Clinton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1913 (part 2 of 17)

On Washington's birthday in the year 1864 Mr. Irwin enlisted in Company G, Eleventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until August 9, 1865. He was in the Federal army under command of the famous Gen. Phil Sheridan, and went through the Shenandoah Valley, participating in the battle of Newmarket, Virginia, on May 15. 1864. when the Federals under General Sigel were defeated Winchester, Virginia, on September 19. 1864, when Schofield's soldiers downed the rebels: Dinwiddie's courthouse. March 31, 1865, federal victory: and Cedar Creek. Virginia, in October, 1864. Mr. Irwin was with Sheridan at the time that courageous general made his famous ride to rally his routed troops. Although Mr. Irwin's term of service was short, enough action and excitement was crowded into the time to make up for the vears he missed.

1870. then entered the profession of school teaching. He continued successfully in this vocation until thirty-three years had passed, running the farm of one hundred and sixty acres at the same time. He won a reputation for thriftiness and industry during these years, and made a good start toward the independence that is now his. In 1904 he moved to the city of Frankfort and entered the real estate, rental, loan and insurance business, pursued that successfully for several years and is now listed as an exclusive pension attorney. In this latter capacity, Mr. Irwin has prosecuted over two hundred and fifty cases and has been successful in most of them, as is proved by his constantly increasing business. Mr. Irwin, of course, belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and is one of the most able supporters of the encampment of his membership. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and religiously, is a Presbyterian.

In August, 1866, Mr. Irwin was married to Rebecca J. Ball, a native of this county. Their married life extended over a period of twenty years and then, in July, 1886, Mrs. Irwin was called to her death. Six children were born of this union: Everett F.. a Hendricks county school teacher; Robert

M., a stenographer at Indianapolis; Charles L., a stenographer at Columbus, Ind. : Elizabeth, the wife of C. H. Hillis; and two others who are deceased. On August 15. 1888. Mr. Irwin was married the second time, to Eliza M. Brookie. also a native of Clinton county. One child has been born of this union, Flossie L.. a graduate of DePauw University and a teacher of Latin and English in the Scircleville high school. She is now living at home.

Owex E. Brumbaugh

It is not an easy task to give adequate description of the character of a man who has led an eminently active and busy life in connection with the great legal profession and who has stamped his individuality on the plane of definite accomplishment in one of the most exacting fields of human endeavor. However, there is great satisfaction and much pride in adverting even in this cursory manner to the career of Owen E. Brumbaugh, one of the most able, conscientious and honored workers in the legal profession of Clinton county, and one of the most conspicuous men of Frankfort. In civic life he has been prominent, and he has held the unqualified esteem of his fellow citizens since his entrance into the business life of the city. I'he fact that Mr. Brumbaugh has been honored with the highest public office in

Owen E. Brumbaugh was born on his father's farm near the town of Rossville, Clinton county, Indiana, and is the eldest child of John W. and Martha (Kanable) Brumbaugh.

John \Y. Brumbaugh, the father of our subject, was born near the village of Union. Montgomery county. Ohio, and his mother. Martha Kanable. was a native of the state of Pennsylvania. She died, however, when our subject was less than four years of age, leaving him. his father, and his sister, Amanda, who is now the wife of John \Y. Myler. of Lebanon. South Dakota. John \V. Brumbaugh followed the trade of a carpenter, and mamresidences and other structures still stand in Clinton county that were constructed bv him. He was a self-made man and had considerable influence in his community. He was married the second time to Amanda D. Neher, and of this union the following children were born : Eliza A.. Susan C.. Dennis

M., Jacob A., and Martha. In the year 1872 the father, with all of his children, moved to Illinois, settling near the town of Cerro Gordo, and there died in 1874. John \Y. Brumbaugh led and believed in an honorable and industrious life, and his years were replete with beneficence properly bestowed.

Owen Brumbaugh grew to manhood on his father's farm, working there and attending the common schools. At the age of seventeen he began teaching and continued in the smaller schools until the year 187;. when he accepted better employment in the intermediate and high school departments of the Frankfort city schools. His own education was obtained in the country schools, as mentioned before; in the Frankfort normal schools, under the instruction of Prof. E. H. Staley ; at the academy in Ladoga. Indiana, under Prof. M'. B. Hopkins: at Salem College, Bourbon. Indiana, and at the Bryant and Stratton Business College of Indianapolis.

Although he had made a success of his pedagogic efforts. Mr. Brumbaugh treasured the ambition to enter the legal profession, and utilized every opportunity to study the fundamental principles of the law. It was while engaged in teaching in the Frankfort schools that he entered the law office of Doval & Card, where he rapidly gained the prestige and experience that led to his being admitted to the Clinton County Bay in 1877. of which he has been a member ever since.

His own practice commenced in 1878. when he was elected city attorney of Frankfort. His work has been decidedly active since that time, having practiced in the circuit, appellate, supreme and federal courts of In- diana, and also in the courts of adjoining states. His practice has been a general one. including civil, probate and criminal cases, and, to his credit, it must be said that he has won the great majority of cases which he has entered. Consequently, his clients have the greatest confidence in his ability and do not hesitate to repose their full trust in his legal skill.

Mr. Brumbaugh, during the last twelve years, has been honored more than once with public office. As city attorney, president of the school board and as mayor of the city, he has given his constituents and patrons the benefit of his hardest efforts. He has also devoted much of his time to municipal law and municipal affairs and has successfully waged and won many legal controversies for the city of Frankfort. In 1896 Mr. Brumbaugh was nominated for judge of the Clinton circuit court by the Republican party, with which he always affiliated, but together with his colleagues on the ticket, was defeated by force of the demand of the voters of that time for the free coinage of silver at the ratio of sixteen to one, as proposed by the platform of the Democratic party.

Mr. Brumbaugh was married March 22. 18 77, to Mary E. Magee, daughter of William and Jane Magee. Four children were born to them, namely: Ethel M.. married to Charles E. Cooper, now farming in Texas;

Jessie Jean, married to William K. Sproule, Jr., cashier of National City Bank of Indianapolis ; Olive H., at home, librarian at Frankfort, and John X.. who died at the age of five years. Mr. Brumbaugh is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Carl Whisler Sims

Although a .young man. Carl Whisler Sims fills a large place in the public eye and in business circles has earned a name and reputation far exceeding those of many men of greater age and wider experience in his special field of endeavor. He is a Hoosier by birth and a son of John T. and Malissa f Whisler) Sims, both representatives of well known families and of high social and moral standing in Clinton county, where for a number of years they have made their home.

Carl Whisler Sims was born at Forest, Indiana, August 1, 1882, and after finishing the common school course entered the Frankfort High School, from which he was graduated with an honorable record as a diligent and capable student in 1901. Subsequently he pursued the higher branches of learning for two years in Hanover College and on leaving that institution began the struggle of life for himself in the grain business at Cyclone, Indiana, where he soon gained the confidence of the people and built up a lucrative patronage. After two years in the latter town he sold out and purchased the Monon Elevator, south of Frankfort, where he remained for a period of two years, when he disposed of the property and removed to Oakland, Indiana, where he bought an elevator and for one year conducted a very safe and satisfactory trade in grain. At the expiration of the time indicated he engaged in the same line of business at Frankfort with his father under the name of the "J. T. Sims Grain Company," which partnership lasted until 1911, when the subject purchased the enterprise and became sole proprietor, a position he has since retained.

Since becoming the head of the concern, Mr. Sims has greatly enlarged and improved the plant with a corresponding increase in the business and now has an elevator with a capacity of 25,000 bushels and a mill which turns out 150 barrels of flour per day, besides dealing extensively in all kinds of grain and seeds and commanding a patronage second in magnitude and importance to no other establishment of the kind in his part of the state. He gives employment to an average of nine men throughout the year and his mill is taxed to its utmost capacity to meet the large and grow ing demand for his special brand of "Imperial Flour," which is noted for its excellence and has an extensive sale in both local and general markets, much being shipped to the larger trade centers throughout Indiana and other states.

Mr. Sims is essentially a business man and as such occupies a commendable standing among his contemporaries and with the general public. He is likewise a man of action, actively interested in all that makes for the growth and betterment of his city and county and to a marked degree enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow men. Conserative and steadfast in his convictions, progressive in his ideas, liberal in the support of all worthy enterprises, and firm in his friendships, he is one of the most valuable and allround citizens of Frankfort, an estimate in which all who know him will freely and cheerfullv concur. Mr. Sims' first vote was cast for the Republican partv, of which he has since been an earnest advocate and zealous supporter. In religion he is a Methodist and endeavors so to live that his daliv actions and influence will exemplify the beauty and worth of a living faith when practically applied to the affairs of man. He is a Mason of high standing, having risen to the thirty-second degree in that ancient and honorable fraternity, besides being a Sir Knight and an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has a beautiful and attractive home in Frankfort, the presiding spirit of which is an intelligent and popular lady of excellent character and social standing who bore the maiden name of Florence Richey and to whom the subject was united in marriage June, 1 9 1 1 . Mrs. Sims, like her husband, is a native of the Hoosier state, having been born in Scircleville, Clinton county, September 10, 1882.

