Randolph County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 6 of 20)

Levi W. Green has remained a resident on the old homestead where he has continue farming. He and his brother, John E. Green, are now owners of over, five hundred acres of valuable, well-improved and productive land, and they carry on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, raising large numbers of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle for breeding purposes, for which there is a great demand at fancy prices, these superior cattle being purchased in all parts of the country. They have been frequently exhibited at county and state fairs, and have always taken premiums. The herd at this writing consists of seventy-eight head. Mr. Green is the largest breeder of shorthorn cattle in the county. He has been very successful in a financial way and is one of the substantial men of the county. He is president of the First National Bank of Farmland, which position he has filled since the death of F. L. Shaw in 1905. He was one of the organizers of this sound and popular institution and its pronounced success has been due for the most part to his able and conscientious management. He is also a stockholder and one of the promoters of the Parker Banking Company. - He is a stockholder in the Goodrich Grain & Elevator Company. He was one of the promoters of the Farmland Telephone Company and is a heavy stockholder in the same.

Politically, Mr. Green is a Republican and while he has always been deeply interested in public matters he has never sought to become a' politician, never asking or holding ofifice, having no ambition whatever in this direction, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his large personal interests.

edifice now under course of construction at Maxville was made possible by the handsome donations of himself and brother. He is a member of the building committee, and is treasurer of the same. The church will probably cost when completed seven thousand dollars. Mr. Green is a member of the National Shorthorn Breeders Association, in which he is a stockholder. He is active and prominent in the affairs of the same and attends its meetings. He has been a member for the past twelve years. He is a man of large affairs, keen foresight, sound judgment, never failing honesty and courtesy, and is foremost in advocating all that pertains to the general good of the community honored by his residence.

Elias F. Lewellen

One of the progressive agriculturists and stock raisers of Randolph county and a citizen who tries to do his just part in the general upbuilding of his community is Elias F. Lewellen, a man of broad mind and clear comprehension, a -straightforward, right-thinking gentleman, who tries to set a \v0rth3r example and lead a helpful, industrious and well-regulated life, quietly and effectively overcoming such obstacles as may attempt to thwart his purposes, and he has not only won material success but the esteem of his neighbors and friends also.

Mr. Lewellen was born November 16, 1865, on a farm in Monroe township, Randolph county. He is a son of Benjamin F. and Harriet ( McLain) Lewellen, natives of Indiana and Ohio, respectively. Harriet McLain was brought by her parents to Grant county, Indiana, when she was a young girl and there she grew to womanhood and received her education in the public schools, and there she and Mr. Lewellen were married. Grandfather William McLain was a wood worker by trade and when the family located in Grant county they found a very sparsely settled wilderness, which was still the home of Indians and the haunt of wild beasts. Grandfather brought with him a grindstone with which to grind his tools, and the Indians often came to his shop to have their tomahawks ground, and the mother of our subject would turn the crank to the grindstone for the red men, and in time she came to be a favorite with them. Her father was a manufacturer of wooden bowls and these he peddled over the country from his wagon. He became quite a prominent citizen of Grant county.

laborer, and about the year i860 he came to Randolph county, and here he engaged in general farming and spent the rest of his life, dying early in the year 1867, when the subject of this sketch was only fifteen months old, leaving a widow and five children, his youngest child having preceded him to the grave in infancy. The family was left in destitute circumstances, except for the widow's pension, Mr. Lewellen having been a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, a member of Company A, Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served gallantly for nearly three years, when he was discharged for disability which was the result of exposure while in the service. The widow and children had a hard struggle, but she heroically set to work to feed and clothe her little ones and reared them in comparative comfort and respectability. She ma'de brooms and did anything that would bring in an honest dollar, and she deserves a great deal of credit for what she accomplished. She is still living, making her home in Farmland, beloved by all for her piety and hospitality.

Elias F. Lewellen attended the public schools when he became of proper age and worked during the summer months. He was an enthusiastic pupil and made rapid progress, and was eventually given a teacher's certificate. He at first worked at whatever he could get to do, later earned nine dollars per month regularly, saved his money and lived a frugal life. When he was twenty-one years of age he purchased forty acres of land, a part of his present finely improved and productive farm of one hundred and seventyfive acres. He went in debt for the major part of his first forty, the first payment due being five hundred dollars, the rest standing as an obligation. He managed well, worked hard and was economical and prospered with advancing years, becoming one of the substantial and enterprising farmers and stock men of his community. His place is under a high state of cultivation and, having laid by a competency for his declining years he has given up the harder work of the farm and is taking life easier than formerly. He has a pleasant home and good outbuildings, and ovv'ns a modern, standardmake automobile. He has remained constantly on the place where he now lives since his marriage, which farm is located four and one-half miles west of Winchester. He has devoted considerable attention to raising and feeding live stock. On May 13, 1895, he opened a general merchandise store near his home and has carried a large and well-selected stock of nearh' everything needed by the farmer, and has operated the store successfully to the present time, enjoying a large trade with the surrounding country, many of his customers coming from nearby towns to avail themselves of his bargains and reasonable prices, and an automobile bearing customers is to be seen almost any time in front of his large and substantial store building.

Mr. Lewellen was married September 29, 1888, to Mary A. Harper, a daughter of Enos and Eunicy Harper, a highly-esteemed family of Randolph county, formerly of Ohio. Mrs. Lewellen was educated in the common schools and is a lady of many commendable characteristics. To our subject and wife four children have been born, namely: Lawrence F. is at home; Clarence F. is married and is living on his father's farm; Ralph M. is a high school student; and Maude O. is at home.

Politically, Mr. Lewellen is a Republican and has long been active in public matters, but never an office seeker, although often urged to accept public office. He and his family are Christian Scientists.

John E. Cheesman

When farming can be carried on in the manner in which John E. Cheesman, of near Winchester, Randolph county, does it and one meets with the success with which he has met and is meeting, it is a decided pleasure; but, unfortunately, not all of us have been blessed by nature with as much clear foresight and sound judgment in tilling the soil, neither have we all such well situated and productive farms. He is a man who would have, no doubt, succeeded in any community, for his thinking powers, coupled with his persistent energy would soon surmount the obstacles found any place. At the same time he has been laboring for his individual advancement, he has not neglected his duties as a citizen and neighbor.

Mr. Cheesman was born April 25, 1857, i" Wayne county, Indiana, near the city of Richmond. He is a son of Davidson and Ann (Taylor) Cheesman. Both parents were born in Wayne county, from which they removed to Randolph county on February 5, 1867, locating in White River township, about five miles southwest of Winchester, engaging in farming which they always followed, becoming large land owners. The father was very successful in a business way and became one of the influential men of his community. He was originally a Democrat, but later in life voted the Prohibition ticket. He is still living, having arrived at the advanced age of seventy-seven years, his birth having occurred on December 18, 1836. His wife also attained a ripe old age, passing to her eternal rest on January i, 1908. To these parents nine children were born, six of whom are still living, namely: John E., of this review; Minnie, now the wife of Clarkson Puckett, of Randolph county;

Cora B., wife of George Davis, of Richmond, Indiana; Taylor D. lives in White River township; Edward K. has remained on the home farm; Suda is the wife of John L. Botkin, of near Farmland, this county; Mattie Jane died in infancy; Nancy A. and Clara Belle, both deceased.

John E. Cheesman was reared on the home farm and he worked there when a boy. He received a common school education, remaining with his parents until his marriage on February i, 18^9, to Mary C. Clayton, a daughter of Samuel A. and Elizabeth (Ludwick) Clayton, of Randolph county. The father spent his entire life on the same farm, being born and having died there, the latter event occurring on February 14, 1900. His widow still lives on the old home place.

To our subject and wife five children, three sons and two daughters, have been born, namely : Clayton E., who married Ila Wilson and is living in Anderson, Indiana; Flora B. is now Mrs. Oliver C. Miller, of Delaware county, this state; Garry E. is at home; Lola E. is the wife of Horace D. Hurst, of White River township; Hugh H. is at home.

After his marriage the subject of this sketch located on a farm just west of the old home place where he lived until 1901, when he purchased the Captain Pegg home and removed thereto, and here he still resides, five miles southeast of Winchester. His place consists of one hundred and thirty acres of finely improved and valuable land, which is under a high state of cultivation. He also has a farm of ninety acres one mile east. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, making a specialty of raising potato*, hogs and fine cattle. He has a good group of buildings on his place.

