Clinton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1913 (part 1 of 17)

Biographical sketches

Judge Joseph Claybaugh, supervising editor of this history, was born in Chillicothe, O., June 9, 1839. He was the son of Joseph Claybaugh, a distinguished minister and scholar, under whose tutelage he was prepared for Miami University. Judge Claybaugh began the study of law in the office of the Hon. R. P. Davidson, his brother-in-law, with whom he formed a partnership after his admission to the bar in 1861.

Judge Claybaugh has been actively engaged in his chosen profession for fifty-two years, with the exception of six years, 1902 to 1908, when he was judge of the Clinton circuit court. After tins half century of practice, Judge Claybaugh is now the senior member of the bar of this county.

While on the bench. Judge Claybaugh sought to give force to that provision of the Indiana Constitution, that "The Penal Code shall be founded on the principles of reformation rather than on punishment for crime." Whenever a person accused of crime was brought before him and there seemed any reasonable chance of reform, he would continue the case or suspend the sentence and give the accused a chance. Out of more than fifty cases thus disposed of by him. only three or four offenders failed to take the opportunity offered and as a consequence became law-abiding and useful citizens. It is this feature of his official life that Judge Claybaugh recalls with the greatest satisfaction.

In politics, Judge Claybaugh is a Republican, and an ardent admirer of Abraham Lincoln. For years he has been a member of the Presbvterian church. In 1861, Judge Claybaugh was married to Miss Anna Valeria Feterman, a daughter of Hon. Nathaniel P. Fetertnan, of Pittsburgh. Pa. Mrs. Claybaugh died March 10, 1909.

To offer in a work of this province an adequate resume of the strenuous, useful and honorable career of the late Janies \Y. Coulter would lie impossible, but. with others of those who have conserved the industrial and civic progress of Frankfort and Clinton county, he may well find consideration in the noting of the more salient points that have marked his life and labors. He has long been a dominating power in connection with the retail business interests of the county-seat, later was a leading banker and financier here for many years, achieving a position as one of the substantial capitalists of this secton of Indiana, gaining his success through normal and worthy means, and he stood for more than half a century as a singularly admirable type of the progressive, honorable and broad-minded man of affairs. He was a man of public spirit and patriotic impulses, was always ready to do his full share in promoting the general public weal, and w as a gallant defender of the flag of his country during the momentous crisis of the sixties. His record is too familiar to the readers of this work to require any fulsome encomium here, his life speaking for itself in stronger terms than the biographer could employ. It left its imprint upon those who came in contact with him : and the youth, hesitating at the parting of the ways, could do no better than to follow' the example he set. He reached the advanced age of seventy-five years. Heaven having lengthened out his life beyond the Psalmist's allotted three score and ten until he was permitted to witness the vicissitudes of the most remarkable epoch in the world's business and inventive history, in all of which he was an interested spectator, playing, indeed, no small part in pushing forward the wheels of civilization in his own locality, having done much in promoting the material and moral welfare of the city of Frankfort, where he took up his residence when it was but a struggling village. Mr. Coulter was a man of sterling character. conservative habits and pure thinking. He was even-tempered, patient, scrupulously honest in all the relations of life, hospitable and charitable, and his many kindly deeds were actuated solely from his largeness of heart, rather than from any desire to gain the plaudits of his fellow men.

James \Y. Coulter was born April 24. 1838, in Pennsylvania. He was a scion of sterling old stock of the Keystone state, and was a son of John and Margaret (Given) Coulter, noted for their industry and honesty, being typical of the rugged pioneer type. The subject of this memoir remained at home with his parents until he reached young manhood. Early in life he received a meager schooling, but being always of an investigating turn of mind and, remaining a student all his life, he became a well informed man. When young he came to Clinton county, Indiana, and located at Frankfort, and in due course of time he became one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of the county. He had the distinction of handling the first regular mail route into Frankfort, having carried the mail from Delphi on horseback to Frankfort. He also owned and operated a stage line between the two towns, carrying passengers, mail and express.

When Mr. Coulter located in Frankfort it was but a small village of little importance in practically an unimproved locality, sparsely settled, without railroad connections and practically isolated from the outside world. Taking an interest in the growth of the village into a town and then its development into a city, he did much to promote the advancement of Frankfort to its present beautiful and prosperous condition, he having been one of the veteran business men of the city and county.

When the First National Bank was organized Mr. Coulter was among the number of men whose names appeared on the original charter, and when the weli-known institution was granted a new charter only a short time before our subject's death, his name was also among those who petitioned for it. He had been the president of the institution for the past thirty years, and under him and officials working under his direction, the bank has become one of the strongest institutions of its kind in the state, and stands as a monument to Mr. Coulter's work in the business world. He was a man of broad mind and conservative, his integrity being absolutely beyond cavil, and he therefore enjoved to the fullest extent the confidence and esteem of the people of this locality. Keeping fully abreast of the times in all phases of the banking business, he was always quick to inaugurate such new methods of banking as were consistent with safe and honorable work in this connection. Beside being president of the bank, he was president of the Frankfort Loan and Trust Companv. and a member of the hoard of directors of the bank and trust company.

On October 10. 1866, Mr. Coulter was united in marriage with Eliza A. Perrin, of Clinton county, who still survives. Mrs. Coulter was born September 23, 1844. near Fincastle. Virginia., daughter of Henry C. and Susan (Secrist) Perrin, who came to Ross township. Clinton county, in 1846, and here lived the life of a pioneer farmer. Here she grew to womanhood and received such education as the old-time schools afforded. She is a descendant of one of the worthy and influential pioneer families of this locality. She proved a worthy helpmate to her able husband, and much of his large success in life was clue to her sympathy and encouragement. Four children sruvive : Jeannette Coulter, Mrs. William C. Allen, of Reno, Nevada; Charles C. and Frank E., all of whom received excellent educational advantages and are well situated in life: all are popular with a wide circle of friends and all reflect in their daily lives the wholesome home training they received. One daughter, Cora, died in young womanhood. A brother of our subject, D. A. Coulter, is living in Frankfort.

On September io, 1861, James W. Coulter, forsook the pleasures of home and business opportunities to do what he could toward suppressing the fierce rebellion in the Southland, enlisting on that date for three years' service in Company H, Third Indiana Cavalry. He proved to be a most faithful and gallant soldier and his rise from the ranks was rapid, being due to meritorious conduct on the field of battle and to his natural ability. He saw much hard sendee, risking fearlessly life and limb on many of the sanguinary fields of the South, and. with other members of the company who survived the awful carnage of that greatest civil conflict of which history treats, was mustered out at Indianapolis. September to. 1864. with the rank of colonel.

In 1866. in partnership with his brother. D. A. Coulter, he embarked in the clothing business in a room now occupied by the First National Rank in Frankfort. After being in the business for a short time he bought the interest of his brother, and soon after the completion of the building now occupied by the J. \Y. Coulter Sons' Clothing Store, he moved into that location. Through his honest dealings, his keen foresight and pleasant manners, he built up a large business, which continued to grow with advancing years, his hundreds of regular customers coming from all parts of Clinton county. He retired from the mercantile business in 1904, selling his interests to his sons, who have since conducted with much success the business established by their father, being, in fact, regarded as worthy sons of a worthy sire and ranking among Clinton county's leading business men of a younger generation.

As a business man the elder Coulter was acknowledged one of the best clothing men in the state by manufacturers of the lines he handled. As a citizens he was one of the foremost in assisting to develop the town into a beautiful and prosperous city, as before indicated in this review.

Mr. Coulter was a life-long member of the Presbyterian church and had alwavs taken an active part in the work of the same, having served as an officer in the church at different times and always gave his best time to its upbuilding. He was a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 560, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he lived up to the teachings of the order. He was truly a fine example of a man. being unpretentious, and a man among men, doing much to encourage young men just starting out in life, and through his kindly ways made for himself a wide acquaintance of loyal and admiring friends. Though he did not make known his work among his less fortunate fellow men, he took an active part in the charity work in the city of his residence, cheerfully assisting liberally the needy and unfortunate, and though hut few knew of his acts of kindness and charity, hnudreds were made happy by his acts.