Doctor Stephen B. Sims is a native of the city in which he resides and a son of Cicero and Marv Caroline Sims. The mother previous to her marriage having borne the family name of Black, whose family sketch appears upon another page of this work.

Doctor Sims was born May 15, 1861. He was reared in the place of his birth and after finishing the usual graded school course entered the Frankfort high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1878. Having early manifested a decided preference for the medical profession, he began his preliminary study of the same in the office of Drs. Cox and Adams, under whose direction he continued until entering Rush Medical College, Chicago. Illinois, where lie made creditable record as a faithful and diligent student and from which he received the degree of M. D. in the year 1884. Immediately following his graduation he began the practice of his profession at Frankfort with Doctor Knap]), one of the most successful men of his calling in Clinton county, but at the expiration of one year severed his connection with his partner and during the ensuing seven years built up a large and lucrative professional business of his own. In 1892 he again became associated with Doctor Knapp and the firm thus constituted lasted seven vears, since which time Dr. Sims has been in the practice alone and. as alreadv indicated, is now one of the representative men of his profession in Frankfort.

Doctor Sims' domestic life dates from May 8. 1888. when he was united in marriage with Miss Agnes M. Miner, of Frankfort, who proved a true wife and judicious helpmate, and who bore him one child, a daughter, Mary L.. a graduate of St. Joseph Academy, Tipton, Indiana, and one of the intelligent and popular young ladies in the city of her residence. The first

Joseph Ethertox Hillis

In placing the name of the late Joseph E. Hillis in the front rank of Clinton county's business men of a past generation, simple justice is done to a biographical fact, universally recognized throughout this section of the state by those at all familiar with his history. A man of rare soundness of judgment, wise discretion and business ability of a high order, he managed, with tactful success, important enterprises, and so impressed his individuality upon the community as to gain recognition among its leading citizens and public-spirited men of affairs. What of the man and what of his work? This is the dual query which represents the interrogation at least nominally entertained whenever that discriminating factor, the public, would pronounce on the true worth of the individual. The career of Mr. Hillis indicates the clear-cut, sane and distinct character, and in reviewing the same from an unbiased and unprejudiced standpoint, interpretation follows fact in a straight line of derivation. In this publication it is consistent that such a review be entered, and that without the adulation of ornate phrases. The city of Frankfort naturally takes pride in the work performed by Mr. Hillis, who stamped the mark of definite acomplishment on the highest plane of industrial activity, and consistently demands that he be given due relative precedence in a work which has to do with those who have lived and labored to good purpose in the great commonwealth of Indiana in times that are past, and thence permeated the great industrial and civic life of the nation in which he stood well to the forefront in representative citizenship, even if his career was such as to gain him no more than a state reputation. His history and that of the latter-day progress of Clinton county is so indissolubly interwoven that they are pretty much one and the same, for he lived to see and take a leading part in the upbuilding of the county and city of his choice, and during the years in which he honored this locality with his residence no man stood higher in public esteem.

Joseph E. Hillis, banker, financier and business man, who for more than thirty vears, had been a prominent figure in the commercial life of the locality of which this history treats, and had succeeded well in his many and diversified enterprises, his own prosperity adding material advancement to the city and county along many lines of progress, was horn near Madison, Jefferson county, Indiana, September 26, 1840. He received limited educational advantages, and he began his business career when quite a young man and at eighteen was a general merchant at Michigantown. His next venture was at Zionsville, where he conducted the same line> of business as at Michigantown, success attending him at both places. His marriage to Jennie E. Avery, a lady of culture and refinement, took place at Zionsville, March 19, 1872, and in the spring of the following year he came to Frankfort and with Elwood Avery engaged in the grocery business on quite an extensive scale on the west side of the public square. After disposing of that business Mr. Hillis was one of the organizers of the R. P. Shanklin & Company, wholesale grocery house. He remained in this business until his death. He also assisted in the organization of the Clinton County Bank, and was its president when he died. Its large success and widespread prestige in the perserverance, wise discrimination and sterling honesty in the management of its affairs. He was aLo interested in many other business ventures in Frankfort, all of which have prospered and increased his earnings and he was rated as one of the city's wealthiest men. He was deserving of a great deal of credit for what he accomplished alone and often in the face of this along perfectly legitimate lines of endeavor. He owned one of the most attractive and modernly appointed homes in the county, which was always regarded by his many friends as a place of old-time hospitality and good cheer.

Success came to Joseph E. Hillis as it does not come to everybody, and in the city where he had carved out the greater part of his fortune his was an honored name. Like others who have succeeded, he found that there is no sentiment in business, and while he at all times followed the rides of established ethics in his relations with his fellow men. both in a business and social way, he frequently stepped aside in his career to help others who needed encouragement and advice. And his assistance did not always consist of words. There are many men in Frankfort who can tell how thev were started in business by Mr. Hillis and families who can bear testimony to his leniency in their efforts to acquire a place which they could call home.

Death came to Mr. Hillis without warning, while at his place of business in the wholesale house mentioned above in Frankfort, on Monday. September

27, 1904. He had been in apparently good health and was attending to business matters up to the very moment when stricken down. Interment was made in beautiful Green Lawn cemetery.

Surviving Mr. Hillis is his widow. Their only child, Chalmers H., a young man who seemed to have inherited many of his father's sterling virtues, especially in a business way, died Tune 14, 1913. A memoir appears elsewhere. Two sisters, Mrs. Buchanan and Mrs. O'Neil, both residing near Madison, Ind., survive our subject, and two brothers. Frank Hillis, of Logansport and Paul Hillis, of Kokomo, Ind.

Personally, Mr. Hillis was a gentleman of pleasing and courteous address, his earnestness and candor, diplomacy and kindness never failing to make a deep impression on all with whom he came into contact and he in every way deserved the high esteem in which he was held bv all who knew him.

William Frank Burroughs

It seems that there is no start in life which so well prepares a man for his future career, no matter what he may choose to follow, as the boyhood years spent on the farm; this is not strange to the contemplative mind, for in the first place the boy reared next to nature, to the fresh soil, surrounded by the clear air and amidst the growing, blooming vegetation, will be stronger physically and mentally than his city bred brother; and all will agree that health is the first prerequisite in the chase for success in this world. Many a man has been handicapped, submerged and defeated because of lack of it. Another thing, the farmer boy knows few of the temptations that lead to ruin which the city boy has to combat almost from the very cradle ; the former uses his energy in wrestling with the plow, the unbroken colt, the quick-growing sprouts, and many other things in his every-day life, while all this pent-up energy of the city lad must seek outlet in various channels, so he gets into trouble or at least neglects to properly direct his energies in life's affairs and when manhood comes he is left behind by his stronger and more self-reliant, self-assured country contemporary.

One of Clinton county's worthy young men who sprang from the rural districts is the present efficient deputy county clerk. William Frank Burroughs, who was born in Jefferson township, Boone county, Indiana, on a farm June 25, 1875. He is a son of John Henry and Mary Adaline (Carter) Burroughs. The father was born September 30, 1843, on a farm which his father had entered from the government in the early settlement of this state and which is located in Franklin township, Montgomery county. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this review were Uriel and Leannah (Bramblett) Burroughs. Uriel Burroughs was a descendant of an early Virginia family, his progenitors having emigrated to the Old Dominion during the great Cromwell's reign in England, and from that remote period to the present the name Burroughs has been a more or less prominent one in Virginia. Members of this old family have proven themselves to be genuinely American in spirit and patriotism, and their names are to be found on the rosters of our armies in all our wars, some of them having won distinction as soldiers in the Revolutionary war.

Uriel Burroughs left his home on the Atlantic seaboard in the year 1813 and, with other westward-looking frontiersmen of that time, plunged into the wilderness and kept his course toward the setting sun until he reached Scott county, Kentucky, and in 1826 moved to Montgomery county. Indiana, where, being attracted by the richness of the soil and the general beauty of the landscape and having the sagacity to foresee a great future for the Wabash county, he decided to establish the future home of the family here, and he accordingly entered wild land from the government, selecting a fine tract in what is now Franklin township. He was a man of courage and grit, one whom hardships had little to appall, so he soon had the heavy timber cleared away and young crops growing. He prospered with advancing vears and became one of the leading general farmers of that section of the country and there he spent the residue of his days, living there some fortyfour vears, passing to his rest in 1869. His wife, who shared with him the hardships and privations of a life on the then frontier of American civilization. was a Kentuckian by birth. Her death occurred in 1848. She preceded her husband to the grave many years. The subject of this sketch is still in possession of the old rifle carried by his grandfather Burroughs, which he used in killing all kinds of wild game in the pioneer days. It is of the ancient hammered barrel type. Politically, Uriel Burroughs was a Democrat, and in religious matters a Baptist. He is remembered as a plain, honest, hard-working man, neighborly and hospitable.