Mr. Cheesman has always been a Republican in politics and has been active and influential in the affairs of the same. He has been a member of the Republican County Central Committee frequently and always discharged his duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon his ability and to the eminent satisfaction of all members of the party in this locality. He has also been a frequent delegate to county and state conventions. In 1906 he was a candidate for county commissioner, but met with defeat. Nothing daunted he again made the race in 1908 and was elected, and assumed office January I, 1910, serving until January i, 1913, in a manner highly satisfactory to his constituents, doing much for the general good of the county. He was again a candidate in 1912 by unanimous consent, but was defeated in the landslide of that fall. Among the commendable things that took place during his incumbency should be mentioned the improved road system which

Mr. Cheesman is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Encampment and his wi fe belongs to the Rebekah lodge. He is a man of pronounced views and broad intelligence, being well-read and a thinking man, and is recognized as one of the country's best citizens.

Bexjamix F. Marsh

A man who has stamped the impress of his strong personality upon the minds of the people of Randolph county in a manner as to render him one of the conspicuous characters of the locality is Benjamin F. Marsh, lawyer and business man of \\'inchester. Faithfulness to duty and a strict adherence to a fixed purpose, which invariably do more toward the advancement of one's interests in any field of endeavor than vast wealth or advantageous circumstances, have been dominating factors in his life, which has indeed been most replete with honor and success worthily attained, and he has long since become an important factor in the affairs of this section of the state, standing in the foremost rank of the legal profession and among the substantial men of affairs in a business way. Few citizens of Randolph county are better known, none occupy a more conspicuous place in the confidence of the public, and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to class him with the representative men of his day and generation in the city of his residence, having done much for the general development of his native locality.

Mr. Marsh was born in Hancock count}-, Indiana, October 15, 1853. He is a son of William and ^Martha Ann (Chappel) Marsh, natives of Ohio and \'^irginia, respectively. They both came to Hancock county. Indiana as young people and there met and married, and in that county they spent the rest of their lives successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. The death of the father occurred at the beginning of the war of the Rebellion in 1861, the mother surviving until August 5. 1868. when she passed away in Boone county. They were the parents of five children, named as follows : Thomas L.. v.ho became a tile manufacturer, having a plant located on the old home fami: William P. who established himself on a farm in Randolph county. Indiana: died January 26, 1914: Margaret E.. who married A. C. Beeson. who became connected with The IViiichesfer Journal manv years ago; she died October 8, 1913: EHas J., twin of Margaret E.. was for some time -postmaster at Portland, Indiana, and engaged in journalism there. He died December 26, 1913. Benjamin F., subject of this sketch. The parents were members of the Society of Friends and in politics the father was a Republican. They were known to their neighbors as people of thrift and honesty.

Benjamin F. Marsh was eight years old when his father died and yet a young boy when he lost his mother. Being thrown upon his own resources at that tender age was at the time quite a hardship, but it fostered in him courage, self-reliance and fortitude which made for success in after years. He was ambitious to obtain an education despite being handicapped, but he studied hard at home and in the local schools, studying one year at Knightstown, and he began life for himself when only sixteen years of age by teaching, and working on the farm in summer. In the spring of 1871 he came to Winchester for the purpose of attending school and remained over two years, and in 1874 went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and took a literary course in the State University, after which he returned to Randolph county and taught school four years at Lynn, then taught two years in Winchester. He was fast becoming one of the county's ablest educators, but he had long fostered an ambition to enter the legal profession and during his years of teaching he studied law, and was admitted to the Randolph county bar April 30, 1881, and at once began the practice of his profession in Winchester. He formed a partnership with S. A. Canada, succeeding W. W. Canada, a brother and former partner of S. A. Canada. Mr. Marsh devoted himself assiduously to his profession and was successful from the start, soon ranking among the leading attorneys of the county and figuring conspicuously in the local courts. He remained a profound student and has kept fully abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession, and he is a forceful and not infrequently eloquent speaker, having great weight with juries and equally impressing the bench. Being an ardent Republican and taking a leading interest in party affairs he was elected prosecuting attorney of Randolph county in 1890 and filled the office until 1892 in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of his constituents. For a number of years Mr. Marsh was associated with E. S. Jaqua in the practice of law.

At present Mr. Marsh has formed a partnership with Charles W. Bradford, a graduate of the law department of the University of Michigan of 1913. He is a stockholder and director in the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Winchester. He has completed an abstract of the county after years of painstaking work, and his set of books in this connection is most com- (69) prehensive and thorough, embracing all city and township properties. He also conducts quite an extensive loan business on real estate and securities.

Fraternally, Mr. Marsh is a thirty-second degree Mason. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He and his family are members of the Friends church, and for many years he was Sunday school superintendent and he and his family have long been active in church and Sunday school work. He has been a member of the official board of the church. He has a commodious home on South INIain streel and a well equipped office in the Peoples Loan & Trust Company building, where he has maintained his office since he first began practicing law. He was for a number of years a partner of the late Judge John J. Cheney, which partnership continued until the Judge's death.

Mr. Marsh was married in A\'^inchester on October 4, 1883, to Carrie E. Kizer, a lady of education and refinement and long a favorite with the best social circles of Winchester. She is a daughter of Henry P. Kizer, long a well-known citizen of Randolph county.

The prosperity and substantial welfare of a town or commimity are in a large measure due to the enterprise and wise foresight of its business men and public officials. It is progressive, wide-awake men of affairs that make the real history of a community, and their influence in shaping and directing its varied interests is difficult to estimate. Harvey E. McNees, for a number of years one of the leading real estate dealers of Randolph county, and for some time an official in the city of Winchester, is one of the enterprising spirits to whom is due the recent substantial development of our thriving county-seat, whose interests he seems to have ever had at heart. W^ith a mind capable of planning he combines a will strong enough to execute his wellformulated purposes, and his great energy, keen discrimination and perseverance have resulted in material success.

^h. ]vIcXees was born on December 10, 1862, on a farm in Stoney Creek township, Randolph county. He is a son of John B. and Sarah (Hiatt) Mc- Nees. The father was born near Knoxville, Tennessee, and the mother was bom near Lynn, Randolph county. Grandfather Jdhn ^L McXees came with his family to Randolph county in 1830, thus being- among the pioneer settlers. He entered land in the woods in Stoney Creek township, there built his cabin home and cleared and developed a good farm. like other first settlers, the journey from Tennessee was made by wagon over rough roads or trails and unbridged streams. Here John B. McNees and Sarah Hiatt grew to maturity and were married and here they devoted their active lives to agricultural pursuits. To them eight children were born, an equal number of sons and daughters, namely: Ellis L., who was a soldier during the Civil War, lives at Farmland, this county; Mary, who was the wife of David Stanton, is deceased; as is also Mr. Stanton, but her second husband, Jacob Kraft, is living; Calvin W. lives on the old home place in Stoney Creek township; Mahala A. is deceased; she was the wife of Julian Symons; Sabina J, is the wife of Morris L. Ross, of Muncie, Indiana; Martha E., now deceased, was the wife of David L. Clevenger; Harvey E., subject of this sketch; Jesse E., of Stoney Creek township, is a blacksmith by trade.

The death of the father of the above named children occurred in 1906, the mother surviving until February i, 191 1. They were both members of the Christian church, and politically Mr. McNees was a Republican, but never sought to be a public man.

Harvey E. McNees was reared on the home farm and received his education at Farmland, assisting with the farm work during the crop seasons, He began life for himself by teaching which he followed six years, including one year in the graded schools of Farmland. On August 20, 1889, he moved to Winchester and became deputy county treasurer under Isaac V. D. R. Johnson, for two years, also served one term of two years under George W. Veal, giving eminent satisfaction to all concerned. He then engaged in the real estate business in Winchester, building up a very satisfactory business which he followed until the fall of 1896, when he was elected county treasurer. He did not assume office until January i, 1898, serving one term of two years with his usual fidelity. He also served one term of three years as a member of the city council during which time he did much toward the upbuilding of the city. Pie was also a member of the school board for one term. In November, 1913, Mr. McNees was elected to the office of mayor of Winchester for a term of four years. For some time he has devoted his attention exclusively to his large and rapidly growing real estate business, dealing largely in farm lands.

Mr. McNees was married on January i, 1888, to Martha A. Johnson, daughter of Joshua M. and Amanda C. (Pegg) Johnson, a prominent family of this county, where Mrs. McNees grew to womanhood and was educated. To our subject and wife two daughters and one son have been born, namely : France U., Nina E. and Joshua M. are all at home. They were all graduated

Mr. McNees has always been active in Republican politics. He has been a member of the County Central Committee and is now its treasurer. He has been a frequent delegate to county, district and state conventions. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Encampment and the Knights of Pythias. He and his family are members of the Christian church and are active in church and Sunday school work.

