Delaware County, Indiana - The whole text, 1908 (part 2 of 15)

Harv M. Koontz, secretary of the Muncie Trust Company and president of the Muncie police commission, is one of the best and most favorably known men in Delaware county, where he was born on the 14th of November, 1863, a son of J. Harv and Amanda (Shimer) Koontz, among the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Mount Pleasant township. There they have spent many years of their active and useful lives, and the father is not only well and prominently known but is also a successful farmer and an diana. Returning thence to his home, he accepted the position of deputy county auditor in 1886, a position he held for one year, and after an intermission of short duration he was again made the deputy in this office, where he remained for about one year more. Mr. Koontz was then variously employed for several years, during which time he was in the abstract and insurance business for a period and was also connected with the Merchants' National Bank for one and a half years. In 1901, when the Muncie Trust Company was organized, he was elected secretary of the organization, and has since been the incumbent of the position. During Mayor Sheritt's administration he served as city comptroller for one and a half years. In politics he has long been active as a Republican, and for two years was chairman of the county central committee, serving well his fellow men whether in political or professional life. His fraternal relations connect him with the order of Knights of Pythias. In 1888 Mr. Koontz married Miss Wynona Long.

Joseph A. Goddard is an honored soldier of the Civil war and a man who for a number of years has held a refM-esentative place among the leading business men of Muncie. He was bom in Cleveland, Ohio, December 17, 1840, his parents being John Henry and Ann (Wilson) Goddard, both natives of England. They left their native land during their childhood days, coming to America, the mother with her parents and the father came when a boy alone, and for a time after his arrival, the father resided in Buffalo, New York, removing thence to Ohio, where he spent the ^-emainder of his life. The mother died in 1847, ^g^^d thirty-seven. The father^s labors were ended in death in 1882, aged seventy-one years.

Joseph A. Goddard attended the public schools in his native state of Ohio until his thirteenth year, when he laid aside his text books and entered upon a six years' apprenticeship at the printer's trade in Ravenna, that state, but after two years gave up the idea of becoming a printer and instead was employed at farm labor until 1858. In that year he went to Cincinnati and entered his uncle's wholesale grocery store, with whom he remained until 1862, when, believing that his country needed his services and putting aside all personal ccwisiderations he entered the Fourth Ohio Cavalry as a private soldier. He was promoted and commissioned after six months' service in the ranks, as second lieutenant, first lieutenant and then captain, and was assigned to Company D, the same regiment, on detached service. He continued as a soldier throughout the entire campaign, serving with the Army of the Cumberland and participating in many of the historic battles of the war, including those of Chickamauga and Nashville. In January, 1864, he and his military career is one of which he may be justly proud, covering as it does a long period of arduous service in his country's cause.

Returning to his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Goddard was there connected with the wholesale grocery trade until his removal to Muncie, Indiana, in 1874, where he began in the retail grocery business in a small way, becoming a member of the firm of Adamson & Goddard. This partnership continued until 1881, when Mr. Adamson took the retail department and Mr. Goddard the wholesale, the latter carrying on business in a little store on South Walnut street between Main and Jackson. With the passing years his trade grew in volume and importance until it became necessary to enlarge its scope. He built and occupied the building southeast corner Walnut and Adams streets. This building becoming too small for his increasing business he removed to Mulberry and Charles streets. In 1905 the magnificent and commodious building on Seymour street which he now occupies was erected. To him has come the attainment of a distinguished position in connection with the business interests of the city. His is truly a successful life, but the success which he has achieved is but the reward of labor and integrity in business.

In 1866 occurred the marriage of Mr. Goddard and Miss Mary Hough, she being a daughter of William Hough, an honored pioneer of Wayne county, Indiana. They have become the parents of three children, one son, William H., who is now in business with his father, and two daughters, Grace and Anna, the former being the wife of C. M. Rich, of Muncie. The family is connected with the Society of Friends, of which Mrs. Goddard is a lifelong member. Mr. Goddard is a member of Williams Post, G. A. R., and the Loyal Legion.

John Rollin Marsh, secretary and chief engineer for the Indiana Bridge Company, began his business career in the employ of this firm August I, 1^7, as a civil engineer, and not long afterward was promoted to the position of chief engineer and later to the secretaryship also. He was bom in Muncie, Indiana, January 13, 1863, his parents being John and Mary (Mitchell) Marsh. Mr. Marsh, the father, was born in Preble county, Ohio, August 22, 181 1, and in his veins mingled the blood of the Anglo-Saxon with that of the Teutonic race. His father, Timothy Marsh, was the son of John Marsh, who came to this country from England and settled in what is now Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, afterward serving in the American army throughout the Revolution. The mother of John Marsh bore the maiden name of Mary Clawson, and was born near the mouth of the Little Miami river, August 22, 1778, and is said to have been the first white child born in the territory of Ohio. She died at the age of ninety years, at the home of her son, Searing Marsh, near Logansport, Indiana, September 15, 1877. Her father was John Clawson. a German, who settled first in Kentucky and afterward in Ohio. He too took part in the American war for independence, and was noted for his sterling character.

John Marsh, the father of John Rollin, was reared under the pioneer conditions of the early days, and therefore obtained but a limited educational training. At the age of seventeen he went to Eaton, Ohio, and served as an apprentice of five years at the hatter's trade, while later he began his career as a business man at Camden, Ohio, as a hatter. He continued there with success up to 1847, when he enteted the dry goods trade, and one year later was elected the treasurer of Preble county. He held the office by re-election for three terms, and in the fall of 1854 removed to Wayne county, Indiana, and became president of the Cambridge City Bank. In 1856 Mr. Marsh became a citizen of Muncie, and at the same time organized the Muncie branch of the State Bank of Indiana, becoming its president. In 1865 this institution was converted into the Muncie National Bank, and he remained its president until 1874, when he sold his interest and retired from business. It was only a short time, however, until he was induced by his friends to organize the Citizens' Bank, in November of the same year, which institution was on the loth of March, 1875, converted into the Citizens' National Bank, and being given his choice of positions he became its cashier, a position he held up to the time of his death, in 1887. He was one of the organizers of the Republican party, and his views were ever afterward in accord with the principles set forth by this party. He became a Master Mason in 1838, and rose to the rank of a Knight Templar, being always active in the order. In 1854 he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and at the time of his death he had been for years a trustee of the organization. Mr. Marsh was twice married. On the 25th of May, 1835, he married Margaret, the daughter of Nathan and Jane (Carr) Mitchell, both natives of Maryland and pioneers of Ohio. Four children were bom of this union, and the mother died of cholera in 1849. August 29, 1854, Mr. Marsh married for his second wife Mrs. Mary Mutchner, nee Mitchell, who also bore him four children. She died in 1899. He was well informed, an excellent business man, a public spirited citizen, honest in his dealings, and kind and faithful as a friend, husband and father.

At the time of accepting a position with his present firm John R. Marsh had just graduated from the School of Mines, Columbia College, New York, as a mining engineer, in 1887, having pursued a four years' course. Previous to this, in 1879, he had graduated from the Muncie high school. After leaving the high school as a graduate he accepted the position of deputy clerk of the Delaware county circuit court, while later he became deputy county recorder, in both of which positions he served several terms under different officers, proving himself a very efficient and capable assistant. In his present position of secretary and chief engineer of the Indiana Bridge Company, he has attained a thorough and intricate knowledge of civil engineering, having few equals in this line in the entire state, and he is well and favorably known among experts in his profession.

his wife are members of the Episcopal church, and in politics he is a Republican. He was for some years a member of the "Library Board," and was secretary of the committee that had charge of the building of the elegant library building. He was also a member of the board of park commissioners at the time that Mr. McCulloch donated the McCulloch Park, and it was this board that developed the park and made all the improvements that have been made to the present time.

Robert Meeks. Deeds are thoughts crystallized, and according to their brilliancy do we judge the worth of a man to the country which produced him, and in his works we expect to find the true index to his character. The study of the life of the representative American never fails to offer much of pleasing interest and valuable instruction, developing a mastering of expedients which has brought about most wonderful results. Mr. Meeks was long prominently identified with the business interests of Muncie and Delaware county, and while his varied affairs brought him success, they also advanced the general welfare by accelerating commercial activity.

Among the many worthy characters whose careers have graced the history of Delaware county there is none more deserving of mention than the late Robert Meeks. He was bom in Monongalia county, West Virginia, July 8, 1822, and when seventeen years of age came to Delaware county with his parents, Amos and Nancy (Means) Meeks, who were also bom in West Virginia. In a wagcMi drawn by four horses they came all the way to Indiana in 1839, locating three miles north of what is now Parker City, in the dense forest, where they set about to erect a log cabin and to clear a fann. In this task the father was assisted by his son Robert, the eldest of the family, which consisted of eight sons, seven daughters and a son and daughter by the father's second marriage.