Tohn IJ. Burroughs, father of our subject, grew to manhood on the home farm. Being the son of a pioneer, he found plenty of hard work to do as soon as he became of proper age, and he worked on the home place during his bovhood, attending the neighborhood schools during the brief winter months, receiving such educational advantages as was common in the country during that early period. He turned his attention to general farming and stock raising when a young man and continued to follow these lines with ever continued success until a few years ago. when, having accumulated a competency, he retired from active work and is now spending his old age in quiet, maintaining a comfortable residence at Shannondale. Montgomery county. His wife, known in her maidenhood as Marv Adaline Carter, was horn in Owen county. Indiana. March 3, 1855. an^ there spent her childhood, and she and Mr. Burroughs were married in the year 1S73. After only five years of happy married life 'he was summoned to her eternal rest June 30. 1878, when William F. Burroughs, our subject, was three years old. She was buried at the village of Shannondale. Montgomery county. Besides our subject one other child was born to John H. Burroughs and wife, Clifford O., whose birth occurred on November 3, 1876. He died on April 18, 1904. when nearly twenty-eight years of age. The father of these children is a Democrat, but he has never been a public man. devoting his attention to his farming industry and his home. He is well known and well liked in his vicinity.

William F. Burroughs grew to manhood on the home farm, as already indicated, and he did his share of the work there when a boy. He was given excellent educational advantages. After passing through the public schools of his home community he attended the Yalpariso Normal School, at Yalpariso, Indiana, later attending Wabash College at Crawfordsville for one term. He had taken a general literary course, preparing hint'd r for a teacher, and after leaving school he followed that line of endeavor for a period of sixteen years in Montgomery and Clinton counties, where he won an envied reputation as an educator and during which period his services were in great demand in both, the counties named, part of his teaching having been done in the latter county. For ten years he was principal of the schools at Colfax, giving eminent satisfaction, as his long retention in that important position would indicate. He did a splendid work in building up the schools at that place and was popular with both pupils and patrons. He was progressive in his methods and kept fully abreast of the times in all that pertained to his work. Finally tiring of the monotony of the school room and taking an active interest in public affairs he became deputy clerk in the office of the circuit court January 1, 1912. the duties of which he is discharging at this writing in a highly acceptable manner.

Politicallv, Mr. Burroughs is a Democrat and has ever been loyal to the partv of his ancestors. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Subordinate and the Encampment degrees, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen af America.

Mr. Burroughs was married on August 12. 1903, to Xellie G. Hampton, who was born in Sugar Creek township, Montgomery county, Indiana, in October, 1881. She grew to womanhood there and received a good education in the public schools. She is a daughter of Morgan and Amanda Hampton, both of whom were children of early settlers in Montgomery county.

I. M. Cue

Among the farmers of Clinton county, Isaiah Marion Cue has been one of the most prosperous and intelligent. It may be said that he was born to the high calling of agricultural pursuits. His grandfather. William Cue, tilled the soil in Ohio, and his father, Lewis Cue. farmed in Indiana. But the subject of this sketch. Isaiah M. Cue, was not bounded in his ambition by the horizon of the farm. He gave his attention to local politics, and in time became one of the most astute politicians of Clinton county.

In recognition of his merit and special adaptability. Isaiah M. Cue was honored by his fellow citizens in 1910 with election to the office of county clerk. He polled the full strength of the Democratic party, and owing to his peculiar fitness for the office was given quite generous support by the members of other parties. This confidence time has proved was not misplaced, as Mr. Cue is easily one of the most faithful and efficient incumbents that the county clerk's office has ever had. He is thoroughly modern and up-todate in his methods, and from his term will date a new era in despatching the county's business. He is one of the men identified with the progress of his county.

Isaiah M. Cue was born November 1 r, 1855. near Michigantown, Indiana. the son of Lewis and Sarah (Floyd) )Cue. He is of the old Buckeye stock, his father having been born in Clinton county, Ohio. February 11, 1817, and his grandfather hailing from the same state. This carries him back in direct genealogy to the early days of the government, the most momentous in many respects in all history. A notable incident in the family history is that William Cue, the grandfather, lived to be eighty years of age and was then killed by the falling of a tree. When Lewis Cue, the father of Isaiah, was fifteen years of age, his mother died, and in 1853 he moved from Ohio to Clinton county, Iowa, and subsequently returned to Clinton county, Indiana, where he became a land owner and prosperous farmer, his death occurring in November, 1883. He married Sarah Floyd in Ohio, and five of eight children were born to them there. The place of her birth was Clinton county, Ohio, and that of her death Clinton county, Indiana. She was born June 15, 1818.

Isaiah M. Cue was given a common school education and put to work on his father's farm. Thus he was given, in the judgment of economists and philosophers, the best possible equipment for a satisfactory and prosperous career. And he has proved the soundness of such judgment. On November 20, 1883, he was married to Loretta E. King, w ho was born in Tipton county, Indiana. April 30. 1861. Four children are the fruit of this union. Carl, the eldest, is deputy clerk to his father: Oral is engaged at farm work, while Merle and Edith attend school.

Mr. Cue is among the foremost Democratic politicians of Clinton county and is a stanch member of the Methodist church. In Doth political and religious circles he is by common consent a leader, and such is the character of his leadership that it inspires the utmost confidence in those who follow it. He is one of those representative men whose intellectual attainments and benefactions immortalize them in countv and state historv.

Samuel H. Thompson

Indiana sent many of her sons to the great struggle of 1861 to 1865, and many of them did not return, nor is it known where their unmarked grave is placed. Nothing but the memory of the happy, youthful face that marched away is left for those who knew him. Others did return, covered with laurels, artd today are a reality, wells of information and interest, and their place in the hearts of their countrymen is secure and hallowed. The subject of this sketch wras a soldier with an enviable record, and his presence today in the ranks of the living veterans is one of pride, merit and courage.

Samuel H. Thompson put his birth date September 13, 1838, and the place Kirklin township. Clinton county, Indiana. He was the son of John M. and Ann (Holliday) Thompson, natives of the state of Ohio. John Thompson was born on the first day of the nineteenth century in Clinton county, Ohio. The mother. Ann Holliday, was also born in Ohio, and in that state married Mr. Thompson. Soon after their marriage they moved to Indiana and settled in Clinton county, where the father began farming and was very successful. During his life John Thompson was a Whig by politics, and on the formation of the Republican party he joined forces with them. Mr. Thompson was the father of twelve children: Sidney, Mary, Delina, Joselia. and Robert, all deceased: Jane: Samuel: Manda: Sarah; John ( deceased i : Eliza: and Milford (deceased).

Samuel Thompson received his education in a log school house with greased paper windows. After the war. on August 5. 1878. Mr. Thompson was married to Florence Kelly, a Clinton county girl, the daughter of Henry and Ann (Harley) Kelly. She was called by death in the year 1881. Two children were born to her: Ora Id., born in 1879. died 111 1S96; Lenora M., born February 12. 1881. now married to William F. Rtirgis. of Kirklin. Ind. She also has two children, Florence and Mildred.

Samuel H. Thompson began life with hard work on a farm and he continued in this occupation until August r. i86_>. At that time the heat of the war reached him. He was engaged in the blacksmithing trade at the time and immediately he dropped his tools and -tarted for the front. On September 4. r8oj. he enlisted in Company \. Fighty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantrv. under the command of Captain Gorham. During his service w ith this troop. Mr. Thompson smelt the Muoke of many of the more important engagements, including Missionary Ridge and Chickamauga He was with William Tectim-ch Sherman on the famous march below \tlanta but when the arrnv was divided he was sent back to join Hood. Later he was made a corporal of the twenty-third corps and sent back to Tennessee to take charge of his command. From there be participated in manv smaller battles in and around Xashville. one being the conflict at Franklin. For a time be was on the sick list, but after recovering he joined forces again at Pulaski. Tenn. Again he suffered illness and he was returned to Xashville to mend. His next service began at I Huntsville. Tenn.. and he continued then without interruption. Mr. Thompson was honorably discharged at Knoxville. Tenn., Tune 6. r 865 , and was later mustered out at Indianapolis, Ind.

After the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. Mr. Thompson went into the merchandise business at Kirklin. Ind. and remained in it for about twentv years. In 1885. he gave up his interests in the merchant line and until 1895 lived a retired life. Then he became active again, this time in the insurance business and has continued thus ever since. He was appointed postmaster of Kirklin. Ind.. under President William R. McTxinlev in September. 1898,

Mr. Thompson owns a palatial and comfortable home in Kirklin, and frequently entertains his many friends. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both lodges at Kirklin. Mr. Thompson saw fit to change politically in 1912, and he cast his lot with the Progressive party.

