Johnson County, Indiana - The whole text, 1913 (part 4 of 11)

Mr. Jo'in^oii owns a handson;c home en Xo.'-tti Meridian street. I;; .anapclis, but lie resides with his mother in Greenwood. Politically, he i'- : iiid -'pendent voter, and is an adiuirer of Beveridge. [irincifially for his f,- Congress on the tariff i?>L;e. He is treasurer of l^e Crawford I^.i;:'. Industrial School, located north of Ind-'anano!is, on the Marion and Ham;!; .county line. It is in tlie midst of beautiful surrouitdings, of over tliieo I;'.: drcd acres, with modern, well equipped buildings, including two dorniit'ir-' steam heated. He is also president of the board of trustees of Franl'in lege. He is a member of the University Club of Chicago, and tlie I : versity, Columbia and Country CIui)s of Indianapolis. Modest and in suming, ^Ir. Johnson rather avoids than seeks publicity or notoriety, hut has. by his native ability, business success and high character, won, not material wealth, but, what is of far greater value, the sincere esteem nt fellow m.en.

There is no positi\-c rule for achieving success, and }et in the ht'' "' .successful man tliere are always lessons which might ^vell be follow O'!. 1 man who gains prosficrity is he who can see and util^j:e the opportimitic^ come in his path. " The essential conditions of Iuiri7an life are ever t!ie ht: the surroundings of individuals differing buc slightly, and wlien one ;- passes another on the highway of life to reach the goal of prosperity bet' others v.ho perhaps started out before him. it is because he has the p<:>v.er use advantages which probably encompass tiie wh'.'le human race. 1 ^"

>..-..'.n"' the prominent citizens and successful business men of Franklin stands J J,,, xj. Graham. The qualities of keen discrimination, sound judgment and ivtcutive ability enter very largely into his make-up and have been contribut- <-.r oicinents to the material success which has come to him.

lohn N. Graham, who is president of the Franklin Coil Hoop Company, «3v Iwirn on April 28, 1862, on his father's farm, about one mile east of \Vhiteland, Johnson cuunf)-, Indiana. His parents were John C. and Nancy J. tC'ark) Graham, the father a native of Jennings county, Indiana, and the f.A'tlicr born in Marion county, this state. John C. Graham was a farmer by -.-v.'ition and in young manhood he came to Johnson county with his father,

- caIs Graham, who was numbred among the pioneers of this county. Flis !.\i!icr was one of the early school teachers of the county and it is believed :;,.->l he taught the first school in Franklin. Lewis Graham spent the rci-vinder of his life in this county, where he enjo3ed a splendid reputation as in intelligent and progressi\e citizen. He married a Miss Rose. John C.

- Jr.iliani was an iridustrious ajid successful fa.-mer, and resided on his place r.i-.ir W'hiteland imtil his fleath, which occurred about 1883; his wife also is '-:ciM<cd. To him and his wife v.ere born seven children, of wliom five are -iiig. namelv : James r>., of hVanklin ; Charles L.. who resides on and operj;is the home farm; Mrs. Matilda Carson, of W'hiteland ; Mrs. Elizabeth >!i;ir|> of Greenwood; Mrs. Celia J. Lowe, of Indiana[)olis. The father had \-rn previously married to a Miss Fitzpatrick, by whom he had two children.

John N. Graham, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm, to the operation of whicli he gave his attention until he was thirty- ^'^Iv. years old. He had secured a good practical education in the public vh.Kils and ga\e practical and intelligent direction to his business affairs. In he came to hVanklin and during the following two years he engaged in !'''-e IiLiying and shipping of sp<:)ke and handle timber, in which he was success- He then engaged in the manufacture of coil hc>ops. buying out John Nliirinerer, south of the Pennsylvania stock yards, and afterwards leased the '^'1 Jones & Bergan planing mill on West Jefferson stret." In 19CK3. with ''icio- Smith, he formed the Franklin Coil Hoop Compatiy, of which, on its he became president and general manager. This concern was engaged in the manufacture of hoops, but has enlarged its scope ai;u now

'-^1^ extensively in lumber by retail and wholesale, in connection with which ' conduct a well e(|uipped planing mill and manufacture porch furniture. ^'"'ey also operate a coal yard. The business of the concern has been on a basis from the beginning and has continued to grow during tb.e

.,;:;;.ition as a lawyer in a coiiiinunity noted for the high order of its legal .Vrt, while as the representative of his community in the I.cgislr.ture of his ,rc lie achieved a success creditable to himself and an honor to his con- .. ::-c:icy. Success is methodical and consecutive, and Mr. Slack's success ..J, J.vcn attained by normal methods and means - the determined application . r.'.ciital and physical resources along a rightly defined line. A self-made :^?, ill the truest sense of the term, Mr. Slack is eminently deserving of rr; rcscntation in the annals of Johnson county.

L Ert Slack is descended from sterling old Scotch-Irish ancestry, tii,'h the family, in both the paternal and maternal lines, has been identified t,:li tliis country for a number of generations. Reason Slack, the subject's ,<.'iTnal grandfather, who was born in Ohio in 1S03, came to Indiana with '. . parents in 1813, and in his youth he took an acti\-e part in the arduous incident to tlic clearing un of tlic land and the opening of a farm in ;;i:;>!ey township, Johnson county. In that loutislup he later entered land ' : liiniself and th.ere he spent the rest of his days, dying at the advanced y.y of eighty-six j-cars. lie attained tn considerable prominence in the civic .v.'i iiublic life of Jo'iuT^ori in his day and at one time served as a member of 0 Itoard of county co;nniissioners. He \\as twice married and reared a :':t".;ly of nine children.

Henry Teeters, maternal grandfather of L. Ert Slack, was a native of K'tiitLicky, and later became a p'oneer of the Hoosier state, coming here in manhood ar.d lr)cating in Green towns'np. Morgan county, spcnd".ig rL-mai'idcr of his life on the farm on vvhich he originally located, dying "ii 1899, at the age of sevent_\'-eight years. He too. was married twice, being born to both unions.

Elisha O. Slack, son of Reason Slack, was reared on the paternal home- "^-tvad in Ilen.^ky township, Johnson county, and during his active years '-'cvoted himself to the pursuits of farming and stock raising, but is now r''ai;tlcal!y retired fnv.n actix'e life. For !nany years he has been one of the liigldy esteemed men of his section of the state anc7 in all the relations t life - fann'ly, churcli, state an.d societv - he has displr.^-ed that consistent 'r'''it, tl->;.t innate refinement and uuswervin.g integrity thr^t ha'.'e won for him confideiice and res[.ect. lie has taken a large i-'ntcrcst in th.e public -Viairs of his locality and at one time sen-etl efficienthi as asse-sor of his He married Xancy -V. Teeters, daughter of Henry Teeters, and are both earnest mendx-rs of the Christian church. l"o them have been five children, two sons and three daughters, namely: Mary, the wife (27) of Prof. Webb Hunt, formerly of Trafalgar, Johnson county, now e..; . necLed with the public schools of ]Muucic, Indiana; Maude; Jessie, the v. of Guy Clore, of Union township, this county; L. Ert, the immediate su!,"., - of this sketch, and Henry T., who died at the age of twelve years.

L. Ert Slack was reared on the old homestead near Trafalgar aiul I.,. is indebted to the common schools for his educational advantages. That was a diligent and faithful pupil is evidenced in the fact that for a perio-i .;.' five years he neither missed a day at school nor v.as once tardy. Inlcn-cl.- ambitious and energetic, Mr. Slack, even during his school days, spcni Is leisure hours in learning the trade of a blacksmith, which vocation, however. he never followed, for at the age of seventeen years he secured a positii';: in the Central Hospital for the Insane, at Indianapolis, wh.ere he remaii!...: for four and a half years. In the meantime he had decided to make t! practice of law his life work and to this end was employing all his odd lioir. s in the study of Ker.t. Blackstone and other standard auth.orities. in vduch I.c prepared himself so well tb.at, in the fall of 1S96, he was enabled to quW the senior \ear in the Indiana Law School and was admitted to the bar ;u Franklin on Sepitmbcr 6, 1897. He imjiiedialck" formed a partnership v, W. E. Deupree, now judge of tlie circuit court, under the firm name of Dci:- pree & Slack, and on the sam.e day he was appointed deputy prosecuti;;;' attorney for Jolmson county, the duties of wdiich position he discharged will-. cfficienc}- and ^vith credit to hinisclf until November 15. 1S98. when lie resigned. From the beginning of Ids professional career Mr. Slack deni'i::- strated abilit\" of a higli order, and on Decetnber 4, 1S99, he received tl:/ appointment as county attorney for oi^e year, an honor which was rcpeati.'' six times consecutivel}'. ^Mr. S^ack had frotii his youth takeri a deep inters in public affairs and the current issues of tlie da}-, on all of wdiich he lic'.^'- positi\e opinions, and he had so impressed liimseif en the Democratic pariy of his county that on February 24, 19CO, he received the nomination for rcj.- resentative to th..j General Assembly, by four hun-Ired and fifty votes over a popular competitor. John M. Dill, and on Xovcmber 6th following k.c v>\telected over Eugene A. Robinson by f.vc hundred and twenty-eight vote-. In the Lower Flouse he was as^'gned to the commilceus on judiciary, education, county and township business, citie.^ and towr,;. and mileage and accounts, where he rendered such efikienl and satisfactory service that liis co;:- stituents wisely decided diat he had earned a re-election^ his renomin.it;-:'. on Novemlier 29, 1901, being without opposition. Fle was recognized in tlv Legislature as a man of ura;sual abikty ^Lld force, a tireless worker, nr. . devoted to th.e best interests of the people he represented, and in the sessior>

. .- if.03 he was tlie choice of his party, which was then in the minority in the fiuiisc, for speaker of that body. In 1904 Mr. Slack was elected state senj:,,r from the district composed of Johnson and Shielby counties, serving- ^:::\ns the sessions of 1905 and 1907. In thought, speech and act :\[r. Skick :.L-.-a!iic one of the most distinguislied members of the General Assembly of his state, his splendid and efficient work in committees, his eloquent and ^M.irkling speeches in the legislative halls, and the measures of legislation r.Iiicii he inaugurated and accomi)lishcd comprising a record alike creditable ;-) liiniself and an honor to his county.

