and an influential minister who hesitated not to declare the whole counsel of God as he understood it, and for a number of years his labors in this and other fields throughout Southern Indiana were greatly blessed. He not only visited the scattered pioneers in the wilderness and preached and otherwise instructed them in their humble cabin homes, but frequently conducted public worship in the towns, and to him belongs the credit of organizing a number of societies in a field which even at this date feel the effect of his teaching and the influence of his consecrated and God-fearing life.

John R. Johnson, son of Stephen and father of Oscar Theodore, was born in Clark county and grew to maturity in Oregon township, where he lived until alxiut the year 1883, when he removed to his present place o£ residence in the village of Utica. In his voung manhood he married Susan Fields, also a native of Oregon township, and in due time became the father of three children, two sons and one daughter, namely. Dr. J. W. Johnson, practicing physician of Utica: Oscar T., whose name introduces this sketch, and Stella, who married William J^Iartin, of Louisville, Kentucky, and resides in that city.

Oscar Theodore Johnson, whose birth occurred on the 3d day of December, 1873. spent his early life in Oregon township and received his education in the public schools of Utica. \\ hile a mere lad he entered his father's barber shop in that town and under the latter's instruction soon became proficient in the trade, which he followed with gratifying success until the year 1898, when he accepted employment as guard of the Indiana Reformatory. After filling that position to the satisfaction of the management of the institution for a period of five and a half years, he resigned to become special officer in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, the duties of which he discharged in a creditable manner for fourteen months, during which he devoted his attention closely to the interests of the corporation, proving faithful to the important trust reposed in him, and rising high in the esteem and confidence of his superiors. Severing his connection with the road at the expiration of the time indicated Mr. Johnson joined the police force of Jefifersonville and for a period of two years bore his full share in maintaining the peace and quietude of the city.

nominated by tlie Repuljlican party for the office of Sheriff, being opposed by a popular candidate backed by a normal Democratic majority of four hundred. Xotwithstanding the formidable strength of the o]iposition and his apparent hopeless outlook he entered boldly into the campaign and with his accustomed vigor and energy conducted a canvass which extended to every part of the countv, resulting in triumph at the polls, defeating his competitor by 186 votes, running far ahead of his ticket and being the only Republican candidate elected that year. Mr. Johnson's nomination by acclamation and signal victory in a reliably Democratic county were complimentary t(3 his sterling worth and personal popularity with the people irrespective of political allignment, and since takmg charge of his office on January i, 1908, his able and judicious course has fully justified the wisdom of his election.

Air. Johnson on June 22. 1898, was married to Mollie Conlen. daughtei of James and Winnie Conlen, of Jeffersonville, the father deceased, the mother still living in Clark county. '\lx. and Mrs. Johnson have a pleasant and attractive home in Jeffersonville and move in the best social circles of the city, having many warm friends and admirers among th(xse with whom they mingle and a popularity extending to the limits of their acquaintance.

Fraternally Mr. Johnson belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Union Fraternal League, in all of which organizations he is active and influential, besides holding various positions of honor and trust. Mrs. Johnson is identified with the Women's Relief Corps and belongs to the Catholic church.

Henry F. Dilger

Mr. Dilger, a prominent local attorney, is a native of Perry county. Indiana, where his birth occurred on the 26th day of FebruaiT. 1865. being the son of Joseph and Rosina (Brugger) Dilger. These parents came from Baden. Germany, a number of years ago. and were married about the year 1858 in Perry county, Indiana, where the father followed agricultural pursuits for a livelihood. Subseciuently they removed to Michigan, thence tii Spencer county. Indiana, where they spent the remainder of their days, the mother dying in 1884, the father in 1891. Their family consisted of three children, namely: John \\^, who lives in Missouri; Benjamin, a resident of Jeft'ersonville, engaged in the river trade, and Henry F., whose name appears above. By a previous marriage Mrs. Dilger had two sons and a daughter, whose names are as follows: Theodore H. Dilger, a fanner and miller of Spencer county, Indiana, and a large land holder in Alabama ; Robert W. Dilger, a mechanic of Louisiana, ^Missouri, and Freda, who married Peter Weidner, a grocer of Jeffersonville.

Baird S History Of Clark Co., Ind

Henry F. Dilger was educated in the schools of ]\Iichigan and Spencer county, Indiana, and spent his early life in close touch with nature on the farm. ±\t the age of fourteen he began working for himself as a farm hand and later was employed for some time in a mill, the meanwhile husbanding his earnings with the greatest care for the purpose of adding to his scholastic knowledge. At the expiration of five years he was enabled to earn' out a desire of long standing by entering the Crawford county Xorma! School, which he attended until completing the prescribed course, thus fitting himself for teaching, a work to which he had long been favorably inclined. After teaching two years in the district schools of Crawford county he went to Kentucky, where he devoted one year to educational work but at the expiration of that time returned to Indiana and spent the ensuing two years in Jeffersonville, township schools, the meanwhile earning an honorable reputation as a capable and painstaking instructor.