Chalmers Haydex Hillis

That man lives not to himself alone, as stated long ago, is an assurance that is amply verified in all the affairs of life, but its pertinence is the more patent in those instances where persons have so employed their inherent talents, so improved their opportunities, and so marshalled their forces as to gain prestige which finds its angle of influence ever broadening in practical beneficence and human helpfulness. He whose productive activities are directed along legitimate and normal lines is by very virtue of that fact exerting a force which conserves human progress and prosperity, and the man of capacity for business affairs of importance finds himself an involuntary steward upon whom devolves large responsibilities. To the extent that he appreciates these duties and responsibilities and proves faithful in his stewardship does he also contribute to the well being of the world in which he moves. The late Chalmers Hayden Hillis, for a number of years one of the best known and most successful business men of Clinton county, was essentially a man who "did things'' and this accomplishment was altogether worthy in all lines in which he directed his energies. As a man of ability, sturdy integrity and usefulness, and as a citizen representative of the utmost loyalty he merited the highest consideration of his fellow men, and his life record is eminently deserving of a place in this publication, which touches those who have given to and sustained the civic and material progress and prosperity and precedence of the city of Frankfort and adjacent country and therefore the state of Indiana. As was said at the death of the great Corsican, "His race was short, but it was useful, successful, brilliant," and when the Reaper, whose name is Death, gathered him in with the relentless scythe which spares neither "the flowers nor the bearded grain" all knew that the county had sustained an irreparable loss.

Mr. Hillis was born in Frankfort, Ind., May 25, 1876, the only child of Joseph Etherton Hillis and Jennie E. (Avery) Hillis. The father, who passed away in 1904, was for over three decades one of the leading business men of Clinton county, successful as a banker, financier and merchant and a man who did much to encourage the material and civic growth of the locality. He was born on September 26, 1840, near Madison, Jefferson county, Ind. He was a son of Hiram and Louise (Etherton) Hillis. He was reared on the home farm and received a common school education. He began his business career unusually early. Leaving his native county he came to Michigantown and worked for R. S. Benfield in the general merchandise business, and, having a quick, plastic mind he soon mastered the ins and outs of the business and started a store of his own when only a boy. He and Elwood Avery conducted a store in Michigantown for some time, also in Zionsville. Finally locating in Frankfort he formed a partnership with R. P. Shanklin in the wholesale grocery business which he continued until his death. He was also president of the Clinton County Bank which he helped organize and was largely interested in many other lines of endeavor. A further sketch of his life and character will be found on another page of this volume

During his early life Chalmers H. Hillis attended the public schools in Frankfort, and later attended Purdue University at Lafayette, Ind., also a business college at Danville, 111., making a splendid record for scholarship in all. Like his father he entered business early, being still in his teens when he took a position in the Clinton County Bank, holding the position of bookkeeper there for many years, discharging his duties in the most careful and faithful manner. At the death of his father about nine years ago he was advanced to the position of assistant cashier, which he held to the entire satisfaction of the officers of the bank, the board of directors and patrons of the institution. Several years ago he retired from the bank, resigning his position to give his time to the management of his personal affairs, which occupied a greater part of his time. He finally associated himself with W. G. Slagle and purchased the Lahr hotel at Lafayette, but disposed of his interest in the business about a year prior to his death.

Mr. Hillis was popular among the young men of Frankfort and was a member of Frankfort Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he was an active worker. Of his many good traits, one of his most characteristic was his devotion to his mother. He was of a nature that held him close to his home and his mother and he was happiest when in her company. The two were almost inseparable, and his death was a severe blow to the mother, equally as devoted to the son as he to her. He was of a jovial, genial disposition and made friends with all with whom he came in contact. He had a personality that was pleasing and none knew him but to esteem him. He was a young man with all the world and a bright future before him, and his passing away caused general regret and sadness in his city and county. He had been in declining health for over a year and had visited Southern California in the hope of being benefited, but returned to his home city in the spring of 1913, where he grew worse until the end which came on Saturday, June 14, 1913. He had remained unmarried.

Roy Aaron Ghere

The subject of this sketch is a fine example of the successful business man who. with a well defined purpose in life, overcomes all obstacles and by consecutive effort, well balanced judgment and perseverance finally wins his way to independence and honor. Endowed by nature with keen practical intelligence, force of character and the courage of his convictions, he has filled with credit the various positions to which called from time to time and while still a young man became a forceful factor among his fellow citizens and attained a standing of influence in the community second to that of few of his contemporaries.

Roy Aaron Ghere. one of the leading business men of Frankfort, is a native of the citv honored by his residence and a descendant of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of Clinton county. His ancestors were Pennsylvanians and among the intelligent and respected people of the county in which they long resided. His great-grandparents, David and Sarah Ghere. both natives of the Keystone state, migrated to Indiana in an early day and settled southeast of Frankfort, where David entered a large tract of public land from which he cleared and developed a fine farm, where he and his good wife lived after the usual pioneer customs until their respective deaths, which occurred some time prior to the late Civil war. In addition to cultivating the soil be was a skillful blacksmith, and the shop which he established on his farm was among the first industries of the kind in the county and appears to have been well patronized not only by the citizens of his own community, but by those who lived in other and distant parts.

Among the children of David and Sarah Ghere was a son. Aaron, whose birth occurred at Pottstown, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and who, when a mere child, accompanied his parents to Clinton county, where he grew up amid pioneer surroundings and took an active part in the development of the section of country in which he lived. He was reared to agriculutral pursuits and in due time became not only a successful farmer, but also a very capable blacksmith, the shop he operated for a number of years having stood on the site now occupied by the Methodist Episcopal church.

After a useful life of sixty-two years Aaron Ghere was gathered to his fathers, dying in 1894, his wife, Elizabeth, having preceded him to the other world in the year 1854.

William H. Ghere, son of the above parents and the honored father of the subject of this review, was born in Clinton county August 21, 1849, and, like so many of his ancestors, obtained his livelihood bv cultivating the soil. He followed that vocation with success and profit until accumulating a sufficiency of the world's goods to enable him to retire, following which he was induced to become superintendent of the county infirmary, a position he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public for a period of eight years, resigning the charge in 1901 and moving to Indianapolis, where he now resides. In politics he has long been an active worker in the Republican party and fraternally, holds membership with the Independent Order of Red Men and the Order of Maccabees, in both of which he has from time to time been honored with important official positions. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Cynthia Gaskill and to whom he was married in the year 1872, is likewise a product of Clinton county, having been born April 24, 1854. in Union township, of which her people were early settlers. She. too. is living in Indianapolis and. like her husband, is highly esteemed by the social circles of the capital city in which she moves.

Roy Aaron Ghere, whose name introduces this article, and to a brief consideration of whose life and character the reader's attention is here respectfully invited, was born July 7, 1877. in Frankfort, Indiana, and received his literary education in the high school of his native city, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. Actuated by a laudable desire to fit himself for the more practical duties of life, he subsequently entered the commercial department of the Northern Indiana Normal University at Valparaiso. where he finished his course in due time and then entered the United States mail service, with which he was identified until 1910. Severing his connection with the postal service that year he became bookkeeper in the Farmers' National Bank of Frankfort, but a year later resigned the position to engage in business for himself, since which time he has been proprietor of one of the leading shoe stores of the city, and today occupies a prominent place among the successful merchants of the place. His store is extensively patronized by those who cater to high class goods, and in addition to their sale he also does a large repairing business, employing several workmen selected with reference to their efficiency and skill in their line of work. He carries a full and carefully selected stock and his patronage, satisfactory from the beginning, has already grown in magnitude and importance until, as already indicated, he stands today among the most progressive and successful shoe dealers in the city of his residence.

From his boyhood Mr. Ghere has taken an active part in the growth of Frankfort and the development of its resources and for a number of years his name has appeared in connection with every important enterprise of the city. He has likewise been deeply interested in public and political matters, but not as an office seeker or aspirant for leadership, having been content to use his time and efforts for the common good and to support principles and measures which in his judgment make for the general welfare. In a partisan sense, he is not strictly speaking a politician, nevertheless he has the courage of his convictions on all the important questions of the times and is today recognized as one of the leading members of the Progressive party in Frankfort, whose opinion and counsel always earn,- weight and command respect.

Personally, Mr. Ghere is a most courteous and affable gentleman, popular alike in business and social circles and not a little of his success as a merchant is attributable to his ability to win and retain warm friendships. He stands high in the esteem of all with whom he comes in contact and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to class him with the representative citizens of his city and county. Fraternally, he belongs to the B. P. O. E., the K. of P., and the K. and L. of H., in all of which orders he is an active and influential worker and not infrequently has he been called to fill positions of honor and trust in each.

Katharine Aughe, who became the wife of Mr. Ghere June 21, 1901, was born in Center township, Clinton county, on September 25 of the year 1876, being a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Smith) Aughe, a well known and highly respected couple of the community in which they resided. Mr. and Mrs. Ghere have a pleasant home which is brightened and cheered by the presence of three interesting children, Lawrence, Ruth and William, all pupils in the public schools of Frankfort.