Mr. Coulter had been in declining health for a period eighteen months, but his condition had not been considered serious. In the autumn of 1912 he planned a trip to California, having intended to spend the winter following in the west, hoping it wrould be beneficial to his health, but upon the advice of his physicians, abandoned the trip. During the months following he would show signs of improvement, but wrould suffer relapse, until he was finally summoned to his eternal rest from his beautiful, modern residence at 460 West Clinton street. Frankfort, on Wednesday afternoon. May 21, 1913. The somewhat unexpected news of bis death proved to be a great shock to the entire citv and county and was the occasion for profound regret and sorrow'. Having spent the greater part of his life in this locality, where be rose to success bv his own efforts alone. Mr. Coulter was one of the best known men in this section of the state, and be enjoyed the admiration and esteem of multitudes of friends. Frankfort's leading newspaper bad the following to say, editoriallv. of the passing away of the lamented subject of this memoir:

''In the death of James W. Coulter, which occurred yesterday. Frankfort lost one of its splendid citizens. In business and private life Mr. Coulter was noted for bis honesty, strict integrity and his high sense of honor in all his dealings with his fellow men. He was a self-made man in every sense of the term, having started from the bottom and worked himself up to an enviable position in the citv's commercial life. By his industry, perseverance and sound business judgment he accumulated a fortune, and his example was one that gives hope to every struggling young man and encourages him to strive unceasinglv for success. And furthermore, he achieved success without sacrificing a single principle of Christian conduct and it was frequently said of him that he had not an enemy in the world, fie represented the very highest type of citizenship and he was one of Frankfort's most useful citizens. One of Mr. Coulter's leading characteristics was his kindness to all in misfortune. He practiced charity quietly, but extensively, and every year he gave freely of his money in relieving those in distress and worthy of help. TTis person- ality was attractive, his manner genial, and he was noted for his loyalty to friends. No citizen of Frankfort was held in higher esteem, and his neverceasing efforts for the uplift of the city have left their impress upon the community."

David Alexander Coulter

It is a pleasing task to write the biography of a gentleman who has been so long identified with the material activities of his own and other communities, as David Alexander Coulter, and who, in addition to his individual interests has not un frequently been called to positions of honor and trust in the public service. He stands conspicuously forward as one of the leading men of his day and generation in Clinton county, and wherever known, his name passes current as a synonym for all that is upright and honorable in citizenship. Paternally, Mr. Coulter is descended from Irish ancestry, his grandfather John Coulter having been a native of the Emerald Isle and a Presbyterian minister of unusual scholarship and eloquence. He ended a useful and exceedingly brilliant career in Juniata county, Pa., where he located when a young man and where he married and reared a family. Among his children being a son, John Coulter, Jr., who was born in the county indicated, in the year 1813.

John Coulter, Jr., a farmer by occupation, remained in his native state of Pennsylvania until 185 j, at which time he came to Clinton county and purchased a farm in Ross township, where he resided until within a short period of his death, when lie moved to Rossville, dying there. September 24, 1864. In the year 1836 he married Margaret Given, of Juniata county, Pa., a daughter of James and Nancy (Enslow) Given, of the same state; the father, a farmer and a representative citizen, who moved to Clinton county, in 1856, and a number of years later, changed his residence to Frankfort, where he and his wife lived retired lives to the end of their days.

David Alexander Coulter, son of John and Mary Coulter, is likewise a native of Juniata count}', Pa., where his birth occurred on the 21st day of December, 1846. He was reared to agriculture pursuits, received a common school education and devoted himself to farming in the county of Juniata, until 1863. when he came to Frankfort, and entered the business house of his uncles, A. B. and B. Given, for whom he clerked until the spring of the following vear. He then resigned his position and enlisted in Company H, One

Hundred and Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, with which he served until discharged September 29th of the same year, doing garrison duty the meanwhile with an occasional brush with the Confederate cavalry force under General Forrest. Upon his retirement from the army, Mr. Coulter accepted a clerkship with John Brown, a prominent merchant of Logansport, Ind., but in 1867, left that city and returned to Frankfort, where he formed a partnership in the clothing business with J. \Y. Coulter, which, under the firm's name of J. V'. Coulter & Brother, lasted until 1871, when he disposed of his interest in the establishment to his brother and engaged in the coal and mining business at Rockville, this state. Before moving to the latter place, however, he took an active part in organizing The First National Bank of Frankfort, of which he was elected a member of the first board of directors. He also assisted in establishing The Park Banking Co., of Rockville, but in the above year, sold his coal interests in that town and returning to Frankfort again became associated with his brother, with whom he continued until 1878, under the same name as before. While thus engaged, the firm erected the imposing business block in Frankfort, now occupied by T. W. Coulter's Sons & Company, one of the leading commercial establishments of the city besides contributing in various other ways to the material advancement of the place.

Mr. Coulter, in 1878. bought his brother's interest in the clothing business and conducted same w ith marked success and profit until 1881, when he disposed of his -tock to Coulter and Hockman, to become cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Frankfort, which responsible position he filled with credit and satisfaction until elected president of the institution in 1904. He has also been president of the water works system, of Frankfort, ever since its organization, besides holding various other posts of honor and trust including that of auditor of the American Central Life Insurance Company, of Indianapolis; Commissary General of the Indiana State militia, with the rank of colonel on the staffs of Ex-Governors Mount and Durbin, in which capacity he served eight years: trustee of the Indiana State Prison at Michigan City; president for nine \ears of the School Board of Frankfort, during which time he was instrumental in erecting the present high school building of that citv, one of the largest and most convenient edifices of the kind in northern Indiana, besides serving two terms in the common council and representing his Congressional district as a delegate in the Republican National Convention. at St. Louis, in 1896. where he took an active and influential part in bringing about the nomination of William McKinley, for President of the United States.

Mr. Coulter, as indicated above, is a Republican in politics and for many years has been active in the affairs of his party in Clinton county. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in religion is a consistent and influential member of the Presbyterian church. He was married January, 1874. to Miss Marv Depew, of Park county, Indiana, who has borne him three children, only one of whom, Maude, wife of George C. Cullom, of Frankfort, is living. Air. Coulter's career has been one of great activity and usefulness and in the main, attended by remarkable business advancement and financial prosperity. He filled with credit and honor the various public positions to which called, and his official as well as his business and personal record, has ever been above reproach. He is essentially progressive in all he undertakes and endowed with the power to mould circumstances to suit his purposes. His success in overcoming adverse conditions and mounting to his present high and honorable station in the world of affairs, is such as few attain. Of strong convictions, positive character, insuppressible integrity, he is classed with the most intelligent and influential of Frankfort's representative men, and he holds a warm and abiding place in the hearts of his fellow citizens.

Oscar William Edmoxds. M. D.

This biographical record has to do with a man of unusual accomplishments. who has. for many years, been one of the best known of the worthy men who are making the city of Frankfort a good place in which to live. He has attained prestige through his individual efforts in every enterprise which he has entered upon, and has always been regarded as distinctly a man of affairs, who wields a potent influence among those with whom his lot has been cast. He is a man of lofty principles, honesty of purpose and determination, and is conservative, ingenuous, and cautious. The word fail does not seem to hold a place in his category. He plans his campaign and then executes with sureness and dispatch.

Oscar W. Edmonds was born into this world on March 25, 1861, and was the son of Rheuden J. and Anna (Moore) Edmonds. R. J. Edmonds was a native of the Quaker state, being born in Bucks county, Pa., in the historic year of 1812, the son of Augustus and Elizabeth (Hines) Edmonds. R. J. Edmonds learned the cigar making trade early in life, then went into the grocen- business. He died in West Carrolton, O., January, 1905. His wife, who was Anna L. Moore, was also born in Bucks county. Pa., and is still living in the city of West Carrolton, O.

Augustus Edmonds was a native of Berkshire. England, and came to this country in 1779, and settled in Pennsylvania. He was a gunsmith and civil engineer by trade, and was widely known through his ability as a mathematician. He served valiantly in the Revolutionary war and for his services there was awarded, with the assistance of Gen. George Washington, five hundred acres of land near Mauch Chunk, which he afterwards sold for fifty cents an acre. He died in Bucks county in 1872. His wife, Elizabeth Hines, was also a native of Berkshire England, and she died in 1869. Eleven children, nine sons and two daughters, were born to them. All of the boys participated in the Civil war. five of them being officers.

The boyhood of our subject was passed in the state of Ohio, in Germantown and West Carrollton. Cntil 1881 he studied medicine with Dr. E. M. S. Beaver, a brother-in-law. at Albertus. Pennsylvania. He learned the rudiments of medical practice there, and thus equipped he entered the Starling Medical college at Columbus, O.. graduating from that institution in 1886.

He began the practice of his profession at Dayton, O.. and continued there for two years with great success. He then went to Albertus, the home of his preceptor, and worked there for six more months. In September, 18S8. he moved to Frankfort, Ind., where he now resides, being numbered among the best medical men of the state.

Dr. Edmonds has not confined all of his time and efforts to his profession. as evidenced by the remarkable accomplishments he has made in public life and in the service of his community. He has been county coroner anti city health officer, filling both offices with high merit. He has also been president of the Clinton County Medical Society ; was a professor of anatomy in the Dayton Medical University, and has made his name prominent in the medical circle of Ohio by his lectures in connection with that institution. In the year 1909, the people of Frankfort displayed their admiration for Mr. Edmonds by electing him mayor of the city. In this capacity he has served faithfully and w isely for the past four years.

Dr. Edmonds was married September 13. 1888. to Alice J. Hertzog, a native of Albertus. Pa., being born there March 29, 1865. the daughter of Xathan and Mary ( Richardson) Hertzog. Her parents are also natives of Pennsylvania.