Not caring to make teaching his permanent work Air. Dilger in 1893 took up the study of law at Aurora, Indiana, in the office of McMullen & McAIullen and later entered the law department of the Central Normal School at Danville, where he made substantial progress in the profession besides attaining a high standard as a close and diligent student. Returning to Jefi'ersonville he continued his legal studies under the directon of George H. Voigt, in whose office he remained until his admission to the bar in 1897, after which he devoted the greater part of the ensuing three years to educational work, not beginning the practice of his profession until 1901. In the latter year Mr. Dilger opened an office in Jeft'ersonville and in due time gained his proportionate share of legal patronage, \^'ith a spirit born of a determination to succeed Air. Dilger persisted in the course upon which he set out and by ably and faithfully attending to such business as came to his office, he soon gained the reputation of a capable and thoroughly honorable attorney, with the result that in due time he succeeded in securing quite a number of patrons and building a safe and fairly lucrative business. Since the year 1901 his legal career has compared favorably with that of the majority of the members of the Jefl:'ersonville Bar, and at the present time he has a large and lucrative practice in the courts of Clark county, being esteemed a safe and reliable counsellor, a judicious practitioner who spares no reasonable eiTorts in behalf of his clients and whose ability before judges and juries seldom fail to win verdicts for the causes he represents.

A\'hile devoted to his profession he is also interested in public matters and political afifairs, being one of the influential Democrats of Jefferson\-ille and a leader of his party in both city and county. He has served several years as Treasurer of the County Central Committee and as a campaigner his services have been especially valuable, being a judicious adviser and aggressive worker. In May, 190J, he was made City Attorney of Jeft'ersonville and discharged the duties of the position with credit and abihty until September of the year 1906, this being the only public office he has ever held or to which he has ever aspired.

Mr. Dilger is a member of the Tell Lodge. Xo. 272. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Jeffersonville, in which he holds the title of past grand and in the general deliberations of which he takes an active and influential part, having served one temi of three years as trustee and recently re-elected to that office. His domestic experience dates from the 28th day of December. 1898, at which time he was united in marriage with Annie L. Meyer, of Jeffersonville, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth ^Nleyer. natives of Germany and Indiana respectively, the union resulting in the birth of one son, Frank H.. who first saw the light of day December 6th of the year 1899.

John R. Johnson

Now in the sixty-second year of his age Mr. Johnson can review with pride an unblemished business career, and a war record so meritorious that it won for him recognition from the great commonwealth of Indiana in the way of a medal of honor. Despite the crude educational facilities of his boyhood days he is regarded as one of the leading literary lights of the town in which he lives, Utica, Indiana, being a man of wide knowledge of the world.

John R. Johnson's native heath is Scott county, Indiana, having been bom there August 14, 1846, the son of Stephen and Lavina (Williams) Johnson. Scott county was also the place of nativity of the parents, and they spent the greater portion of their lives there. The father, a farmer, and a Methodist preacher, died at the age of sixty-three years, his wife surviving him eleven years. They reared a family of four sons and four daughters. Sarah became the wife of John McClure, of Clark county: ^^'ilIiam spent four years as a soldier in the Civil war, being adjutant of his regiment, and he is now engaged in the manufacture of brick in Illinois; John R. and David are twins, and the latter has for the last thirty years been in the concrete business in Illinois ; James is employed in the inteiiu"ban service at Indianapolis ; Caroline is the wife of Samuel Ferguson, of Kansas; Martha is the widow of John Smith, and also resides in Kansas; Mary is the wife of ^^'illiam Owens and lives on the old home farm in Scott count}'.

John R. was educated in a typical log school-house of the pioneer days, but as the result of a lifetime of study and investigation he is the possessor of a thorough education, few men with his limited opportunities being so well equipped intellectually. In May, 1864, he enlisted in the army as a member of Company K, One Hundred Thirty-seventh Indiana, and sen-ed one year. As stated in the introductory of this sketch he was presented a medal of honor by the state of Indiana as a recognition of his gallantry and valor on the field of battle. This medal is regarded as a sacred heirloom in the family. Returning from the anny he engaged in business, and some time thereafter married Maria Susan Fields, a daughter of Milford and Samantha (Carroll) Fields, early pioneers of Clark county. The first home of the subject and his wife was at Mary-sville, Clark county, where they lived for about six years. In the year 1886 they moved to Utica, Clark county, and built their present pleasant and comfortable dwelling. Three children have been bom to them : Dr. William Francis is practicing medicine in Utica with great success ; Oscar Theodore is the present Sheriff of Clark county - Estella is the wife of William Martin, chief clerk of a large mercantile establishment in Louisville. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson attend the ^Methodist Episcopal church, and they are counted as among its most faithful members. Politically Mr. Johnson is a Republican, having been identified with that party all of his life. He i^ always to be found in the councils of his party, and is known as one of its leaders locally. He never sought but one political office, however, and that was during the Harrison administration when he applied for the postmastership of Utica and was appointed to the position. He had the hearty endorsement of the people of the community generally, without regard to their political affiliations and he discharged the duties of the office in a highly satisfactory manner. Mr. Johnson is very much mterested in local literarj- work, and particularly m lyceums and debating clubs.