William Fielden Meek

The painter's and decorator's art is a fascinating one, also one that requires artistic talent and creative genius. Mr. Meek has been successful in this vocation because he possesses to a marked degree these same qualities. His work is to be seen in many of the larger buildings, churches and residences of Frankfort, and seeing it once, one understands the peculiar quality of his art. Mr. Meek is descended from a family of sturdy pioneers, men who blazed their way into the unknown west, and hewed their homes from the thick forests. Mr. Meek did not follow the agricultural life as his forefathers, but took up painting and decorating, knowing that there was more opportunity there for the full play of his ability.

Our subject was born in the town of Greenfield, James Whticomb Riley's birthplace, on September 26, 1858, and was the son of Jared C. and Martha (Crockett) Meek. Jared C. Meek was born June 15. 1828. the son of Jeremiah and Rebecca ("Williams) Meek.

Jeremiah Meek was a native of Kentucky. He came to Wavne county, Indiana, and entered a tract of land from the government. However, he sold this acreage and went to Hancock county, this in the eraly twenties and entered and bought a large amount of land, situated just where the court house at Greenfield stands. He was one of the very prominent men of his day, and was a judge of the county by virtue of a commission from President Llarrison. He was also a Methodist preacher and circuit rider. He died about the year of 1840. Mrs. Meek died in 1873.

Jared Meek lived the typical life of a pioneer. In his early years he learned the blacksmith's trade. He sold forty acres of land in order to get three months schooling. He followed the smithy's trade until his retirement from active life. When the Civil war began Mr. Meek enlisted in

Company G. Fifth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, under Captain Reuben A. Rilev, the father of the Poet Riley. He served valiantly throughout the war, acting most of the time as a scout. He participated in the siege of Knoxville. Tennessee, and was mustered out in 1865. with full honors. He retired from active life in 1890. History has it that he was the first white

Crockett, who was born in Xenia. Ohio, in 1826, and was of Scotch descent. She died in 1883. Six children were born to the union, two of whom - our subject and Nancy Barr, of Hood River, Oregon - are still living. Jared Meek was a Republican, a Methodist and was a third degree Mason.

W. F. Meek obtained a very good common school education during his early life, and then learned the painting and decorating trade, which he followed ever since. In 1894 he located in Frankfort. Mr. Meek has had work on most of the large blocks in Frankfort and many of the churches; he just finished the decoration of the new First National Bank. His work has extended over all of this section of. the Hoosier state.

O11 October 12, 1888, he was married to Marie B. DuLaney, who was born in Carrollton, Illinois, in i860. Five children - James C., Elizabeth M., George W., William E., and Martha I., have been born of the union.

John Calvin Shanklin

It is the progressive man of affairs that makes the real history of a community, and his influence as a potential factor in the body politic is difficult to estimate. The examples such men furnish of patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish, and there is always a full measure of satisfaction in adverting to their achievements in advancing the interests of their fellow men and giving strength and solidity to the institutions which make so much for the prosperity of the community. Such a man is John C. Shanklin and it is eminently fitting that he should be accorded this space in the volume in hand. He is one of the prominent and representative men of Frankfort and enjoys the best regards and respect of the city's people.

John C. Shanklin was born in Carroll county, Indiana, on November 20, 1848, and was the son of John S. and Sarah G. (Young) Shanklin. John S. Shanklin came from Monroe conutv. West Virginia, having been born there April 12, 1811, and was the son of Robert and Betsey (Shirkv) Shanklin. Robert Shanklin was from Scotch-Irish stock, his family coming to this country in the year of 1748. Robert traveled to Monroe county, West Virginia, in 1803. He settled there and lived the strenuous life of the poineer, besides raising a large family of children. John S. and his wife came to Carroll county, Ind., in 1835, and there they entered a section of land from the government, four hundred acres of which is yet in the possession of the family. He farmed until his death in October, 1888. During his life John S. Shanklin was a staunch Republican, and served as county commissioner

Our subject, John C. Shanklin. obtained his early scholastic training in the common schools and then spent two years in the Logansport Academy. After leaving this academy he farmed until thirty years of age near Bringhurst. Ind. ; also he was in the general store and grain business until 1890. Frankfort was his next objective point and in this city he continued in the grain business for two years, in company with J. D. Flitch. In 1892 he bought a hardware store on south side of the square, and is still running this as an incorporation. He holds the office of president. Besides this business. Mr. Shanklin is president of the First National Bank of Frankfort. and is fulfilling the duties of the same with the utmost fidelity and success.

Mr. Shanklin. on September 19, 1872. was united in marriage to Mary E. Olds, of Covington, Indiana, where she was born September 19, 1853. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shanklin: Bert G.. Eldridge M., Blanche Quick, Harry C. Dick. Frank, died November, 1903: Andrew' D.. and Fred G.

Fraternally. Mr. Shanklin is a member of the Masonic Order, and has attained the thirty-second degree, also is a member of the Knights Templar and Murat Shrine. He belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men. Religiouslv. he holds membership with the Presbyterian church, and in politics is a loyal worker for the Republican party. He served as county commissioner for three vears verv successfully-.

Cameron L. And J. Paul Merriman

Prominent among the business men of Frankfort are the Merriman Brothers, who are engaged in the real estate and insurance business. Frankfort has gained a reputable place in the roster of Indiana cities on account of the success of whatever enterprise launched by her citizens. Frankfort owres much to these same citizens, and included among them are the subjects of this sketch. Their offices over the First National Bank are pointed out to strangers as typical of the city's best, and the transactions that occur within these offices are know n to be ever for the good of the community and guided by the strictest principles of integrity and honor. 1 he Merriman Brothers

Cameron L. Merriman, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Johnson county, Indiana, where he was born on Mav 16, 1871. He was educated in the same county, and after leaving school began teaching. Later he entered the profession of the ministry, and served admirably as a pastor for seventeen years. He resigned his pastorate on April 30. 1913, in order to move to Frankfort and engage in his present business.

J. Paul Merriman. the junior member of the firm, was also born in Johnson county, he in the ear 1885. Like his brother, he received a good high school education, and after leaving school engaged in farming for a few years, and later went into business in Franklin. Indiana. He remained in that city until he moved to Marion, where he remained for twro vears. when he removed to Frankfort to enter in partnership with his brother in the real estate and insurance business. He belongs to the Red Men and attends the Baptist church. Cameron L. Merriman is also a Baptist.

Taylor Harshman

Luck plays a a ery unimportant part in the average man's career. We generally like to excuse our own shortcomings and account for the success of other men on the grounds of luck. A fertilized soil, rotation of crops, well fenced land, intelligently tilled fields, well kept machinery, painted houses and blooded live stock are not the result of luck, unless hard work intelligently directed, can be characterized as luck.

One of the successful farmers and stock men of Washington township, Clinton county, who has believed rather in persistent application and the exercise of sound judgment than in luck is Taylor Harshman, owner of "Maple Wood Farm" in Section 11, which consists of one hundred aad twenty-six acres, and where he has resided since 1876.

Mr. Harshman was horn in Carroll county. Indiana. September 18, 1847. He is a son of Moses Harshman. who was born March 26, 1821, in Butler county, Ohio. Moses was a son of Henry and Mary (Fogle) Harshman, who were the parents of nine children. Henry Harshman was killed by accident. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Christing Everding, was a native of Germanv, who emigrated to the United States in an early day and settled in Maryland. The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as

Taylor 1 1 A Rsi I M A X And Fwuii.Y.

Elizabeth Everding, and she was a native of Ohio. Her death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-six years. To Moses Harshman and wife the following children were born: Aaron (dec.), Taylor, of this review; Mary M., Susan J., Sarah A., Amanda M., Jasper N., Louisa (dec.). Alice E., Isabel E., Ida C., and Weaver.

Taylor Harshman grew to manhood on the home farm, and there he worked when a boy, during the vacation period, attending the public schools in the winter months. He engaged in teaching for a period of ten years, giving eminent satisfaction, his services being in great demand. When twentyfour years old, in 1872, he married Christie McXeal, daughter of Alexander McNeal. Her death occurred in 1893 at the age of forty-six years. She was a worthy member of the United Brethren church. She left three children, Ora M., of Perry township; Mary B., and Everett of Blackwell, Okla.

Mr. Harshman, in 1897, married Margaret Nichols, who was born, reared and educated in Clinton county. She is a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Harshman) Nichols. Her father died at the age of eighty years and her mother died when sixty-seven years old. They had four children: Margaret. who married Mr. Harshman; Mrs. Mary M. Clark, of Washington township, and Ann Eliza Routh (dec.).

Mr. Harshman has a well-kept and valuable farm, a pleasant tenroom house and he keeps a good grade of live stock. Politicallv, he is a Republican.