Air. McNee's office is in the city building on West Franklin street, and the pleasant family residence is 333 South Main street, which is a frequent gathering place for the many friends of the family.

Charlie Favorite

One of the most progressive business men of Winchester, Randolph county and one of its most worthy and esteemed native sons is Charlie Favorite, well-known business man and manufacturer, one of the men who has done so much for the general progress of the city and county during the past decade, for, while laboring for the advancement of his own interests he has sought to foster such movements as would make for the general good. He has been content to spend his life in his own home city, believing that success awaited him here, as well as in any other city, for he always had greai faith in the future of Winchester.

]Mr. Favorite was born in this city and county on October i, i860. He is a son of Andrew J. and Rebecca (Smith) Favorite. The father was a native of Alaryland and the mother was born in Flamilton county, Indiana. Andrew J. Favorite spent his boyhood in the East and was educated there, coming to Randolph county, Indiana, when about nineteen years of age, and here he located the permanent home of the family, and soon had a good start as a contractor and was a successful and influential citizen for many years, honored b}- all. His death occurred on June 8, 1913, his wife having preceded him to the grave on July 16, 1898, and both are buried in Fountain Park cemetery, Winchester. Politically, the elder Favorite was a Democrat, and took considerable interest in party affairs. He was elected the first marshal of Winchester, but declined to serve; however, he was later elected city councilman and served with much credit for a number of years. He was a member of the German Lutheran church, and hi.s. wife beloiiged to the Society of Friends. He held membership with the Independent Order of Odd

Fellows, and when he died was the oldest Odd Fellow in years of membership in Randolph county. He and his good wife lived to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in 1905, and they were spared to see three more years before his life companion was called to her eternal rest. They were the parents of three children, Charlie, of this sketch being the oldest living, an older sister having died in infancy; Ida B. is the wife of Jacob P. Fisher, of Indianapolis.

Charlie Favorite grew to manhood in Winchester and was educated here. After leaving school he learned the blacksmith's trade, serving his full time as apprentice, then learned the carriage making business; He became an exceptionally skilled workman in both lines. For a number of years he was employed by various firms. Later he engaged in the business with William Chapman, under the firm name of Chapman & Favorite, which partnership continued for two years, when he left Mr. Chapman and engaged in business for "himself - general blacksmithing and carriage repairing. Later he added the manufacture of buggies, and subsequently a school car, which he himself designed, built and patented. It was a pronounced success, and soon achieved much more than a state reputation, which is still rapidly growing and is in great demand, these cars being sold in large numbers in Michigan, Ohio and as far west as Washington. His factory, small at first, has been added to until it has reached large proportions, many men being employed and a large amount of up-to-date machinery and equipment being installed. It is easily one of the leading manufacturing industries of this section of the state and has done much to carry the name of Winchester abroad in the business world. These cars are rapidly growing in demand everywhere by township boards owing to their superiority, giving the greatest amount of comfort to the pupils.

Politically, Mr. Favorite is a Democrat, and while deeply interested in public matters, is not a seeker after political office. He is a member of the Business Men's Association of his home city. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, the Improved Order of Red Men, also the Haymakers, an auxiliary of the latter. He has been honored by being national representative of this order. He is also a member of Pocahontas Order.

Personally, Mr. Favorite is a pleasant gentleman to meet, a good mixer, genial, courteous and a man of exemplary habits, whose every relation with his fellow-men is beyond any idle cavil.

Jonathan G. Johnson

To his own efforts is the success of Jonathan G. Johnson attributable, for he started out upon his hfe work practically without capital or aid from anyone, but being ambitious and industrious he forged ahead and is today owner of a good farm near the city of Winchester. This too, is the visible evidence of his prosperity and industry, for when it came into his possession it was only partly improved and not nearly so productive as it is at this writing. Such a man deserves the high regard in which he is held by his neighbors.

Mr. Johnson was born in White River township, Randolph county, and here he has been contented to remain. He is a son of Joshua M. and Amanda C. (Pegg) Johnson and a brother of John I. Johnson whose sketch appears in another part of this book.

Our subject was reared on the home farm and there he assisted with the general work when a boy, attending in the meantime the district schools. He remained with his parents until his marriage which took place June II, 1894 to Elma Allen, a daughter of Joseph G. and Phoebe J. (Dennis) Allen, an old family of Randolph county, both her parents being now deceased. Here she grew up and was educated.

To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson three daughters have been born, namely: Thelma, born September 21, 1897; Irene, born October 29, 1898; Marjorie, born May 13, 1910.

For about five years after his marriage I\Ir. Johnson continued farming, thereby getting a good start in life, for he worked hard and managed well. In the fall of 1899 he moved to ]\Iodoc, Randolph county, and engaged in the dry goods business which he continued for a period of seven years, during which he enjoyed a large trade with the surrounding country. He carried a good stock and his honesty and courtesy with e\eryone won him many customers. In the fall of 1906 he went to Corpus Christi, Xueces county, Texas and engaged in the real etsate business, handling both farm lands and city property, in which he was very successful and was a very extensive dealer, building up a large and lucrative business. He remained in Texas until J\Iay, 1909, when he returned to Randolph county and purchased a farm of J. W. Jarnagin, a fine farm one mile south of \A'inchester, containing one hundred and one-half acres, constituting one of the most desirable and productive farms in Randolph county. It has changed hands only six times since it was entered from the government, all of those transfer deeds now being in the hands of ]\lr. Johnson. Jonathan Edwards entered the land from the government. The present owner has added many modern improvements and brought it up to a high state of cultivation. On it stand an attractive and pleasant residence and numerous convenient outbuildings. In connection with general farming and stock raising, Mr. Johnson is also engaged successfully in buying and selling Randolph county farms, and has made many important deals in local property since his return from Texas. One of the finest apple orchards in the county is on the farm he now owns and where he now lives.

Politically, Mr. Johnson is a Republican and since reaching manhood he has been actively interested in public affairs but he has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian church as do also the children, and while not a member, Mr. Johnson attends and supports this church. The family moves in the best circles in the county-seat and vicinity.

Benjamin E. Hinshaw

One of the worthy citizens of Winchester, Randolph county, who has proven that he can make a living at many different things, doing well whatever he turns his attention to is Benjamin E. Hinshaw. It has been this readiness and ability of the American citizen to turn from one occupation to another that has brought this nation to the forefront of the world's business. He is at present a railway mail clerk between Indianapolis and St. Louis, on the Big Four.

Mr. Hinshaw was born April 2, 1864, in White River township, this county, two miles north of Winchester, a son of Edmund and Irene (Hiatt) Hinshaw, and a brother of Seth Hinshaw, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

The subject of this review was reared on the home farm and was educated in the district schools. His early education has been augmented by a broad and liberal course of reading of the world's best authors in various branches of literature, and he has from time to time collected books until he now has a valuable library of several hundred choice volumes. When nineteen years of age he went to Vermilion and Champaign counties, Illinois, and engaged in farm work, studying during the winter months. He obtained a teacher's certificate and engaged successfully in teaching in these two counties for a period of five years. In January, 1886, he went to Colorado and proved up on a government claim, remaining there one year. He then returned to

Vermilion county, Illinois, where he found employment with J. G. Hull & Company, as shipping clerk, in their wholesale hardware store, however, he had been with them but a short time when he was appointed to the railway mail service, and was given a run between Chicago and Burlington, Iowa. Later he was transferred to the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, running between Chicago and Evansville, Indiana, which run he retained for a period of ten years, then in 1903 was transferred to the Big Four lines between Cleveland and St. Louis, which position he still retains. Since that time he has made his home in Winchester. He has given the utmost satisfaction to the department, being alert and conscientious. He is also interested in the general insurance business with his brother Seth. However, he does not do any active work in this line, giving all his time to the railway mail service.

Mr. Hinshaw was married on October 5, 1905, to Mary Stakebake, a daughter of Andrew J. and Ann E. (Jaqua) Stakebake. The father was for many years a prominent attorney, and was also for a number of years a member of the state legislature. He is now deceased, but his widow survives, making her home with our subject. The union of Benjamin E. Hinshaw and wife has been without issue.

Mr. Hinshaw is a member of the Masonic Order, having taken all the degrees up to and including the thirty-second. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has been active in Masonic work. Politically he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is one of the trustees. Mrs. Hinshaw is active in church and Sunday school work and prominent in the social life of the community.