John Barner

There is an old saying that the dead are soon forgotten, but in the case of the subject of this review, the adage asserts an untruth. No man in the history of Clinton county lives today in the memories of the inhabitants in greater measure of esteem and reverence than John Earner. The life and development of this holy and honest man has been parallel with the growth of the county, and the prosperity and modernity of the community today is the direct result of the influence of such pioneers. Our subject's exemplary life is immured in the hearts of Clinton county's men, and his spiritual presence, if not his material, is a guide to the faith and trust of his friends. Too fast we are losing these old men, these stalwart oaks of the primal forest, so it is with pleasure that we sketch the interesting details of Mr. Barner's career. A true patriot, a thorough business man, a devoted Christian, a successful farmer, quiet, unobtrusive, charitable and democratic - this is our estimate of the man.

John Barner was born in Surrey county, X. C., near the Virginia line, January II, 1810, two years before the outbreak of the war with Great Britain. He was the son of Horatio and Elizabeth (Chrisman) Barner, and was one of three children. The other two, Mrs. Judith Barner Webb and Horatio, Jr., are now dead. John Earner's parents were American by birth, but claimed descent from French, German and Irish stock. In the year 1814, Horatio Barner, seeking new fields of endeavor, traveled in covered wagons across the Blue Ridge mountains and on into the southwest, until they reach Bledsoe county, Tennessee. On a farm here they settled, and the father took up his regular occupation as a mill wright. John Barner found little opportunity in the rough country to gain a school education, but by ceaseless industrv, managed to gain the rudiments of an education, besides working on the farm and learning the cabinet making trade.

On March 27, 1828, Mr. Barner, then but eighteen years of age, found that he must leave the parental roof in order to make a start in the world. In those days the young men left home with a traveling bag and a few dollars in their pockets, given to them by their father. It is to be imagined that thus Mr. Barner left his home in Pikeville, Tenn. He traveled on foot, coursed his way along dusty roads, broke through almost impenetrable forests, and swam rivers until finally he reached the town of Bloomington, Ind. There, during the winter of 1828-9, he found employment at his trade of cabinetmaking. In the spring months of 1829, he went to Indianapolis, and in November of the same year walked away from Indianapolis to Logansport, passing through the territory of this (Clinton) county. There were then but two houses from Eagle Creek to Logansport - Kirk's and Edward's. He borrowed a hatchet at an Indian camp on Sugar Creek and cut the first tree across the creek where the Michigan road line had been surveyed. The winter of 1829-30 he spent at Logansport with the W hites and Indians, re* turning to Indianapolis in March, 1830, when he set up a shop on the site of the present Claypool hotel. In the spring of 1832, he loaded his household goods in an ox wagon and left for this county. The ox wagon upset in Eagle Creek and broke an axle at Mud Creek. He made a new one out of a rail. Then one ox played out, leaving the wagon in the mud, and he walked eight miles, borrowed a horse collar, put it on the odd ox and reached the prairie countrv. Here he borrowed, out of the plow, another ox and arrived in Frankfort on Friday evening, May 19, 1832, making the trip in five days.

Mr. Earner's settled career might be said to have dated from the time of his arrival in Frankfort, a town then "containing about twelve families and fortv inhabitants, near an Indian camp." This was just before the beginning of the Black Hawk war, and the settlers were apprehensive of the Indians. Mr. Earner makes the sarcastic statement, in a memoir left by him, that many of the farmers "forted."

Mr. Earner was appointed postmaster in 1834, and diligently served in that capacitv until 1849, and then resigned only to take up the duties of clerk of the Clinton circuit court, an office to which he was elected in 1843, and which he held until 1859. After his retirement from the latter office, he was admitted to the Clinton county bar, and remained a member of it until his death on March 31, 1892, in Frankfort.

On February 27, 1831, John Barner married Mary E. Darnell. They lived in Indianapolis until the following spring, when, as Mr. Earner relates in his memoir, "my wife, little boy and I, reached Frankfort by ox team. To them were born five children: John IT, David T Mrs. Mar\ F.. Hill, Mrs. Tudith B. Sample and Mrs. India S. Ghere. John H. Barner died April 22, 1885, just about a year after his mother, who died June 21, 1884.

During his life Mr. Barner was the secretary of the Clinton County Old Settlers' Association, an organization which he helped to form. For forty years he was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In speaking of Mr. Barner's church life, we come to the most salient and controlling element in his life. Beginning with the day when he left his mother back in Tennessee and promised her to lead a Christian life, he has clung to his faith. In May, 1831, he joined the Methodist Episcopal church. Old Wesley chapel in Indianapolis was the scene of his first labors in religious life, and he served both as teacher and officer in the Sunday school in that church. In February, 1841, he assisted in organizing the first Sunday school in Frankfort, and from then on he was either a teacher or officer in the school. For eighteen years he held the position of superintendent, for nearly sixty years he was a member of the official board of the church, and at the time of his death he was president of the board of trustees. He not only gave his church personal aid during his life, but assisted in every other way that he possibly could, and many enterprises have been successful under his guidance. This devout spirit extended into the daily routine of his family life. Among the quaint and beautiful customs of his home was the holding of a special prayer service before any member of the family departed upon a journey.

Mr. Bamer's reminiscences are intensely interesting, especially of the early pioneer days when he traveled overland searching for a home. These have been published in a small volume, together with remarks made bv leading citizens of Clinton county, and resolutions passed by different organizations of which he was a member. Lack of space prevents extensive quoting from this booklet, and we regret that all can not be set down verbatim. Particularly to the point are the addresses made by Dr. Town, Rev. Thomas Meredith, Perry W. Card, Joseph Claybaugh, Henry Y. Morrison, James V. Kent and Sam V anton.

It is the duty of the younger generation to follow the example set by this old pioneer, to revere the memory of such men as John Barner, and to teach the same to their children so that the good wrought by a clean, religious life will go on forever. The manner of this teaching has been set down by Mr. Barner, who wrote: "Remember you are under parental authority. Study and obey the laws of health ; be industrious ; use economy ; be truthful; read your Bibles: treasure up the truths and wisdom, and practice the precepts; be charitable; use no strong drinks or tobacco; abstain from all species of gaming, and shun every appearance of evil, that vou mav be worthv representatives of the pioneers."

It was Mr. Barner's boast that he had seen the development of Frankfort through its every stage of growth from the time of its beginning as a backwoods village.

Clinton' Countv. Indiana Oliver Card. M. D.

No profession wins greater respect and admiration from the people than that of the medical man. lie is a servant of the public and a willing one. He must bear with him the confidences of many people. A father or mother entrusts to his care their dearest treasure - their child, and he is the one who stands between life and death. To sav that he must be deft, skillful and learned in his profession is not saying all : he must also possess that assurance and confidence that is communicable, for therein lies half the battle. The subject of our sketch is not now engaged in the medical profession, but for so many years was he identified with the leading and best physicians of Frankfort, Ind.. that his name will ever be the emblem of fair, tactful and successful administration.

Oliver Card was born on January 12. 1842. in Switzerland county, fnd., the son of Jesse and Amanda ( McHenry) Gard. Jesse Gard was born in Hamilton county. Ohio. March 8. t8tt. being the son of William and Sarah (Woodruff) Gard. who traveled from the Buckeye state to the Hoosier state manv years ago. and settled in Switzerland county. William Gard, son of Jeremiah and Experience Gard. was born Tune 8. 1788. in Fayette county, Pa. He held the position of one of the leading men of Switzerland county in the earlv days and represented her in the first Legislature ever held in Indiana. He died April 14. 1827. He is remembered by his successful work in agriculture and the worthy descendants that have graced his name. He married in Ohio, and became the father of two children : Jesse, deceased, and Elizabeth. of Switzerland county. After the death of his first wife. Mr. Gard married her sister who bore him three children: William P.. of Kansas; Julia and Sarah J., all deceased.

Tesse Gard. son of the above and father of our subject, remained with his parents until the death of his father and then he was forced to assume largelv the parental duties. In early manhood he married Amanda Mc- Henry. a young girl from Hamilton county. O. She was born January 18, 1814. and lived to bring ten children to her husband: Perry W.. deceased: Mrs. Charlotte McKowen. of Frankfort: Tames, deceased; Oliver, Sarah, deceased: Mrs. Cynthia Dronberger. of Terre Haute: Mrs. Eliza Conoway. of Union county, Ind.: M. H.. of Texas; and Edward E., a Wisconsin farmer.

early years. In the common schools he acquired a rudimentary education, and later, when seventeen years of age, he entered an academy at New London, where he studied industriously until the war of the Rebellion broke out. Tn September, 1861, Mr. Gard enlisted in Company H. Third Indiana Cavalry, in which he served until honorably discharged for physical inability in April, 1864. Mr. Card saw heavy service in the field, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Chickamauga, Tonesboro, and Perryville. and also served loyally for a time as hospital steward. On leaving the army Air. Gard returned to Clinton county and formed a partnership with his brother Perrv, carrying on an extensive mercantile and grain trade in the town of Middlefork.