In the practice of law L. Ert Slack has achieved an enviable reputation, t'.r years of conscientious v.'ork have brought with them not only increase of ;>itroiiagc, but also that growth in legal knowledge and that w-ise and accurate ii;(!t,^inent the possession of wdiicli constitutes marked excellence in the pror'c.vsion. lie has evinced a familiarity with legal princi[>lcs and a ready pervfjition of facts, v.-it'n the ability to apply the 0!!C to the otlier, which has uon him the r-.-putatinn of a safe and sound practitioner. In the trial of cases 1 c is uniform!)- courteous to court and opposing counsel, caring little for dispay, but seeking- to impress the jury by weight of facts in liis favor and by c^v'ar, logical argument than by ap|)eal to pass-'on or prejudice. In discus- of the prin.ciples of law he is noted for clcarnxss of statemei't and can- 'l"r. He seeks faithfully for firm ground, and having once found it nothing can drive him from his position. His zeal for a client never leads him to t:rge an argument which in his judgnient is not in harmony with the law, in all the important" litigation with which, he lias been connected no one ever charged him v,-ith anything calculated to bring discredit upon h.im- or cast a reflection upon his [)rofession. His life affords a splendid ixaiiiplc of what an American youth, plentifully endowed with good comnion sense, energy and determination, may accompiisli when directed and controlled by correct moral jiriticiples.

On October 31, 1897, L. Ert Slack was united in marriage 'to Mary shields, of Columbus, Indiana, the daugh.ter of E. G. Shields. To th.em v.-as 'ivrn one child, which died in infancy. Mrs. Slack is a lady of man.y gracious 'jtialitics of heart, which, have endeared her to a large circlv ~jf warn: friends.

Fraternally, Mr. Slack is a member of the Mod,::n Woodmen of -\"ierica, Catup No. 2640; Tohnson Lodge No. 76, Independent Order of Odd and the Kniglits of Pythias Lodge at Eranklin, \\hi!e in r.he IMa^onic he is affiliated with Eranklin Lodge No. T07; Franklin Chapter No. 65, =v'yal Arch Masons; p-ranklin Coir.n-iaiidery No. 23, Knights Templar :Tn- 'J'aiiapolis Consistory, thirty-second degree, Scottish Rirc, and "to ^Nfurat

Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Religiously, he is a member, with hi, wife, of the Christian Science church at Franklin. Through the years of hi residence in this locality, Mr. Slack has been true to every trust reposed i;. him, whether of a public, professional or private nature, and he has coir. manded the respect of all who know him. Possessing a kindly and gonial disposition, he readily makes friends and is a very agreeable companion. Mr. Slack possesses a splendid li!>rary and is well read in the world's best literature and well inforiiied on a wide range of topics, his public speeches exhibiting familiarity with facts outside his profession often found lacking in thv^^ who confine their study and thouglts to their life vocation. Johnson count;. has been dignified by his life and achievements and he is eminently deservii,- of this feeble tribute to his worth as a man and a lawyer.

Among those who stand as distinguished types of the world's workcis Dr. Philander W. Payne, one of the able and honored pioneer pliysi:i:.:. and surgeons of Franklin, Indiana, who is now spending the serene Fk".::.;. summer of his years in honorable retirement from the more active duncj; C't life. He is a man of fine intellectual and profes.«ional attainments, of nms; gracious personality, of strong and noble character, and who has lalurrv' with zeal, devotion and success in the alleviation of human suffering. Aone of those who have lent dignit)- and honor to the medical profession Indiana and who brought to his chosen vocation the strength and devoti":- of a great soul and a broad mind, i*: is most consonant that in this publico i'"'"' be entered and perpetuated a tribute to his worth. He is plain and un;i-- suming, a fine type of the self-made man. He is charitable and benevolc;^". those in need or distress of body or mind seek not his aid in vain. The-. and many other commendable qualities have won for him the gc-od w:! and esteem of the people of Johnson county. It is no very rare thing fnr boy in our country to become a prosperous man and occupy a command!!'; position in the world's affairs, but many who have fought their way to a vh'-^ of influence in the various relations of life, retain some marks and scars the conflict. They are apt to become narrow and grasping, even if not sorui and unscrupulous. Doctor Payne, however, is an instance of a man wh has achieved success without paying the price at which it is so often bought for his success has not removed him away from his fellow men, but h'' i,^,i,(Tlit hii.n into nearer and closer relations with them, and he has through C.c years been a potential factor for the upbuilding of the community and the advancement of the highest and best interests of the people with whom '.,< hns mingled and been associated.

Philander W. Payne is a native son of the old Buckeye state and good -!.! Yankee blood flows in his veins. He was born on ^Nfarch 9, 183:?, in :'.>:(itord, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and is the son of George M. and Susan (Plolcomb) Payne, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Conr.icticut. George !M. Payne was during the early part of his life a farmer, bit later engaged in the furniture business and he was fairly successful in his enterprises. From his native state he removed to Pennsylvania, and from -.!;;it state- to Ohio, where he lived until 1S55, when he came to Franklin, jolinson county, Indiana, where for a number of years he was one of the ;,:oiuincnt merchants of the tovrn, being a dealer in furniture. Plis death tccurrcd here in his ninet3'-four!:li year; his wife, had died at Ouicensville, jtr.nings county, Indiana, at the age of sixty-six years. Fraternally, George Faytie was a member of the Masonic order during practically all of his :i-,.iture life and devoted much of his time ami attention to the work- of ihc .jrdcr. Plis religious membership was v/ith the Christian church. To him .Hid his wife were born seven children, of wliom the subject of this sketch i< the only survivor.

Philander PayiiC accompanied his parents on their removal to Johnson county in 1855. His early education had been received in the common schools, v.-hich was supplemented by study at Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, this state. Having dcternn'ned to take up the practice of medicine, he pursued a course of technical study in the medical department of the University of .Michigan and in Jefferson ^Medical College, at Philadelphia, v,-hcre he was iliaduated with the degree of Doctor of AFedicine. Later he took a postk'raduate course in the medical department or the University of New York at Bellevue Plospital ^Medical College and the Post-Graduate School of ^t'-^\- York City. Thus well equipped, Doctor Payne canv. to Franklin and v.as he'-e actively engaged in the practice of medicine con'.::iucu?ly up to the --i!c of his retirement, about a year ago. Local conditions at the tini-.- he filtered upon the practice were vastly different from conditions toda\-. and --'e lot of tlie pioneer physician Vv'as far fro'n pleasant. Bridgeiess streams, impassable roads and the absence of akno-";t all the modern conveniences *-'t transportation and communication mark a sharp contrast tn the present- environments of the physician. Doctor Payne in his early practice rode

Harry Bridges

Thi gentleman whose name appears at the hear' of this biograpliical review needs no introduction to the people of Johnson county, since his eiit-r active life has been spent here, a life devoted not only to the fostering ''t S' own interests, but also to the welfare o' the community at large. An li"i'"' able representative of one of the esteemed families of his section and a gent,- man of high character and worthy aml)itions, he has filled no small place - the puhlic view, as the important ollicial positions he has held hear witr.r- membership is with the Christian church, of which he has long been a fait'- ; ful and earnest member. He gives conscientious attention to the spiriti;;.!

verities and is a deep student of the Holy Writings, being a stanch believer ir- the divinity of Christ and the other fundamental principles which unckTl:^ the Christian religion. Personally, he is a man of excellent parts and cr jovs to a marked degree the confidence and good will of all who know lii:-

-!e i> a splendid type of the intelligent, up-to-date, selt-niadc American in the vii; sense of the term, a man of the people, with their interests at heart. As J c:ti/en he is progressive and alircast of the times in all that concerns tlie ^.,!i;inon weal. Although a partisan, with strong convictions and well defined c'linions on questions on which men and parties divide, he has the esteem and ..^ulldcnce of the people of the community and his personal friends are in num- S.T as his accjuaintances, regardless of party tics.

Harry Bridges, the present efficient and popular treasurer of Johnson cu'.inty, was born on his father's farn] near Trafalgar, Henslcy township, f.ilinson county, Indiana, on December 12, 1S72. He is the son of William A. j'kI Alice M. (Hunter) Bridges, both of whom were born in the same locality, r.iid both now live in Franklin. The father, wlro durin.g his active life v>-as an r'vhi^trious and successful farmer, is nov.- practically retired from active purvjits. For many years he was prominent in the public life of Johnson count}', having served two term^ as a meinher of tb.c fvxtrd of county commissioners .Ir.ririg the eighties and, beginning v.'ith January i, I goo, lie served two terms .T> county treasurer, discharging his duties in a manner highl\- creditable to Iiiinself and his fellov/ citizens. The Bridges faniiiy is originjili}- from Kentucky, the subject's grandfather, George Bridges, who was born in 1800, having conic to Johnson county in 1S..7, settling isi Henslcy township, where he hecame a successful farmer. His death occurred tlicrc on August 22, 1S72. lie was married three times, first ^o a ATiss Forsythe, by whom he had seven c'lildreu; tb.en to Marth.a Clarke, die granthuother of the subject of this sketch, to wiiom was born one cliild, the subject's lather, and the third marriage was lo a Miss Praiher, by whom six children were horn. To the subject's parfiita were born three children: Otis, who resides on his father's farm in Ifonslcy townsliip; Dell, the wife of Wile}- E. Waggoner, of Franklin, anrl Harry, the immediate subject of this sketch.

Harry Bridge^ spent his youthful year.> on his fath.er's farnr in tlie cultivation of v/hicli he ga\e his assistance as soon as old enough. He attended the district schools and also the school at Franklin, graduating from llic high school, after which he S[)ent three years in Franklin College, thus becoming well prepared for life's duties. Under President Cleveland's last administration he was deput}' [lostmaster of Franklin and then returned to the home farm, to the culti\at!on of which be ga\e his attention until 1900. !^!nce when he has been identified v. ith th.c pLd^l'c affairs of tlie county with the f-Kception of four years A\lien he was an enip'o}-ee of the Big Four railroad as a.ssistant agent at Franklin. He served four years a- deputy treasurer of Johnson county under his father, and then after quitting tlie employ of the

In a brief sketch of any living citi/.en it is difucult to do him exact ri;. ' impartial justice, not so much, ho\\ever, for lack of sjiace or words to -J.

community wherein their lots are cast, who yet have in them, if fortune 1' ':, opened t(; them a wider sphere of life, the clei^:ents of character to w.^'" ;.

statesmen or public benefactors of world-wide fame. Compared with | blazon of fame which some regard as the real seal or stamp of grcatT;:-- -,

, c\ fix their place in the regard of their fellow men. During his life of near- U i^>^^y yc^''S '" Edinburgh, its people have had means to know Avhat manner ->'} man J. A. Thompson is. The record of testimony is ample that he is a l^U'd citizen in the full sense of the term, and worth}' of honor and public tr-.;->t, ever doing worthily and well whatever he puts his hand to do - an worthy of being coveted by every man.