At five o'clock Sunday morning. April 1, 190C. Mrs. James McClamroch. of Frankfort, received a telegram from San Francisco. Cal., announcing the death of her husband just seven hours earlier. The news spread about the town rapidly and was the source of profound sorrow to the mamfriends of the deceased. 'The cause of Mr. McClamroch's death was a complication of pneumonia and paralysis. He was only thirty-six years of age when he died, and his demise was one of those universal losses that is felt in every fiber of a community. He was what you might justlv term a young Napoleon in finance. Entering at an early age the Farmers' Bankin Frankfort, he manifested those brilliant qualities that under the stimulus of ample opportunity have made men famous in the financial historv of the country. He unquestionably had the genius for vast enterprises, and had he lived to the maturity of his powers there is every reason to believe that his achievements would have ranked him with the nation's most famous financiers.

James McClamroch was born in Kirklin township,. October 29, 18G9. He was the son of the late Robert McClamroch. and the early years of his life were spent on his father's farm. Here he acquired his familitr simplicity of taste and manner that one gets only in close association with nature. The time spent in the fields is never wasted. The wide horizons that bound them give us more expansive views intellectually. Mr. McClamroch always thought that he was the better banker for first having been a farmer. In going from one vocation to the other he followed in the footsteps of his father, one of the most popular and influential men known in the history of Clinton county.

The McClamroch family moved from the country homestead to Frankfort when James was quite young, which gave him the advantage of attendance in the local schools and graduation with the class of 1888 from the high school. He then went to Purdue University and after a course there took the position of bookkeeper in the Farmers' Bank, in which his father was largely interested. At the time of his death he was cashier of the bank and a thorough master of the banking business. He knew well the infinite detail of finance and it was through his comprehension of its minutiae that he grasped the full scope of it. He was one of the powers in the business world that know their occupation from the ground up. Besides his connection with the Farmers' Bank, Mr. McClamroch was also interested in the Central Energy Telephone Company, the Frankfort Water Works Company, W. M. Shafer & Co., wholesalers, the Wallace Manufacturing Company, the Clinton Hotel, the Frankfort Brass Company and the Union Title and Guarantee Company. In addition to this varied and extensive local connection he was interested in oil wells in Delaware county and factories at Logansport and Anderson and owned large tracts of land in Indiana and Texas. Such extent and intricacy of ownership for one so young indicates unmistakably to an intelligent observer those faculties that in effecting vast combinations have revolutionized the whole industrial world.

On March 1, 1893, Mr. McClamroch was united in marriage to Miss Ivy Spencer, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Spencer of Frankfort. The issue of this union is three sons - John. Robert and James. In his religious affiliation Mr. McClamroch was a member of the Christian church.

in which he was a leader and contributed with extraordinary liberality to its advancement. He was a Knight Templar and a Scottish Rite, and was one of the most active and eminent members of the Masonic lodge in Frankfort. After all is said, perhaps the most eloquent tribute to his memory is that in his business transactions, which were many and of much magnitude, he was scrupulously honest and generous even beyond the point of exact justice. His ideals were of the pure and lofty type, and he lived up to them as nearly as a man can come to the perfect pictures of his imagination.

Henry Herbert Thomas

Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Clinton county within the pages of this book, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests are identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he whose name appears above, one who has identified himself with the best interests of the county and city of his home.

Henrv Herbert Thomas was born in Tipton county on a farm, August 18, 1848, and was the son of Minor L. and Cynthia (Jeffrey) Thomas. Minor L. Thomas was born in New York state in 1816 and was the son of David L. and Phoebe Thomas. They came from that state to Fayette county. Ind., being among the earliest settlers to this part of the state, and lived the usual hard life of the pioneer. David L. Thomas departed this life in 1862 and his wife, our subject's grandmother, died in 1858.

When the national horizon was obscured by the ominous clouds of the Civil war. Minor L. Thomas was running a sawr and grist mill in Windfall. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company T, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Thomas served valiantly during his active life in the army, but after the long and arduous siege of Vicksburg, in which he participated, he was seized with the dreaded swamp diarrhoea. He barely reached home, for three days after his arrival he was called to his death. His wife died in 1859.

Henry H. Thomas attended the district schools until he was seventeen years of age, at which time he began work on the farm, dividing his time between that occupation and teaming. His next step was into the stock busi- ness and in this vocation he made a great success, remaining in the same about fifteen years. From 1876 until 1887, Mr. Thomas was in partnership with J. FI. Fear, then went into the wholesale produce business, which he followed until 1906. In 1886 he was elected county clerk of Tipton county, and so he abandoned his business during the term of his office. However, in 1888, he was back in the produce business with J. II. Fear, and in 1907 he sold out his interest in the firm. In 1901 he was elected joint representative of Tipton and Clinton counties, and served in that capacity to the full satisfaction of his constituents who had given him the office. In 1910 he was a councilman-at-large in Frankfort, but resigned after serving two years. Mr. Thomas now owns an excellent and well improved farm of 2C0 acres in Montgomery county and 240 acres in Howard county. Ind. Besides the business interests mentioned, he is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank, and is interested in the Frankfort Loan and Trust Comapny and the Frankfort Heating Company. Politically, he is a Republican, and has been very prominent in the work of the party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and in religious affairs is a Methodist.

In 1878 Mr. Thomas was married to Henrietta Free, the daughter of Randolph Free, of Alexandria, lnd.. who was a cabinet maker bv trade. Roth of Mrs. Thomas' parents are dead.

Eli Marvin

The present generation of Clinton county was never more honored and benefited bv the presence of any man than that of Eli Marvin, capitalist, financier, friend, neighbor and gentleman. He was a noteworthy example of the American business man at his best, and in his sad death his community lost a whole-souled, altruistic, amiable man, one of noble manhood and high ideals. In introducing the life details of Mr. Marvin's life, it is highly proper that we should quote the words of the Frankfort Crescent, written from an intimate knowledge of the man and his life:

"The light of a great spirit went out when death won the victory. There never was a soldier who went to death with greater fortitude. Eli Marvin, facing almost sure death, never gave up the fight. The last three days, though suffering intense pain, this noble character did not waver. He felt that the one chance of an operation was worth the fight and he faced the crucial moment bravely.

"Indiana has few men that will be as greatly missed as he who was taken. He was endowed by nature with gifts possessed by but few. being a natural orator, a brilliant conversationalist, a splendid companion and a Christian gentleman. Thoroughly conversant with the Bible, the lowly Xazarene had no greater defender. There are many who have received a Christian inspiration from this forceful character, and many are they who have been the better for the life that has just passed. No man greater loved his God than he and none had the touch of sympathy for his fellowman in a greater degree.

"Eli Marvin never gave up. His whole life in business brought out this characteristic strongly. Many large business deals, given up by associates as impossible, were forced to a successful conclusion bv the indomitable will of this man. As he lived, so did his soul pass to the unknown. He had no complaints to make; though suffering indescribably he kept that energv that gave the physicians confidence in performing the last test. Nature, however, was exhausted. The long fight against death did not impair the will, though it did destroy the body.

The state has lost one of its distinguished citizens; Frankfort a man who has been to the fore in every improvement for the city's welfare; the friends, one who cannot be replaced, and the sorrowing family a devoted husband, an indulgent father and a loving brother.

"Like all great character^. Eli Marvin was beyond criticism of the errors of mankind. He realized the imperfections of humanity and his breadth of mind did not permit the analysis of the frailities of human nature. Death could have taken no one where the sting would have been more deeply felt, or the loss more sincerely mourned."

Eli Marvin was horn in Boone county, Indiana, on August 9, 1850, and was a son of the late Senator Henry M. Marvin. Mr. Marvin's birth occurred at Northfield, in the county mentioned, and his early years were spent upon a farm. He attended the county schools and later was student in the Professor Hopkins school at Ladoga. After completing his education Mr. Marvin began to teach school himself in Boone and Wayne counties, hut did not continue in this occupation very long. During the early years of his life Mr. Marvin treasured the ambition to become a lawyer, and, with this purpose in view, read law at Buffalo. New York, with his great-uncle, Legrande Marvin, and was admitted to the bar of that state shortly before coming to Frankfort. However, he never practiced the profession, as he lrecame activelv engaged in business immediately upon his arrival in Frankfort.

Mr. Marvin began active service in the commercial field before coming to Frankfort. In partnership with Adolphus Wvsong he was engaged in the hardware business at Whitestown, Indiana, and the firm was very successful in every way. In the fall of 1873 Air. Marvin and S. C. Booker engaged in the hardware business in Frankfort and in 1S84 the firm again sold out to J. H. Coulter and G. T. Dinwiddie.

Mr. Marvin was actively engaged in the business of the Wallace Manufacturing Company, and was one of the first directors of what is now the Clover Leaf railroad, when it was a narrow gauge. He aided in building the road, giving of his time and money to the enterprise. He was interested also in the gravel roads of the county, and he was very successful in getting the farmers interested in and supporting the construction of them. At the time of his death Mr. Marvin was a director of the Indiana Southern Railway Company.