In 1866, Mr. Gard began the study of medicine with Dr. M. L. Martin, of Middlefork, under whose direction he continued a couple of vears. making rapid progress in the meantime. Pie entered Rush Medical College. Chicago, in 1867. and completed the course there on February 3. T869. He located in Middlefork with his preceptor and continued a most successful practice there until March, 1882, when he moved to the city of Frankfort, where he was likewise successful. In 1884, he was nominated by the Republican party to represent them in the state legislature, and while he ran far ahead of his ticket, he was defeated by the small majority of forty-five votes. In 1886 he was elected to serve as clerk of the circuit court, being the first Republican ever elected to that office in the county. In 1890. he was re-elected to the same position, serving until November 1, 1895. Dr. Card has acted as president of the Clinton County Medical society and aPo belongs to the State Medical society of Indiana. In the educational world the doctor has always taken the greatest interest. As township trustee and member of the Frankfort school board, he has always stood for improvement nad progress. In later years, Dr. Gard discontinued his practice of medicine and entered the undertaking profession. Now he enjoys the reputation of being the leading undertaker and embalmer in Frankfort. Ind.

Dr. Gard has been twice married, the first time in 1864 to Martha Bunnell, of Floward county, the daughter of Ezra and Susan Bunnell, of which union three children were born: Minnie, wife of Prof. Lewis Rettger, of the State Normal school, Terre Haute; Mrs. Lennie Haynes, of Evansville, and Mrs. Nina Pullen, of Pinion county. The mother of these children was called by death on March 4, 1871, and on May 14, 1873, Dr. Gard married his present wife, India J. Merrick, born March 10. 1850, the daughter of John and Nancy (Tyner) Merrick. Six children have been born to her: Grace

(deceased). Rush (deceased), Helen, Russell and two that died in infancy. Mrs. Gard is a member of the Methodist church in Frankfort, and shares equally with her husband in the esteem of the people.

In religion, the doctor is a Methodist and was a lay delegate to the general conference held in Omaha. Xebraska, 1892, and for many years afterward was the efficient superintendent of the Sunday school at Frankfort. The doctor has a beautiful home in the city of Frankfort, and a great deal of valuable land out in the county. He is classed, financially, as one of the most substantial citizens of Frankfort.

Doctor Gard belongs to Clinton Lodge Xo. 54, in the Masonic fraternity, in which he has passed all the chairs, and he also belongs to the council, chapter and commanderv, in all of which he has held the highest official positions. He is also a thirty-third degree Mason, having been elevated to same bv his work in the order. He is an active member in Stone River Post No. 65, Grand Army of the Republic, and past post commander; he has belonged to the Improved Order of Red Men and Knights of Pythias, also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Throughout his life he has been a strict advocate of temperance.

William P. Sidwell

There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or a countv. or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the life work of those who. by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive,'' and in this sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by the manv obstacles and failures that come to everyone, but who has made them stepping stones to higher things and at the same time that he was winning for himself prestige in the business and financial affairs of life.

William P. Sidwell was born in Rockville, Parke county. Ind., January 31. 1837. and was the son of Levi and Margaret A. (Rice) Sidwell. Levi was born in Chillicothe. Ohio, March 25. 1813, and his wife, our sul>- iect's mother, was born on March 17, 1833, at Waveland, Ind. Levi was a son of Levi, Sr., who was born in 1770 in Pennsylvania. Fie was a son of

Xeedham Sidwell, who was a native of England, and came to the state of Virginia during the colonial days. Later he left the Old Dominion for Maryland. and again left Maryland to move to Ohio. By occupation he was a lawyer and enjoyed the reputation of being one of the best pioneer attornevs the country afforded. He died in the year of 1799.

Levi Sidwell. Jr. received a fairly good common school education in his youth, and after leaving school he embarked in the dry goods trade. About the year 1840 he moved to Rockville, lnd.. and conducted the same business, which he continued for the long period of forty years. Mr. Sidwell was a member of the Indiana Constitutional Convention of 1851. He retired from active business life in 1880. and died in Indianapolis six years ago. During his life Mr. Sidwell was a very prominent worker in the Presbyteran church. Before the war he was a Democrat, but at the beginning of that struggle he turned to the side of the Republicans.

Levi Sidwell. Jr. was married on May 8. 1855. to Margaret A. Rice, a daughter of Tsaae and Xarcissa Montague (Allan) Rice. The Rices were direct descendants of the famous Scotch church reformer, John Knox. The founders of the American branch of the Rice fatnilv originallv came to Pennsylvania. and the great-great-grandfather of our subject founded Rice's Fort long before the first gun was fired in the American Revolution. This fort was often used as a refuge by the pioneers and their families against the hostile Indian trikes. The fort was located in Washington county, in the state of Pennsvlvania. Members of the Rice family also served with distinction in the Revolutionary war. After the close of that struggle the family traveled overland to Kentucky, taking several weeks to get there and undergoing many hardships while on the journey. The family reached a position of honor and trust in that state.

The grandfather of our subject came, with a part of the family, in the early '20s to Indiana, settling in Waveland. Montgomery county. The mother of our subject graduated from the Waveland Academy, and after her graduation was employed as a teacher for some time. Four children were horn to her: William P., Xancy C.. wife of C. X. Stevenson of Indianapolis: Montague Rice, of Victoria, British Columbia, and Chauncey. wdio died at the age of twelve years.

William P. Sidwell obtained an excellent education in his youth, and graduated from the Rockville high school in 1877. He entered a bank in Rockville then as a bookkeeper, and stayed there one and a half years, then moved to Frankfort, lnd., and took a similar position in the First X'ational

Bank, serving faithfully in that capacity for six years. He was promoted to the position of teller and he held this place for seven years. His next step was to the position of assistant cashier and in 1893 he was elected cashier.

Besides his hanking interests Mr. Sidwell has found time and opportunity to enter upon almost every finnacial scheme that has been advanced in Clinton county. He was the organizer of the Frankfort Loan and Trust Company in 1901. and has been secretary and treasurer of the same from the beginning. Also he helped organize the Heating Company and the Ice and Cold Storage Company. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Heating Company. Pie aided in putting in the first electric plant, which is now the city plant. He was a prime mover in the Frankfort Industrial Association and was a director of the same. He was one of the original stockholders of the old Natural Gas Company, aiding the business of the company for fourteen years.

Fraternally. Mr. Sidwell is a third degree Mason. In religious matters he is a Presbyterian and is an elder of the church. He is also treasurer of the Home Mission Committee of the Crawfordsville Presbytery. In politics. Mr. Sidwcl! follows the lead of the Republican party.

Mr. Sidwell married Caroline Charline Campbell, who was born in Winchester. Indiana, the daughter of John A. and Sarah A. (Hamilton) Campbell. the former a Presbyterian minister. Her people are of pure Scotch descent, and were among the best known of Scotland's families. Three children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Sidwell: Chauncey and Keith, wdio died in infancy, and Paul, a twin of Keith's, who is a professor of English in Purdue Universitv.

Lawrence W. Harvey

A hundred years ago sanitation and hygiene were not recognized as necessarv elements of civilization. One reason was that the communities were not so crowded, people lived over wide areas, and unsanitary conditions had little chance to become existent. As the years passed, however, communities became more crowded, people were compelled to live in close proximity. and hence there were ushered in various means of maintaining perfect cleanliness. Cities became congested and the problem became truly serious. The science of plumbing grew to be an important profession and today the plumber is in constant demand, for upon his skill rests the elimination of waste. Mr. Harvey has kept abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession, and he is now ranked as one of the best mechanics in Frankfort.

Lawrence \Y. Harvey was born at Rensselaer, Ind., January 14, 1885, and was the son of Charles and Catherine (Caster) Harvey. Charles Harvey was born in Lafayette, Ind.. in 1852 and is still living in the town of Rensselaer. His wife also born in Lafayette, in i860, is still living.

Our subject attended the common schools of his home county, and then entered the high school. After leaving there he began learning the plumber's trade, and in 1903 he finished the same .and began work as a qualified plumber. For six years he worked for the Frankfort Heating Company, and then went into business for himself. Some examples of his very efficient work are to be seen in the Princess theater. Bankable Cigar Factory, Shartles store, Thrashers store. Hertz Drv Goods Companv, M. B. Thrasher residence, Himmel wrights residence, four residences for Chris Arnkins, Ideal theater. William Pilsar residence. P. Armantrout's residence, and the home of Ben Pilser. Mr. Harvey now has his place of business on West Washington street, and carries a full line of plumbing and heating supplies.

On April 8. 1909. Mr. Harvey was married to Tollis A. Preble, of Frankfort. She was born in Delphos. O., November 6. 1889. Xo children have been born of this union.

Joseph Combs

The ancestors of the Combs family in America were emigrants from Holland, and they settled in Monmouth county, New Jersey, some time prior to the Revoluntionary war. The oldest member of the family known was John Combs, who was the great-great grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He was a soldier in the war for Independence, and served as captain in Foreman's regiment of Continental troops, from March 20, 1777, till the date of his death, on September 2, 1779. One of his sons was John Combs, born in New Jersey, July 8, 1770, and on February 25, 1793, married Elizabeth Bowne. This man with his family, at an early date, settled in Butler county, Ohio, on a farm near Hamilton, where he died, September 5, 1829. One of his sons, also named John, was born November 20, 1798. He was married to Jane Brown, and located on a farm three miles northwest of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, where he spent all of his life. He practiced strict economy, became a man of considerable wealth, and was a very devout United Presbyterian, and with his wife and family were regular attendants at the church of that denomination in Hamilton. He died there on his farm in April, 1871, at the age of seventy-three years. Nathan B. Combs, the father of Joseph Combs, was the youngest son of the last named John Combs, and was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 16, 1831, and up to the twenty-second year of his age his life was passed on his father's farm near Hamilton in that county. He had two older brothers, one James B. Combs, who, later settled in Washington, la., and William B. Combs, who made his home on a farm one mile southeast of Mulberry, in this county. John E. Combs and William B. Combs are sons of this member of the family, and now live near Mulberry, Clinton county, Indiana.