}. A. Thompson was born on October i, 1855, at Edinburg, Johnson ;...;:iitv. Indiana, and comes of a long line of sterling Southern ancestry. He is the son of Alfred C. and Mariah (Carvin) Thompson, the former S.m in Grainger county, Tennessee, in 181 1, and the latter born in Virginia ,.n 1S12. Alfred C. Thompson was brought to Indiana by his parents in 1816 jr.J, owing to their modern circumstances and the lack of local educational facilities, his school training was meager. However, he was a man of large r_-iUiral endowment and force of character and, by dint of the most persistent ji'.iustry, enterprising spirit and able management, forged ahead until he "c.-aini-, one of the leading and most innuential citizens of his community. !n iS;o he established a private bank in Edinburg, under the name of A. C. Tiioinpson Bank, to the active management of which he devoted his atten- '.; on, with splendid success until his death, whicli occurred on January i, 1889. lie had forged his way to the front ranks in Johnson county by his strong inlicrent force and superior business ability, and he left the impress of his j ' rsoi;ality on the community. If e was essentially a man among men and as citizen he easily ranl.edwith the most influential of his compeers. He had .1 deep interest in the general welfare of the community and every movement I'X>kiiig to the advancenient of his city received his warm support.

I'olitically, A. C. Thompson was originally a Whig, but on the formation of tho Republican party he gave it his support, thoug:h he never aspired to !'':l)lic office of any nature. He was an ardent and earnest member of the christian church, in which he held office and to wliich he gave a liberal

To A. C. and Mariah Thompson were born tlae follijwing children . f-dward C, who also had been engaged in the banking Ivusiness, died at the ^Kc of sixty-five years ; Plannah E. is the widow of Gideun r^IcEwtn. who his life was an extensive farmer near Columbus. Indiana, in which Cily she is now residing: J. A., the immediate subject of this sketch.

J. A. Thompson recei\ed his elementary education in the public schools. this by attendance at the Northwestern Christian College, r.ou- Eutler College, at Indianapolis. Upon the completion of his education, '" '875, he entered his father's bank as a bookkeeper, where he cpiickly mas- tered the "ins and ouis" of financial transactions, and eventnally bcca:: -- partner with his father in the bank, which has always remained a pri. bank. In 1872 his faiher had erected a splendid and substantial bni:,; especially for the bank and it is still located therein. This bank has 1;;, ; most successful career and has long been numbered among the mo.st .- stantial institutions of Johnson county, largely due to the wise and coiim; , tive management of Mr. Thompson, as well as the liberal policy of the 1.,, towards those who h.ave deserved its assistance and support. The pn.-. officers of the bank are as follows: President, J. A. Thompson; cashier, J. Loughery; assistant cashier, Frank D. Thompson. The statement of '. condition of the bank on June 14. 1912, was as foHows : Lialiilities - C.;; tal stock, $50,000.00; due to other banks, $381.71; exchange, discounts interest, $6,408.83; deposits, $326,283.47; total, $383,074.01. Resourc.- Loans and discounts, $242,842.76; taxes, $477'.i4; overdrafts, $388.75; bonds and securities, $7,836.23; due from banks, $109,585.08; cash on Ik;; $19,733.66; current expenses, $2,210.39; total, $383,074.01. Mr. Thoin;- is widely known in banking circles and at the meeting of the American 1".;!!; ers' Association, which met at Detroit in 191 2, he was chosen vice-prcsii;<. of the association for the state of Indiana.

Politically, J. A. Thompson is a staunch Republican and takes an ai ',' iriterest in the success of that party. He is deeply interested in educati^ : affairs and served efficiently on the board of education for twenty yop. Fraternall}', he is a member of the ^^lasonic order at Edinburg, and has :-.'. attained to the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite, belonging t" - commandery at Franklin, while in the Scottish Rite he has been honored v.: the thirty-third degree, the highest possible attainment in IMasonry. If' dso a member of Murat Temple, Mystic Shrine, at Indianapolis.

In 1879 J. A. Thompson was united in marriage to Clara Denning. ' daughter of D. J. and Heppy (White) Denning, and to this union have ! born two children, namely: Rebie, who became the wife of Clarence ' '-. singer; Frank D., who is assistant cashier of his fatiaer's bank.

Prof. Jesse C. Webb

The men most influential in promoting the ad\ ancement of society aiv giving charjicter to the times in which they li\'e are two classes, to-wU. men of studv and the men of action. \\'hether we are nn.ire imlebted f'"

Jesse C. Webl), the present efficient and po])ular comity superintendent of .'iliools, is a native of Johnson county and was born on June 12, i<S74. He is vx son of John S. and Xancy E. (W elliver) Webb, the former a native of .^li'.-Iby count}', Indiana, and the latter of Butler county, Ohio. John S.Webb. -.\ii ) was a farmer, came from Shelby county to Johnson county in 1856 and '.l:creafler followed agricultural pursuits in Needham township until 1875, he remo\ed to Franklin" township, where he spent the remainder of his !:!V. Religiously, he was an earnest memlier of the Baptist church, while. ;-i!itically, he was a Democrat, ha\ing cast his first presidential vote for i'l-.clianan in 1S56. The subject's granrl father, Zachariah Webb, was a son "f John and Xancy (^Taylor) Webb and came to Clark county, Indiana, in !^^15, and to Shelby county, this state, in 18 17. Zachariah Webb's grand- "-''ther, Xancy (Davis) Weljb, was a cousin to Zachariah Taylor, Bresident of !';c United States. The subject's great-grandmother, Xancy A. (Bluff) Webb, was born in Xenia, Ohio, and came with her parents. Joseph and Hanf'.^ili (I'lnley) Bhiff, to Shelby county, Bidiana. where her father followed the '-'"'Cation of a millwright. Ble built and operated the old Red mill in Shelby oninty, which was afterwards converted into a woolen mill, and later re-convcrted into a flouring mill. Mr. Wel>b's maternal great-grandmother, Hannah (Finley) Huff, was a sister of Rev. James B. Finley, a celebrated Meth- '"list minister in Ohio in early da^'S. The subject's great-grandmother, ^''ancy Davis, was a daughter of Richard Davis, who v/:.-- the brother of -"^aniuel Davis, the father of Jefferson Davis, president of the Southern Conlederrcy. The Webb family line of ascent is traced back to the royal fami!}' "t Er^gland. Joh.n S. Webb died in March, 1907. and his widow in March, i<>o8. They were the parents of twelve children, eigiit of whom are li\-ing. Mrs. Xina B. Branigin. of Canton, Mississippi; Mrs. Helena A. Core, of Franklin; Mrs. Lulu E. Hunt, of Franklin; Daniel C, also of Frank- lin; Jesse C, the imniodiate subject of this sketch; Samuel J., of iM-a;;!,;::. Marquis D.j of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; JNlrs. ^Nlary K. Clore, of I'lai:'.';

Jesse C. Webb attended the common schools, from which he graduatril :- 1890, and then attended tiie Franklin high school where he graduated in i,'-., He then-entered Franklin College, where he was graduated in 189S, wiili li , degree of_Bachelor of Arts, taking the Master's degree in 1900. He ai- . attended Chicago University, where he studied under Joseph Pratt Jud-.-: . now president of the uni\-ersity, and Ella Flagg Young, now supcrintcn.lL;.-. of the Chicago public schools, while at Indiana State I'niversity he stiuli.. ; under William Lowe Br\an, president.

Thus well prepared for his chosen life work, Mr. Webb, in iSg'j, eny;\-' 1 in teaching and for a n.umber of years was successfully employed in the tuv, shij) district an.d high schools. So enu'iicntly satisf<-'.ctory v^-ere his service that he attracted the attention of the township trustees of the county wlm, i:, 1903. elccLed him county sapei'Inlendcnt of scho.-..ls. In that posili'm demonstrated abilities of such iu'gh order that he was re-elected to the po>: tton in 1907 and again in 191 1, and is now discharging tlic duties of tlia: rcsponsii)'e positi'ju to tb.e eminent s,'iiisfa.ctio!i Cif all conceriied. Pr(>f. W-j!''' is the holder of a teacher's state life certificate, granted in 1905. lie is -.r.. active and prominent member of the Xatioi'al Superintend.ents' Associ;!!!'':. and from 1910 to 191 3 he was a member of tlie state buard of eilucatini; His work in e\-ery dciiartment of education has been characteristical!\- practi':,:' and in superintending and in devising or modifying the course of study k; possesses to a remarkable degree the sense of proportion and fitness. C'-r.- tinuous application has given him a clear and comprehensive insight into i;-.- philosophy of education and the largest v.isdom as to metliods and moa;:' Although a school man in the broadest ai:;d best sense of the term and, asuch, making every otlier consideration secondary to his professional arj ' otlicial duties Superintendent Webb has never become narrow or pedantic, k'.'t is a well-rounded, symmetrically developed rr;an, fully alive to the demands <^' the times, thorouglily informed on the leading questioriS before the jjublic a-''' takes broad views of n.Teri and things. He believes in pa-gress in every dfpartment of lire and nianifests an abiding interest in v.'ia[j\er makes for t'v.- material advancemerit of the community in any way. . Wliile in college he v..''- actively interested in athletics, playing on the football and l.)aseball teams, an - he is still in hearty accord with all laudable and health. ful pastimes and sportthat tenc' t") strengthen and develop th.c physical powers.

.raiKldaughtcr of David Forsytlic, the first. She is a member of the Daughv-r.s of tho American Revolution and the Tri Delta Delta sorority and is a ..-pillar member of the social circles in which she moves. To Professor and \Ir^. Webb has been born a daughter, Dorothea L. Welliver Webb.

Fraternally, Professor Webb is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and in the former order has attained to !:i; orders of Knight Templar, holding membership in Franklin Commandery So. 22- Religiously, he is a member of the Fir.st Baptist church and has KTved as superintendent of the Sunday school for the past throe years.