Mr. Marvin w'as the builder of the water works in Frankfort, w hich is known as one of the best and most complete plants in the state. He also built the water works plants at Green Bay, Fort Howard and Waukesha. Wisconsin, all of which he sold. He then engaged in the telephone business, taking over the plant built here by Mr. Murphy, of Indianapolis, and he was also the organizer of the Central Energy Telephone Association and was president of this company at the time of his death. He was instrumental in the building of the Indianapolis Southern railroad, running from Indianapolis to Swiss City, the line later being sold to the Illinois Central corporation. During the last years of his life Mr. Marvin was interested in the building of electric lines.

In the building of water works systems Mr. Marvin was associated with George H. Norman, of Newport, Rhode Island, a financier and capitalist. Mr. Marvin was a member of the hoard of control of the Central Hospital for the Insane at Indianapolis; he held the place of treasurer of the board, and had been a member ten years at the time of his death. The Indianapolis and Newcastle traction line was over three-fourths completed at this time. Mr. Marvin was singularly successful in all of these undertakings, and it can be attributed to nothing but his high business sense and his indomitable will powTer. He wras not the type of capitalist who made money by the blood of others; he was the opposite, for he never believed in extortion of any kind, and gave to every man his proper wage and treatment. These characteristics made him one of the most popular men of Clinton county, and everybody was his friend. Mr. Marvin departed from this earth on July 25, 1909.

On November 25, 1875, Mr. Marvin was married to Eliza Jane Snyder, a daughter of one of the promising families in the county. One son, Le Grande, survives him. Mr. Marvin was one of four boys and five girls, only two of whom, Jesse and Charles, survive. Mrs. Marvin is still living in the city of Frankfort. Mr. Marvin was a member of the Methodist church since he was seventeen years of age, and in every way his life was a Christian one. Fraternally, he belonged to the Masonic Order, the Knights Templar, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Marvin was also a member of the University Club at Indianapolis.

Jesse Elsworth Ryan

Among the citizens of Frankfort who are now in the prime of life and enjoying a success won by honest effort and fortitude, is the subject of this sketch. Jesse E. Ryan. He is recognized by all who know him as being a man of high quality and excellent ideals. He is descended from a sturdv pioneer family, and has many inherited characteristics of thrift and energy which have insured the success he has made. Mr. Ryan has been versatile in his years of activity, having tried different vocations before he selected the tailoring trade as a life work. It was a wise choice for Mr. Rvan, for he has made good, and is an aid to the community, not only through his trade, but by hearty co-operation in whatever movement for the public good he may be asked to join.

Jesse E. Ryan was born in Washington township, this county, on October 13, 1863, and was the son of Jesse and Priscilla (Anderson) Ryan. Jesse, his father, was born in the state of New York in 1805, and in company w ith several brothers came to Clinton county in the later twenties and settled in Washington township, there following the trade of the blacksmith until 1885, when he retired from active life. He died in 1895. During his life he was a Democrat politically, and religiously belonged to the Christan church. Mrs. Ryan died in 1871.

In his youth our subject received a good common school education, and then began the study of photography, thinking to take the same up as a life work. After four or five years spent in this manner he entered business as a mercantile salesman, continuing as such for twenty-five years. In 1910 he established his present business on south side square. His business as a tailor is supplemented by a repairing and cleaning department. In 1911 he moved his shop to West Clinton, and in January, 1913, he moved to his present location in the Gilbert block. Here he has a large floor space, and he carries a complete and appropriate line of suitings. Mr. Ryan originated the suit club in Frankfort.

Fraternally, Mr. Ryan is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Loyal Order of Moose. Religiously, he is a Presbyterian, and in politics is an Independent.

Francis M. Hendricks

The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light many hidden traits of mind, character and courage, designed to increase the pride of their family and their community, and it is to be regretted that the people, as a whole, are not more intimately acquainted with the history of such men, in the ranks of whom may be found men of every occupation known to human art. The subject of this sketch is distinctly one of the foremost citizens of Kirklin township and Clinton county, and as such has made his influence felt among his fellowmen for enterprise, integrity and honor.

Francis M. Hendricks came into this life on September 27, 1859, in Kirklin township, Clinton county, being the son of Nathan and Sarah (Hunter) Hendricks. The father was born May 8, 1820, in the state of Virginia and moved to Ohio, where he lived until 1855, then traveled to his present home in a covered wagon. Later, he went to Iowa, but found the opportunities in that state not so good as the county which he left, so he returned to this locality, and continued his trade of farmer and cabinet maker, at which he was a success. He was a Democrat in politics, and fraternally belonged to the Masonic order. The mother was born September 17, 1820, and died April 17, 1905; the father died April 7, 1877. Twelve children graced the name of Hendricks, namely: Milton, John, Benjamin, Sarah Jane, three unnamed, Lewis, Charles, Francis, Hattie and Olive. Francis and Lewis are the only one still living.

The subject of our sketch received a common school education in Kirklin township, and then took up farming, which he has followed ever since. He owns two hundred and ninety-five acres of tillable land in the township. All but ten acres are well tiled and otherwise improved. He has one of the

Mr. Hendricks married, on April 17, 1874, Hattie Roush, born October 17, 1864, in Clinton county, the daughter of Nathan C. and Elizabeth (Neaves) Roush. Her father was born October 8, 1834 in Clinton county, Ohio, and moved to Indiana when a boy. He still resides in this county. He served valiantly through the Civil War in Company G, Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In this connection, it must be mentioned that Mr. Hendricks had three brothers in the war: Benjamin was killed while in uniform, and Milton died soon after returning. Mrs. Hendricks, mother, was born in Henry county, Kentucky, on June 6, 1841, and when eleven years of age came to Indiana on horseback with her parents. She was one of five children. including Howard, Fanny, Walter, and Willard. She received a common school education.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks one child has been born - Morris G. His birth occurred July 5, 1886. He received grade and high school training, and later attended both Indiana University and Purdue University. He was married to Georgia Thompson on April 17. 1912. a girl born in Illinois on December 24, 1886.

Our subject declares allegiance to the Democratic party, but does not seek public office. His interest in his farm and family has prevented him from joining any fraternal organizations.

Howard Harshmax

This might well be called the age of successful young men, for it is no doubt true that men succeed earlier in their life work now than in past generations. It is not uncommon now to find men retired at middle age. whereas his father and grandfather were compelled to work on to the end unless the infirmities of old age compelled them to cease. The biographer does not presume to offer an explanation. One of the well known citizens of Clinton county who has achieved a definite degree of success at an early age is Howard Harshman, the present able and popular county recorder, a man who has ambition not only to succeed in life but at the same time to confer some degree of good on his home community.

Howard Harshman was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools. He began life for himself as a farmer, which he continued until 1898, when he engaged in the monument business with Howard A. Cann in Frankfort until 1907. They built up a large and successful business with the city and county. In 1908 he was elected recorder of Clinton county and he served his first term with such credit and general satisfaction that he was re-elected in the fall of 1912 and is now serving his second term in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the praise of his constituents, proving to be one of the best all-around officials the county has ever had, honesty, fidelity and promptness as well as unfailing courtesy are his watchwords.

Mr. Harshman was married February 19, 1893, to Ada O. Hackerd, who was born November 7. 1873. in Madison township. Clinton county, and there she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of Joseph and Sarah F. Hackerd. a highly respected family of Madison township. To our subject and wife three children have been born: Joseph M.. George A. and Flora E.

Politically. Mr. Harshman is a Democrat and has been active in the work of his party. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and he is one of the prominent lodge men of the countv, belonging to the Masonic Order, Council and Chapter, the Knights of Pythias, in which lodge he is master of finance. He is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men.

Martin Van Buren Harshman

The great task of clearing the land of its timber in the early years can scarcely be realized by the people of today. Not a crop could be sown nor an orchard tree planted until the large forest trees had been cut down and removed with a team of horses or with fire. Even then the stumps were a great hindrance and it is doubtful if so much as half crop could be raised until thev had been pulled up or burned out. The amount of hard labor required to remove the dense forest growth in Clinton county seemed never to end, and all members of the family were required to assist early and late and at all seasons of the year. Martin VanBuren Harshman, now living retired in Frankfort, and his father before him had their share of this work, and they did it well, as may he surmised in looking over the old Harshman homestead. They came of a race that never quailed before obstacles and hardships, never swerved aside from tasks, no matter how arduous or dangerous. if they believed it their duty to perform them, so it is no wonder that they succeeded and became leading citizens in Clinton county, for such men are those on whom the sunshine of fortune delights to shine and who are the true builders of empires.