During the five years succeeding the arrival of the family in Delaware county Robert remained with his parents on the farm, and then having arrived at the age of twenty-one years he began the battle of life for himself. Leaving the parental home with but a limited education, for only such had been afforded him in those early picMieer days, he began to serve an apprenticeship at cabinet-making with Nottingham & Swain, of Muncie, During the first year he received no wages, gnly his board, but he soon mastered his trade and was drawing a wage. Saving his eamings, he was able in 1846 to buy an interest in the firm, for which he paid four hundred and fifty dollars. His brother Isaac also served an apprenticeship with the same firm and eventually, in the latter part of 1846, the two brothers became the sole owners of the business, the firm name being R. & I. Meeks. This style was continued for a series of years or to about 1871, when James W. Meeks, eldest son of Robert, secured an interest, the name then becoming R. & I. Meeks & Company. At this time a two-story brick building was erected on the southeast comer of Elm and Washington streets, in which were installed an engine, boiler and the latest improved machinery, and the making of furniture was begun. The factory was continued with success up to 1890, when it was destroyed by fire, and although it was never rebuilt the firm continued dealing in furniture and as undertakers. In 1880 two other sons of Robert, William A. and Martin L. Meeks, joined the firm. Isaac Meeks retained his interest therein until a few months prior to his death on January 16, 1891, and the style of the firm was later changed to R. Meeks & Sons, the present style. On the 2d of January, 1892, Mr. Robert Meeks accidentally fell and twoke his leg and hip, and from that time forward he was not active in the firm, his death occurring on the 24th of February, 1906, when in his eighty-fourth year. He was familiarly known as Uncle Robert, and was universally loved and respected. His business career was both long and useful, and in all his dealings he manifested a fairness that won for him the confidence of all alike. He led a quiet and unpretentious life, characterized by fidelity not only to his friends and family, but also to the public.

In 1846 Mr. Meeks married Miss Sarah, the daughter of Jacob and Beersheba Jones, natives of West Virginia, where their daughter was also born in 1827, and was eleven years of age when her parents came to Delaware county. Unto Robert Meeks and his wife were bom four sons : James W., William A., Martin L. and Jacob Arthur, all of whom are numbered among the most prominent business men of Muncie, and the three eldest now constitute the firm of R. Meeks & Sons. Mrs. Meeks survives her husband, and is now past eighty years of age. She is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Meeks affiliated with the Odd Fellows* order and was a stanch Prohibitionist. On the 5th of March following his death Mr. and Mrs. Robert Meeks would have celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage. They had arranged to commemorate the event by having a grand reunion of family, relatives and friends.

Frank Elus, an attorney in Muncie, Indiana, and well known in professional circles throughout the community, was born in Delaware county, February 12, 1842, a son of John H. and Phebe (Kirkpatrick) Ellis, both natives of Ohio, the former of Greene and the latter of Clark county, and both became early residents of Delaware county, Indiana. The mother was but a child when she came with her parents in the '30s, while the husband and father dated his arrival about 1835, becoming one of its leading contractors and builders, and his death occurred during the battle of Chickamauga in 1863. At the breaking out of the Civil war he organized Company B, Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which he was made the captain, and he was called upon to lay down his life on the altar of his country.

After getting some education in the public schools of Delaware county Frank Ellis learned the printer's trade and also taught school. In 1862 he entered his father's company for service in the Civil war, participating in the entire campaign of three years, and was mustered out in June, 1865. He took part in all the engagements of his regiment, among which were Chickamauga, Franklin, Nashville, the campaign against Hood and the Atlanta campaign. During his army service, in October, 1864, he was elected the treasurer of Delaware county, reaching home in time to enter upon his duties in August, 1865, and in 1866 he was re-elected to the office. On the expiration of his four years' term in the treasurers' office Mr. Ellis entered the mercantile business as a grain and lumber merchant. During his boyhood days he had read law, and on retiring from his mercantile venture he resumed its study and was admitted to the bar, and immediately afterward he began practice in Muncie. From 1883 for twenty years he was in partnership with John T. Walterhouse. From 1882 until Mr. Lotz's promotion to the bench he was associated in practice with Judge Lotz, the firm name being Lotz & Ellis. Since retiring from partnership with Mr. Walterhouse he has practiced alone. He has been connected with many important litigations, his practice reaching into the higher courts of the state. His activity in political lines has brought him repeatedly before the public, and for two terms he served as a member of the city council, while for four terms he was the mayor of Muncie and for two terms was the city attorney. At the present time he is serving as a United States commissioner, which position he has held for eight years.

In 1870 Mr. Ellis was united in marriage to Mary E. Martindale, a native of Delaware county and a ckiughter of Benjamin F. Martindale, one of its earliest pioneers. Two daughters have been bom of this union, Elizabeth, the wife of W. M. Myers, of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Ethel Joy. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Williams Post, of the Sons of Veterans, of Muncie Lodge, No. 433, of the Masonic order, and of the Chapter and Commandery, and is one of the oldest members of the Odd Felk)ws' fraternity in the city, having joined the order in 1865.

J. H. Smith. It was in July of the year 1885 that Mr. J. H. Smith transferred his residence and business, conducted under the name of J. H. Smith & Company, from Bluffton, Indiana, where he had lived for fifteen years, to Muncie, and engaged in the manufacture of carriage woodwork. The business, however, has since been incorporated with the Pioneer Pole & Shaft Company, of which Mr. Smith is the largest stockholder and the vice-president. The consolidation occurred in 1903, and the plant at Muncie is now one of eleven.

Mr. Smith was reared at Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 23d of April, 1843, a son of Andrew and Margaret (Homer) Smith, both of whom were bom in Germany. They left their native land when children and were married in this country, the father for years serving as a hotel proprietor of Freedom, and there both he and his wife died. In their family were two sons and a daughter. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Smith married a Mr. Hartley, by whom she had three sons and a daughter. - he has made his own way in the world from an early age. The educational training which he received in the common schools of Freedom was supplemented by attendance at a night school in Economy, Pennsylvania, and later he pursued a commercial course in bookkeeping at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. During the intervening period from his fourteenth to his eighteenth year he had learned coopering, and at the age of nineteen years he began the manufacture of oil barrels at Freedom. In the fall of 1863 he enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, as a private, and was mustered out of the service on the 7th of August, 1865, after a long and arduous career in the service of the Union cause. Among the many engagements in which he participated may be mentioned those of Cold Harbor, Hanover Court House, Travelian Station, Winchester (September 19, 1864), Cedar Creek, Sailor Creek, and was at the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court House. Mr. Smith now holds membership relations with Williams Post, No. 78, G. A. R., of Muncie.

Returning home to Freedom, Pennsylvania, from the war he resumed the making of barrels and in 1870 came to Bluffton, Indiana, where he continued the business.

In 1867 he married Catherine Schaufelberger, who was born and reared in Freedom, and they have had five children, namely: Lillian Elizabeth, now Mrs. Lone Franklin, of Muncie; Bertha Louise, now Mrs. J. H. Love, Jr., of New York city; Margaret Winnifred, who became the wife of J. Edgar Johnson, of Muncie, and died leaving two children ; Xena Young Smith, a physician of Indianapolis; and Huda May, the wife of Lloyd Kimbrough, of Muncie. Mr. Smith is a Thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Knight Templars, the Mystic Shrine and Murat Temple of Indianapolis. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Muncie, in which he holds the office of director.

James Charman. Among the citizens of Muncie to whom has been yielded an honored retirement from labor after many years of business activity is numbered James Charman. He has been a resident of this city for many years, being numbered among its earliest pioneers, and through an extended period he was prominently identified with its business interests. His birth occurred in Surry, England, on the Wesley farm, September 22, 1831, his parents being Arthur and Rebecca (Carton) Charman, both of whom were also bom in the mother country of England, the father on the 23d of September, 1784, and the mother July 22, 1805. They were married at St. Paul's church at Convent Garden, London, June 23, 1823, and became the parents of the following children: Richard Carton, John, Thomas, James, Arthur, Frederick, Sarah Jane, George, Edward Ross, Ann, Louisa Emily and Joseph Albert, all of whom are deceased with the exception of James and Sarah Jane. In November of 1848 the family set sail for America, and after their arrival in this country located first at Centerville, Wayne county, Indiana, from whence they removed to Anderson,

Indiana, about 1862, and in 1877 came to Muncie. Mr. Charman had followed agricultural pursuits in England, but after coming to America he was not active in business owing to advanced age. His death occurred in this city on the nth of May, 1880, when he had reached the age of ninetyfive years, and his wife passed away in death November 20, 1887. They were members of the Christian church at Anderson, Indiana, and were people of sterling worth and true nobility of character.