The life of the scholarly or professional man seldom exhibits any of tliose striking incidents that seize upon public feeling and attract attention to hini- 'olt. His character is generally made up of the aggregate qualities and -lualifications he may possess, as these n'.ay be elicited by the exercise of the 'liities of his vocation or the particular profession to which he may belong. But when such a man has so imp-rcssed his individuality upon his fellow m.en a.-: to gain their confidence, and through that confidence be retained in impfjrtant positions, he becomes a conspicuous Egure in the body politics of the community. The subject of this reviev/ is one of the scholarly men of his who, not content to hide his talents amid life's sequeslertd ways, by the force of will and a laudalile^ambition forged to the front in an exacting and responsible calling and earned an honorable reputation in one of the most important branches of public service. A well educated, symmetrically developed man, his work as an educator has for many years been of such a liigh standard of excellence that his position in the front rank of his profession has lorig been conceded. Keeping abreast the tin.es in advanced educational methods, and possessing a broad and comprehensive knowledge, he is. because of his high attainments, well rounded cliaracter and large in.Ouence, eminently entitled to representation in the annals of his count\-.

Columbus LL Hall, who, after nearly four decades of active and effective labor in the educational field, is now retired from the activities which formerly commanded his best efforts, is a native son of the Hoosier state, haviiig been at Ciiili, ]\Iiami county, on Noven-iber ij, 1S46. His parents, Xelsoa C. S!ui Letitia (GrisvN-old) Hall, were natives, recpectively, of Nev/ York and Vermont, both descending from sterliTig o?d I^astern families, from whom d.ey inherited th'jse cliaracteristics which eiiabled them, in an early day, to forsake the comforts and ties of their old huiiic and take up hfe in the 1,1 .. and still comparatively undeveloped West, of which Indiana was then a pj.r; However, Nelson C. Hall, with a sagacity and courage characteristic of ;' pioneers of th.at day, boldly cast his lot with the new community and ih,;.; he identified himself with the life of the people and, as the proprietor uf "li; village store,'' he became a man of considerable local importance and indueih,. With the exception of seven years which were spent by the family at Aknr.-. Indiana, the village of Chili remained the home of Coluiubus Hall during \r boyhood and early manhood. His early education was receixed in the sclujn|. of his home neighborliood and in the high school at Peru. In 1S62 he \va converted in a ^Methodist church at Akron, and about two years later he jniin ' a Baptist church in the cotmtry near his home. He had an intense longing a higher education than w as afforded him tlius far, and in tlie fall of iS.'/, I: became a student in the Ladoga (Indiana) Seminary. A }-ear later he Im' lowed Prof. William Hill from Ladoga to Franklin College, which Profe>N Llill was then re-opening, and here he remained until the middle of his scni' .- year, I'ebruary, 1872, when the colleg'e suspended. He at once entered Chicago Uni"\'ersity, where he completed his course and \v'as graduated in t! following Jtuie. He had '"'seen the vision of the Christ" and had consecrate i himself to the ministry and, to the end that he might j)repare himself for h'> life work, he entered the Baptist Theological Seminary at Chicago, where i\' graduated in April, 1S75, recei\-ing, the same year, the degree of Master Arts from Franklin College and the Lni\ersity of Chicago. In INTay, ICS74, was ordained a minister in the Prairie Vine church, iri Newton county, Tn'!;- ana, and at once entered enthusiastically upon his long' cherished career a^^ a minister of the gospel. However, early in 1S75 he was invited and urged become a teacher in PVanklin College, and, though it meant the breaking 'i' of his plans and purposes, he obeyed the call to duty, and, moved by h\< intense interest in the educational progress of his natixx' state, began his w<v!, there in September of that year. He laught, in turn, Greek, science and Latin. but in 1879 was placed permanently at the head of the Greek department and under his guidance and direction Franklin College became noted in tl)i- 'department. The study of Greek language and literature is generally conceded to be one of the best disciplines for the mind in the entire college curriculum, besicles which, the language itself deserves a close and critical study A country's literature inevitably exhibits the characteristics of the people, a. as in the realm of art Greece stands nithout a peer, so its language is the m -"-t artistic and expressive the world ha-; e\er known. Doctor Hall loved Grcc::

. its own sake nnd he was able to impart to his students a love and apprecia- . ., for the language that they had not had before. Possessing marked instincts, he was able to catch the beauty of the rhythm and the music ;' ihe cadence and, catching his inspiration and enthusiasm, those under him ,'rc stimulated to greater study and larger results than could otherwise have attained. . . - .

In 1SS5 Doctor liall was elected vice-president of Franklin College, and ', iS')-i he spent several months 'traveling in Europe, Egypt aiul the Holy ; .,ru!, and in 1911 Dr. Hall and 3.1rs. Hall spent two months traveling in ; -.rrope. visiting Ital)", Germany, Switzerland, Holland, France, England and On June 12, 1912. after thirt\--sevcn years of continuous service ;.an educator, all of them with Franklin College, Doctor Hall resigned and since been living qnictly in his comfortable hon-ie at Franklin. In addi- - ;i t't his college vork. Doctor Ha'l continued to perform some work as a -lii^ter and for thirty-three years he has served as pastor of the Hurricane church. As preaclier and teacher he always did his very best and the ;.'»:'(1 he accomplished jiasses any finite measure. In tlic cau-'c of Christian "(-.'.cation he uevoteil the best years of his life, and it is n.ot possible to ::t.'?.sure adequately the height, de[ulT and breadth of such a life, for its in- -!.:c:K-e n-ill conf'nue to permeate the lives of oth.ers through succeeding gen- Doctor Hall has ever !;eld the uncqu.is'oca' con.fidcnce and esteem -;' liie peo].)le amor.g whom he has labored so lor.g and so earnestly.

On June 15, 1875. Doctor Hall was united in marriage with Theodcsia -'-irks: She was born at F.edford, Indiana, on July 13. 1856, a daughter of :vcv. R. N. and James (Short) Parks. Rev. R. X. Parks was one of the ." '"aeer Baptist [treachers of Indiana. Mrs. H;dl graduated from Franklin r.iHcge, cla-s of 1875. being the \ouugest persori e\er graduated from the e"l!t;ge. For one year after grarluation she was a tutor in the college. To i^r. and Mrs. Hall have come iiine children, as foUows : Zoe Parks Hall, wIkj was the wife of Jolm Hall, and died on December 21. 1907; Griswold Plall is the wife of Dr. G. M. Sclby, and tliey reside at ."^hcridan, \\'yom!ng: Albert Arnold Bennett Hal!, assistant pL-':»fessor of science in tlie Universit) of Wisconsin; Theodore Ha'k who died June iS, T8S4: Letitia Theodora Hal! is the head of the Fat;;; dcfiartiv.ent t'^.e Emerson Scl)Ool. Uary. Indiana: Warren Short Hall is as-".-.tant mana- --'-T of the Fame Laundry, Toledo. Ohio; Xeison Clarence Hall is a teacher '" the Rock River Militar}- Academy, Di.xon, Ilk'nois; Esther Marguerite Flail attending Franklin College : Florence Christine Hall is a student in the !--':')lic school.

James Thomas Polk

The two most strongly marked characteristics of both the East an.', i! West are combined in tlie residents of tlie section of country of which il, volume treats. The enthusiastic enterprise which overleaps all obstacles a: makes possible almost any undertaking in the comparatively new and vigor. V/estern states is here tempered by the stable and more careful policv t'. . we have borrowed from our Eastern neighbors, and the combination is <:.. of peculiar force and power. Jt has been the means of placing this seclioi! . the country on a par with the older East, at the same time producing a u liability and certainty in business aflfairs which is frequently lacking in West. This happy combination of characteristics is possessed by the sul>ir of this brief sketch. Additional interest attaches to the subject because ing tiie dark, troublesome days of the sixties he proved his love and loval; to the government by enlisting in its defense and in the Southland he p^r formed valiant and courageous service for his country. To such as he country is under a debt of gratitude which it can not repay and in cen(u!i>: yet to be posterity ^v-ill commemorate the splendid defense of national iiitr.- rity which characteri/.ed the boys in blue during the sixties.

J. T. Polk was born in Gibson county, Indiana, on Eebruary 25, i!^;' and is tlic son of George W. and Mary (Emory) Polk, the former a native < Kentucl-:}' and the latter of Gibson county, Indiana. The father, who v,-' born south of the Ohio river, across from Evansville, was a furniture-mak' and cabinet-maker by vocation, having learned the trade at Evansville at . time before machinery had been installed in such factories, and all of the \\":' was done by hand. Later in life he followed the saw-mill business and th' : took up farming, cultivating one hundred acres of land. In 1S61 he came ; Greenwood, Johnson c(umty, Indiana, and bought his first farm, which v. covered with timber and to the clearing and cultivation of which he gave \r attention. At that time Greenwood was a village of but little prominence . promise of future prosperity, containing but one store of any importance aa few cabins. Here Mr. Polk remained until his death. He was the fat! of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch is tlie only one living.

J. T. Polk secured a practical common school education, supplemented ' ; extensive home reading. Pie was very ambitious to secure a better educati ; but his plans were interrupted by the Southern rebellion and he ardently .' sired to enlist in the national army, but he was too young and was compel! to remain inactive until 1S63, when, without his father's consent, he enlis;

'.^Company IM, First Indiana Heavy ArUllery. The command was assigned ;.j t!ie Army of the South, and at Baton Rouge, New Orleans and JNIobile Bay -/ cv took an active part in the campaigns of that army. This company of iriJilcry fired the last shot of the war and to ]\Ir. Polk belongs the distinction o! having helped to fire the last cannon ball that closed up this conflict in asi-jting in the capture of Mobile Bay. After the close of the war IMr. Polk {.turned home, and, aflcr attending the common schools for a short time, he ^.rjit to Shurtliff College, at Alton, Illinois, where he studied for one year and ; term, when, because of failing health, he was compelled to desist from his »!ufiies and for awhile engaged in work as a bood salesman. He then came r.-'nic, but a short time later he was compelled to go to the Dan.ville Sanitarium. vl'cre for nine months he endca\-orcd to regain his health. He was then with \'s father in a tile factory for a short time, wlien, feeling that his health was iZ:im established, he entered Chicago University, but his health would not :Mnd the strain and ho was again compelled to give u.p his studies. Return- -';{; lionio, he took up farming, in which he began to specialize with the viev/ of -'.arting and operating a canning factory. Planting a half acre to tomatoes, h; commciiccd caiin'iig the fru't, vrh'ch he sold ro re=;taiirants and hotels at iiKiianapolis. He v. as successful in th.is enterpii?c, gradually branched cut and v.\ the course of time he had one of the largest and most complete catming iVctories in th.e country, employing from two hundred to three hundred me,;, and during the busy season as higli as one thousand to two thousand men, -.somen and children. Eventually he sold this factory and started in th.e dai-y in which his greatest success has been achieved, his business now K-ing one of the largest in tlie United States in this line. This business, which h-'is been under !Mr. Polk's management now about twenty years, has gradually sMwn in scope and importance, the Indianapolis factory being enlarged from '.iine to time until today there is nothing to compare with it in the Middle 'A'est. Mr. Polk's first activity in the dairy business \\-as in i8SS, at which time t:<.' had a herd of Ho'stein and Jersey cattle, the most of th.e produ.ct of which i^t; sold to the Tanglcwood Dairy Company. Eventually he bought the lattei' .company and began the deli\e!-y of milk to the dairy conipary winch he organ- -^'--1 in Indianapolis. M'r. Polk has owned the major part of the stock and ^a> controlled the business policy of the company from ti.r sti'.rt and to his -oiuid judgment and progressive methods is its spendid srccess due, thoiigh also should be given to Samuel O. Dungan, Mr. Polk's son-in-law, v.ho j-i vice-president and secretary of the company and v.-ho has had ac(.i\-e charge ^'f the Indianapolis business. The company first began business at No. 612 ' (38)