Nathan B. Combs first visited this county in the year of 1853, and became acquainted with Mary Margaret Wright, to whom he was afterward married. She was the daughter of James W. Wright and Sarah (Baldridge) Wright, and then lived with her mother on a farm in what was then known as the Twelve Mile Prairie (now a part of Jackson township), and about one mile west of the Prairie Center church, in Clinton county.

In August, 1856, Nathan B. Combs and wife and family settled on a quarter section of land in the northwest corner of Washington township, about three miles cast of Mulberry, in Clinton county, Indiana, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. The entire farm was then covered with as thickly grown and fine a body of timber as could be found in Indiana, consisting of oak, walnut, poplar, sugar maple, beech, ash, hickory and many other varieties. Many of the white oak, black walnut and yellow poplar were of gigantic size. Only a few acres of the timber had been deadened, and no clearing was done, and so before he could erect a house he had to cut and roll the logs and pile the brush, so as to make room for a building. This was quickly done and a log cabin for the family speedily erected, then a log stable and barn put up to shelter his horses and stock. Next a small patch of ground was cleared and sowed to fall wheat, other timber was deadened, ground for corn in the spring ivas cleared, and thus in true pioneer style he made a home for himself and family in the western wilderness. For nearly twenty years his nearest market was at Lafayette, Ind., seventeen miles away, where all of his crops and produce had to be hauled, and part of the way over bad roads. To make the trip in one day he had to get up about three o'clock a. m., feed his horses, get breakfast, so as to be able to start before daylight. Always having to face a west wind, when the weather was cold, he often walked beside the wagon the entire distance to keep from freezing. This was his regular occupation two or three days out of each week all winter long, in order to get all of his crops to market. Spring and fall were always spent in clearing, ditching and fencing new ground for crops. On account of the dense growth of heavy timber this was a terrible task. The finest walnut, white oak and poplar was considered fit for nothing but to be split into rails for building fences. Trees that would now be worth hundreds of dollars were worked up in this way. Field after field were thus cleared, fenced and sowed to grain, which yielded marvelous crops of wheat, corn, oats, clover, potatoes, etc.

And so the life of Nathan B. Combs, like that of the other pioneers, was a hard one, but his work was well done. He and his wife did their part in making the "wilderness blossom as the rose," and preparing this county for the enjoyment of the generations yet unborn. They accumulated considerable property, and left a fine well improved farm of three hundred and fifty acres as a monument to their toil. Mr. Combs was a man of the strictest integrity, honest and honorable in all of his dealings. He was a firm believer in and supporter of the Universalist faith, though not a member of any church, and was a member of the lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, first at Jefferson, and then at Frankfort. In physical appearance he was not tall, but very large, weighing nearly three hundred pounds. He died in February, 1897. His wife, Margaret Combs, died in August, 1893.

Joseph Combs was one of a family of ten children, and was born November 15, i860, on the farm where his parents lived in Washington township, Clinton county. He grew up under the surroundings above stated, and so from his earliest recollection he was inured to toil. He assisted his father and brother in clearing the land, fencing, ditching, and cultivating his father's farm, and this occupied the entire time of every year, except about three months in winter, when he attended the district school at the village of Hamilton, and where he acquired a common school education. At the age of eighteen he secured a license to teach, and for the next six years he taught in the district schools of the county. He made further preparation for teaching by attending several terms of the summer normal school in Frankfort, conducted by County Superintendent W. H. Mushlitz and R. G. Boone, superintendent of the Frankfort city schools. Later he also attended the the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Ind.

In 1886 he began the study of law in the office of Judge J. C. Suit, in Frankfort, and the next year was admitted to the bar of the Clinton Circuit

Court. March 1, 1887, he formed a partnership for the practice of law with J. C. Suit, under the firm name of Suit & Combs, which continued two years, and during which time he added to his previous study considerable knowledge of the principles of the law and the practice thereof in the Clinton Circuit Court. During the next two years he practiced alone, having his office in the Heifield building on the east side of the public square.- In June, 1909, he was married to Leonora J. Seawright, daughter of James A. Seawright, of the city of Frankfort. In January, 1890, he made his first venture in politics, and announced his name as a candidate of the Democratic party for prosecuting attorney at the spring convention. His opponent was the late Francis M. Goldsberrv, of Colfax, Ind., who was then one of the old time shrewd politicians. Combs had then had no experience whatever politically, and knew very few of the party leaders in the county, but he went industriously to work to get acquainted. The contest in the convention was quite spirited, and Combs was nominated by a very narrow margin. Then he had to meet Fred A. Sims, as his Republican opponent in the fall election. The county was then Republican, but the margin was so narrow as to make most elections hotly contested. On account of the strength and popularity of Sims, many of the Democratic leaders expected Combs to lie defeated, but when the returns from the voting were all in it showed that he had won in a very close race. The final figures were, Sims 3,000. and Combs, 3,012. He took charge of the office at once, diligently applied himself to a study of criminal law and practice, and soon became a vigorous and effective prosecutor, securing many convictions and allowing very few acquittals of persons charged with crime. The Farley murder case and Freeman Cooper forgery case were two of the notable causes which he prosecuted. The next year he was defeated fur re-election by N. P. Claybaugh, his Republican opponent, along with all of his party on the county ticket.

In December. 1892, he formed a partnership for the practice of law with O. S. Brumbaugh, attorney, under the firm name of Brumbaugh & Combs, which was a successful partnership and continuing for eight years, and doing a large business in this and surrounding counties. The Shenkenberger murder case, the Toll Gate cases, and the Cornthwaite case, were some of the causes they were engaged in during this time.

In Tune, 1901, he opened an office over the Clinton County Bank, and for the next seven vears practiced alone. About the 10th of May, 1908, he announced his name as the candidate of the Democratic party for judge of the Clinton Circuit Court, before the Democratic county convention soon to be held. His opponents were Joseph P. Gray, C. G. Guenther and W. R. Moore. He had only three weeks to make any canvass for the nomination. Mr. Gray, his strongest opponent, and his friends, were quite confident that Gray would be easily nominated. Combs made as thorough a canvass as he could in the short time, and when the convention met it was apparent that it would be a close contest. Mr. Gray and his friends were still confident of the result, but were considerably surprised at the strength Combs was developing. When the balloting began it became a neck and neck race, Combs having a slight lead in the first few ballots. On the fourth ballot Gray's friends rallied and had a slight lead, and at the end of the fifth ballot Gray had a big lead and was getting close to the nomination. Then Combs' friends made a heroic rally, and the sixth ballot closed with the following result, Gray 133, Combs 136. This settled the contest, and on the next ballot Combs received the number necessary to nominate.

Then Mr. Combs discovered that he was in the fiercest political struggle of his life. He was the youngest man that had ever made the race for judge of the court. His opponent on the Republican ticket was Judge Claybaugh, who -had been a life-long attorney and one of the leading members of the bar, and had the prestige of six years on the bench to his credit, and many politicians believed that Combs stood no show of being elected. But general conditions were favorable to the Democrats, and unfavorable to the success of the Republican party, and Combs went quietly to work and assisted his chairman and committee to make a thorough organization of the forces of his party. In addition to organization he made an extensive personal canvass in all parts of the county, and so was well prepared for the battle when election day came. When the balloting was over and the returns all in, it showed that Combs had won the election by a plurality of 103.

He took the bench on November 12. 1908, a few days before he was forty-eight years old. From the first he has been a diligent worker and close student of the law and of the cases that come before him, always making it the rule to carefully study every case he is called upon to try. He has been impartial and fair in his rulings, always trying to give every one a square deal, regardless of who he is or what his station or position in life mav be. He has given quite general satisfaction and fully met the expectations of his friends who placed their confidence in him and gave him their support. He has a strong leaning to the equity side of every case, and to do equity and justice to every one before him is his desire, so far as the rules and principles of the law will permit. He is a strong believer in law enforcement, and yet will deal leniently with prisoners if he believes the good of society does not demand harsh punishment, and has granted many suspended sentences in cases he thought the circumstances would justify him in so doing, and where it would help to reform the prisoner. He takes much interest in the Juvenile Court and in looking after the betterment of the condition of neglected, mistreated or delinquent children.