James Charman accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States and in their subsequent removals. During his two years' residence in Richmond, Indiana, he followed his trade of a baker, and removing to Muncie in the spring of 1853 he resumed the work of his trade here. In time he became the proprietor of one of the leading bakery and grocery houses in the city, and continued actively in business up to 1890, when he laid aside the active cares of life and has since lived in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

Mr. Charman married, May 9, 1874, Caroline Rodman, bom in Preble county, Ohio, March 29, 1842, a daughter of Job and Catherine (Williamson) Rodman, who claimed Pennsylvania as the commonwealth of their nativity, and they were respectively of Irish and Scotch descent. They came to Indiana in the year of 1848, locating in Muncie, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father was a gardener. In their family were ten children, namely : Samuel S., Mary Ann, Hannah, Joseph, Charles F., Edward, Hannah C, Elizabeth Ellen, Caroline and Francis Henry. Hannah C, Caroline and Frgincis Henry are the only surviving members of this once large family. Mr. Charman has been twice married, wedding on the 20th of February, 1852, Mary Ann Rodman, who died in 1873, without issue. In 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Charman adopted a daughter. May, now the wife of John McPhee, an attorney. Since the early age of twenty-one years Mr. Charman has affiliated with the order of Odd Fellows, joining the fraternity in February, 1853. During his early years he voted with the Whigs, casting his first ballot for General Scott, but since the organization of the Republican party he has been a member of its ranks, and in the early *6os he was a member of the city council of Muncie. Both he and his wife are members of the Universalist church. Her parents were Quakers.

August Braun is the genial and successful proprietor of the Braun Hotel, of Muncie. He was born in the state of New York, near the village of Cochecton, Sullivan county, on the 26th of June, 1871. He is the only son of Andrew and Anna (Klopfer) Braun, and has but one sister, Miss Marv Braun. His parents are of German stock, both having- been born in

Young Braun had attended the common schools in his native state, and after coming to this city he resumed his studies, while later he entered the Muncie Business College to pursue a course in bookkeeping and stenography. But he never followed either of the callings, for in the meantime his parents had entered the hotel business and required his assistance. The Braun Hotel was originally known as the Abbott House, it having been established in the 'sos, and was an eight-room, frame building on the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets. In September, 1885, Mr. Braun, Sr., became the proprietor, and the name was then changed to the Braun Hotel. From the beginning the hostelry has been a success, so much so that nine years after taking charge an addition to the building was necessary to accommodate the largely increased patronage, while in the year of 1894 a brick addition was erected just to the east and joining the original frame. A larger and handsomer dining room was thus added, as well as several sleeping rooms, the addition being three stories high. In 1897 another addition was built to the north of the original frame. This was also a threestory brick, and was another decided improvement to the hotel. In 1899 a third improvement was made in the erection of a two-story brick for the purpose of a kitchen, power and steam plant. This addition was built to the' north of the first and east of the second addition. The original frame was not torn down until 1903, when it was replaced by a four-story brick so as to connect all the additions in one building of modern convenience, containing seventy-two guest rooms, a large and handsome office or lobby, together with a writing room, basement and other arrangements, easily rendering the hotel one of the best and most conveniently arranged in the state. The Braun Hotel has more than a state reputation for being a splendid hostelry. Its success, however, has been largely due to the mother of Mr. Braun. In an early day she was the splendid cook that gave the hotel its enviable reputation for fine meals and cleanliness. Her son has for many years been the proprietor, but she has been of inestimable aid to him in making it one of the most successful hotels of Indiana.

Mr. August Braun is well and favorably known in hotel circles and by the traveling public. He is regarded as an enterprising and thoroughgoing business man. In political matters he has never taken an active interest. but casts his ballot in the interests of the men and measures of the Republican party. He sustains prominent relations in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic fratemit\'. He is a Thirty-second degree Mason and also a member of the Mystic Shrine.

John Birkenstock. Although his residence in Muncie does not cover an extended period of time John Birkenstock has become well and favorably known here because of his genial spirit and active interest in the progress of the city. The title of Colonel, given him by friends because of his affiliations with certain organizations among the brewers in Philadelphia when on several occasions of public receptions and parades he served his associates as their leader, is not wholly undeserved, for he served with gallantry in the Civil war. He enlisted in the early part of 1864, as a private in Company D, Forty-sixth New York Infantry, and participated in seventeen engagements, having been mustered out of the service in August, 1865. Since 1879 he has been a member of the E. D. Baker Post, No. 8, G. A. R., of Philadelphia.

John Birkenstock was born in Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, October 12, 1845. His parents were Martin and Marie (Ackerman) Birkenstock. The former, who was a dry goods merchant and also a judge of and dealer in wines, was three times married and was the father of seventeen children. He died in Germany when seventy-five years of age. He was of strong and sturdy build and a successful business man. The mother came to America after her husband's death, and died in Milwaukee at the age of eighty-six years.

In the schools of his native land of Germany John Birkenstock received his educational training, and at the age of fourteen years he came alone to the United States, making the voyage on a sailing vessel to the New York harbor, from whence he went to Philadelphia, where at the time he had seven sisters and a brother living. There he made his home until 1891, first working as a maker of the bodies of carriages, later at the cooper's trade, and finally entered upon his career as a brewer. During this time he drew an annual salary of five thousand dollars. In 1891 he went to AUentown, Pennsylvania,, and rebuilt a brewery, but this did not prove a success, and in 1897, in company with Mr. Fred Horlacher, he built at AUentown, Pennsylvania, and this brewery was operated until 1902, when Mr. Birkenstock sold his interest and came to Muncie, here organizing the Muncie Brewing Company, and the venture has proved very successful.

In Philadelphia, in 1868, he married Miss ElizaOeth Scholl, who was born in the famous William Penn house, which has since been torn down and rebuilt in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia. It was the first brick house built in America, erected of English brick. When Fort Sumter was fired upon by the Confederacy she with her parents was living in Charlestown, South Carolina, and on account of the family's sympathy with the Union they found it well to remove to Savannah, Georgia. Here she carried food enstock is a member of Kenington Lodge No. 211, A. F. & A. M., Philadelphia; the Royal Arch Chapter No. 233, Philadelphia; Commandery No. 20, Allentown, Pennsylvania ; Mystic Shrine, Lulu Temple, Philadelphia.

RoLLiN Warner. During a number of years past Rollin Warner has practiced at the bar of Delaware county. He was bom in Blountsville, Henry county, Indiana, April 18, 1856, a son of Eli and Emily (Burch) Warner, natives of Vermont and New York respectively. In about 1850 they established their home in Blountsville, where for more than twenty years the father was engaged in mercantile pursuits. His busy and useful life was ended in death in 187 1, when he had reached the age of fifty-one years, and Mrs. Warner lived to be sixty-nine years old, dying in 1898.

Mr. Rollin Warner spent the period of his youth in his native town of Blountsville, receiving his rudimentary education in its public school, and completing his literary training at the National Normal School of Lebanon, Ohio. During a brief period thereafter he .taught school, but deciding upon the profession of the law as, a life work he left the school room to prepare himself for his chosen calling, first studying in the office of Monks & Thompson, at Winchester, Indiana. In 1879 he was admitted to the bar in Henry, Randolph and Delaware counties, and at once entered upon the practice of law in Newcastle, where he remained for a period of ten years, removing at the close of that period, in 1889, to Muncie, which has since been his home and the scene of his activities.

Mr. Warner has never been active in politics as a seeker for office, but has contributed much of his time and ability as a speaker to the interests of the men and measures of the Republican party. For several years he served as the city attorney of Muncie, and the records indicate that his services were of ability in that position.

Fred Klopfer. "We build the ladder by which we rise" is a truth which is certainly applicable to Mr. Fred Klopfer, for he has been distinctively the architect of his own fortunes, but has builded wisely and well and has made for himself a place in connection with the activities of life. Muncie, as well as Delaware county, has long numbered him among its leading business men.

Mr. Klopfer is a native born German, his birth occurring in Wurtemberg on the 21st of July, 1846, and in the fatherland his parents, Johanes and Katherine (Young) Klopfer, were born, lived and died. They sent their son to the public schools until he had reached the age at which children of his native country are excused under the compulsory school law from further attendance, and when scarcely more than thirteen years of age his father bound him out to learn the trade of a wood worker at carriage making. He served an apprenticeship of three years at the trade, working fourteen hours each day, without pay, and more than that his father had been required to pay the sum of one hundred dollars to the carriage maker to whom he was apprenticed. After the money had tieen paid the father said to his son, "This is all the money I ever intend to spend on you/* With this understanding and under these conditions the youth began to learn his trade. By means of odd night jobs he managed to earn the means with which to clothe himself, and board was given him by the gentleman to whom he was apprenticed. For three years he thus battled earnestly to learn his trade, and having served the required time of indenture he was given a journeyman's certificate and the following three years were spent as a journeyman at his trade in Germany. Coming to the United States in 1866, Mr. Klopfer landed in New York city on the nth of July, and on the following day legally declared his intention to become an American citizen. It was at Tiffin, Ohio, in the year 1868, that he became a citizen of this country, with all the rights and privileges as such.

