Randolph County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 7 of 20)

Mr. Shockney was born in Randolph county, January 3, 1868. He was a son of Samuel and Sarah (Butts) Shockney, and was one of seven children, namely : Alisa married Charles Burkett, a farmer living now in Michigan, and they have one child, Frank; Thomas is farming in Darke county, Ohio, and he married Lillie Wallace, who has borne him eight children; Valeria, who lives in Winchester, married Riley Hofifman, a stone cutter, and they have two children; Harry of Union City, is a merchant, and he married Minnie Henning; Pearl, who is connected with the city government of Chicago, married Ada Colton and they have two children; Grover, who is farming in Randolph county, married Bertha Way, and they have one child, and Theodore H., of this memoir.

Samuel Shockney, father of our subject, was born in ^Maryland, where he grew up and was educated. When a young man he came to Randolph county. The Butts family came from Shelby county, Ohio, the mother of our subject having been a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Butts, who lived on a farm, and had a family of three children, Sarah, Xathan T. and Thomas.

Theodore H. Shockney was educated in the public schools of Randolph county and later studied in Lebanon, Ohio. He devoted his life to farming, dealing in live stock and teaching school, making a pronounced success of all three, for he was a man who applied himself closely to whatever claimed his attention and he dealt honestly with his fellow men.

Mr. Shockney was married April 4, 1888, to Hattie Kennon, a daughter of Thomas S. Kennon, a farmer of Randolph county, who also was a noted auctioneer. His death occurred in 1902. The mother of Mrs. Shockney was known in her maidenhood as Hannah Perkins, a native of Randolph county. These parents had five children, two sons and three daughters, of whom Hattie, who married Mr. Shockney is the oldest ; William is deceased ; Minnie, who lives in this count}^ is the wife of Marion Ohler who was a farmer, and she has two children ; Orla, who lives in Winchester, engaged in the stock and bond business, married Margaret Carver and they have three

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Shockney was born in Ireland, from which country he emigrated to the United States in early life and settled in Randolph county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming. Mrs. Shockney's mother was born in this county and here she was reared and educated, her people being among the early settlers here.

To Mr. and Mrs. Shockney the following children were born: Raymond K., born August lo, 1889, is a teacher, and he lives at home with his mother; Ada Lee, born September 26, 1891, is also at home - she has been a student of domestic science; Mary Frances, born January 31, 1894, has also been a student of domestic science, and both she and her sister were graduated from the high school.

Politically, Mr. Shockney was a Democrat, and while he took an abiding interest in public affairs, he was not a seeker after political leadership. He was an attendant of the Methodist church.

Harry E. Magee

Harry E. Magee was born in Winchester July 11, 1869, and after taking the regular common school course entered business in his native town as a hardware merchant. In this line of trade Mr. Magee has been one of the eminently successful men of his town and county. He has always kept abreast of the times, and anything to be had in his line in the larger cities has ever been accessible to the citizens of Winchester in Mr. Magee's store. There are few larger stocks of hardware to be found anywhere in the county, and none of better selection.

He is an only son of Charles E. and Sarah (Edgar) Magee and inherits much of the sagacity and enterprise of the Buckeye blood from his father, who was born May 6, 1846, in Zanesville, Ohio. His mother was born in Winchester September 4, 1847. Both are still living. Mr. Magee was married October 3, 1900, to Sarah Kitura Wright, a daughter of Hicks Wright, a stock dealer. His father and grandfather were both in the Civil war. Charles E. Magee, the subject's father, served in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and later in the Eleventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry until the close of the war.

Mrs. Magee has one sister, Ida, who married John Christopher, a banker and farmer of Modoc. They have one child, Jean, seventeen years of age.

Besides his hardvi^are business, which he has conducted for twenty-six years, Harry E. Magee for two years had charge of the Indiana Glass Works at Dunkirk, Indiana. At the expiration of two years he returned to his calling of a hardware merchant. He is a Progressive in politics, and his choice of religious denominations is the Methodist. In the enterprises of politics and the business interests of the town, Mr. Magee is an ardent participant, and the reputation of the municipality and county is due in a large measure to his efforts to, enhance it.