George E. Leggett

In touching upon the life history of George E. Leggett, one of Winchester's most substantial and widely-known men of affairs, the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life - a life characterized by perseverance, energy, keen discernment and well-defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by the people who have known him so long and well, for Mr. Leggett presents, in his career of many and varied lines of business, an interesting study of the manner in which adherence to principles and sturdy endeavor may win worthy distinction in pursuits diverse and ennobling. Throughout an active and interesting, strenuous and eminently successful career, duty has ever been his motive of action, and usefulness to his fellow men not by any means a secondary consideration. Standing today among the most intelligent, enterprising, progressive and alert of his contemporaries, he has performed well his part in life, and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to say that Randolph county is honored by his citizenship, for he has achieved definite success through his own efforts and is thoroughly deserving of the proud American title of self-made man, the term being one that, in its better sense, cannot but appeal to the loyal admiration of all who are appreciative of our national institutions and the privileges affoi-ded for individual accomplishment; and it is a privilege ever gratifying, in this day and age, to meet a man who has the courage to face the battle of life with a strong heart and steady hand and to win in the stern conflict by bringing to bear only those forces with which nature has equipped him, self-reliance, fortitude, courage, self-respect and integrity.

Mr. Leggett was born January 13, 1858, in Alliance, Ohio. He is a son of John D. and Rachael (McAfee) Leggett, both natives of Harrison county, Ohio. The father spent his life engaged in the ministry of the Methodist church and was a prominent and successful man in the same.

George E. Leggett was reared at various places in the Buckeye state, for his father being a minister, was assigned to different charges. His early education was in the public schools of the several towns where he lived when a boy. When seventeen years old he entered Mount Union college at Alliance, where he studied two years, then left school to enter business. He came to Winchester, Indiana, when nineteen years old, purchasing a working interest with Bales Brothers & Company in the grain and milling business, which he learned thoroughly, mastering every process from the time the grain was brought into the mill until it went out again in the form of flour. He remained with this company for a period of seven years, then went with the Barnard & Lees Manufacturing Company, of Moline, Illinois, manufacturers of milling machinery. He traveled for this concern for a period of six years as expert miller, during which he did much to increase the prestige of his company in the territory to which he had been assigned. In 1889 he became deputy county clerk of Randolph county, under John R. Engle. In 1893 he became connected with the Woodbury Glass Company, then operating at Parker, this county, as an expert accountant, and has remained with the company ever since. On July 16, 1894, he was made president and treasurer of the company, having held the position of president continuously to the present time, his able management being principally responsible for the steady growth of the same. The plant of the company was moved from Parker to Winchester in 1904, where it has since been located, and in 19 10 they purchased the Indiana Bottle Company of Shirley, Indiana, which is now a part of this concern. They manufacture a high-grade line of all kinds of bottles, boxes, reshipping cases and paper products, which, owing to their superior quality and workmanship, find a very ready market over a vast territory. They have large, modern and well equipped plants at both Winchester and Shirley and employ eight hundred and fifty skilled artisans.

Mr. Leggett has a number of other important business interests. He is a director in the Peoples Loan & Trust Company, the Farmers and Merchants Bank and the Citizens Heat, Light and Power Company, having done much through his wise counsel toward the large success of each. He is a member of the Winchester Public Library Board, in which he is greatly interested. He is also a member of the Hoosier Realty Company, the Consumers Coal Company and various other enterprises. He has by his sound judgment, enterprise and perseverance accumulated a handsome competency, and is the owner of valuable property, his residence being among the best and most attractive in Winchester and here the many friends of the family find true hospitality and good cheer.

Mr. Leggett was married first, on September 29, 1880, to Dora A. Ross, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stanford) Ross. The father was a prominent citizen and at one time was sheriff of Randolph county. To this union three children were born, namely: John C, who is at this writing, treasurer of the Woodbury Glass Company; ]\Iartha V., who married George H. Clark, also connected with the Woodbury Glass Company, and Donald, who died when two years old. The wife and mother was called to her eternal rest May 26, 1906, and in 1907 our subject was again married, his last wife being Mrs. E. C. Sammons, formerly Eva Cottingham, of Indianapolis.

In 1913 Mr. and Mrs. Leggett made a tour of Europe, embracing England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France, being abroad about three months. Mr. Leggett has traveled extensively and, being by nature a keen observer, has profited much by what he has seen.

Politically, he has always been a stanch Republican and active in public and political matters. He is a progressive citizen along all lines and has done much for the general good of his city and county. Fraternally, he is a thirtysecond degree Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He and his family are members of the jMethodist Episcopal church and liberally support the same. He is a trustee in the local church.

The medical profession of Randolph county has an able exponent in Dr. John Stanley Robison, of Winchester, who, although young in years, has firmly established himself in his vocation and won the confidence and esteem of the people and his professional brethren in this section of the state, for he evidently is the possessor of the natural endowments necessary to the makeup of the twentieth century medical man, and he has also had the necessary training, having been a close student and an indefatigable worker, a good mixer, sympathetic and genial in his deportment, and of exemplary personal habits. He deems it a privilege to be able to bring surcease for humanity's multiform ills. He has also shown a public spirit that is commendable, ever willing to do his full share in the development of his city and county, and so ordering his course as to keep at all times untarnished the bright escutcheon of an honored family name.

Dr. Robinson was born June 12, 1885, on a farm near New Philadelphia, Indiana. He is a son of George William and Mary E. (Morris) Robison, both parents natives of Washington county, Indiana, where they grew to maturity, were educated and married. George W. Robinson is a large land owner and extensive general farmer. He and his wife have two sons and one daughter living, and one son and one daughter dead, namely: Mabel E., now the wife of Dr. James McCullough, of Casey, Illinois; Dr. John S., of this review, and Jesse A., who is a student at the University of Indiana at Bloomington.

Dr. John S. Robison was reared on the home farm where he assisted with the general work when of proper age. During the winter months he attended the district schools when a boy, later was a student at the Normal College at Marion, Indiana, for a period of three years, graduating from the scientic course with the class of 1907, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. During that period he taught two terms in the district schools of his section of the state, and after his graduation from the Marion Normal he became principal of New Philadelphia high school for one year. He gave great promise as a teacher, but realizing that his true bent lay along another line he abandoned the school room and in the fall of 1908 he entered the Indiana University School of Medicine at Indianapolis, where he made an excellent record, and from which institution he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, June 19, 1912. Having succeeded in the competitive examination for appointment as interne at the Indianapolis City Hospital, he began his service there a week before his graduation, and he remained at the hospital one year, giving eminent satisfaction to. all concerned. In July, 1913, he located in Winchester for the practice of his profession and was successful from the first and is enjoying a rapidly growing practice.

On October 29, 19 13, Dr. Robison was united in marriage with Harriet Foster, a daughter of Albert and Mary (Sponsler) Foster, of Lowell, Indiana.

He is a member of the Randolph County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. While in college he was a member of the Phi Beta Pi society. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a careful student of public issues. Religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church, the faith of his parents. His office is at 1 11^ South Main street.

The writer of biography, dealing in the personal history of men engaged in the various affairs of everyday life, occasionally finds a subject whose record commands exceptional interest and admiration and especially is this true when he has achieved more than ordinary success or made his influence felt as a benefactor of his kind or a leader of thought. Dr. Charles E. Milligan, of Winchester, is eminently of that class who earn the indisputable right to rank in the van of the army of progressive men, and by reason of long and strenuous efforts devoted to the good of his fellows, to the alleviation of their physical sufferings, he occupies a position of wide influence and has made a name which will long live in the hearts and affections of the people of Randolph county. For nearly a quarter of a century, or through the period that marked the recent great development in this locality in a material way, he has been practicing medicine here and his name has become a household word throughout the county.

Dr. Milligan was born June 21, 1862, in Jay county, Indiana, near Portland, on a farm. He is a son of William B. and Harriet L. (Morehous) Milligan. The father was born in Highland county, Ohio, and the mother was a native of the state of New York. William B. Milligan came west with his parents in 1837 and settled in Jay county, Indiana. There his father, Wilson Milligan, began life in typical pioneer fashion, erecting his cabin in the woods, cleared the virgin land and developed a good farm through his industry. A pa'rt of the homestead became the property of his son William B., who purchased more land adjoining and there devoted his active life to agricultural piirsuits, dying there on July 6, 1912. Like his father before him he was a hard working, honest, hospitable man, well liked throughout the community. Politically, he was a Republican in early life, later a Prohibitionist, and was always interested in public matters on which he kept well informed, but he was never an office seeker, notwithstanding the fact that he was frequently urged to become a candidate for various offices. The Morehous family came west when the subject of this sketch was about two years of age, settling also in Jay county, where the parents of the Doctor grew to maturity, were educated and married. Like the Milligans the Morehous family were prominent people in that locality. The mother died on the old home place on January 14, 1914. She was a faithful member of the United Brethren church, as was also her husband. They were the parents of five 'sons, all of whom are living at this writing, Charles E. having been the third in order of birth.