The first sixteen months Mr. Klopfer spent in this country were devoted to his trade in the city of New York, and during that time he had the opportunity to gain a thorough knowledge and training in the making of coaches, express wagons and heavy vehicles of similar kinds. In the latter part of 1867 he went to Tiffin, Ohio, and worked there until the spring of 1869, when he visited New York city for a short time, but desiring to learn the making of sleighs or cutters, went to the cit>' of Milwaukee, where many of them were then manufactured. He remained there and worked at his trade from April 26, 1869, to the 27th of January, 1873, ^^ date of his arrival in the city of Muncie. He has ever since continued his residence here, and during the first three months he was in the employ of the carriage and wagon firm of Bower & Gaston, Mr. Gaston being an old friend and fellow workman in Milwaukee, and who later sold to him his interest with Mr. Bower, the style of the firm becoming Bower & Klopfer, which continued for nearly eight years or until the ist of January, 1881, when Mr. Klopfer sold his interest to his partner. Immediately afterward he began the erection of a business house at the southeast corner of East Main and Jefferson streets, in which he established his present business, that of carriage building, together with the making of all kinds of vehicles, including phaetons, runabouts, express and other wagons for the local trade. In 1897 he erected a building immediately south of the one above mentioned, where he ha^ since carried on his extensive business. In his line Mr. Klopfer is the largest manufacturer and dealer in the city of Muncie. He began his business career on a very limited capital, the result of his own earnings working for daily wages, and to-day he is one of the most prosperous business men of Delaware county, but his success has resulted from honest dealing, industrious habits, first-class workmanship and excellent management. He is a stockholder in both the Merchants' National Bank and the Muncie Trust Company, also a director of each, and the vice-president of the former.

Mr. Klopfer married Clarrie S. Hummell in 1884, and they have one living child, Caroline. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a Thirty-second degree Mason, and a member of the Commercial Club of Muncie.

James M. Laboyteaux is nimibered among the prominent business men and farmers of Center township. Although he has resided within its borders for many years and has been prcmiinently identified with its interests, he is a native son of Ohio, bom in Hamilton county, December 15, 1833, a son of Peter and Phoebe (Davis) Laboyteaux. They were bom in New Jersey, Peter, November 29, 1792, and Phoebe, September 26, 1800, but moved to CMiio in 1808, the family making the trip to the northwestern wilderness down the Ohio river in a keel boat. The maternal grandfather, Joshua Davis, was a slave holder in New Jersey, and when he removed to Ohio entered land which is now included in the site of the city of Middletown, Butler county, there establishing his home and passing the remainder of his life, altfiough after entering this tract he returned for a time to his New Jersey home. His name is among the honored patriots of the Revolution, as is also that of the paternal grandfather of Mr. Laboyteaux, who sacrificed his life to the patriots' cause. Seven children were bom to Peter and Phoebe Davis Laboyteaux, but two of the number died in infancy, Lucinda passed away in early life, and Evaline, Hannah and Isaac are now deceased, leaving James M. the only surviving child. Peter Laboyteaux learned the tailor's trade, which was his business for some time, and later engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was classed among the pioneers of Mount Healthy, Hamilton county, Ohio. His death, however, occurred in New Castle, Indiana, October 16, 1872, where he had resided but a short time, and his wife spent her last days in Ohio, where she died December 26, 1885.

At the outbreak of the Civil war James M. Laboyteaux was living in Butler county, and in September, 1861, enlisted for service in the Union cause, joining Company C, Sixty-ninth Volunteer Ohio Infantry. After serving for two years he re-enlisted in the same command at Chattanooga, and, as a brave and loyal soldier, subsequently participated in the battles of Stone's River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga and other hard-fought and sanguinary engagements. He also marched with Sherman to the sea, and was a unit of the grand armies of the north which composed the historic review at Washington. He was discharged as an orderly of General Buell.

At the conclusion of his military service Mr. Laboyteaux returned to his home in New Castle, and a short time thereafter went to Hunts ville, Alabama, but has been a continuous resident of Hamilton and Center townships. In 1901 he located on the estate whkh he now occupies, located two and a half miles north of Muncie. Mr. Laboyteaux's wife was formerly Huldah Mullen, the three children bom to them being all deceased, lo politics he is a Republican, and has always generously supported local ent«r- prises of a puDlic and charitable nature, one of the latest marks of his generosity in this regard being his donation of ten thousand dollars for the founding of a Delaware county (Indiana) hospital.

Thomas W. Warner, although numbered among the younger representatives of the industrial interests of Muncie, is one of its most prominent business men, whose enterprise and excellent ability have not only promoted his individual prosperity but has advanced the public welfare. As the organizer of the Warner Electric Company he is well known in business circles, and his connection with the Warner Gear Company has also placed his name high on the roll of the leading men of affairs of Delaware county.

Mr. Thomas W. Warner was bom in Shelbyville, Tennessee, September 13, 1874, a son of Thomas W. and Emma R. (Trail) Warner, both of whom also had their nativity in that commonwealth. He was reared and educated in his native town or city, and from an early age has had to depend upon his own resources for his success in life. In Cincinnati he served for several years as the manager of the Cincinnati Electric Light Plant, and it was there that he gained his first and his thorough knowledge of that form of business, while later he was in the electric business in the west. He came from Montana to Muncie in 1897, and here organized the Warner Electric Company, furnishers of electrical specialties and telephone apparatus, and in the large plant erected for this purpose employment is furnished to about twenty operatives. This .is the only concern of its kind in Muncie, and the enterprise has had a wonderful growth from its inception. In 1902 Mr. Warner organized the Warner Gear Company, the product of which are automobile parts or steering and transmission gear for automobiles. He is the manager of this large corporation. The business, which was begun on a limited capital and in a small way, has grown to extensive proportions and now furnishes employment to about two hundred and twenty-five people, mostly skilled laborers. Their, payroll is therefore very large.

Mr. Warner married, in 1897, Miss Nettie Moore. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and also holds membership relations with the Knights of Pythias order, and with the First Baptist church of Muncie. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a man of business, and has been the promoter of many of Muncie's leading industrial interests.

Thomas S. Guthrie, D. D. One of the best known and most generally loved citizens of Muncie and vicinity is Rev. Thomas S. Guthrie, many years of whose life have been passed in this city, and during a long period he has been an efficient laborer in the cause of Christianity as a minister in the Universalist church. Although now living practically retired, he is still active in the continuance of the work to which he dedicalted his life.

of August, 1830, a son of John C. and Gency Jane (Glass) Guthrie, natives of Virginia. The paternal grandfather was James Guthrie, who was also bom in Virginia, and he resided there until about 1820, when he removed to Highland county, Ohio, his death there occurring at the age of ninety-six years. He followed the occupation of farming. The Guthrie family is primarily of Scotch and English origin. The marriage of John C. and Gency J. Guthrie occurred in Campbell county, Virginia, and about 1826 they moved to Highland county, Ohio, and a short time afterward to Madison county, that state, where they settled in the woods. They lived there until about 1858, when they moved to Madison county, near Winterset, Iowa, and lived there until their death. The wife died in 1864 at the .age of sixty-five, and the husband died in 1875 at the age of eighty years. Mr. Guthrie was a man of varied attainments, working as a farmer, carpenter and school teacher, and was also chaplain of a militia company with the rank of captain. Although he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church he was strongly inclined toward the "New Light" faith of the Christian church, and he was a Democrat in politics. In his father's family there were eleven sons and one daughter.

Rev. Thomas S. Guthrie, their seventh child in order of birth and now the only living representative of the family, was reared in the wilds of his native county of Madison, and in its early schools he gained a limited educational training. At the age of about twenty-one years, seeking to perfect his earlier training, he entered a school in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, at his own expense, and soon after began teaching in the country schools. He was then about twenty-two years of age, and for twelve years he continued his educational labors and also worked at farrping, carpentering or any honorable employment. When he had reached his fortieth year he had earned enough to enter college, and accordingly matriculated in the Theological College of Canton, New York, a Universalist institution. He had preached some before this, having embraced the Universalist doctrine as early as 1850, when about twenty years of age. Spending two years at Canton, he then entered Lombard University of Galesburg, Illinois, in which he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Divinity at about the age of sixty years. During his work in the ministry Rev. Guthrie has been stationed at Miami City and Eaton, Ohio; Lafayette, Logansport, Indianapolis and Muncie, Indiana, and Cleveland, Ohio. He first came to Muncie on the ist of January, 1874, where he remained for four years, and in 1884 returned to this city and continued in the active work of the ministry for seven years. Since 1900, however, he has been practically retired. Throughout all these years he has earnestly labored for the Master by voice and pen, and is the author of a fine publication, a sermon on Immortality.