In politics he is a life-long Democrat. He has long been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and a Royal Arch Mason. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Frankfort and one of the elders in that organization, and an active worker in the Sunday school. His family consists of his wife and one daughter, Eleanor Combs, sixteen years old, now in the third year of the Frankfort high school. Mr. Combs takes much interest in all affairs pertaining to the public schools and the cause of education in general, and in the betterment of the people of the city and county. He is a diligent student of history and general literature, and has a large library.

Nathan B. Combs, veterinary surgeon, and representative in the last session of the Indiana Legislature from Clinton county, at Mulberry, Ind., is a brother; also John Combs, retired farmer, at Mulberry, Ind., and Martin V. Combs, farmer, in North Dakota. Mrs. Jennie Swadener, Mulberry, Ind., Mrs. J. H. Grover, Frankfort, Ind., and Mrs. A. W. Black, Los Angeles, Cal., are sisters.

Eugene O. Burget

Prominent in the affairs of Frankfort, distinguished as one of the leading men of Clinton county, and enjoying distinctive prestige in business circles far bevond the limits of the community honored by bis citizenship, Eugene O. Burget, of the People's Life Insurance Company, is entitled to specific mention in a work such as this volume, which is to present to the reader the life details of the men who have made for the progress of the county, men in every walk of life, and in every profession who have contributed part of their lives for the good of the community of which this is a history. Mr. Burget is a sound business man, a man of excellent ideals, and a man devoted to the duty which has come to rest upon his shoulders. In the financial history of the county Mr. Burget has been especially prominent, and his career in commercial life has been one of steady advancement.

William M. Burget was born in Johnson township, Clinton county, on June 28, 1844, and he was the son of William and Lydia (Keever) Burget, and the grandson of Emanuel Burget.

Emanuel Burget, Jr., was born in Butler county, Ohio, February, 9, 1839. His great-grandfather Burget came from England and was killed hv the Indians while he was swimming the Big Miami river in an attempt to reach his blockhouse. Emanuel Burget, father of our subject's grandfather, was an early settler of Butler county. O.. and a soldier of the Revolution. He married Catherine Garner. His son. William Burget. was born in Butler county, O.. and was married to Lydia Keever, daughter of John Keever and became the father of the following children: Margaret C.. Emanuel, Elizabeth William M., Rachel E., John H.. and Samuel. William M. was a valiant soldier in Company H. Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Elizabeth T. was the first white child horn in Johnson township. The parents were Baptists in their religious faith, and the father, at first a Democrat, became a Republican on account of the war, and was elected justice of the peace eighteen consecutive years. He lost his wife in 1853. and he died in 1881.

Emanuel Burget was brought to Clinton county in 1839. before he was a year old. He was educated in the old log school house, but secured a fair education. He enlisted March 4. 1865, in Company C. Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was assigned to the Fourteenth army corps, army of the Cumberland. He passed through the campaigns of North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky : was a member of the pontoon detail, and was constantly skirmishing for many weeks. He was honorably discharged July 25. 1865. In politics he was a Republican, was justice of the peace, and was once nominated for county auditor. Fie married Naomi Stroup, the daughter of Jacob and Naomi ( Debington ) Stroup, and the children born to this union were: William J.. Cinderella, who died in 1882, and Nora. On

Tune 7. 1894 Emanuel Burget was nominated for county auditor and in November of that vear was elected by a majority of five hundred and seventy, and he took possession of his office November 15. 1894.

William M. Burget enlisted on August 13. T862 in Company H. Eightysixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the army of the Cumberland. He fought through the campaigns of Kentucky. Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, and took an active part in the battles of Stone River. Chickamauga. Missionary Ridge and Knoxville. At the latter place he was taken sick and was in a hospital a short time and then was furloughed home to recover. Having recuperated he rejoined his regiment immediately after the fall of Atlanta, and later took part in the battles of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, and was honorably discharged June 6, 1865. Politically, he is a Republican.

William M. Burget was thrice married. His first wife was Permelia Mott, daughter of Sayres Mott, and of this union the follow ing children were born: May, born May 15, 1867, died September 20. 1868: Eugene O., our subject: Lula, born February 13, 1872: and Sarah, born July 10, 1874, and died the same day. The second marriage of Mr. Burget was to Sarah Longfellow. daughter of John Longfellow, and of this union was born Leon V., June 10, 1880, died August 14, 1881. The third marriage of our subject's father was to Mrs. blester J. McCreary, daughter of John M. and Hester fMott) Dunn, and this union was blessed with the birth of four children: John P., October 16, 1884; Earnest D., January 2. 1886; Minnie T., April 3, 1887. and George E., May 18, 1888.

Eugene O. Burget received a good education in his youth, and later graduated at the state normal school at Terre Haute. Thinking that his excellent education would be of more value when supplemented by teaching, he entered that profession, and soon became principal of schools at Seircleville and again at Hillisburg. Tn this work Mr. Burget was successful. He was endowed with those qualities which make a good educator, and he had the happy faculty of imparting to others the knowledge he himself possessed. In 1804 Mr. Burget was appointed to the office of deputy auditor of Clinton county, and in i<;o2 was elected to the office of auditor. For four years be tilled this position acceptably to all his fellow citizens, performing well the duties required of him. After the expiration of his term he accepted a position in the Clinton County Bank as assistant cashier, and there he stayed one vear. In 1907 he took a place with the People's Life Insurance Company as secretarv, and since has held that position in a very efficient and capable manner.

On Tune 28. 1889. he was united in marriage to Carrie Boyle, who was born in Michigantown. Indiana, on December 28. 1875, a daughter of Tosiah L. and Marv Boyle, both of whom are now liv ing in Frankfort.

Fraternally. Mr. Burget is quite prominent in Frankfort. He is a Mason, a member of the York Rite and the Shrine. He belongs to the Knights of Pvthias. the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Improved Order of Red Men. Tn politics he is a Republican, and in religious matters is a Methodist.

John A. Ross

It is the aggressive, industrious and capable man of affairs who makes the true history of a community, and it is to such men that biography is dedicated. In addition, the history of the community, aside from biography, is largely a record of the institutions established by this same class of men, and also a record of their accomplishments in the business and social life of the locality, and of their influence in the development of the county. With such values of biography in mind, we here set forth the leading facts in the life record of one of the leading citizens of Frankfort and one of Clinton county's public spirited and substantial men, who has long been prominent in the contracting and banking business circles. His record of a life well spent, of perseverance and steady advancement to a place of honor and distinction in the commercial world, presents an example worthy of emulation by the rising generation. John A. Ross has led a life of integrity and usefulness and his association with business and civic affairs in Frankfort has been notable and highly appropriate for permanent record.

John A. Ross was born in Tippecanoe county, near LaFayette. Ind., January 26. i86r, and was the son of Alexander and Mary (Johnson) Ross. Alexander Ross was of Scotch extraction, was born in Ireland, and was only thirteen years of age when he came to the United States, locating first at Lafayette, Tippecanoe countv, Ind. He was united in marriage to Mary Johnson, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States when twelve years of age.

John A. Ross, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest of eight children. He resided in the city of Lafayette until he reached his majority, and in that place received an excellent education, including a full course in bookkeeping and civil engineering. From the age of fifteen until twenty-one he was of great assistance to his father who was a general contractor. In 1882, John A. Ross removed to Frankfort and engaged in the contracting business for one vear and immediately made a success of his trade in the new location. In 1883 and 1884 he engaged in the same occupation in Lafayette and in Huntington. Ind. After alterating between Frankfort and Lafayette, he permanently located at Frankfort in 1888, and went into partnership with the late James A. Hedgcock for the purpose of doing a general contracting business, embracing gravel roads, bridges, street improvement, sewerage and erection of business blocks. The firm was awarded contracts for the im- provement of many of the principal streets of Frankfort, miles of gravel road and a large number of the principal iron bridges of the county. In every instance their work has proved eminently satisfactory to all concerned, and stands as a monument to their ability and integrity as public contractors. They were able at all times to furnish employment to hundreds of laboring men at a just and reasonable compensation, believing that "the laborer is worthy of his hire." The business of this firm was most successful. Street contracting, general contracting and the building of bridges and business blocks occupied the time of the firm from 1888 until 1890, the business amounting to thousands of dollars annually.

In 1890 the firm established the Frankfort Brick works, with a capacity of three and one-half to four million brick annually, giving employment to sixty or' seventy men. In the spring of 1894 their brick works were totally destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of sixteen to eighteen thousand dollars which was only partially covered by insurance. Xot discouraged by this misfortune, the firm at once cleared the wreck and proceeded to rebuild the works on a large scale and with increased facilities, and had one of the best equipped brick works in central Indiana. During all of these years, thus engaged in public works, giving employment to hundreds of men. this firm has never experienced the least trouble on account of strikes or dissatisfaction on the part of the men in their employ. The firm of Ross and Hedgecock was merged into the Frankfort Construction Company, of which our subject is the president and largest stock holder. Many are the evidences of their work in Frankfort and the surrounding cities of the county: The Rossville high school. Michigantown high school. Forest high school, the first w^ard building at Frankfort. Ross block. Fatzinger block. Palmer hospital. Kelly block, both of the Key's blocks, the American National Bank building, the heating plant, the public library, and several garages stand today examples of their craft. Mr. Ross's firm also has to its credit miles of bitulithic and asphalt streets in Anderson, Evansville, Inch, and other cities. During the last few years they have built approximately four miles of railroad bridges for the C. E. & I. and T. S. & W. railroads besides numerous county bridges. Mr. Ross personally contracts for large land deals, and the business in this line is rapidly increasing.