Doctor Milligan was reared on the home farm where he did his share of the work, and during the winter attended the district schools, later was a student at Valparaiso Normal school, then took a course in the Nelson Business College, of Cincinnati. He began life for himself by teaching in the rural schools of Jay county for a period of eight years, during which he became one of the leading teachers of that county his services being in great demand. But finally tiring of the school room and believing that his most serious vocation lay in another direction, he entered the Physio-Medical College, of Indianapolis, in the fall of 1888, from which institution he was graduated in March, 1890. The following month he came to Winchester and successfully engaged in the general practice, taking his place in the front rank of the leading medical men of this section of the state, and, having remained opened an office and here he has remained continuously to the present time, a close student, he has kept fully abreast of the times in everything that pertains to his profession. He is a member of the Randolph County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

Politically, the Doctor has always been a Republican and has been more or less active and interested in public matters. In 1901 he was elected a member of the City Board of Education and is now serving his twelfth consecutive year, and he has done much toward bettering local educational conditions. On October 2, 191 1, he was appointed a member of the Board of Examining Surgeons of the United States Pension Department without any solicitation on his part, -and he is now president of the board, the duties of which responsible position he is discharging in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He has various business interests other than his profession.

Dr. Milligan was married September 3, 1895, to Winnifred Hinshaw, a daughter of Elijah and Rebecca (Lawrence) Hinshaw, a prominent Randolph county family. This union has been without issue. The Doctor and wife are members of the Friends church, he being a member of the board of trustees and treasurer of the same. Both are active in church and Sunday school work.

George Calvin Shultz

One of Randolph county's substantial and representative citizens is George Calvin Shultz, of Union City, who has won prominence in an exacting profession - teaching. He is essentially a self-made man, and as such ranks with the most enterprising and progressive of his contemporaries. He has, from early life, steadily pursued the honorable course which in due time brought success and prestige among his fellow men.

Mr. Shultz was born in Greensfork township, Randolph county, December 2, 1861. He is a son of Milton Shultz, who was born in Kentucky, August 16, 1833. He married Julia A. Moore, who was born in Guilford county. North Carolina in 1826, and whose death occurred in 1901. The father moved with his parents to Ohio and later to Indiana, where he grew to manhood, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Neff and Colonel Orr, and for meritorious conduct he rose from private to lieutenant, and took part in a number of important engagements, including those incident to the memorable siege of Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville, and many others, but he was never wounded, and he received an honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment. After returning home he purchased a farm in Wayne township and, farming successfully, also followed the carpenter's trade, and is now living in Union City. The grandfather, G. \V. Shultz, was a native of Kentucky, where he spent his earlier years and was married, finally moving with his family to Ohio, locating in Highland cotmty, and devoted his life to farming. His wife, Martha A. Hawkins, in her maidenhood, was, like her husband, a native of Kentucky. Both died in Boone county, Indiana, where they moved from Ohio late in life.

George C. Shultz was reared on the home farm and was educated in the common schools of Wayne township, Randolph county, later attending the Central Normal school of Indiana, from which he was graduated with the class of 1882. He began life for himself as a teacher, and studied law at the same time, with the firm of ^^'atson & Engle. He was admitted to the bar in 1883, later he went to Kansas and was admitted to practice there in both the state and district courts, and practiced there before the district court and the United States land office. Returning to Indiana he spent twenty-six years engaged in teaching. He kept well abreast of the times in all that pertained to his vocation and was one of the most popular educators in this section of the state for that long period, during which he did much for a better educational system. His services were in great demand and he was regarded as both an entertainer and instructor.

In 1908 he was elected township trustee and is still incumbent of this office, discharging the duties of the same in an eminently satisfactory manner. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished in the face of obstacles and without assistance. In order to get a start he worked out as a farm hand for fourteen dollars per month, and he paid his way through school by working at whatever he could get to do to earn an honest dollar. He was at one time a candidate for state senator, and carried Randolph county against eight opposing candidates, this undoubtedly proving his popularity here and showing that the people reposed the utmost confidence in his ability and honesty. Politically he is a Republican and has long been active and influential in the ranks. He is a member of the Christian church. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, in which he is prominent and active, being grand chief of the order in the state of Indiana.

Mr. Shultz was married September 5, 1885, to Annie Laurie Peacock, who was born October 7, 1866, near Winchester, Indiana, where she grew to womanhood and received her education. She is a daughter of Amos and Rachael Peacock, the father having died December 18, 1878. The mother, who was born September i, 1837, is still living. Amos Peacock was a son of John and Rebecca Peacock, pioneers of Randolph county, locating here when the cotintry was practically a wilderness. The maternal grandparents came from Guilford county. North Carolina, in 1818 and settled one mile east of Spartanburg, Indiana, in the wild forest. There the grandfather died a few years later, and his wife reared their seven children. The family came here in a small wagon, drawn by a blind horse, the grandmother and some of the children walking the major portion of the way, and upon their arrival the grandfather erected a log cabin for his family.

To Mr. and Mrs. Shultz one child has been born, Warren Darst Shultz, whose birth occurred in White River township, Randolph county, July i, 1886. He was educated in the common schools of Wayne township, and was graduated from the Muncie Business College, and he also attended the Mun- cie Normal school. In 1913 he married Nellie I. Roe, a daughter of Fred and Nettie Roe. He resides at Union City. Young Shultz taught school successfully for five years prior to his marriage, and he is now employed in the mail carrier service at Union City.

Charles W. Tritt

Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will invariably result in the attainment of a large measure of success ; but in following out the career of one who gained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment possible, and thus there is gained an object incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. In connection with industrial interests, the reputation of the late Charles W. Tritt was pronounced in the business circles of Union City and Randolph county for a long lapse of years. In studying the lives and characters of prominent men in any walk of life we are naturally led to inquire into the secret of their success and the motives that prompted their actions. Success is oftener a matter of experience and sound judgment and thorough preparation for a life-work than it is of genius, however bright. When we trace the careers of those whom the world acknowledges as successful, and those who stand highest in public esteem, we find that in almost every case they are those who have risen gradually by their own efforts, their diligence and perseverance. These qualities were undoubtedly possessed in a large measure by the gentleman whose name introduces this memoir. Although his life was a busy one, his every-day affairs making heavy demands upon his time, he never shrank from his duties as a citizen and his obligations to his friends and the general public. Always self-possessed, never demonstrative, his life was, nevertheless, a persistent plea, more by precept and example than by public action or written or spoken word, for the purity and grandeur of right principles and the beauty and elevation of wholesome character. He had the greatest sympathy for his fellow men and was ever willing to aid and encourage those who were struggling to aid themselves against adverse fate, yet in this as in everything else, he maintained an admirable dignity and was entirely unassuming. To him home life was a sacred trust, frieiidship was inviolable and nothing could swerve him from the path of rectitude and honor.

and was a son of Tilghman Tritt and wife, natives of Frederick, Maryland. When he was four years old his parents removed to Union City, Indiana, and here he grew to manhood, and here he attended the public schools until he was fourteen years of age, finishing his school work at Hillsboro, Indiana. He also attended White Water College, at White Water, Ohio, a select college. He began his work in the school of experience, as clerk in a grocery store in Union City, owned by Reeves & Robbins, and continued in their employ for about two years, when he bought his employers out and conducted the grocery business successfully for about twelve years, being one of the most enterprising of our local merchants. In the year 1881, with the assistance of James Starbuck and Pierre Gray, eldest son of ex-Governor Gray, he organized the Union City Carriage Company, and for a period of thirty-two years remained at the head of this company, his wise foresight, ' sound judgment and close application making it a pronounced success, and one of the leading manufacturing plants in northeastern Indiana. The capital stock was originally thirty thousand dollars. Its growth was remarkable and its present plant consists of five large brick factory buildings, which are equipped with every modern device for the rapid manufacture of high-grade carriages which have gained a very wide reputation, and this great institution will long stand as a monument to his name. In a few years the business grew to very large proportions and an extensive and constantly growing trade is now carried on over a vast territory. Mr. Tritt was its general manager up until twelve years ago, when he retired from that position and was made president of the company. Only skilled artisans were employed, and owing to the superior workmanship and quality of the products of this concern they have ever found a ready market, the demand being often greater than could be readily met. When Mr. Tritt retired from the buggy building business four years ago, he entered the automobile business with the firm name of J. W. Shreeve & Company, and early in 191 3 this company dissolved partnership and a new company was organized, which is now known as the J. Thornburg Garage Company, of which firm our subject was actively engaged up to the time of his death. He was until shortly before his death the head of the Tritt Electric Company, which his able management made successful. He was also a heavy stockholder in the Commercial National Bank of Union City. He was very successful in a business way, having started with nothing and forged his way to a position of wealth and influence through his individual efforts and honorable dealings with his fellow men, and he was deserving of a great deal of credit for it all. In June, 191 1, he retired from active life, (70) spending the rest of his days looking after his large farming and other business interests. His farm in Darke county, Ohio, was kept well improved, retaining its original fertility, and the dwelling thereon remodeled and equipped with all modern conveniences, such as electric lights, furnace, hot and cold water, in fact, everything equal to a home in the city. It is perhaps the finest country home in that county.