East Sixteenth street, Indianapolis, starting with one wagon for city deli'.,r and at the end of eight years tlicy had eighteen wagons on the runtes. i^",,- pclled to secure larger quarters, the company then built a milk depot ;it -; corner of College avenue and Sixteenth street, the structure costing twu' five thousand dollars, and there they remained for nine years. The Ihn;; ^ increased rapidly and in 1904 it was incorporated under the name of the I', Sanitary Milk with a capital stock of one hundred thousand d..!;,. all of the stock being owned in the family. The plant is now located at N lioo East Fifteenlh street, covering about three-quarters of a city block. a private railroad switch running into the plant. The plant, which is, wiili question, one of the best of its kind in the world, handles about ten tlii'u..,; gallons of milk daily, sup[)lying twenty thousand families, for which ser\ sixty-five \^-agons are required. One thousand gallons of nu'lk can be in a single hour by the improved and sanitar\' methods in use here, and ',-. thousand pou.nds of butter are made here daily. The plant gives emplux i'.^^ to one hundred and fifty men, whose first and greatest care is cleanliness, ;>.: then speed and promptness in the delivery of the product. In addition to and cream, "I'uk-odac." the trade name under which the liuttermilk pn-.'- of this factory is sold, is widely known because of its absolute purit}' :r richness and tb.e demand f(jr the same always exceeds the supi)ly. Air. has given his personal attention to ever\- detail of the business, which i.'^ " of the secrets of its success and today he is considered one of the imxst renin.: able men in commercial circles and has been prospered financially. His o';, characteristics seem to be keenness of perception, tireless energ}-. honesty purpose and moti\e, and everyday common sense. Successful in busines-. spected in social life, and as a citizen discharging his duties in a manner ! coming a liberal-minded, intelligent man, his splendid qualities have been drecognized and pri.zed at their true value.

In 1872 J. T. Polk married Laura Burdick, whose father was a iniu'- of the Baptist church. Mrs. Polk was a woman of splendid personal (;i;:i ties and was largely self educated, after which she engaged in school v.' : beginning at the early age of sixteen years and was successfully engap.': this vocation for several years To Air. and Airs. Polk were born two c: dren, Ralphs who is the manager of the canning factory, and Pearl, who n" ried Samuel Dungan, manager of Air. Polk's dairy interests at Indiana:^ 1 These two gentlemen have largely taken the burden of the business from > Polk's shoulders and are ably and successfully carrying on the work so a.!-: ciously inaugurated by him. Mrs. Laura Polk died on January 20, 1909. an- 1910 Air.- Polk was married to Edna Coughlin.

Politically, Mr. Polk gives his earnest support to the Republican party, .'jlimigh he has never been a seeker for public office. His religious sympathies ;,ri- with the Baptist church. ^Ir. Polk takes a keen interest in life in its every j^y.-ct and, with his wife and a lady friend, made a very pleasant and interc-!iiig trip around the world in 1912, leaving the harbor of San Francisco and arriving at New York City four months later. They touched at many of the i-ost important cities of the world and acquired not only a vast fund of iniVirination through their experiences, but brought home many mementoes 01 iliiir visit in strange lands. The Polk home, located about one mile from Orccnwood, is a very beautiful and attractive place, characterized by all modern conveniences and surrounded by a beautiful lawn. Here the true spirit .>{' hospitality is always in evidence and among those with whom he assocLites Mr. Polk is held in the highest esteem.

John H. Van Dyke

The office of biography is not to give voice to a nmn's niodc-^t estimate <'t himself and his accomplishments, bu.t ratlier to leave up'^n the record the vtrdict establishing his character by the cotisensus of opinion on th.e part of his neiglibors and friends. The life of tlie honorable subject of tin's reviev.- has been such as to elicit just praise from those who knov/ him best, owing to the fact that he has alwa}S been loyal to trusts imposed ui>on him and has l«;en upright in. his dealings with his fellow men. at the same time lending his nippcrt to the advancement of any cause looking to the welfare of the community at large.

John H. Van Dyke v^-as born in Johnson coimty, Indiana, on Dccemljer 12. 1852, and is a son. of Dominicus and Nancy (Myers) Van Dyke, tlie s'atlicr born in Franklin county. Indiana, in iSiS. and the mother in the state of Kentucky in 1S12; both of them are deceased, the fath.er dying in 1900 and the mother in 1891. The father, who was a farmer, came to Johnson in an early day and he'.'e spent the balance of his life in Pleasant Pic v.as the father of two children. George P., who died at the ^ije of tliree years, and the subject of this sketch. He was a Repul)!ican in r"litics, staunch in his views on political and other public c[uestions.

J. H. Van Dyke received his educatioii in the comtnon schciols of th.e <"ounty and followed the vocation for v.diich he was reared, that of farming. '--T forty-four years in Pleasant township on the old hon;e farm. He was 'Uccessful as an agriculturist, but, desiring a change in occupation, he tnoved member of the Christian church at Greenwood, to which he gives a HIkt..' ; support. He has a pleasant and attracti\e residence at the corner of Ma-li- ::

.':>;;!iient and its evciiing; of compleled and successful efforts, so has been the : :c of this good and honored man. His career has been a long', busy and ,;.i-U!l one, and liis name is revered by all who have had occasion to come into fcr.tact with him on life's pathway. As an educator. Doctor Stott stands in !::c front rank in Indiana, and the cause of higher education in this state owes ;.ih!m a debt beyond human calculation. He dignified and honored his pro- ;c.-5ion by his able and self- abnegating services through long years of earnest ^;;(1 indefatigable efforts in' a noble cause. His life has been one of consccra- ',':m to his calling, and well does he merit a place of honor in every history t' ticliing upon the li\-cs and deeds of those who have given the best of their 5i..\vcrs and talents for the aiding and betterment of tlieir kind.

William Taylor Stott, v^dio for many years rendered most efficient and i.-iprfciated service as president of Franklin College, is a native son of the - I'l Hoosicr state, liaving been born near A'ertiori, Jcnriings county, on May .-.'. 1836, tlie son of Rev. John and Elizabeth (Vawtor) Stott. That one's I:;'e career is in.nuenced by hereditament has been emphasized in the life of l).ictor Stott, for he is not only the son of a preacb.cr, but ir. a tv/ofold sense :I.L- t;Tand?on of a preacher, his paternal graved father, Rev. \\''illiam Stntt, .ukI his maternal grandfather. Rev. Williarn \^awter, having been ministers of the gospel. The subject's boyhood da\s were spent under the parental T'of, his early labors being given to the cultivation of his father's farm. He attended the common schools of the neighborhood, but, contrary to the other I'ws of his co'.nmunity, he was not satisfied with the education afforded him ilirre. One of his earliest and strungest desires was for a higher education, ar.'l he never relinquished this determination, thougli the necessity of his in tlie work of the farmstead postponed for a time the attainment of his desire. Houever, he had one ad\-antage. in tb.at his parents were in accord witli him in his plans and gave him all possible encouragement. After completing the common School curriculum, he attended an academy in an adjoining coup.ty for a time, and then engaged in teaching school. He I'l'i-S was able Uj earn hioney for college expenses, and at the age of tv.-enty- years he entered Franklin CoPiCge as a student, graduating in 1S61.

About tb.e time Mr. Stott left -^ollcge, the Soutb.ern rebellion broke out Mr. Stott was atnong the first to offer his services in defense of th.e integrity. enlTsting as a private in Cntnpany I. F^'g'Ueenth Regiment, iaiiana Volun.teer Infantry. His service was characterized by faithful porf'^rniancc of duty an.d pb.ysica! courage of a high order, and about two years -'ii'ter enlisting he received a captain's commission, and in one engagement \'as in command of the regiment. At th.c close of his service he received an honorable discharge and returned to peaceful pursuits. Having deter;,;- . to make the ministry of the Gospel his life work, William T. Stott ci.u-, the Baptist Seminary, at Roeliester, New York, where he took up the ^-z .- of theology, completing his course there in i86S. His first active v>(r;; . a preacher was as pastor of the Baptist church at Columbus, Indiana, w], -. he entered enthusiastically upon his work. But, mentally an.d te:'/.^:. mentally, he was naturally a teacher rather than a preacher, and befo:\.- *,' expiration of his first year as pastor he was called to the professur.dii!, natural science at Franklin College, which he accepted. While there \\- ..' served for a year as president of the institution during the interim bch.iv- -/ election of a president. Owing to financial embarrassment, the cullc-i pended in 1S72, arid ]Mr. Stott was invited to accept a professorship in Kn'; inazoo College, hi;- capabilitios having already become widely reLO^n;:'\-i! educational circles. But, as has been said of him, ''lie was only loaiK-^! ; Michigim, and his services were demanded by his nati\e state." AvA when, by cxtiaordinar\- effort>, the Baptists of Indiana succeeded in r;i:~'- money for the purpose and I'Vanklin College was reopericd ir. the fall of ;,^;. the board of directors considered, but one man for the presider.cy and I', r. Stott was elected, Kalamazoo College having released him with the hor,-:.-;: degree of Doctor of Divinity. Doctor Stott's sclectioii to preside over F;.-; lin College at that particular time must have been an inspiration, for "il be affirmed with absolu.te candor that no other available man as adnvr.f ' ecjuippcd for the position could liave been cb.oscn." Doctor Stott eii'i.-'' upon his duties at the head ot the struggling college \\ Ith enthusia^;;: :-.- entire consecration, and tlic Infuence of liis personality was felt tV";;' start. The college's standard of scholarship was advar.ced, its friends r; ' ' plied, the number of students increased rapidly and th.e finances were S' managed that they ceased to be the chief source of concern. The <[i'c-' growth which has c'laracterized Franklin College may be indicated by '- statements. V\'hen Doctor Stott assumed the presidency the student'^ numbered by the scores, nov/ b\- hundreds. Then the college ^vas ba'!;;-' debt, with practlcall}' no mone\' in the treasury; wlien lie left, tf.e endowmom was two hundred and fifty do!lar> and Its total * were for.r hundred and fifty thousand drjllars. It r.oed liardly be said ' something besides" faith was re(|uired to accomplish th.^-e splendid resul;-. -';' to thg direct personal efforts of President Scott was due the major i'.-^' this wonderful grov.th. Intensely optimistic, conservatively enthusiastic. untlrln-'^ in his energy. Doct(")r Stott also possessed a wide and fa'^"'- acquaintance tb.roughout his chuich and a thorough knowledge of the