Mr. Ross has taken an active interest also in many enterprises other than contracting. I11 the year of 1902 he helped organize the American National Bank of Frankfort, and was elected president. He has continued ever since to fill the position and has built up an excellent reputation in fulfill- ment of the duties of that office. Mr. Ross also took a prominent part in the organization of the Frankfort Heating Company and the Peoples Life Insurance Company, being the largest stockholder in each at the time they were organized. The people of Frankfort number him among the progressive and capable men identified with their financial interests, and do not hesitate to place full confidence in his ability. Mr. Ross has also invested in land near Frankfort, at this writing. He is the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of fertile and tillable land adjoining the city on the northeast and about six hundred acres elsewhere in the county.

On February 12, 1884, Mr. Ross was united in marriage to Lola A. Curtis, the daughter of Charles P. Curtis, who was born in England and Esther (Rinard) Curtis, born in America, but of German extraction. Mrs. Ross was born in Lafayette, Ind., and of a family of eleven children, was the youngest. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross: Worley A., Carrie Venita, wife of Walter R. Dyer, of Boone, Iowa: Margaret Zola, and Dorothy Thelma. Mr. Ross's wife was called to her death February 21, 1907, after a beautiful life of religious devotion and love for her family and home.

Fraternally, Mr. Ross is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Religiously, he is a Presbyterian and in political affairs is a faithful supporter of the Republican party.

George Y. Fowler

George Y. Fowler, son of William A. and Sarah Fowler, was born in Perry township, Clinton county, March 11, i860. His parents came to Clinton county in an early day, the father being a native of Kentucky and the mother a native of Virginia. They married and settled on a farm near Colfax, where the subject of this sketch was born and where he spent the early years of his life. The first tragedy in his young life occurred in 1867. when his mother died, and five years later, 1872, he was completely orphaned by the death of his father. The bodies were laid to rest and still repose in the old White cemetery in Perry township, w here sleep others of the pioneer men and women who bravely undertook the task of reclaiming from swamp and forest the fertile lands of that section of the county contiguous to Colfax.

After the death of his father, being then at the age of twrelve years, Mr. Fowler was given a home with relatives who resided on a Perry township farm and there he remained about two years, attending the district school in the winter and making himself useful on the farm during the remainder of the time. While Mr. Fowler's experience in the actual work upon the farm was limited on account of his immature years he nevertheless bore his part and at a time before much advancement had been made in the production of labor saving farm machinery. It was before the day of the riding plow and the riding cultivator, it ante-dated the coming of the self-binder, and nearly all of the modern methods for harvesting the grain and hay crops. It was during that era of strenuous effort when the farmers of Clinton county were putting their muscle to the natural obstacles to agriculture, and to this work Mr. Fow ler gave the best that was in him in exchange for the home that was opened to him when a home was sorely needed.

In 1874 came the turning point in his career and decided his course of future usefulness, for in that year he decided to prepare himself for the occupation of printing and to that end entered the office of the Frankfort Crescent as apprentice. The Crescent at that time wras under the management of the veteran journalist, Staley, and located on the south side of the square in rooms over what is now known as the Spray grocery. In due time he completed his apprenticeship and graduated as a journeyman printer, but remained in Mr. Staley's employ for several years afterwards, his connection with the Crescent in the capacities of apprentice, foreman, business manager and news writer extending over a period of eleven years.

During that time Mr. Staley was in the Indiana legislature as representative from Clinton county and Mr. Fowler was practically in charge of the Crescent, and the experience thus acquired was a valuable asset to him in after vears in carrying out his plans and fulfilling his ambition to be a publisher of a successful newspaper.

In 1885 he resigned his position on the Crescent, to go into business for himself. Together with his brother, Finley Fowler, and G. H. Hamilton, he established the Frankfort Weekly Times. Mr. Hamilton had been publishing a small weekly paper at Colfax called The Chronicle. 'I bis plant was destroyed by fire and new equipment was bought. After Mr. Fowler and his brother acquired an interest in the business the material w'as brought to Frankfort, making two medium-sized loads. In comparison with the present massive equipment of the Times this statement is interesting. The material was moved into two small rooms over the Epstein store and there the Times office was established in August, 1885. The old Chronicle at Colfax had quite a large circulation and this together with the new' list of subscribers that

Finley Fowler died in 1889 and subsequent to that sad event Mr. Fowler bought the interest of Mr. Hamliton, and with the exception of about two years, during which time J. J. Aughe was part owner of the paper, has published The Times under his sole ownership and management. Originally the Weekly Times was an eight page, six column paper, half of it being what is known as "ready print." The proprietors were without a newspaper press and during the first few years of its existence the paper was printed on the Crescent press. The Times, however, gained immediate popularity with the public and the demand upon its columns made hv advertisers necessitated the addition of extra columns, so that inside of two years the paper was enlarged to a seven column quarto. At the same time the publishers purchased a press upon which to print their paper, and to stay within their means selected a Proutv, the cheapest newspaper press built at that time. It served the purpose, however, for two years, when it became necessary to have a larger and faster press to keep up with the rapidly growing circulation of The Times. This time a Potter drum cylinder press was installed, at that time one of the most popular model- of fiat bed presses. By that time The Times had outgrown its original quarters and the office was moved to the second story of the Cohee building at the southwest corner of the square. Subsequently, another move was made to the Kelly building on West Clinton street to upstairs rooms, and later the office w as installed in the down-stairs room in the same building. It took a few years for The Times to get in on the "ground floor,'' but having once attained that desired location it has ever since remained there. The room in the Kelly block was the home of The Times until nine years ago, since which time it has occupied a building especially built for the purpose and known as the Times building, located on east Clinton street. The building is thirty-three by one hundred and thirty-two feet, two stories and basement, and was constructed to meet all the needs for the publication of a modern newspaper.

In 1894, believing that the people of Frankfort and Clinton county would appreciate the advantages of a daily morning newspaper. Mr. Fowler launched The Morning Times, and has never regretted it. although the attempt to establish a morning daily at that time was rather hazardous and involved possible failure and financial loss. He was advised by friends not to attempt so radical an undertaking in local journalism, but acting upon the firm belief that the field was amply large for a morning paper, he brought out his hrst issue, and success has attended his venture from that day to this. The growth of The Morning Times has been little short of marvelous. Its popucovers the county, and has, since the establishment of free rural mail delivery, that its value as an advertising medium has made ever increasing demand for space, necessitating frequent enlargements. The growth in circulation and business has also made repeated demands for new and better equipment and these demands have been promptly met by the progressive publishers. When the linotype began displacing hand compositors, Mr. Fowler was among the very first of the provincial daily newspapers to install a machine and this gave his readers a quadruple allowance of reading matter. As The Morning Times grew the old Potter press became inadequate to the demand for speed and so Mr. Fowler, in 1900, installed a Miehle press, the fastest flat-bed press then on the market. This served its purpose fairly well for a few years or until the circulation of the paper grew to such size that something faster upon which to print the paper was an imperative demand. So in 1912 Mr. Fowler installed a Webb perfecting press that cost a small fortune, but which will fulfill all the requirements for many years to come. The press prints from a continuous roll of paper and is capable of turning out one hundred completed and folded papers per minute. Four, eight or ten papers can be printed as desired. Mr. Fowler's policy of being a little in advance of the times extends to his general equipment, and from a small beginning - two wagon loads of material - the plant has grown to its present large proportions.

For several years past Mr. Fowler has been assisted by his sons, Maxwell and Walter, who are now assuming a share of the burden which for so many years were visited upon one pair of shoulders, and the probability is that The Morning Times will be published by several generations of Fowlers, descendants of the man who was responsible for its start.

On October 11, 1SS2, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage with Christina Kramer, daughter of Edward and Mary Kramer, who were among the early settlers in Frankfort. Three sons, Raymond, George Maxwell, and Walter Scott, have been born to them. While the publication of his paper and the conduct of his business has made steady and ever increasing demands upon Mr. Fowler's time he has nevertheless found time to fraternize with his fellow newspaper men, being one of the oldest members of the Northern Indiana Editorial Association, and. until very recently, a regular attendant at its meetings. Neither has he neglected the social side of life, being a member of three of Frankfort's leading fraternal orders - Knights of Pythias, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Improved Order of Red Men.

He is a member of the official board and also the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church and was church treasurer for a long; term of years, during the pastorates of Doctors Hollingsworth. Ogden and Halstead.

C Apt Atx George W. Browx. M. D.