The happy and harmonious domestic life of Charles W. Tritt began on November 7, 1880, when he led to the hymeneal altar a lady of exemplary characteristics, known in her maidenhood as Elizabeth A. Reeves, a representative of a sterling and honored old family. She was born in Lancaster, Jay county, Indiana, June 30, 1858, but she was reared and educated in Union City, Randolph county, whither she removed with her parents when a child, and here the major portion of her life has been spent. The union of our subject and wife was blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Russell J., whose birth occurred November 11, 1882, was educated in the Union City high school and the Muncie Business College; he married Nina Turpen, a daughter of Charles Turpen, and to them one child has been born, John Turpen Tritt, whose birth occurred July 12, 191 1; Raymond C, second child of our subject, died at the age of five years; Inez Alberta married W. Mort Martin, of Indianapolis, and they had one child, Elizabeth Jean Martin, born September 20, 191 1; the death of Mrs. Martin occurred December 28, 1912; Nellie E., fourth child of our subject, was born July 15, 1890, educated in the Union City high school and Eureka College in Illinois; Frank Tilghman Tritt, born August 31, 1896, was educated in the Union City high school.

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Tritt is a daughter of the late Dr. J. L. Reeves, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, September 14, 1827. He was a son of James and Rachael Reeves. In 1882 Doctor Reeves came with his parents to Randolph county, the family locating in the woods in Jackson township, four and one-half miles north of Union City, near where later was built the village of New Lisbon. The elder Reeves built a log cabin, being the fourth voter to build a cabin in that precinct. He entered land from the government which he cleared and developed into a good farm, becoming an influential man in that community. John L. Reeves was reared pretty much the same as other pioneer lads, working on the farm in summer and during the brief term of school in the wintertime he studied at the neighborhood school house. He spent part of his time with his grandfather in Delaware county. When but thirteen years old he walked through the great woods from his father's to his grandfather's home, returning in like manner. He remained at home until he reached his majority, when but a boy he began reading medicine.

sending to New York for a few books which he studied' eagerly. In the fall of 185 1 he began plastering which he followed three years, receiving eight dollars per month for same. With this he bought books and studied medicine at night and also read under Dr. Noah Simmons of New Lisbon. He farmed for awhile, but this induced bleeding at the lungs and necessitated his abandoning tilling the soil. In 1849 he was married to Angelina Milligan, who died in 1854. In that year he began practicing his profession in the village of Pittsburg, northwest of Lisbon, continuing there successfully untd 1856, when he located at Lancaster or Salamonia, Jay county, where he built up a fine practice and was actively engaged until the commencement of the war between the states. When Sumter's signal gun heralded the great conflict Doctor Reeves at once organized a company of state guards at Lancaster which was offered to the government at Indianapolis, and the company was distributed throughout various regiments. Doctor Reeves entered the service as lieutenant of Company F, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was first sent to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio; later the regiment was sent to eastern Kentucky and became a part of the army of the Cumberland. The Doctor was then made captain of his company and served under Gen. James A. Garfield at Pound Gap, and was in all skirmishes and marches in which his regiment participated, serving his country most faithfully and gallantly for a period of three years and four Ynonths. At the great battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863, he was wounded in the left ankle which lamed him for many years. He was also stunned by a shell and his comrades supposed him to be dead. He recovered from the shock in due time but was disabled for three months. He came near being captured the same day, but was spared the horrors of Andersonville. His company was then placed to guard the crossing at Shell Mound, Tennessee, and Captain Reeves remained with his men, lying on a brush pile until the following spring instead of going to a hospital. At that place the company veteran-, ized on January i, 1864, and in March of that year Captain Reeves was promoted to major and served with that rank most gallantly until mustered out of the army and honorably discharged on December 10, 1864. In the meantime his company had gone into the Atlanta campaign after General Hood. At the bloody battle of Franklin, Tennessee, the Major's regiment was consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Major Reeves was offered the commission of colonel of the same, but as he had been in active service for over three years and his health was somewhat shattered he declined the honor, resigned his commission as major and returned home. For a short time he engaged in the grocery business at Union City. In 1866 he entered the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1867. He resumed the practice of medicine in Union City.

He enjoyed a large and lucrative practice until 1882 when an old trouble, which arose while in the army, returned and he was compelled to give up active practice, although he continued to practice to some extent until within a few years of his death, and up to the last he dictated prescriptions and gave advice to friends who sought his services. In 1890 he purchased a drug store in the Ross Opera building which he utilized for office and business rooms.

Doctor Reeves' first marriage resulted in the birth of two children, James S. Reeves, now deceasec^ for a number of years a well-known business man and postmaster at Union City; and Emmeretta, who lived in Missouri with her grandmother, Mrs. Margaret Milligan, both of whom were driven out by the Confederates in 1861, and both died seven years later at the home of John Milligan in Darke county, Ohio, from exposure and nervous prostration caused by their expulsion. The second marriage of Doctor Reeves was to Esther McFarland, of Pittsburg, Indiana, and to this union four children were born, three of whom survive, namely : Mrs. Elizabeth A. Tritt, wife of our subject; J. C. Reeves, and W. R. Reeves, of Union City.

Doctor Reeves was a man of remarkable energy and strong intellect, which he retained until the autumn of a busy and useful life, gaining for himself unaided and alone an honorable position among his fellow men. Few have tried harder to mount the weary steps of success than did this noble gentleman, and few succeeded better in Randolph county during the generation that is past. As a physician he was exceptionally successful. For years he kept. a barn full of good horses and he rode day and night, administering to the sick for miles in every direction. He was always held in highest regard by those in his profession and out of it, all having the greatest respect for his ability and integrity, yet withal he was extremely modest, leaving praise and commendation to others. He believed the world to be a place of usefulness where each should do his part and do it well without ostentation or display. He was kind to every one, simple in habits, strong in will and character. He was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was president of his company which met in annual reunion, which were among the happiest days during the latter part of his life. He was also a worthy member of the Christian church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Union City, and he practiced the doctrine of both church and fraternal order in his daily life. He was a loving husband, kind father and helpful neighbor, a splendid citizen and loyal friend, and he will long continue to be missed by all whose lives he touched in the long, trying earthly journey. This splendid man was called to his eternal rest on Wednesday, April 7, 1913, and was buried in the Lisbon cemetery, the beautiful

"God's acre," as known to the old Saxons the places where they laid their dead away until the resurrection. In the interest of this cemetery and in other local things he had labored arduously, hence the community owes him a debt of gratitude which it can only repay by reverencing his memory.

Charles W. Tritt was for many years a leader in local matters pertaining to the general good of Union City and community, and while he was a loyal Republican, he never sought political office, desiring to devote his attention to his large business affairs and to his home. Religiously he was a devout member of the Christian church, belonging to the official board of the same. Fraternally, he was a member of the Masonic Order, and the Knights of Pythias, a charter member of the local lodge of the latter.

On February 21, 19 14, Mr. Tritt was summoned to close his eyes on earthly scenes, in his sixty-second year, his death being sudden and unexpected, although he had been in failing health for more than a year. His funeral was one of the largest ever known in Union City, people of all walks of life delighting to do him honor, which proved the genuine worth of the man. We quote a few lines from the eloquent and apprc>priate eulogy pronounced upon him by Rev. C. W. Buchanan. "Whatever work Mr. Tritt undertook he always saw victory. He stood above the mountain peaks of failure among the successful men of his generation. He had a vision of God's kingdom and the harvest field that is waving with the ripened grain. He was convinced that the liquor traffic was opposed to God and His laws and he gave not only his money, but his time to fighting this great menace. He was not only a man of vision - steadfast in his ways, a man of courage and strength, but he was more, he had a heart of sympathy; he could not bear to see an}' person suffer - to the poor he was always kind. He gave not only to his church, but to every worthy cause, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Temperance Missions and all kinds of benevolent work. He tried to be a man in every way."