Rev. Guthrie married Mary A. Comer on the 6th of March, 1856. Her death occurred on the 25th of July, 1906, after traveling the journey of life with her husband for fifty years. They had two children, J. Augustus, cashier of People's National Bank of Muncie, and Ruby, wife of I. A.

VVestfall, a jeweler of Muncie, Indiana. In politics Rev. Guthrie was first a Democrat, but since 1856 has been identified with the Republican party, and in 1891-2 he represented Delaware county in the lower house of the state legislature. He was chaplain of the One Hundred and Fifty-second Ohio Infantry, has been chaplain of the Loyal Legion of Indiana, has been a member of the Odd Fellows' order since 1854, and is a Sir Knight Templar in Masonry.

George W. Rowlett. There is perhaps no other young business man of Delaware county whose career has been marked by a greater degree of success than that of George W. Rowlett. He was born and reared in this county, his birth occurring in Harrison township on the 15th of November, 1874, and from his own personal mention we turn to that of his father, David E. Rowlett, who was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, June 28, 1849, and is an ex-soldier and a retired resident of the village of Gaston, this county. His parents were Edwin and Mary E. (Wright) Rowlett, natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania respectively. Edwin Rowlett, after residing for a considerable time in Wayne county and then in Jay county, Indiana, removed to Madison county, Nebraska, and died there. He was thrice married, and became the father of twenty-one children.

David E, Rowlett was reared in Jay county, Indiana, receiving a common school education, and when only a little over foiu*teen years of age he enlisted in the Union army. Company B, Eleventh Indiana Cavalry. Enlisting on the 4th of November, 1863, he served to the close of the war and received an honorable discharge on the 19th of September, 1865. During the time he participated in the battles of Nashville, but the greater part of his service was as a scout. On returning from the war he turned his attention to the grist and saw-milling business, and was thus engaged until the year 1872. He then transferred his activities to the shoemaker's trade, and removing to Gaston in 1881 he conducted a shoe and harness store with success until his retirement from business in November, 1895. He married, in 1868, Esther A. Heaton, who was born in this county on the 23d of December, 1851, and died January 5, 1879. They became the parents of five children: Mary J., Edwin M., George W., Ida B. and John. On the 9th of May, 1880, the father married Samantha A. Brock, bom in this county on the i6th of December, 1852, and they had three children : Orpha B., Arthur J. and Nettie E. Mr. Rowlett is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, also of the Order of Odd Fellows and in politics is a Republican.

George W. Rowlett was reared in the village of Gaston, and after completing his cc«nmon-school education he learned the trades of harness and shoe making, gaining his first business experience in his father's store. In November, 1894, he became an equal partner with his father, and a year later the sole proprietor of the store. During his residence in Gaston he erected several buildings and to his already large stock of goods he added first that of buggies and then hardware and furniture, building up a large and extensive business in his lines and winning for himself a place among the leadiiig men of affairs in Delaware county. In 1903 he sold his interests there, and during the following six months was engaged in the furniture and storage business in Indianapolis. In 1904 he came to Muncie, and in the spring of the same year entered upon his career as a merchant of this city. On the southwest comer of East Charles and South Mulberry streets he has a large and well equipped store of four floors, sixty by one hundred and twenty feet in dimensions, where he furnished employment to about thirty salesmen. He also has a branch store at 315 South Walnut street, known as *'the Annex," where he makes a specialty of five and ten cent and racket store goods. This occupies three floors, with a frontage of thirty by one hundred and twenty feet in depth, and employment is furnished to upwards of twenty-five people. He carries a well selected stock of furniture, house, furnishing goods, hardware, etc., having in all ten departments, and his is one of the leading business enterprises of Delaware county.

In 1893 ^^^' Rowlett married Miss Lillie Fallis, and they have one child, Fred. Mr. Rowlett has fraternal relations with the Odd Fellows' order, and is a member and trustee of the East Jackson Street Christian church.

Thomas Benton McCullough, a retired farmer and a resident of the city of Muncie, has been numbered among the citizens of Delaware county since March of 1882, at which time he and his wife came hither from Pennsylvania, where they had previously resided for about fifteen years, and from which state they had gone from Wayne county, Indiana, in 1866, to care for two of his uncles in their declining years.

Mr. McCullough was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, March i, 1839, and was reared on the parental homestead where he first saw the light of day. This farm was located about three miles east of Hagerstown. He was less than two years of age when his father died, and he was the youngest of a family of ten children, all of whom save one lived to ages of maturity, were married and reared families of their own, but of this number only Mr. McCullough and his youngest sister are now living. The father, John McCullough, was a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, a son of James McCullough, who was born in Ireland. The mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Elliott and was a native of Monongahela county, Pennsylvania. She survived her husband many years, and died at the advanced age of eighty-one years. She was married to John McCullough in Pennsylvania, and they moved from that state to Wayne county, Indiana, about 1820, thus becoming pioneers of the commonwealth, for Indiana had but recently been admitted to statehood. In Wayne county they spent the remainder of their days. They were sturdy, honest people, and farming was the father's occupation. Death came to him early in life, for he was but forty-seven when he died, and he left a large family. The widowed mother struggled along against many odds and adversities to rear her children.

Such were the circumstances under which young Thomas B. McCullough was reared, and he was obliged to apply himself diligently to the work of the farm to assist in supporting the family. The schools of those early days were poor at the best, but he was not permitted full privilege to enjoy what advantages even they afforded for an education, for if permitted to spend one day in school perhaps the next two or three days he would be obliged to work on the farm or at odd jobs in assisting in the support of the family. So it is seen that he had little opportunity to gain an education in his youth, but throughout life he has been a close observer and thereby, together with reading, he has become a well informed man. His life occupation has been farming and stock-raising. In i860, when twenty-one years of age, he chose for his life companion Miss Lucinda Hammer, and she has been to him a most faithful helpmeet. They have journeyed together along the pathway of life for more than forty-seven years, together sharing many trials and hardships, and although their marriage has not been blessed by the birth of children, their lives have not been shorn of happiness and usefulness, for they have led active careers and been not only devoted to each other but to others and to duty as citizens wherever they have chosen to cast their lot in life. During fifteen years they cared for two uncles of Mr. McCullough who resided in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and out of appreciation for their services these uncles before death left them the small estate which they possessed in Pennsylvania. This Mr. McCullough sold and in 1882 came to Delaware county, Indiana, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 24, Hamilton township, and there they farmed and raised stock with gratifying success until the fall of 1904, when they removed to the city of Muncie and retired from the arduous and exacting duties of farm life, to which all their previous days they had been accustomed.

He still owns the farm mentioned, as well as other real estate, and during the years of his industrious life he amassed a competency. Mrs. McCullough was born in the same county as her husband, her natal day being the 13th of February, 1840, and both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never been a partisan, but rather a supporter of the best men and measures as he has been able to determine. Both he and his wife enjoy the confidence and high esteem of a host of friends.

J. Walter Baird, one of the rising young lawyers of Muncie, was born in lav countv. Indiana. October 18. 1876. and for frenealncrv of the familv after his graduation he engaged in the practice of law in Muncie, being first associated in practice with John Lewellen, but he is now in partnership with his brother, M. B. Baird, in his legal work and in the real estate business. They are popular and highly esteemed young men, noted for their high ideals of character, and are universally respected. In 1902 Mr. Baird organized the Great Northern Mining & Milling Company, its members consisting of some of Muncie*s leading business men, namely: T. H. Kirby, who is the president of the company ; William Campbell, the vice-president, and C. M. Staigers, the treasurer. Under Mr. Baird's able management the company has been very successful, and a still brighter future undoubtedly awaits it. He is a member of the Masonic order, Anthony Lodge No. 171, of Albany, and also has membership relations with the Universalist church. In Januar}% 1903, occurred the marriage of Mr. Baird and Miss Mary J. Risher, she being a daughter of John W. Risher of Greene county.

J. O. Potter, who is now serving in the position of city engineer of Muncie, was bom in Lynn, Indiana, August 18, 1877, a son of Octavious and Mary (Douge) Potter, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Indiana. In 1852, however, the father made his way to the Hoosier state and took up his abode near Williamsburg, Wayne county, and he is now a resident of Randolph, this state, engaged in agricultural pursuits. During the Civil war he offered his services to his country, becoming a member of Company C, Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he remained a loyal soldier throughout the entire campaign.

The son, J.O. Potter, obtained an excellent educational training in the public schools of Randolph county and the Winchester high school, graduating in the latter institution in 1896. Immediately thereafter he entered upon his career as a teacher, first in the schools of Randolph county and later in the Muncie high school. As an educator he stood in the front ranks, and his eminently practical methods were deserving of the high praise which was universally accorded by those in a position to judge wisely. While engaged in teaching he also attended the state university, where he pursued special studies in mathematics, physics and mechanics and was graduated in 1904. On the ist of May, 1905, he was appointed city engineer of Muncie, a position he was so well qualified to fill, and his career therein is one of which he has every reason to be proud. He is a young man of splendid abilities, and a still greater success in the future undoubtedly awaits him.