,,tliat he was able to accomplish results tliat to a man of less dctcnnfnatioi -r.cr^ry and ability would have been impossible. He was forceful and coi.- : ;-:ncing in his presentation of the needs of his college and was remarlcably .-x-cessful in securing fruitful consideration of his cause. As the administra- :.ve head of Franklin College, Dr. Stott was equally successful, ruling the .--titution with firmness, and yet kindly, so that at all times he comnia''ndcd -; .t only the commendation of the directors, but also the love and affection of ;;x student body. A prominent Baptist minister, himself a Doctor of Divin- :y. said of Doctor Stott : "He has an unfaltering patience amid discourage- a persistence which never permits him to abandon a good work; vast -.l.efulness and unbounded faith in God. As an instructor he liad few equals :;i.I no superiors in the ^^^est. He is always found contending for tJic right. He would adliero to a conviction if all the world were against hiui." Such /.lalities as these could not admit defeat, and the Baptist church of Indiana > tinder a heavy dfbt of gratitude to Doctor Stott for what he accomplished those years when he struggled successfully to put iM-anklin College -itiic proud posilion it now occupies among its sister colleges in this state. "" Doctor Stott retired from the presidc-ncy of Franldin College in June, !'./05, after thirty-three years of faithful and untiring service. The following three years were spent by him in writing a history of die Baptist chu oh in ;'-.'-Iiana, for which he had been gathering data for m.anv years. This splendid wk. entitled 'Tndiana Baptist History. 1798-1908." was published in 1908, Hid comprises three hundred and seventy-four pages, much of it being ,^. thrill- -:;' narrative of the early days of the churcli in the frontier, and carrying the up through, the steady and persistent growth which has characterized denomination Jn this section of the country. In February, 19^8, Doctor >_toft became superintendent of th.c Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Indiana, discharging the duties of the position until :^Iay, 191 1, he was forced, because of ill health, to again give up active v/ork. and '-- has since lived retired at his comfortable home in Franklin. He is not 'atirely inactive, however, for he still writes occasionally for tfT.e magazines -^nd denominational papers. For several year^ Docr.<r Stott vras a member ;f the state board of education, where his wide experience, comprch.-nsive ^:iy\vledge of educational affairs and wise judgment made him an invaluable servant. Several years" ago Doctor Stott made a trip a^roa.I, which not only a pleasure jaunt, but also a means of acnuirir:g a -wid-r knoul- of educational methods and means. The Doctor has ever been a keen ^'J-crver and discriminating in his judgment a^ to ihings. so thnt he was able -'-_ !)nng home with him ideas of practical advantage to tlie institution of -:ch he was the head.

\MiiIe a theological studc-nl in the Baptist Seminary at Rochester, \". York, William T. Stott formed the ac(juaintauee of Arahella R. Traev. ; soon after his graduation they were united in marriage. ]\Irs. Stott pro-.t-' . helpiuatc to her husband in the truest sense of the word, cncouragin- ;. , | of his efforts along those lines where mature judgment and rare discriniin .: led the way. He has lived the truth which he ever emphasized to hi.- >f '- friends, that honor and truthfulness were of such commanding \\\>\[V. self-interest should never, under anv circumstances, set them aside, an! ;' } their induence wholly unexpected until declared by results. When l' iinspire men to the exercise of courage, sclf-dcni:d and industry, and c:'.!! " pla}" the higher moral elements; lead men to risk all upon conviction, fa:;'" such causes lead to the planting of great slates, great peoples and great n- -- nients. That country is the greatest wh.ich produc'es the greatest and \-: manly men, and the intrinsic safety depciids not so much upon mea-urr- :: methods as upon that true manhood from whose deep sources all t^-i! ' precious and pcrmanen,t in life must at last proceed. Such a result mny : ; be consciously coTitempkited by the individuals instrumental in its accnnip'" mcnt. Pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work : ' out as a logical result; they have wrought on the lines of the greatest :: ' - What Dr. Fdijah A, Hanley, president of Franklin College, is doing \''< ^ ' lellowmen and the community in general niight, in a manner, be t .<; words, but in its Jar-reaching influence his work canr,"'i be measured I'V ' fin'te gauge of value. A well educated, consecrated, ?; nimetrically devc ; man, his work as an educator has brought him proniinently to the not-.Cf the public, and today he stands in the front ranks of educators in the M' West. Because of his earne-^t life, high attainments, well rounded char.: and lartre influ.ence, he is emir.cntly entitled to specific mention in a v.or:- x'rx province of the one at hand. He is too well known to the people of Johnon county and central Indiana to need any introduction through this history 2nd is by nature averse to any notice savoring of adulation, but, in the belief tl.af honor should be rendered to whom honor is due, the following lines are .levotcd to a brief review of his career.

Elijah A. Hanley was born at Prairie Creek, Vigo county, Indiana, on May 26, 1871, and is the son of Calvin and Susie (Piety) ITanley, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Indiana. He was reared under the parental roof and received his elenicnlary education in the public schools of his home neighborhood, including the high school course. He then, with a view of pursuing a higher education, entered Franklin College, where he i^ra'luated in 1895, with the degree of Uachelor of Arts. He then went to lirown University, where he received his blaster's degree in 1896, and from 1896 to 1901 he was a fellow and graduate student at Chicago University. (lis studies had been pursued specially along the lines of theology and mental and moral philosoph}, and at the conclusion of his courses he was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist church. His first regular pastorate was at the L'iast End Baptist church, Cleveland, Oliio, wh^rc uc luiiiuii.^d from 1901 to g^iiig then to the F'irst Baptist church of Providence, Rhode Island, to which he ministered v\ith splendid results until 1911, when he received and accepted a call to the presidency of Franklin College, in which position he is now giving most efficient service. As a pastor Dr. Hanley was emincrtly success .^uk his earnest and devoted labors at Cleveland and Providence ha\ing becii blessed with large results in the building up of the societies nuiuerically and their strengthening spiritually. As a speaker Dr. Hanley is forceful and convincing, often eloquent and pleasing in style, while his persor:aI relations vvith those with whom he is thrown in contact have always ^x:tu marked by a candur and unpretentious demeanor that have attracted men to him.

As president of Franklin College Dr. Hanley hr-s earned the commendation of all who are at all acquainted with the spleridid work which he has 'lone. From a purely busin-:.--3 standpoint, he hss e.vhibiteJ ability of the highest order, and during the two years in which he has been at the head of l-'ranklln College the finsnces of the institution have been so handled and die policy of tkie'school so v\-isely formulated and carried out that never in its history has it been so well situated tu carry on the great work before it as it is today. It was under Dr. Hanley 's direction and largely through the stimulus of his own personal efforts tliat the splendic? endowment of a quarter of a million dollars vvas secured in the summer of 19x3, and which will enable the college to niaterially broaden its scope of usefulness as an edr,c.i;:. institution. The growth of Franklin College since Dr. Ilanlcy became dent is the highest testimonial that could possibly be paid to his abilu', foresight as an executive and to his eminent standing as a broad-nii;, ; scholarly and enterprising educator. He has always stood for the Iii-: , grade of work in the classroom, e.vercises the greatest care over the bui:(;;; and grounds, looks after the comfort and welfare ofthc students, and, ] i. proud of the college and jealous of its good name and honorable reput.t:' it is easily understood why he enjoys such great popularity with all i nected with the institution. Though still a young man, and having aeluv. splendid success as preacher and educator, he is not satisfied with [k\a suits, bt't is pressing forward to wider fields and higlier honors. IK- i: proved himself equal to every emergency in wdiich he has been placed to ever) position with which honored, and as a ripe scholar and geiille: of ci;lti\-ated tastes and high ideals he fills a large place in the public v:-. and enjoys to a marked degree the esteem and confidence of all widi wiv he comes into contact. In addition to his exeruti\-e diitics, he is ak^o fiHi the chair of [)hilosophy in the college.

On June 2-[, 1903, Elijah A. lianlc) was united in marriage with. S^r Wallace Foster, of liu]iana[)ol!.s, and to them have been born two chi!(';\ Frances Foster aniJ Ruth Elizabeth. Persona'ly, Doctor TIanley is a u\ nificent specimen of pliysical manhood, but liis largene>s of stature only ii^ cates his largeness of heart - a heart chat goes out in sympathy with .dl n;:; kind and th,it beats in harmony witli e\ery movement or impulse for ; upliftir:g of his fellows oi' the advancement of conditions gcnei-ally. Ceii and cou'panionable, and a splendid con\ersationaIist, Doctor Hanley iwelcome guest in any circle which he chooses to en.ter, for he carries with 1: the spirit of optimism and good cheer, while his life is a constant sourfc inspiration to those who come under its influence.

J. Albert Joitxsox

The life of the enu'nent and successful business man, thcugh niieii repletion with acti\-ity an.d incident, presents fewer salient fea.ti'fes to e\c' the interest of the general reader than, the man whose place in t!ie pu'ilic e has been won throdgh political or military achievement'. But to acrpn.re d' tinction or great prosperity in the business pursuits uhicli gi\e to t!ie cour-' its financial strerigtl; and credit requires ability of as h.igh if not higher ^r';

J0Iix50X Couxtv, Indiana

-'-111 that whicli leads to victory at tlie polls or on the field of battle. This --!! jjc readilv appreciated by all who tread the busy thoroughfares of trade. --"iiiiiicnt business talent is composed of a combination of high mental and -:;,ira! attributes.. It is not simply energy and industry; there must be sound r.;*!;,Tnent, breadth of capacity, rapidity of thought, justice and firmness, the f.-rcsight to perceive the course of the drifting tides of bvisiness and tlie will jnJ ability to control them, and, withal, a collection of niinor but important .I'.alities to regulate the details of the pursuits which engage attention. The j-.;;>jcct of this review afTords an exemplification of this talent, and, notwith- 'tanding the limited theater of his operations, he has achieved a reputation which places him among the first of central Indiana's successful financiers .val pros[)crous bsuine:-s men.