The following tribute, an estimate of the life of Charles W. Tritt, appeared in The Union City Eagle, and is well worth preserving in this history:

"Again our city is in the shadow of a cloud of grief. Today there are being enacted the final scenes in the life of one whose career has meant much to the city's growth. We are carried back to another scene of many years ago when a young man, the offspring of hardy, honest, hard-working parents, started out to make his way in the world and solve life's stubborn problem. He had no capital behind him except his own strong body and robust manliness, his own clear and vigorous mind, unwearied energy and worthy ambi- tion to do something worth while in the world. We see him as a clerk, courteous, attentive, efficient. We see him as a partner with a pride of personal interest and ownership. He prospered; he succeeded. People liked him, applauded him, patronized him, encouraged him. He was climbing the weary ladder round by round. Then we see him with others organizing an industry which came to be the greatest in the city. For more than thirty years he was the master mind, the moving spirit of that industry. Others came and went, reorganizations were had and had again, but he remained throughout it all, with his hand on the wheel. Until two years ago he continued in this capacity, then retired. The Union City Carriage Factory is his memorial. He needs no other.

Such in brief is an account of the business career of Charles W. Tritt. And it is an enviable one. Fie succeeded. Alany others who started with him failed and their names are forgotten. Such things do not happen without cause. Why did this boy who started without a dollar of capital in money, achieve success? The reasons may be many but a few will suffice. He was the embodiment of industry. He worked unceasingly. He remained on the job. In the early years of the Union City Carriage works he labored day and aight for its welfare and he relaxed his effort only when he severed his connection with it. During its first ten years its future was decidedly uncer- :ain. The bulk of the supervision fell to him. By his efforts a trade was crecreated, a demand for its output. He traveled over the country seeking customers and built up by degrees a patronage which now embraces three great states and even reaches beyond their limits. His whole mind and energy was directed to the accomplishment of this task. It is said that 'every life is a lesson.' To the discouraged and despairing the life of this man is a hope and inspiration, an exemplification of the maxim that 'The gods sell everything tor labor.' He was a man of vision, of wide knowledge of human affairs, of keen, cultivated insight into human nature. His mind reached out beyond the present. He saw a glimpse of that which lay beyond the mysterious curtain of the future and applied this knowledge to the present. While conservative in business, yet he anticipated the needs of the business in which he was engaged. He recognized the fact that the people wanted a vehicle of medium price, and he set out to have just that kind of vehicle made, and made in large quantities. He did things on a large scale, believed in a volume of business. Not only in business was he far-seeing, but in everything else as well.

Charles W. Tritt was a natural organizer and leader. He was in control of everything in which he was engaged. From the time he went into the carriage company until the time he went out he held a controlling hand. His cool, forceful, executive mind placed him in the fore rank and kept him there. He was a strong character, firm, resolved, determined, and all who came in contact with him recognized at once his force of will and strength of character. Early and forced economy gave him a most distinct and sharp idea of values. To him economy in everything was a virtue. He believed that 'a penny saved is a penny earned.' His thrift was largely due to this belief. Yet he was by no means parsimonious, but, on the other hand, was generous and charitable. The full extent of his charity will never be known. He did not want it known. He did not care for praises from the housetops. Although he was possessed of a large annual income he gave more than a tenth of it to the cause of the church and charity. For several years he and his brother, the late, E. C. Tritt, gave on an average of eight hundred dollars a year, to the cause of charity in this city. The books of one shoe dealer show where they purchased and paid for two hundred dollars' worth of shoes a year. Clothing merchants and grocery keepers will give the same testimony. All this went to help the needy. He started many in life, helped many along the way of life, and many will 'rise up and call him blessed.' Deeply impressed with the truth of his convictions, he supported them with an earnestness born of sincerity, with a fulness of information due to his habit of industry, and with a power that sprung from large natural ability disciplined by severe training. He was simple in his manner, frugal in his habits. When he spoke he hit the mark, used no additional words, sought for no decoration. He said what he thought, in plain, strong, terse, effective words, then listened. To him life was a practical problem and he treated it in a practical way. He knew, likewise, that death must come, and he had prepared foj- it, as he had prepared for everything else. For many years he had not been a well man. T am likely to go any time,' he would remark. Only within the last week he remarked, 'I have my vault in the cemetery completed, and I'm ready for the end.' He dealt with the problem of death just as he dealt with those of life, in that cool, serene and calculating manner. He met the 'king of terrors' like a warrior faces his foe - grandly, bravely, fearlessly, with the sweetest assuring hope that 'joy cometh in the morning' and that all will be well on the morrow.

Charles W. Tritt was a good citizen, a lover of law and order, a patriotic man who wanted the best for the state, city and county. He looked upon the liquor traffic as an outlaw and he fought it bitterly and uncompromisingly with money and with influence until his death. Whatever he considered wrong he opposed; whatever he considered right he supported. He took great pride in his home city. He was in favor of growth, progress and improvement in every way. When the city needed money recently to complete certain improvements he gladly advanced a large amount in order that the improvements might be carried on. His heart was in every good and patriotic cause. His unbounded affection for his family was another of his striking characteristics. When released from business cares and duties he could be found at home with wife and children. Social pleasures had no charms for him. Lodges received but little of* his time. He loved his home and dear ones, and there he preferred to be, providing liberally for their comfort, enjoying their companionship. He was deeply interested in the work of the church. For many years he was the leader of the board of trustees and had a leading part in the rebuilding of the Christian church. The church leaned heavily upon him and he remained true to the cause until the end.

And so a strong, good, helpful man has gone from our midst, nof in the morning of active life, not in 'the sere and yellow leaf,' but in the meridian of his usefulness and power. The solemnity of this hour, of his funeral, the crowded church, these emblems of mourning, these heaps of fragrant flowers, these idle hands and saddened faces, all unite in expressions of heart-felt sorrow. A good man, a faithful servant has gone from us, one who will De missed by many. But his name will be revered, his memory cherished, his good works treasured by those whose lives he touched and helped and brightened while traveling along life's weary pathway. His life-work is left, his monurnent erected, not only in stone, but in the memory of those who knew him, in the influence which he wielded, in the molded, rounded, useful life which passes not away."

Isaiah P. Watts

Examples that impress force of character on all who study them are worthy of record, and the mission of a great soul in this world is one that is calculated to inspire a multitude of others to better and grander things; so its subsequent influence cannot be measured in metes and bounds, for it affects the lives of those with whom it comes into contact, broadening and enriching them for all time to come. By a few general observations may be conveyed some idea of the noble character and useful career of Isaiah P. Watts, who for a long lapse of years has been one of the best known and most influential ministers of the gospel and politicians of Winchester, Randolph county, and he is not unknown to the state and nation, for united in his nature are so many elements of a solid, practical and helpful nature that they have brought him into prominent notice; and, not content to hide his talents amid life's sequestered ways, by the force of an indomitable will and a laudable ambition, has forged to the front. His life has been one of hard study and unselfish industry, whose laborious professional duties in the various relations in which he has been placed, has led to a high position in the esteem of the public, which gives evidence that the qualities which he possesses afford the means of distinction under a system of government in which places of honor and usefulness are open to all who may be found worthy of them.

Mr. Watts was born in Richland county, Ohio, June 15, 1840. He is a son of Samuel Watts, who at one time was a prosperous merchant, but both misfortune and ill health overtaking him he turned to the wilds of Indiana in the hope of regaining both health and fortune. It was in the year 1847 that he removed with his family to Wells county, locating on a farm between the towns of Bluffton and Camden, and there our subject spent his boyhood years, amid the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Although only seven years old when he was brought to Indiana he had attended school in Ohio, but was denied the privilege of continuing the same in the "woods of the new locality where the family had settled. It was not until 1850 that he had the opportunity of attending school in this state. That was at the village of Rifesburg, eight miles distant from the home place. While attending school there he lived with Henry Elston, doing farm work for his board. At the age of twelve he worked on the railroad in winter in order to obtain funds to pay his way in school, and while living with Mr. Elston he made such rapid progress in his studies that when seventeen years of age, having saved a little money, he entered Liber College, where he studied five terms, his school life terminating in i860, just prior to the breaking out of the great war of the Rebellion. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Eightyfourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. While in the arrny he served much of the time on detached duty, and during the winter of 1862-63, he was chief clerk of the general hospital at Ashland, Kentucky. In June, 1863, he was taken ill, and sent to the hospital at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and during his convalescence was transferred to Chattanooga, that .state. There he was assigned to duty as chief clerk of the general hospital, and afterwards as clerk in the office of the medical director at Chattanooga. In January, 1864, he was appointed counsel of administration to take charge of the effects of deceased soldiers and forward them to their proper destination. In