Mr. Potter was married on the 28th of August, 1900, when Myrtle E. Harriman, a native of Randolph county, Indiana, became his wife, and they have one daughter, Mary, bom Febmary 17, 1903. Mr. Potter is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Sons of Veterans.

business ability, has won success and placed his name high on the roll of leading men of the county. He was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, August I, 1851, his parents being Austin B. and Hannah (Petty) Claypool, both also natives of Indiana. Mr. Austin Claypool, whose birth occurred in Fayette county, became a prominent farmer and stock raiser, whose enterprise and sound judgment in industrial affairs not only promoted his individual prosperity but also advanced the public welfare. He was foremost in all the large public enterprises in eastern Indiana, and to his untiring efforts was due in a great measure the securing of the Fort Wayne and the Chicago, Hamilton & Dayton railroads through the eastern section of the state. Much of his time was devoted to agricultural interests, and he was also a prominent factor in the fairs and live stock exhibits of his community, devoting his energies to the development and upbuilding of the resources of his section of the state until his useful life was ended, his death occurring on the 1 6th of January, 1906, when he had reached the eighty-third milestone on the journey of life. Mrs. Claypool, whose birth occurred in Wayne county, Indiana, is still living, and is a representative of a family who have been prominent in the history of eastern Indiana since a very early day.

Marcus S. Claypool attended the schools of Wayne county during his early boyhood days, later becoming a student in the high schools of Dublin and Connorsville, where at the latter place he studied under the preceptorship of Harvey Netting, a well known and efficient educator of that time and who had also taught Mr. Claypool's father. Being thus fitted for the higher institutions of learning, he then entered Asbury College, from which he was graduated in 1872. Thus equipped with a splendid educational training and many natural gifts, Marcus S. Claypool entered the business world for himself. Coming thence to Muncie, he became associated with the Mimcie Bank, which had been organized in 187 1 by A. J. Claypool, his uncle, where he remained for seven years. At this time the gold fields of Colorado attracted him, and he spent five years in that state in search of the precious metal, but the high altitude of that state proved detrimental to his health, and he returned to this city and associated himself with the Muncie Banking Company and later with the Burson Banking Company. In 1886, however, these banks retired from business. During all these years Mr. Claypool had been greatly interested in horses, having as early as the '60s engaged in their breeding, and in 1887 he went into the business extensively, having ever since been numbered among the largest and most successful breeders of fine trotting and light harness horses in the state, while to him also belongs the honor of being the oldest breeder in the state. Among some of his famous horses may be mentioned Sable Gift, with a record of 2:10, and Alan, 2:1 1^4- During the long period of twenty-three years he has served as secretary of the agricultural fair, while for fourteen years he has been a member of the Board of Agriculture, and for six years has been a member of the Live Stock Sanitary Commission. He is also extensively engaged in farming east of Muncie.

On the 14th of January, 1880, Mr. ClaypcK)! was united in marriage to Elizabeth^ a daughter of John W. Burson, a well known and prominent resident of Delaware county. Mr. Claypool's fraternal relations are with the Delaware Lodge of Masons. He has always had an abiding interest in all matters that subserve the progress and well being of his fellow men, and he is recognized as a power for good in the community where his influence has been directed.

John A. Jackson. The present efficient and popular clerk of Muncie, John A. Jackson, holds and merits a place among its representative citizens. His birth occurred in Elmira, New York, July 7, 1869, a son of Willard C. and Catherine (Dalton) Jackson, also natives of the Empire state. In the early years of the '70s the parents journeyed to Indiana, establishing their home in Noble county, where the father was engaged in farming and the lumber business. Their son John was but a small boy at the time of the removal from New York to Indiana, and his boyhood days were spent in Noble county, receiving his educational training in the Kendallville high school. His first occupation in that city was in the clothing business, and he also spent several years in the same line of trade in Chicago, coming from that city to Muncie in 1893 ^i"^ associating himself with the Globe Clothing Company. He was thus engaged until his election to the office of city clerk in November, 1905, assuming the duties of the position in September following, and his administration of its affairs has been one of honor and fidelity. In his political affiliations he has always been a zealous Republican, laboring earnestly for the adoption of the principles which he believes will best advance good government.

In 1892 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jackson and Miss Blanche Drake, she being also a native of Kendallville, Indiana, and a daughter of Nelson Drake, a prominent stockman of Noble county. One son, Lauren, has been born of this union, his birth occurring on the 29th of October, 1893. In his fraternal relations Mr. Jackson is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Red Men and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Walter J. Lotz, a prominent although one of the younger representatives of the bar of Delaware county, is accounted one of the political leaders of this section of the state. He is a native son of Muncie, bom on the 17th of March, 1879, ^"d the history of his parents will be found in the sketch of Judge Lotz in another portion of this work. The son received his education in the city's public schools, graduating from the high school in 1898, while on the 23d of May, 1900, he completed the course and graduated from the Indiana Law School. He at once became a member of his father's law firm, and after the death of the latter was given his place, the firm then becoming Gregory, Silverburg & Lotz, and after the retirement of Mr. Silverburg it became Gregory & Lotz. Mr. Lotz has made a deep and thorough search into the science of jurisprudence, and his ability has enabled him to become a leader in the public life of his community. He was recently the Democratic candidate for the office of attorney general and made an excellent race. He ranks high at the bar and in political circles, and Muncie may well be proud to number him among her native sons.

John J. Hartley. One of the most prominent citizens of Delaware county is John J. Hartley, whose history furnishes a splendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition and well directed efforts. Starting out in life for himself at the early age of twelve years he has steadily worked his way upward, gaining success and winning the public confidence, and his name is now a familiar one in the industrial circles of Delaware county.

Mr. Hartley was born in Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on the 2ist of September, 1856. His father, Charles Albert Hartley, was a native of Baden Baden, Germany, but came to the United States when a young man, and after a short residence in Pittsburg removed to Beaver county. In his native land he had been educated for the ministry, but after coming to the United States engaged in teaching, for many years serving as president of Trevalin College in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. For generations in the fatherland the family had been well known educators, and it was in but natural sequence that Charles A. Hartley should inherit the love of the profession and become one of the noted educators in his eastern home. He was killed in a railroad accident in 1861. In his young manhood he had married Margaret Barbara Heffner, a native of Karlsrhue, Germany, born in 1818, and when but a child she came with her parents to the United States, her death occurring in 1885.

John J. Hartley attended the public schools of Freedom, Pennsylvania, during his early youth, but when only twelve years of age he began the battle of life for himself, having charge of the newspapers on a train, his employers being Riley & Sergeant, but a short time afterward he engaged in that occupation for himself. On reaching his twenty-first year he assumed the management of the Tremont House in Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained from 1877 until 1883, but in the meantime had engaged in the cigar business, while later the firm of Pertell, Hartley & Black, prominent cracker manufacturers, was established, which continued until 1884. I^ that year Mr. Hartley entered the real estate and insurance business in Mansfield, but in April, 1889, he left that city for Muncie, Indiana, where he has ever since been actively interested in all that pertains to its general welfare and advancement. Shortly after his arrival he formed a partnership with James Boyce in the real estate business, but after the burning of the Boyce block Mr. Hartley continued in business alone until in June, 1906, when the firm was incorporated under the name of the John J. Hartley Agency. In 1887, in company with Samuel Lowenstein, Mr. Hartley purchased the P. W. Patterson tract, bounded by First, Willard, Penn and

Ebright streets, and laid out the Hartley-Lowenstein Addition, on which he erected and sold many houses, and this has now become one of the valuable and beautiful sections of the city. In addition to serving as president of the John J. Hartley Agency, he is also vice president of the People's Home and Savings Company, organized for the purpose of enabling people to build homes at reasonable rates of interest and allowing settlement on easy payments. Thus for a long period he has been an active factor in the industrial interests of Delaware county, contributing to its general prosperity through the conduct of large enterprises. Loyalty to all duties of citizenship and fidelity in the discharge of every trust reposed in him have been his chief characteristics, and through the passing years they have gained him the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen.

In June, 1877, Mr. Hartley was united in marriage to Anna A. Mc- Sherry, who died on the loth of August, 1896, and two years later, on the 22d of June, 1898, he married Sarah A., a daughter of Julius A. ahd Elizabeth Kirby Heinsohn, of Muncie. Four children have been bom of this union : John Kirby, born September 2, 1899; Julius Andreas, born October 23, 1901 ; Margaret Elizabeth, born April 17, 1905, and Robert Heinsohn, born March 7, 1907. In 1894, accompanied by his wife, Mr. Hartley crossed the water to the old country, traveling over Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land. From 1891 to 1893 he was a member of the city council of Muncie, during which time he served as chairman of the committee on water works, and was also active in the establishment of the city's electric light plant. He is a member and an active worker in the Masonic order, affiliating with the blue lodge, chapter and commandery of Muncie and with the Indiana consistory. His religious affiliation is with the Grace Episcopal church, of which he is a valued member.