Walter G. Shadday

The Shadday family in this countiy lived originally in North Carolina and from that state migrated to Indiana in an early day, and located in Switzerland county, of which they were among the first pioneers. George Shadday, the grandfather of \\'alter G., was born in Switzerland county, but moved to the county of Ripley when a young man and there married and spent the remainder of his life. He ser\'ed during the Civil war in the Forty-fifth Indiana Cavalry, participated in a number of campaigns and bloody battles and earned an honorable record as a brave and gallant soldier.

^^'alter G. Shadday, one of the leading real estate dealers of Clark county, also at the head of a thriving investment and insurance business, is a native of Indiana, born in the county of Ripley on the 3d day of December, 1882. His father, John H. Shadday, a well known contractor and builder of Jeffersonville, was for many years a resident of Ripley county and a man of much more than ordinary standing and influence in the community honored by his citizenship. John H. Shadday has devoted the greater part of his life to the business which he now successfully follows, first in Ripley county, later in Jeffersonville, to which city he moved when his son, Walter, was a child and in which, since 1903, he has been the successor of Henry Pollock, for manv vears one of the largest contractors and builders in the southern part of the state. The maiden name of the subject's mother w^as Arminta Spears ; she became the wife of Mr. Shadday in Ripley county and bore him one child while living there, to-wit : \\'alter G., whose name introduces this review. In addition to his long and successful business career John H. Shadday has a militaiy record of which he feels justly proud, having serv'ed five years in the regidar army as an officer of Company A. Se\enth United States Cavalr}-. during which time he experienced much active service in various parts of the country and earned honorable distinction liy reason of duty ably and faithfully performed. Since retiring from the army he has devoted his attention exclusively to his business aflfairs. though always interested in civic matters and taking an active part in politics, being a pronounced Democrat, but not a partisan in the sense of seeking office or aspiring to leadership.

As already indicated \\'alter G. Shadday was a child when hi? parents transferred their residence to Jeffersonville and since three years of age his life has been closely identified with the city and its interests. After receiving a good education in the public schools he acquired a knowledge of practical affairs under his father's direction and in due time turned his attention to the lines of business in which he has since been engaged and in which he has achieved such marked financial success, namely, real estate, insurance and various kinds of investments, building up a large and lucrative patronage in Jeft'ersonville and vicinity, besides dealing extensi\-ely in real estate in Clark and other counties and states, all of which liusiness resulted in liberal profits and gained for him an h(;nora])le reputation as a safe and reliable business man. His investments both in his own name and for others have invariably proven satisfactory and profitable, and in the matter of loans he has also been successful, placing a large amount of money on real estate and other first class security, his operations in this department alone represe'.iting many thousands of dollars, annually, and yieUling a large share of his income. He is the local agent for a number of the largest and most relialile insurance companies in the United States and foreign countries and his veiw extensive business in this line is steadily growing in magnitude and importance, comparing favorably with tliat transacted b\- any other man or firm in the city similarly engaged.

He is a member of the Jeft'erson Social Club, and a prominent participant in its meetings and deliberations and his name is also found on the records <if Lodge. No. 340. Free and Accepted Masons, in which ancient and h.onnrable brotherhood he has risen to high standing, besides be'mg honored at different times with important official positions. Although reared a Democrat his reading and investigations led him into the opposite political belief and ever since old enough to exercise the I'ight of citizenship he has been an uncompromising Republican, believing the principles and policies of the party to be for the best interests of the American Republic and having faith that in the future as in the past the party will continue to fulfill the grand mission which its founders had in view. An active worker in the ranks and a judicious adviser in party councils he has never entered the political arena as an office seeker, but contents himself with voting for his favorite candidates. He is married and still an inmate of the parental home, to the maintenance of which he is a liberal contributor and to the attractiveness of which he adds greatlv.

The career of Mr. Brock, who, though a yourig man with but limited experience has made his example an inspiration to those who shall come after him and his presence a pennanent benefit to those with whom he mingles. Thomas J. Brock, attorney -at-law. and one of the rising meiubers of the Jeffersonville Bar. was born on a farm near Borden, Clark county, Indiana, July 9, 1876, being one of three children whose parents, Francis M. and Abigail I. Brock, were natives of Washington and Clark county, respectively. Francis M. Brock was liorn near ]\Iartinsburg, Indiana, on the 22d day of Julv, 1849, and his wife first saw the light of day on the family homestead near Borden. November "th of the year 1854. The family of this estimable couple consisted of three children, the oldest of whom, a daughter by the name of Cora !May, died when six years of age. Thomas J., of this review, being the second in order of birth and John B., the youngest.