-March of the latter year he came home on furlough of thirty days, rejoining his regiment in April at Blue Springs, Tennessee, and continuing with it until the close of the war, participating in the meantime in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Kingston, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Neal Bow Church, Culp's Farm, Peach Tree Creek, the many sanguinary conflicts in front of Atlanta, Shoal's Creek, Lovejoy Station, Franklin and Nashville, in all of which he proved to be a gallant and courageous soldier for the Stars and Stripes. He was honorably discharged and mustered out on June 14, 1865, and soon thereafter returned to \\'inchester and engaged in the trade of silversmith, meanwhile devoting his spare time to the study of the law, and was later a student in the office of Cheney & Watson. He made rapid progress as a law student and was admitted to the bar in 1866, from which time until 1870 he was the partner of E. B. Reynolds, and in 1873 effected a co-partnership in the practice with A. O. ^iarsh, which was continued until the following year. After 1874 he practiced alone, and in 1876 was the Republican candidate for secretary of state. That canvass was one of the most exciting in the history of the state. The state went Democratic with a majority of about five thousand, and Mr. Watts went down in the general landslide. In 1880 he was nominated by his party for the office of clerk of the Randolph circuit court and he was accordingly elected in the autumn of that year. He assumed his duties in that office in August, 1881, and discharged the same with commendable fidelity until 1885.

For a number of years he acted as pension agent in Winchester and had the satisfaction of aiding many a comrade and many a widow and orphan to secure the aid awarded by a grateful country. In addition to his official duties, Mr. Watts for some time had personal charge of the Christian church of Winchester. Although he was regarded as one of the successful and learned lawyers of Randolph county and had built up a lucrative practice, he readily gave this up and devoted his attention to the ministry of the gospel, believing that thereby he could accomplish more good for his fellow men, and he ranks high in the ministry of the denomination mentioned above, with which he identified himself in early life. He is an earnest. forceful and at times truly eloquent speaker, ever active and zealous in the work of the church, self-sacrificing in his de\'otion to the same. He was for a period of three years pastor of the Christan church at Alexandria besides preaching at various other points. He became interested in the sudden material growth of the town of Alexandria in 1892, and he was elected president of the Phillips Land & Gas Company, in which he was a heavy stockholder and his able management and honest dealings resulted in great success for this company. He was a most potent factor in securing for the town of Alexandria factories and enterprising citizens, and it eventually became one of the most flourishing centers in the gas belt of Indiana, and the town owes him a debt of gratitude that it can never pay. The daily affairs of JNlr. Watts have ever been governed by a high sense of honor and right, and he has therefore always had the confideUce and good will of all who knew him. He has ever proved himself a faithful and efficient servant of the people, prompt and courteous in the transaction of his duties, ever keeping the best interests of the general public foremost. In the year 1903 he was elected representative from Randolph county to the legislature and served one term to the eminent satisfaction of his constituents. On January I, 1906 he was appointed door-keeper of the United States Senate and was in Washington four years as a result of this appointment, and he proved to" be a popular and faithful man for that post. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was departmental chaplain for that organization when the great Soldiers' and Sailors' monument was dedicated in Indianapolis. \A'hile a member of the legislature he introduced the bill providing for the imposing monument of Indiana's famous war governor, Oliver P Alorton, which now graces Capitol Square, Indianapolis. Mr. Watts was a candidate for Congress from, the Eighth Congressional district in 1910, but was defeated; and in 1912 he was nominated for the same office without opposition, and made an excellent campaign, but went down in the general Republican defeat of that year, Randolph county going Democratic for the first time in fifty years. He is a pension attorney and is still practicing law with a wide clientele, maintaining an office in the Kizer building. North Main street, Winchester, and he also keeps up his ministry, devoting about one-half of his time to the affairs of the Christian church, and is at this writing, pastor of a congregation in Indianapolis. He is indeed a tireless worker in the vineyard of the Lord. Although past his seventy-third year he is in full possession of his faculties, hale and active as a result of his wholesome life and right thinking.

The domestic life of Mr. Watts began in August, 1861 when he was united in marriage with Ann Eliza Diggs, who proved to be a most excellent helpmeet in every respect, genial, wise in counsel, charitable and highminded, and, like her distinguished husband has won her way into the affection of a very wide circle of friends. Her father, LittleberrA' Diggs, long since deceased, was one of the early pioneers of Randolph county, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Watts has been blessed by the birth of five children, named as follows : Inez became the wife of E. F. Tibbott, who was private secretary to President Benjamin Harrison; Grace A. married E. H. Addington, son of Rev. Thomas Addington, a well-known citizen of Randolph county for many years ; William A. died in infancy ; Thomas M. is engaged in the mercantile business and Shelley D., the youngest is at Middletown, Ohio, where he is manager of the Social Service Bureau.

Albert L. Boots

The large success that has attended the efforts of Albert L. Boots, one of Parker's wide-awake and progressive business men, who is conducting one of the largest hardware stores in P.andolph county, has been well deserved, for he has worked earnestly, persistently and honestly, not depending upon others or stooping to any paltry tricks, so common in present-day commercialism. As a result of his fair dealing with his fellow men, his uniform courtesy to his hundreds of regular customers and his acknowledged public spirit, Mr. Boots enjoys the confidence and good will of all who know him and is deserving to rank among our leading citizens.

Mr. Boots was born in Randolph county, April 14, 1862. He is a son of Morgan and Elizabeth J. (Manor) Boots, and is one of a family of three children, he being the eldest, the other two are Rosel E., who was a farmer in Monroe township, died at the age of thirty-one years, and Lillie, who married Frank E. Keefer, a farmer of Monroe township, has the following children : One having died in infancy, the living are Bessie, Lloyd, Inez, Albert and Harold.

Morgan Boots, mentioned in the preceding paragraph, was born in Ohio, near the city of Xenia. He left that state when a boy, coming to Indiana, where he engaged in farming until his death which occurred in the prime of life. Martin Boots, the grandfather, was born in Virginia, from which state he came to Ohio when eleven years old, there grew to manhood and followed fanning until fifty years of age, when- he moved to Indiana, locating near Fairview, where he died at the age of seventy-three years. The death of the grandmother occurred at the unusual age of ninety-six years. The maternal grandparents of our subject came from West Virginia, having resided in Berkley county, from which they removed to Indiana when our subject's mother was a child.

Albert L. Boots grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his education in the common schools. On June lo, 1883, he married Emma Manor, daughter of David Manor, and she was one of a large family - sixteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity. Mr. Manor was a farmer and merchant in Jay county.

Mr. Boots now owns the splendid farm near Redkey, which was formerly the property of his father-in-law. On August 5, 1912, Mr. Boots and George Murphy bought out E. E. Deal's hardware store in Parker City, which they are now conducting most successfully, enjoying a large and rapidly growing trade. It is one of the largest hardware, implement and general supply concerns in Randolph county. They carry a large, up-to-date and carefully selected stock of everything in the hardware and implement line used by the farmer, and their prices are always right, according to their customers.

Politically, Mr. Boots is a Prohibitionist. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 134, at Fairview. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes liberally to the support of same.

Theodore H. Shockney

Human life is made up of two elements, power and form, and the proportion must be invariably kept if we would have it sweet and sound. Each of these elements in excess makes a mischief as hurtful as would be its deficiency. Everything turns to excess; every good quality is noxious if unmixed, and to carry the danger to the edge of ruin Nature causes each man's peculiarity to superabound. One speaking from the standpoint of a farmer would adduce the learned professions as examples of the treachery. They are Nature's victims of expression. You study the artist, the orator or the man of inventive genius and find their lives no more excellent than that of merchants, farmers or manufacturers. Many men get but glimpses of the delights found in Nature in its various elements and moods, but there is always ample opportunity to enjoy fife in its varied phases, whatever the profession. It depends upon the individual. The late Theodore H. Shockney, for many years a prominent citizen of Randolph county, was one who took a delight in existence. It was because he was in touch with the springs of life. He did not permit material things to supplant his better nature. His life was filled with good deeds and kindly thoughts, and all who knew him entertained for him the highest regard, by reason of his upright, honorable career, his public spirit and his genial disposition. From his career many useful lessons may be gleaned by the }'OUth standing at the parting of the ways, for he was a man who believed in the old adage, "Lose no time in getting off the wrong road as soon as you discover that you are traveling it." He was an advocate of progress in all phases of life, progress at any sacrifice.