G. R. Green, M. D. For over twenty years Dr. Green has been engaged in the practice of Medicine in Muncie, and is thus one of the oldest representatives of the profession in Delaware county. During all this time he has not only maintained his position among the leaders of the medical fraternity but has taken part in much of the public and social life of Muncie, so that he is accounted one of her honored citizens. His birth occurred within the borders of Delaware county November 15, 185 1, his parents being Andrew J. and Amassa (Johnson) Green. William Green, his paternal grandfather, was of English descent and moved from New York to Ohio. From there he came to Delaware county and settled in Niles township, where he became one of the earliest pioneers. His son Andrew was born in Athens, Ohio, and when a child accompanied his parents on their removal to Delaware county, where he received his education and developed into a man of varied attainments, having taught school, preached in the Christian church and practiced medicine for many years prior to his death, which occurred in 1885. His name stood exponent for the most sterling personal characteristics, the deepest appreciation of the

Dr. G. R. Green completed his literary education in the high school of Muncie, after which he taught for several years, but failing health soon caused him to leave the school room and return to his home, where naturally he drifted into the study of medicine under the able instructions of his father, although he had had other views for his future life work. Graduating from the Indiana Medical college in 1877 with high honors, he then went to New York and took a post-graduate course at the Polyclinic. He entered upon the practice of medicine at Royerton, Indiana, but in June, 1885, came to Muncie, where he has attained distinctive prestige in the line of his calling and his success has come as the logical sequence of thorough technical information and skill. The doctor holds membership relations with the state, county and district medical societies, thus keeping abreast of the many new discoveries which are constantly being made in the profession, and he has served as president of the County Medical Society. He is also president of the board of public works and fills the chair of history at the Medical College of Indiana.

In 1878 Dr. Green was united in marriage to Mary E. Monroe, a daughter of Hugh Monroe, of Delaware county. Mr. Monroe is a Scotchman of the celebrated Monroe clan. Three children have been bom of this union, Dwight M., a graduate of Rush Medical College and now practicing with his father ; Earl, who is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College, his father's alma mater, and he is now in the government service as acting assistant surgeon at Fort Stanton, New Mexico, in the public health and marine hospital service ; and Bessie K. The Doctor's fraternal relations are with the Muncie lodge of Masons, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree and is also a member of the chapter. He has attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish rite. He has long been a worthy and consistent member of the Presbyterian church and during the period of twenty years has served as an elder. Dr. Green is a leader in his profession in Delaware county, and his splendid characteristics both as a practitioner and a citizen make him worthy of the high regard in which he is held.

Alva C. Surber, who has gained enviable prestige as one of the most able and successful of the younger practitioners of medicine in the city of Muncie, is a man of scholarly attainments, and has made deep and careful research into the science to which he is devoting his life. His birth occurred in Hillsboro, Ohio, November 3, 1871, his parents being John P. and Jennie M. (Davidson) Surber, both also natives of the Buckeye state. In

Thus with a most excellent literary education to serve as the foundation on which to erect the superstructure of his life work he began the study of medicine, spending the first year in the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, and completing his course and graduating in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1895. Dr. Surber received his A. M. degree from Loyola College, and for two years served as interne at the Maryland General Hospital, after which, in 1897, he began the practice of medicine in Muncie. Although he follows a general practice he has made a specialty of chronic diseases, and the large patronage which he now enjoys is indicative of his skill and ability. Since entering upon his practice he has pursued a special course at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and thus it will be seen that he has been an earnest student, and accordingly he has gained distinction in the line of his chosen calling.

In 1900 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Surber and Miss Abbie L., a daughter of Mathias Kuchmann, who is numbered among the honored old pioneers of Delaware county, having been a resident of Muncie for nearly fifty years. Two sons have blessed their union, Alva C, Jr., who was bom on the 17th of August, 1901, and John Roger, bom June 7, 1906. Dr. Surber is a member of the Masonic lodge of Muncie, also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Red Men, and is a consistent and worthy member of the Christian church.

Myron H. Gray. The man who wins prominence at the bar of America's thriving cities must have a thorough understanding of the law. All must begin on a common plane and rise to prominence by perseverance, industry and ability, or fall back into the ranks of mediocrity. In a like manner with all others, Myron H. Gray has started out to win a name and place for himself, and the success he has already achieved gives him a most promising future and assures him a place in the foremost ranks of the legal profession in Muncie. Mr. Gray is a representative of one of the old and honored families of the county. His grandfather, James Gray, was but a little lad of seven years when he came from Tennessee to Delaware county, where he located in Salem township, and later became a farmer and merchant. His son, Milton Gray, spent his early life on the farm, for a time engaged in the general merchandise business at Daleville and at Middletown and finally moved to Muncie in 1889, where he has since resided Milton Gray is the secretary and treasurer of the Muncie Casket Company, and is well known in business circles throughout the state. In his early manhood he married Miss Jeannettia Griffis, the daughter of Dr. Robert Griffis, of Henry county.

Myron H. Gray, the son of Milton and Jeannettia Gray, was born at Daleville, Indiana, September 17. 1881. He received his training in the public md high schools of Muncie, from which he was graduated with the class C'f 1900. He then became a student at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1904. Mr

Cray's legal studies were further pursued at the Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. With this excellent training to begin his life work he was admitted to the Delaware county bar in September, 1904, and became associated in the practice of law with the law firm of Bingham & Long, the connection continuing until December of 1906, at which time Mr. Cray formed a partnership with Frank J. Kent, of Washington, D. C, the firm name becoming Gray & Kent. Messrs. Cray and Kent devote their attention to real estate, probate and corporation law, in which particular lines they have a large and favorable clientage. They maintain an office in the Ouray building at Washington, D. C, and are specially prepared to handle patent trade-mark and copyright cases and all matters before congressional committees and departmental boards.

On July 31, 1907, Mr. Cray was married to Miss Marie Frances Smith, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Smith, of Muncie. Mr. Cray gives his support to the Republican party, in which he is a prominent and active worker. He belongs to the Jackson Christian church and is a member of the Masonic order and of the Beta Theta Pi collegiate fraternity. His many admirable qualities of heart and mind have gained him a large circle of friends and his future seems bright with promise.

Arthur E. \'inton, M. D. One of the most exacting of all the higher lines of occupation to which a man may lend his energies is that of the physician, and in the subject of this review is found one who has gained distinction in the calling. He has been an earnest and discriminating student and now holds a position of precedence among the medical practitioners of eastern Indiana. He is, however, numbered among its younger representatives, for his birth occurred on the nth of February, 1874, in Marshalltown, Iowa, his parents being Delos D. and Emma E. (Dobson) Vinton, the former a native of Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and the latter of Indiana.

After attending the public schools of Marshalltown Arthur E. Vinton became a carriage painter, working at his trade for several years. In the meantirtie he had decided to devote his life to the medical profession, and as a means to that end he began reading in the office of Dr. F. G. Jackson, of Muncie, in 1895, while later he entered the Louisville Medical College and graduated therein on the 25th of March, 1895. Immediately after his graduation Dr. Vinton opened his office in this city, continuing in the general practice of medicine until in March, 1906, when he specialized in the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In the early part of the same year he went to Europe to study in Berlin and Paris along the lines of his special department, and spent some time in the Royal Ophthalmic Hospital in London and the Rothschilds Hospital in Paris, while after his return he studied

In 1904 Dr. Vinton was united in marriage to Miss Florence L. Nixon, of Fountain City. Indiana. He is a member of the Delaware lodge, F. & A. M. ; Welcome lodge, K. P., and also holds membership relations with the county and state medical societies. In addition to discharging the duties of his large medical practice Dr. Vinton is also a member of the county board of health and deputy county health officer and examiner for the Prudential Life Insurance Company. In private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, deference for the opinions of others, kindliness and geniality, while professionally he is a young man of splendid intellectual attainments, and a still brighter future undoubtedly awaits him.

RoscoE C. Griffith. In reviewing the members of the Delaware county bar the name of Roscoe C. Griffith takes a prominent place among his professional brethren, and we are pleased to present to his numerous friends and acquaintances this review of his life. He was boKn in Huntington, Indiana, December 15, 1863, ^^^ parents being William H. and Seraphina M. (Clark) Griffith, the former a native of Huntington county, Indiana, and the latter of Clark county, Ohio.