J. Albert Johnson is a native son of the county wlr'ch is now honored hv his citizenship, and was born on November 6, iS/i. He is the son of r.rafton and Julia A. (Noble) Johnson. His father, wh.o was a native of N'-^rtii Carolina, moved in an early day to Kentucky and soon afterwards, ..liilc yet a yourig man, to Indiana, locating at Greenwood, where he became '.r.u;agcd in different lines of enterprise. He was one of the first merchants in Greetuvood and one of the first to engage in vnanufacturing licre, hiakiiig t:!oves and other similar articles: was also the owner of an. elevator and tKUiglU and sold grain extensively. Turniiig his attcntiLin to farming he bec'lnie the owner of one thousand acres of good Irmd. over which he maint.Titied a personal oversights He also erected a couple of business houses in S'ireenwood, and in many ways extiibited a large and imp.-)rtant interest in tb.e 'ievelopment and upbuilding of this city. ?I^ was a nuin of splendid qualities -"'f characcer, giving his support to all worthy movements for t!ie welfare of the people, and his death, which occurred in i'SS3. v/as considered a distinct '''s? to the community. He loaned much money in large and small amounts .ind in many instances gave valuable assistance to worthy persons in need, f^is aid even being given to business enterjirises. He was a man of wide e.xperience and mature judgment, his advice bcfng frequently sought in matters of busines-, and the correctness of his op^mions v;as almost proverbial. He was a ?[>lendid type of the succes-frd. self-made man. He had in him the f'enicnts which make men successfu.l in the highest degree. He had the ability to g'asp facts and infer their practical signiRcance with almost untrring certainty, his good judgment extending to men as well as measures.

J. Albert Johnson is indebted to the common scliools for his elementary education, v.hich he completed in DePauw Urr'versity. After the completion -^f his studies Mr. Johnson .spent some time in travel and sight-seeing through the Southern states. On his return home, in 1893, thouy,li but just ; .. ; . majority, Mr. Johnson organized the Greenwood Banking Company, a - .. . bank, of which he became cashier, and continued in that relation uniil ; , . when the bank was reorganized under the name of the First Nation.;' ;.. of Greenwood, with a capital stock of $25,000, and now a surplus of ?; .. . This is the only bank in Johnson county whose surplus is greater capital, a financial condition whicli entitles it to a place on the Roll of li. : of National Banks of the United States. In this connection the f . complimentary words are quoted from a letter written to the officer-; ; First National Bank b}- Charles A. Plazen, editor of The Fi)iaiic!cr, of ;.'- York, the largest and most influential banking newspaper iii the world: "'; are to-be congratulated that you have ach.ieved and nuiintained Roll of 11 - position. Some of your good competitors would willingly pay taousa;.!- dollars to have a? good a standing as you hrjjd, but position on the R ". Honor cannot be bought; it is won by merit and merit alone." Of ll'.is : .. Mr. Johnson is the priiicipal stockholder and cashier, while Grafton Jv'::. of Greenwood, is president. In the splendid success wliich has attei;.!'- " Greenwood I^ankir.g Company and the First Natiop.al Bank Mr. has been the impoTtant factor and as the e.KCcrtive head of the in^tlti;'' --. contributed largely to the commercial prosperity and stability of his >v ' of the county. In December, 1910, Mr. Johnson organized a bank ai .\- - .Indiana, vith a capital stock of $25,000, of which he is president. Both ' :- ' are in a splendid financial condition, tlie report of the Fir.-t Xational Bir.'-. Greenwood on June .1, 1915, being as follows: Assets - Loans and d;>:' " $179,19^.06; oveidrafts, S773. 58; U. S. bonds, $25,c-oo.oo; other !- " $5,000.00; funiiture and fi.xtures, $1,055.65; cash a=;scts, $ti6,92mS: : ' $327,948.47. Liabilities - Cajjital stock, S25, 000.00; sur-^lus, $30,001.0--; divided profits, $259.92; circn.lating notes, $24,245.00; deposits, $247.78.- - taxes, $661.27; total, 8327,948.47.

Besides his bankir^g interests Mr. Johnson is also irJlerested in a v.w of other enterprises, among which is tlie Fall Creek TtJanufacturinc: C pany. of ^Mooresville, Indiana, of which he is vice-presi'.^ent. This con:; .- which is cngageci in the manufacture of mission furniiirre. was startei! modest way six years ago, but its business has increa^^ud so rapidly t'"^' has been necessary to'double tlie capacity of the plant several tinic^ ^ conijiany has several traveling representatives, who se!'! the pr0':'.'-":tdisciimiuating trade, having such customers as the Mar-hall Field ann ; Wariamaker stores and others of like character through.out the United 8;' Mr. Johnson is also the owner of a splendid farm of one hundred a;ul -^:

-jc? of land in Pleasant township, tlii? county, in the operation of which he is .^ilv interested and in which he takes a justifiable pride. He keeps in close . v,c!i with the most advanced ideas relating to agriculture and keeps the ;;:;!i thorouglily equipped with the best implements, while the permanent improvements on the place are of such character as reflect great credit on the vxr. In fact, Mr. Johnson is intensely practical in everything he docs, and r.croin lies the great secret of his success. He is a splendid example of the t-.rWc, progressive man who believes in doing v^xll whatever is worth doing at ^-;. a man of broad mind, keen discernment and sound judgment. Personally, Johnson is genial and unassuming, easily approached, and in Johnson ,--.'.!iily, where he has spent his life, he is widely known and held in high rerwd by all. He is keenly alive to the ethical side of life, being a wide reader f tl;e best literature and a keen obscr\-er of men and events. He has traveled t\tcnsively, visitiiig practically every portion of his own country, while in -pj he made an extensive trip to Europe, visiting many historic point:-, of ::,t<T05t and thus broadening his knowlotlge of the -world and its peoples. He :- p. splendid cons ersaiionalist and is a v/elcijmt guest in any circle v.-hich he .1 -xjses to enter.

William Gf-Orge Oliver

An enumeration of those men of tlv present generation who have v/on h'-itor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored the locality to w hich they belong would b2 incumplete were there failure to make specific mention of him whose name forms the caption of this sket'-h. Tiic qualities which have made him one of the prominent and successful men or Johnson county have also brought him the esteem of his fellow me:i, for '-!> career has been one of well directed energy, strong determination and ';^iiorable methods. As a lawyer he has evinced ability of a high order, as a f'-sincss man he has so managed his affairs as to win large material success, '''-hit as mayor of Franklin he has so adnn'nistered the atTairs of his city as to '^rn the hearty commendation of h.is fellow citizens regardless of politics.

\\'illiam G. Oliver was born on January 27, 1873, o^ I^'-^ father's farm. a^-<jut two and a half miles north of Franklin, in I'ranklin tov.nsln'p, Johnson count), Indiana, his birth taking place in the old-fashioned log cabin owiicd tfUTe by his father. His parents were John and Mary (McFall) Oliver, the being a native of northern Ireland and th.e mother of Philadelphi.i. iVnnsylvania, tliough cf Scotch descent, thus combining in the subject of i"-".s sketch th.e two strongest strains of European blood, a combination which has been one of peculiar force and potentiality in American national Jolm Oliver came to tlie United States in 1852, fir>t locating in riiiladr;' Pennsyl\ania, where he remained for five years. About 1S57 he c<-t!i.; Johnson county, Indiana, and rented a farm in the Hopewell neigliborli after which he returned to Philadelphia and was married. Bringing hir. 1 to the new home m Indiana, he applied himself indefatigablv to the ci:''. tion of this farm, with success, until 1S70, when he bought one hundred ;. of land north of Frankdin, to which he subsequenlly added forty-fi\e more, thus giving him a splendid farm of one hundred and forly-fnc The only resideiice on the place when he got it was an old log cabin, in v, ! the family lived for awhile, but c\entuall\- Jc'hn Oliver erected a conifijr. frame house, in wdiicli he resided until his death, wliicb occurred Scji; ber 23, icjocj, at the age of seventy-six years. His widow still lives the .. the age of sixt) eight years. In his religious belief, John Oliver was a !' byterian, strict in his observance of his religious duties and uprigh', straight forv, a r.I in his relations with his fellow irisn, being univcrsallv sidered a man vvfirth\- of confidence and esteem. By him and his wife ->. reared the following children: Mrs. John Graham, of Franklin; John deceased, who was attorney for the city of bYankb'n at the time of his dr. William G., the immediate subject of tins sketch: Mrs. Gertrude Shufnelirir, of Martinsville. Indiana; Lle\vell\n. who is li\ing' with his mother nii home farm; D. A., who also is on the home farm.

William G. Oliver received his elementary education in the di-'. schools and the Franklin public schools, completnig his general studii. Franklin College, in which he was a student for two years. Having decid-- make the practice of law his life work, Mr. Oliver pursued his legal m' fcr two years under the direction of G. M. Overstreet and J. V. Oliver. then attended the Indiana Law School, where he was graduated in K/'-' immediately entered upon his professional career, having been adnn'tted i bar in 1901. His record as a lawyer was highly creditable, for he had !-- splendid foundation by careful and painstaking stindy and possessed iMt' ability of a high order, his standing at the bar of Ms county being anio"J leaders of his profession. In the j)reparation of hf.s case^ he is thor<>r.,L:!i attentive to details, wdiile in the trial of cases he fe noted for clcarni--^ - candor of statement and a keenness and clearheadedlness that enables l;- conduct a case with ease and advantage to his client; he seeks faith fu!!} firm ground and having once found' it nothing can drive him from his p'"i--'

-ivcii a candidate for mayor in that city, certainly a marked testimonial to liis personal popularity and the faith of his fellow citizens in his ahilit}' and Ci'Vicioncy. Nor have they in any wise heen disappointed in his administraton oi the ofilce, for he has applied to his conduct of the office the same principles [hilt characterized his professional and business career. As a side line, Mr. Oliver has for a number of years given his attention to agriculture, in which !;c has been eminently successful, being the manager of eleven hundred acres splendid land in Blue Fiiver township, this county, known as Forest Ridge Stock Farm. There, in addition to the cultivation of the soil, he has made a -pecialty of the breeding and raising of light hr.rness horses, in which line he h.is gained a wide reputation, being the most extensive breeder of these animals in Indiana. He has bred and raised some fine animals, which have commanded uniformly good prices, owing to their high quality and pure blood.