Mr. Harshman was born in Clinton county. Indiana, October 6, 1837. He is a son of Henry and Mary M. (Fogle) Harshman. Henry Harshman was born in Virginia in 1797, and from there removed to Ohio with his parents when a boy, the family finally coming on to Clinton county, Indiana, in 1829, thus being among the earliest settlers, finding here little more than a wilderness through which yet roamed red men and wild beasts in abundance. They located on eighty acres in what is now Madison township. On this they erected a log cabin and cleared the land, and here the elder Harshman farmed until his death, in 1843. He took an interest in public affairs, served as constable for a time, and politically he was a Democrat. He was a Dunkard in his religious faith. He and Mary M. Fogle were married in 1818. She was born in Greene county, Ohio, February 3, 1800, and her death occurred on May 25. 1875. To Henry Harshman and wife ten children were born, of whom Martin VanBuren. of this sketch, is the only survivor. He grew to manhood in a manner similar to other children of pioneers. and be found plenty of hard work as soon as he was old enough to go to the field. He received a limited education in the old-time schools. He remained on the home place until he was twenty-four years of age, when he began life for himself, later farming in Perry township until 1875, then moved on a farm in Washington township, where he remained until 1885, then went to Kansas and farmed there until 1887. Returning from the Sunflower state he located in Madison township. Clinton county, and also farmed in Perry township. He subsequently established a store at Fickle station, which he conducted for eighteen months, then removed to Danville, Hendricks county, where he conducted a boarding house for two years. Then for nearly five years he traveled for a firm in Keokuk. Iowa. Retiring from active life in 1901 he came to Frankfort, where he has a pleasant home, and here he has since resided quietly. He is now seventy-six years old, and is one of the oldest native-born citizens in Clinton county. He talks most interestinglv of the changes which he has noted taken place here since he was a boy.

Mr. Harshman was married on Nevember 28, 1861, to Anna E. Henderson, and of this union five children were born, one which died in infancy; Manson O. lives in Kansas; Harriet V., the wife of Joseph A. Mc- Bride, of Washington township, Clinton county; Howard, of Frankfort, the present recorder of the county; Clara S. is the wife of Howard A. Cann, of Frankfort.

The death of Mrs. Harshman occurred on April 4. 1875, and in August, 1876, our subject married Mary Jane McBride, whose death occurred in 1887. In May, 1888, he married a third time, choosing Malinda Stover, wdiose death occurred in 1892. On July 4, 1901, Mr. Harshman married his last wife. Mrs. Rebecca Rodkey-Boggs.

Melville Bevendge White

In the respect that is accorded to men wrho have fought their own way to success through unfavorable environment we find an unconscious tribute to the intrinsic worth of a character which not only endure the test, but gains new strength through the discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention was not favored by inherited wealth or the asssitance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life, making his influence felt for good in his community of Clinton county, wTere he is well known by reason of his honorable career and because of the fact that he is numbered among those patriotic sons of the North who assisted in saving the Union's integrity in the dark days of the sixties.

Melville B. White was born December 9, 1844, in Bloomingrave, Indiana. and was the son of Alexander and Nancy (Templeton) White. Alexander White was born also in Bloomingrave on July 11, 1816, and he was the son of William and Nancy (Skinner) White.

Alexander White spent practically all of his life in farming, and was verv successful in the pursuit of the same. At the time of his death, on August 3. 1905, he possessed one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Franklin county. He married Nancy Templeton, who was born in Franklin county in 1816, and who died in Wisconsin, where she and her husband had gone in the spring of i860 in hopes of benefiting her health.

William White was born in Delaware in the latter part of the eighteenth century and came to Indiana before the year 1800, being one of the very first white men to penetrate the forests of this locality and brave the hardships therein. Most of his life was spent in the vocation of farming and he experienced the usual life of the pioneer of the day.

Melville White received a good common school education in the county of his birth. He spent the early years of his life on his father's farm and was yet a boy in his teens when the first gun was fired in the Civil war. He enlisted in Company C, Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was attached to the Army of the Potomac, under General Grant. He participated in all of the more important engagements of the Army of the Potomac. In September, 1865, he was given an honorable discharge, at the time holding the rank of corporal of his company. After the close of his military career. Mr. White began farming in Franklin county, which he continued for a couple of years, then conducted a dry goods business at Bloomingrave. Indiana. until 1872. He then came to Clinton county, still following the same business, and settled first in Rossville, where he stayed until 1901. He came to Frankfort in that year, and accepted a very lucrative position as cashier of the Central Union Telephone Company, and here he has been since that year.

In politics. Mr. White is a Progressive, and in 1909 was elected as councilman from the third ward of Frankfort, and in this capacity has given very efficient service. Fraternally, Mr. White is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Flks. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Improved Order of Red Men. and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a Methodist in re'igion and lias always been a liberal supporter of the church

In June. 1874. Mr. White was married to Emma C. McClure, of Brookville. Indiana, she having been born there Mav 20. 1847. Two children have been born of this union: Oakley M.. of Indianapolis, and Lula

Joseph Wilbur Pence

The history of Clinton county would be incomplete without appropriate mention of the life and character of Joseph Wilbur Pence, the present efficient deputy sheriff of Clinton county and one of the most popular men ever appointed to this responsible position. Mr. Pence is a native of Clinton countv and a descendant of a long line of sturdy ancestry, many of whose sterling characteristics he inherits, as is indicated by the honorable and useful life he has lived and the influence for law and order he has ever exerted.

His grandfather, John Pence, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, December 31, 1800. of German parentage, married in his native state and at the age of twenty-seven, with three brothers, came to Clinton county, Indiana, and entered 320 acres of land on which the city of Frankfort now stands. He was a typical pioneer of the time in which he lived, strong, vigorous and courageous and not only took an active part in the development of the country, but became a leading factor in the organization of the county of which he was elected the first treasurer. He was a man of high standing and generous impulses, a leader among the early settlers of his community and one of the prominent Democrats of his day and generation in the county of Clinton. On April n, 1824. he married Miss Judith Aughe, who was bom April 11, 1806, in Rockingham county, Virginia, but later removed with her parents to Warren county, Ohio, where the nuptials indicated were duly solemnized.

John and Judith Pence became the parents of eleven sturdy children and lived long and useful lives, the former dying July 31. 1882. the latter preceding him to the unseen world on January 2d of the year 1874.

Thomas Coke Pence, one of the eleven children of the above couple and father of the subject of this review, was horn in Frankfort. Indiana, on February 17, 1846. He married December 16, 1S69. Miss Floretta Gaskill. whose parents were among the prominent pioneers of Clinton county, and departed this life May 14. 1876. in the prime of manhood, being only thirty years of age when summoned to the "silent land." He, too, was a Democrat and an influential factor in his party, and like his father took an active part in public affairs. His wife, a most estimable lady, whose memory is cherished as a priceless heritage by her descendants, died January 2, 1874. at her home in Frankfort.

Joseph Wilbur Pence was born July 26. 1870. in the above city and has spent the greater part of his life in Clinton county with the varied interests of which he has been for a number of years actively identified. His educational discipline included the usual public school course and when a young man he entered the railway service, but at the end of eight years resigned his position to engage in the express business at Frankfort. Indiana, where he remained for a period of three months, an efficient and faithful employe of both the Adams and American Express Companies. At the expiration of the time indicated he went to Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he was an employe in the state reformatory for a period of five months. He then engaged with the American Laundry Company of Frankfort and continued with the same until January I, 1913, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Clinton county, which honorable and responsible position he has since most acceptably filled.

Mr. Pence has supported the principles of the Democratic party ever since attaining his majority, and is very popular, not only among his political associates, but with the people irrespective of party ties. He is a gentleman of pleasing address, easily approachable, affable and courteous in manner and in the full vigor of life. He manifests an abiding interest in all matters of local importance and is a useful and influential citizen as well as a fearless and popular public servant. Fraternally, he is identified with the B. P. O. E., the Masons, K. of P., and Ben Hur, and socially is held in high esteem by all.

When crops grow in rotation and proper tillage methods are followed, they will suffer less from dry weather than when they are grown continually. This has been demonstrated in the season of 1913 on the farm of George B. McClellan Knapp, of Washington township. Clinton county, who evidently understands well the various secrets of proper crop rotation and soil fertilization. Crop rotation is usually of more importance than the method of tillage used in this respect, although both are important. We should never lose sight of the fact that the soil must be well supplied with organic matter. Humus is absolutely necessary to the soil to make plant food available.

Mr. Knapp, who is a commissioner of Clinton county, an office which he most creditably fills, and who is proprietor and owner of "Jersey Stock Farm." and a well known dealer of pure bred Jersey cattle, is a representative of one of the fine old pioneer families of this locality. He was born on the old homestead here December 10, 1864. He is a son of Horace G. Knapp, who was born in New Jersey, the son of Daniel Knapp, also a native of that state. The mother of our subject was Martha E. (Mattix) Knapp, a native of Tippecanoe county. Indiana, a daughter of Giles Mattix.

Horace G. Knapp located on the farm just north of that owned by our subject in an early day and became one of the successful farmers of the community. There he lived many years. His family consisted of seven children: Giles D., Mary F.. Samuel O.. Elizabeth IT, George B. MeClellan.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and he worked there when a boy. He received a good public school education. Upon reaching manhood he married Virginia P. Heavilon, a daughter of Joseph P. Heavilon. a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work.