Their son, Roscoe C. Griffith, received his e^rly literary education in the schools of his native city of Huntington, in which he graduated in June, 1883, and in the following September he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he completed the law course and ' graduated in January, 1885. Returning to Huntington, he entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, and during his residence there was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney, continuing in the position until March, 1888. It was in that year that he came to Muncie, where he continued in practice alone until in May, 1904, when a partnership was formed with James A. Ross, and the firm of Griffith & Ross became well known over this section of the state. On October i, 1907, this partnership was dissolved and since then Mr. Griffith has practiced his profession alone. Since 1889 he has served as attorney for the Muncie Savings & Loan Company, and since that time the assets of the company have increased from twenty to eight hundred and fifty thousand, and he has also served as one of its directors. In politics he is a Republican and is an active worker in the party ranks.

On the 1 2th of August, 1886, Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to Clara L. Marson, a native of Wayne county, Indiana, and a daughter of John Marson. Two daughters have been born of this union, Maurine, whose birth occurred on the 31st of August, 1893, and Helen, bom November I, 1899. Fraternally Mr. Griffith is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Baptist church and is a contributor to all worthy enterprises.

Walter L. Davis. One of the leading business men of Muncie is Walter L. Davis, the secretary of the Muncie Savings & Loan Company, and who is ranked with the representative citizens of the county. His birth occurred in Youngs ville, Warren county, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1850, his parents being Willard J. and Laura L. (Littlefield) Davis. The father, who is also a native of Pennsylvania, is a prominent farmer and bee keeper, owning the largest apiary in the Keystone state and one of the largest in the United States.

After completing his education in the public schools of his native county of Warren Mr. Davis became a student in the state normal school at Edinboro, Pennsylvania. In 1869 he came to Muncie and joined his uncle, Philip F. Davis, in the agricultural implement business, but seven years afterward abandoned that business for the newspaper field, becoming a member of the staff of the Muncie Courier, a Democratic paper, in which he later purchased an interest. Later selling his interest in that journal he became associated with the Muncie weekly and daily News, and five years later, in company with Thomas McKillip, established the daily and weekly Herald, which is now known as the Muncie Press. He has ever been a writer of superior force and ability, but in 1893 he severed his connection with the newspaper field to become secretary of the Muncie Savings & Loan Company, which was organized in 1889 with Mr. Davis as its director, and he has ever since served in that capacity.

On the 8th of October, 1879, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Isadore F. Morehouse, a daughter of Henry Morehouse, of Delaware county, and one daughter, Ethel, has been born to them. Politically Mr. Davis affiliates with the Republican party, while fraternally he is a member of the Masonic lodge and commandery of Muncie, and religiously is a worthy and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. As a newspaper man he has done much for Muncie. At the time of the discovery of gas in this locality he issued a special edition of his paper, of ten thousand copies, which he distributed for the purpose of advertising the great boon to Muncie, and in many ways he has proved a public benefactor to his city and county.

Clarence G. Rea, M. D., who has won distinction as one of the most able and successful of the younger medical practitioners in Delaware county, is a native son of Indiana, his birth occurring in New Castle on the ist of April, 1880, his parents being George N. and Ida B. (Galliher) Rea, who were also bom in the Hoosier state, the former in Henry county and the he was graduated in 1904. Immediately following his graduation he gpened an office in Muncie, where he has since been engaged in private practice and is attaining the success which his skill and ability so well merit. In September, 1906, he was appointed president of the board of health, and is also a member of the State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the County Medical Society and the Delaware District Medical Society. His fraternal connections are with the Masonic order. Dr. Rea is a young man of promise, and although he has already gained an enviable position in the practice of medicine a still brighter future awaits him.

Frederick W. Heath. A native son of Muncie, born on the 5th of May, 1854, and its oldest real estate dealer in point of continuous service, Frederick W. Heath enjoys an enviable position, having by honorable and correct methods gained the confidence of his fellow townsmen. A review of the family history will be found in the sketch of his father. Rev. Jacob Heath, elsewhere in this work. The son Frederick completed his education in the public schools of this city when seventeen years of age, and during the two years thereafter was engaged in the grocery business for himself. At the close of that period, when in his nineteenth year, he embarked in the real estate business, in which he has continued from that time to the present, and is now its oldest representative in Muncie. To him belongs the honor of originating the two hundred thousand dollar fund for encouraging factories to locate in this city, and his firm subscribed ten thousand dollars to the amount. All of his varied business interests he has handled with skill and fidelity, and the splendid success which has attended his eflForts is but a merited reward.

On the 1st of January, 1885, Mr. Heath was united in marriage to Laura Bennett, a daughter of William Bennett, the largest land owner in Delaware county, and they have one son, Bennett.

R. A. Bunch, M. D. An honored resident of Muncie during the past eighteen years, Dr. Bunch in that time has won distinction as a medical practitioner, and enjoys an extensive and remunerative practice. His birth occurred in Portland, Indiana, October 28, 1852, and after completing his education in its public schools he entered Liber College, at College Corners, two miles south of Portland, where he studied under Professors Tucker, Bums and Jones. With this excellent educational training to fit him for life's activities he entered the teacher's profession, thus continuing for eight years in Jay county. In 1870 he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Drs. Gillan and Allen, of Portland, and in 1881 he completed the course and graduated from the E. M. I. Institute, of Cincinnati. He was then able to enter the field as a medical practitioner, and for a time practiced in Geneva, thence going to Portland and later to Desoto, Indiana. It was in 1889 that he came to Muncie, where he has won success as a general medical practitioner. He is progressive in his methods, constantly reading and studying, and thus keeps in close touch with the spirit of the times. His membership with many of the leading medical societies also enables him to keep fully abreast of the many new discoveries which are constantly being made in the science of medicine. He is a member of the State and National Eclectic Medical Society, having served as president of the former for two terms, and is an honorary member of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Society.

In April, 1877, Dr. Bunch married Mary A. Bair, whose death occurred on the 9th of June, 1906, leaving four children. The eldest, RoUin H., is a graduate of the American College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago, and is now associated with his father in practice. The second son, Fred L., is also a graduate of that institution, and will soon join his father and brother in the medical profession. Morrell McKenzie will enter college in September of the present year, 1907, to pursue the study of medicine. The only daughter, Bessie G., is the wife of Walker J. Lotz, the well known attorney of Muncie.

On June 12, 1907, Dr. Bunch was united in marriage with Miss Beulah L. Batey, of this city. They reside at 221 West Jackson street, Muncie. Dr. Bunch has offices at 215 South Mulberry street.

J. D. MiLTENBERGER. One of the younger representatives of the business interests of Muncie, J. D. Miltenberger enjoys an enviable position. He is a leading real estate dealer and has that keen discrimination and sagacity in business affairs which, when combined with energy and industry, lead to success. He was bom in Franklin, Ohio, March 12, 1876, a son of George W. and Permelia (Dearth) Miltenberger, both also natives of the Buckeye state. They came to Muncie many years ago and have long been numbered among its representative citizens.

J. D. Miltenberger, their son, is of German and English descent. After completing his education in the Franklin high school he spent eight years as the publisher of the Franklin News, and on the expiration of that period, in 1902, he came to Muncie and entered the real estate business with Jere Garrard, as a member of the firm of Jere Garrard & Company, while in 1904 J. H. Leffler was admitted to a partnership, the firm name then becoming Garrard, Miltenberger & Leffler. In 1906 Mr. Garrard withdrew from the firm, since which time the business has been conducted under the firm name of Miltenberger & Lefiler. They have been very successful in their ventures, handling large real estate transactions, and in the receivership, trusteeship and settlement of estates they have been unusually successful in the courts of the district. They are located in suite 106, ground floor of the Vatet block.

past chancellor, and the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorrasan. He is very prominent in the musical circles of Muncie, being now the musical director in the choir of the First Christian church and a member of the Wysor Grand Opera House Orchestra. He is a young man of energy, enterprise and reliability, and has thus won the confidence as well as a liberal share of the patronage of the public. He has a beautiful home at 231 North Vine street.

J. H. Leffler. Many years have passed since the Leffler family became identified with the interests of Delaware county, and with the passing years its representatives have taken an active and prominent part in the development of this section of the state, while one of its members, J. H. Leffler, now occupies an enviable position in the business circles of Muncie, being well known in real estate and finance circles. His birth occurred in Delaware county, five miles north of Muncie, June 23, 1862. His father, Philip Leffler, was a native of Darke county, Ohio, but during his infancy his parents established their home in Delaware county, Indiana, where the family has ever since been one of prominence, honored and respected in every class of society. In this county Philip Leffler married Mary Garrard, whose birth occurred within its borders, whither her father, Harvey Garrard, had come from Ohio in a very early day. Both the Leffler and Garrard families were numbered among the earliest pioneers of Delaware county, taking an active part in its subsequent development and aiding in transforming its wild lands into rich farms, and in other ways promoting the progress and advancement which made a once wild region the home of a contented, prosperous people. Mr. Leffler still resides on the old homestead in Delaware county, but the loving wife and mother has long since gone to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1868.