A Republican in politics, Mr. Oliver has ever since attaining his majority taken a deep interest in public affairs, and at one time he was prominently mentiijned for the otTice of auditor of state. In 1905 Governor Ilanly apiiointed Mr. Oliver on the commission to e.-ect the Industrial School for Girls at Clermon.t, on which he serverl three yccirs, or until the buildings were completed and turned over to the board of trustees. He is now serving as the advisor}- member fi-om the fourth congressional district on the Republican state committee, and stands high in the councils of his i)arty. Religiously, he is an earnest member of the Presbyterian church, to which he contributes liberally.

On March 12, 1902, Mr. Oliver was united in marriage with Lula Hradley, the daughter of James L. Bradley, a wealthy and prominent citizen of Indianapolis. To this union has come one son. William Bradley, born February 8, 1904. Mr. and ]Mrs. Oliver move in the best social circles of their community.' and are deser\edly popular among their acquaintances. Mr. Oliver is genial and unassuming, readily makes friends and always retains them. He gives his support to every movement which promises to be of material or moral benefit to the people and because of his success in life and his .^(eiuiine worth he is eminently entitled to representation in this ;vork.

W. R. Voris, editor and publisher of the Franklin Republican, was born ''t Whiteland, Johnson county, Indiana, on January 31, 1877, and is the son "f C. H. and Julia (McCollough) Voris, both of whom also were natives of Johtison county. Mr. Voris received his education in tlie pulilic sdi and in Franklin College, lia\'ing resided in the city of Franklin from tlic \li8So. In 1902 ]Mr. Voris embarked on the sea of journalism, bcconiir.- l^artncr in the ownership of the Republican at Franklin with C. E. I'i,;.^ with whom he was associated until 1907, when he bought his partniM-'s i terest and has since been sole owner of the Rcpiiblican. In the condr.cl v\ \ paper Mr. Voris maintained a deep interest in affairs outside his own indi\: ual interests, and has at all times sought for and worked for the highest a; best interests of the people, exerting an influence which has been potential the betterment of the public welfare. As^a side issue Mr. Voris has ^';\. considerable attention to music, having for the past thirteen years scrxe! organist and music director in the First Presbyterian church of Frank',; where he has attained splendid results and where his efforts haAe been d-. appreciated.

In 1905 Mr. \'oris was married to Eleanor Jane Lagrange, the daugkr of William FI. and Clarinda (Brewer) Lagrange, a uni(;n which has hvx blessed with one child, Mark Flarve;-. Mr. Voris is a man of splentlid [1 sonal characteristics, being genial and approachable and delight? in th*^ panionship of his friends. Of marked domestic tastes, his greatest enjoyinr is found in his home. He and his wife move in the best social circles of tl community and among their large circle of acquaintances they enjoy a wi deserved popularity. ' . .

The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article conta:: . no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well-defined purp-'- aiul Mary E. (Smith) Fcathcnigiil. His father, who also was a native of Johnson county, was born, reared and spent his entire life on the same farmstead. He was successful in his material afifairs and occupied a high place in the esteem, of the community. He is now deceased, and his widow is making her home with her son, the subject of this sketch. They became the parents of four children, namely : Alice, who was the wife of William I. Spears, (lied in 1901, leaving two children; Etta S. is the wife of Jolin C. White, a farmer in Blue River township, this couniy, and they have two children; Anna, who was for a number of years a successful'teacher in the Indianapolis public schools, is the wife of Dr. A. L. Hamilton, a dentist at Ai\gleton, Te.xa;, and William, the subject.

William Featherngill. who remained on the hoaie farm until he had attained his majority, received his elementary education in the public schools, and then, at the age mentioned, came to Franklin and for two years was a student in Franklin College. Pie then engaged in teaching, which vocation he svccess fully follov>ed for fifteen years. He taught two years in his home '!i;;tr'ct school, and llien a year in the graded schools of Nineveh tnwiiship. Duri.ig the following seven years he ^\a? a teachei in tlie Franklin high school, and from 1893 to iSgS he was superintendent of the Franklin public schools. Possessing natural qualifications a.id a thoroughly disciplined mind, Mr. Featherngill met with splendid success as an educator and gave eminent satis.'action in every position Vvdiich he filled. In 1898 he relincpiished his ncda.jogical work and took up the study of law, entering the Indiana Law School, where he was graduated on May 24, 1899. On June 6th following he f'pened an office in the Clark block, Franklin, where he remained until ^lay 5, icoo, when he bought Overstreet & Oliver's offices and business, which at an e;.rlier date had been conducted by Overstreet & Htrnter, a firm established in 185 1. Mr. Featherngill now has one of the best equipped law offices and niost complete law libraries in Franklin. Since his admission to the bar, in May, 1899, he has steadily grown in popular favor and commands his full share of the legal business in the Johnson county court. As a lawyer he '> well informed in his profession and faithful to his clients and the law. He is an honest and fair practitioner, taking no part in the tricks of the pettifogger, and his career has won for him the sincere regard of his associates at the bar. About the time of his admission to the loca.! bar, Mr. Featherngill -\as .admitted to practice before the suprem- court of flie state and soon after- ^vards was admitted to the United States courts. Fnom 1900 to 1904 he was city attorney of Franklin, and is now attorney for the Farmers' Trust Companj of that city. In few law offices is there found so perfect a system of '(39) filing papers and documents as is followed by Mr. }'"catherngill, and this s\.. tematic method of ofKce work is only one indication of the well regulate.! ilwl orderly program of life which he follows out in everything he does, thus enabling him to attain results at a minimum of effort.

Religiousl}-, Mr. Featherngill is an earnest member of the Christia:i church, which he joined on October 9, 1873. Fraternally, he is a member (;- the Free and Accepted Alasons and the Knights of Pythias, and in the la^,- named order he has filled all the chairs in the local lodge. Politically, he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. Personally, he is a man of plcasip ' address, a splendid conversationalist and a genial conipaiiioii ; he easily makt> friends aiid always retains them, so that he enjoys a marked populari-v wherever known.

On August 6, 1913, Mr. Featherngill was united in marriage with Si:.- c E. Wohrer, the daughter of John 1 1, and Alice J. (Bruncr) Wohrer. 11. r father, who died at his home in Hayden, Jennings county, Indiana, on X.. vembcr 4, 1912, was a successful farmer and stock raiser and was the own. r of seven hundred acres of laud. He 'vas a public-spirited citizen, and a Dcnmcrat in his political affiliations, liavirg served as trustee of Spencer town?li-i> from 1S94 to igco. Pie was a memijer of the Universalist church. In i8'''i Mr. Wohrer enlisted in Company B, Eighty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the dose of the war. His regiment was asigned to the Arrny of the West .md was with Sherman on the histnri. march to the sea. ^Ir. Wohrer was a good soldier and was successively pr .- moted to second lieutenant and firs; lieutenant. Mrs. Featherngill received her elementary education in the pi;blic schools, graduating from the hi',;l; school at Hayden, and then becan-e a student in the State University at -Bloomington, where she graduated "n 1907, with the degree of Bachelor v' Arts. She was engaged in teaching school for fifteen years, and during t'l" past six years she has been teacher of English in the Franklin high schoil. She is one of ten children born to her parents, all of whom received gO'^<^> educations, and all are living. Mrs. Featherngill is a member of Alexander- Hamilton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Ladic- Matinee Musicale of Franklin.

George A. Moormann

It is a well recognized fact th^t the most powerful influence in shap-'- and controlling public life is the preis. It reaches a greater number of pcop'f than any other agency and thus has always been and always will be a m">-!

iinportant factor in moulding public opini(m and, in a definite sense, shapingilic destiny of the nation. The gentleman to a LMief review of whose life the following lines are devoted is prominently connected with the journalism of central Indiana, and at this time is editor and publisher of the Grccinvood Era, one of the most popular papers of Jolmson county, comparing favorably with the best local sheets in this section of the state in news, editorial ability rtiid mechanical execution. The county recognizes in ?vlr. ^Moormann not only a keen newspaper man, but also a representati\e citizen, whose interest in all that affects the general welfare has been of such a character as to win for him a high place in the confidence and esteem of the people.

George A. Moormann is a native son of the Hoosicr state, having been iiorii at Brookville, Indiana, on April 2, iSji, and he is the son of John B. p.nd Elizabeth (Haigh) IMoormann, both of whom died while their sou was still young. The lad, thus bereft of a parent's loving care and protection, was given the advantage of a common school education at Brookvillc, and in young manhood he entered the office of the Brookvillc Democrat for the purpose of learning the printing trade. The printing office has been aptly and appropriately called the '"poor man's college," a sentiment that has been tinie anc: again verified in actual life, for some of this coimtry's greatest men have received their practical education and their first inspirations in a printing office. Young Moormann proved a faithful and efficient employe and eventually was promoted to the foremanship of the office. Starting out on his own account, he then engaged in publishing papers aft several different towns, and on April 2, 1906. he came to Greenwood and bo^nght the Era, which has since claimed his sole attention. He has made a distinct success of the enterprise, building up not only a splendid circulation and a large advertising patrorage, but gaining a wide reputation as an able and versatile writer. He belie^es that the first and greatest mission of a newsp^aper is to print the news, anc'i to that end he aims to furnish the best service possible, so that the Era is now numbered among leading country papers of Ms section of the country. Personally, ]\Ir. Moormann is a man of pleasing address and easily makes friends, his high character and genuine worth commiending him to the confidence and good will of the people generally.

On April 19, 1S92, ]\Ir. Moormann was married to Lucretia Dennett, a daughter of John- and Lucretia (Jones) Dennett, tfe former having been a well-known painter and paper hanger at Lrookville.. To this union have been born two children, Cecil D. and George Elmer.

Politically, Mr. Moormann is a stanch supj>orter of the Republican party. in the success of which he has taken a keen interest, though he. has not t)een a seeker after public office. Fraternally, he is a member of the I"rand Accepted Masons. Improved Order of Red Men, Modern Woodmen , America and the Court of Honor. He is an earnest member of the Christ;,; church, in the various phases of which he takes a deep interest, being now i': efficient superintendent of the Sunday school.