As the aristocratic Southland today loves the memory of Jeb Stuart's rollicking, courageous and daring cavalry troop, so does the more astute North glory in the recollection of Wilder's Lightning Brigade, that hardy, manly and intrepid company of men who played so conspicuous a part in the campaigns of the Army of the Cumberland. On the blood}- fields of Chickamauga and around Chattanooga these men from Indiana and Illinois fought, and they came to bear the reputation of being able to "lick anything that stood before them." Since those days of strife the men who composed the rank and file have scattered over the whole country. Some in the years since have filled the highest offices in the country, others have entered the different professions, some in the law courts have made their names famous and othres as financiers, have made distinct successes. The immediate subject of this sketch was a member of the Seventy-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which, along with the Seventy-fifty Indiana and the Ninety-eighth Illinois, made up Wilder's Brigade when it was organized at Louisville, Kentucky, in September. 1S62. His part in the activities of that famous brigade was a notable one and his conduct w as ever that becoming a gentleman and an officer.

Captain George W. Brown was born on a farm in Warren county, O., August 3. 1843. ar*d was the son of Jeffrey and Mary ( Irwin) Brown. In the spring of 1851 our subject's father moved to Clinton county, and settled on a farm. Captain Browm's early education was obtained in the common schools of Rossville. which town was near to his home farm. At the age of sixteen years he began the study of medicine, and. not being willing to depend solely upon his father for support while attending medical school, he taught school during the winter of '61-62.

The call of the North for volunteers interrupted his plans, however, and his patriotism won. On July 23, 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company K, Seventy-second Indiana Regiment. He served until November, 1863, when he was detailed to return home and recruit, and he secured fortysix men, thus filling his company to the maximum. While he was fulfilling this order, on January 23, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and on April 19, 1864, he rejoined the regiment at Columbus, Tenn., just before the beginning of the Atlanta campaign, and assumed command of his company, the captain being absent on account of wounds. On July 1, 1864 our subject was advanced to tbe position of captain, and remained in command until the day they were all mustered out of the service. A booklet published on the occasion of the dedication of the Wilder Brigade monument on the battlefield of Chickamauga. the following appears descriptive of Captain Brown: '

"Though not past his majority when he became commanding officer of Company K, Captain Brown was a prudent, careful officer, always ready for duty and prompt to perform it. His medical skill proved very valuable to his men and many a boy of Company K escaped a spell of sickness through the careful oversight and wise forethought of his company commander. He was popular with his men. as is evidenced by the fact that when the regiment arrived at Edgefield. Tenn.. on the way home at the close of the war. Company K had one hundred and one men on its roll and found twelve recruits in camp waiting to join it.

"Captain Brown is a genial, kind-hearted gentleman, an estimable citizen, highly respected by all who know him. He i- generous to a fault, and in the practice of his profession has been to hundreds of sufferers the kind and considerate friend and counselor as well as the patient, skillful, medical attendant. For hi-' old comrades he always has an open heart and cordial greeting, and they all delight to take him by the hand and look into his always pleasant countenance."

In October. i8d;. Captain Brown entered the Rush Medical College at Chicago, and was graduated w ith high honors from that institution on Tanuarv 24. 1866. On February 12, 1866 he put out his sign in Frankfort, and he has since continued his practice in this city. In Tune, 1889, he was appointed on the Pension Examining Board of Clinton county, and was chosen its secretary, and served until September, 1893. In June, 1897, he was again appointed, and is still performing his duties on the board.

On September 20. 1863 Captain Brown was united in marriage with Laura Gentry, of Frankfort. Two children have been born to this union: Ada G., who died July 18, 1898, and Walter E.

Fraternally, our subject is a member of the Masonic Order, being a Roval Arch Mason. He also is a member of the Grand \rmy of the Republic. Religiously, he is a Presbyterian, and politically, a Republican.

David S. Brant

As long as history is studied will the American people revere the heroes, who, between the years of 1861 and 1865, fought to keep as one a country that threatened to divide for all time. Monuments and fitting ceremonies may celebrate the lives given so freely in those days in the cause of the land, but the true appreciation, the lasting one, will be in the thoughts of the people, that will be handed down from generation to generation until possibly some day they will become a tradition, the recital of which will serve as a slogan for our childrens' deeds on the field of honor. The veterans are leaving us fast, leaving their records for us to reflect upon, but yet there are many left, an army of them. In the front ranks will be found one of the most honored and respected citizens of Frankfort. He is David S. Brant.

Mr. Brant was born in Michigan township, Clinton county, January 31, 1840, the son of Abram L. and Catherine (Wilson) Brant. The father was a native of New Jersey, and the mother was born in the state of Ohio. Abram Brant came to Clinton county in the early days of 1838, traveling overland in covered wagons, and settled in Michigan township where he followed his life-long trade, that of shoemaking. He raised a large family of eight children, and four of them still survive.

In his early life, David Brant was educated in the common schools of Clinton county, and after leaving his desk in the school room he took up farming in the same county.

In 1861, when President Lincoln called for volunteers to fight for the preservation of the union, David Brant was one of the most eager to respond. On August 3, 1861, he handed his name to the recruiting officer as a member of Company C. Tenth Indiana Infantry. Colonel Manson, now famous in the annals of Indiana's participation in the struggle, was the commanding officer. The Tenth Regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and with them went David Brant, participating in the brilliant and successful campaign of that division under the command of General Thomas. On September 19, 1864, Mr. Brant was mustered out in Indianapolis. He returned to his farm in Clinton county, and remained there until he decided to retire, whereupon, in 1890, he moved to Frankfort and resides there now in comfort and peace.

The lean and grizzled veteran that trudged back to Indiana from the dust and heat of the army campaign was not to go without reward. A sweet-faced Michigan township girl waited patiently, Julia A. Fudge was her name, and on November 8, 1865, a year and two months after he was mustered out of the army, Mr. Brant married her. She was the daughter of Moses and Mary (Harshbarger) Fudge. Moses Fudge came to Indiana from Rockingham county, Virginia, and the wife came from Ohio in 1833. They settled in Michigan township, five miles east of Frankfort.

Mr. Brant has ever taken an active interest in the affairs of his community, never hesitating to take up any task demanded of him by his fellow townsmen and always in a cheerful and willing mood. For three years he was drainage commissioner of Frankfort, and performed the duties of his office in very creditable manner. Mr. Brant is one of the bulwarks of the Grand Army of the Republic, lending his picturesque and interesting character to the aid of his former comrades. The Progressive party found a strong supporter in Mr. Brant, and he bids fair to remain loyal.

Isaac Irwtx

To have fought in the day- of '61. and to have made a record for bravery and devotion to duty, is, in itself, adequate recommendation for a place in a volume such as the one in hand. Isaac Irwin's name is on the roster of those brace fellows who sacrificed their dearest possessions in order that the Union might not be disrupted. However. Mr. Irwin's success in life after the close of the war would be of sufficient weight to insure permanent record. Mr. Irwin has been a hard and unflinching worker and therein lies the secret of his prosperity: he has made his own path of roses and has never won any reward without an equal expenditure of energy and labor. In Clinton county, Mr. Irwin is numbered among the best citizens and his scores of friends will testify to his integrity and high ideals.

Isaac X. Irwin was born in Center township. Clinton county, August 29, 1845. and was the son of Robert S. and Rebecca (Gray) Irwin. Robert S. Irwin was born in Ross county. O.. January [4. 1818. a son of Samuel and Esther (Dean) Irwin. Samuel Irwin was born in Maryland. January 1, 1782, and was but two vears of age when taken to Kentucky, and but a few vears later to Ohio. He there grew to maturity and was married in Ross county to Esther Dean, who bore fourteen children: Catherine. Abigail, Jessup. Mesner, Gustin, Jared William, Samuel K.. John. Robert S., Price, (26)

Asa, Nancy J., and James L., all of whom were born in Ross county, O. In 1829, the parents of Robert S. Irwin came to Indiana and settled in Montgomery county, where the father died on August t 8, 1834, in the Presbyterian faith, the mother surviving until January 27, 1865.

Robert S. Irwin was reared to manhood in Montgomery county, Ind., and there made his home until he reached his majority. He then attended school in Jefferson county, and taught for three years in Tippecanoe and Clinton counties and elsewhere; then in 1843 he rented a farm in Clinton county, on which he resided as a tenant for six years. In 1850, he bought a farm of eighty acres of excellent land, in Twelve Mile Prairie, on which he lived until 1892. when he came to the city to live, on account of the great convenience of natural gas, although he was yet the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land. On September 24, 1840, Robert Irwin was married to Rebecca Gray, who was born in Hamilton county. Ohio, a daughter of John and Sarah (Douglas) Gray. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin was blessed with the following children: Sarah M. Boyd. John S. (deceased), Isaac, Samuel, Rebecca (deceased). Jane Ball and Robert \Y. The mother of these children died December 5. 1855. In 1856 Mr. Irwin was remarried, his second wife being Elizabeth M. Smiley, who was the mother of the following children: Mary Waite, Elizabeth, (deceased), Rosa Gentry, William (deceased) and Clara Ward. Mrs. Irwin died April 13. 1878. Robert S. Irwin was a Republican in politics and served two terms as township trustee and as justice of the peace four years. By occupation he was a farmer and his career was marked by a succession of useful acts to his fellow citizens and home community. He died on the sixteenth of February, 1895.