William P. Marlatt

It will always be a mark of distinction to have served the Union during the great Civil war between the states. The old soldier will receive attention no matter where he goes if he will but make himself known, and when he passes away, as so many of them are now doing, statistics showing that somewhere in this country every fifteen minutes one of the veterans is gathered to his father, friends will pay him suitable eulogy for the sacrifices he made a half century ago on the sanguinary fields of battle in the Southland, or in the no less dreaded prison or fever camp or hospital. And ever afterward his descendants will revere his memory and take pride in recounting his services for his country in its hour of peril. One of the most eligible citizens for specific mention in a history of Randolph county, Indiana, is William P. Marlatt, for many years a well-known business man, now living retired in the city of Winchester, partly because he is one of the old soldiers who went forth in that great crisis in the sixties to assist in saving the union of states, and partly because he has been one of our honorable and public-spirited citizens for a number of decades, a plain, unassuming gentleman who has sought to do his duty in all the relations of life as he has seen and understood the right.

Mr. Marlatt was born in Brockville, Franklin county, Indiana, March 27, 1845. Ke is a son of James and Mary (Goodwin) Marlatt. The father was born in ^Martinsburg in what is now West Virginia, and the mother was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, near Miamisburg. The Marlatt family came to Brookville, Indiana, probably about 1830, and there the father of our subject followed the carpenter's trade which he had learned when a young man, also followed bridge building, which was quite a business in those days of wooden, covered bridges. He was a skilled and energetic workman, giving satisfaction in all his work. He spent the remainder of his active life at Brookville. In that town his son, WiUiam P., of this review, spent his boyhood years, and there attended the public schools. When the Civil war was in progress he enlisted for service in 1863 in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and saw hard service under Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, also in the Nashville campaign under Thomas. Later our subject was with the eastern army, finding himself with the troops in North Carolina at the close of the war. However about that time, and during the Grand Review at the national capital he was confined in a hospital in Washington city. He was honorably discharged from the service on June 14, 1865 after a very faithful service during which he was never wounded or taken prisoner. He was sent to his home in Brookville, this state, where, after regaining his health, he began working in the paper mills, also worked with his father at the carpenter's trade. In May, 1868 he joined his brother, H. R. Marlatt, who was engaged in the stove and tinnery business in Winchester, our subject becoming an apprentice and learned ,the trade, which he followed for three years or more when he went to Columbus, Indiana, but remained there only a short time when he went to Indianapolis and worked for Johnson Brothers whose variety of work extended his knowledge of the trade, and he became an expert workman, giving eminent satisfaction.

On September 11, 1873, he was married to Hannah Moorman, daughter of Thomas and Eunice (Diggs) Moorman. Both the Moorman and Diggs families were pioneers of Randolph covmty, and here Mrs. Marlatt grew to womanhood and received a common school education. To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely : Dr. Clarence L., a successful physician of Indianapolis; and Bertha who married first I. L. Macy and after his death married second, Daniel Heaton, of Winchester.

For a short time after his marriage Mr. Marlatt continued in partnership with his brother in the stove and tinner's business in Winchester, and finally he purchased his brother's interest and conducted the establishment with ever-growing success until the spring of 1880, when he moved to Indianapolis where he engaged in the same line of business for a number of years with gratifying results. In 1885 he was appointed a letter carrier in Indianapolis and was in the service for nine and one-half years, giving eminent satisfaction to the department, when he resigned and returned to Winchester in 1895, oil account of the death of his wife's mother, Icciving Mrs. Marlatt's father to be taken care of, he being a verv aged citizen, who lived to be ninety- (71) one years old. For a time our subject was engaged in the hardware business and later in the lumber business. He accumulated a nice competency through his long years of good management and honest dealings with his fellow men. He retired from active life in 1906 and is spending his declining years quietly at his pleasant home at 133 East North .street, the old Moorman homestead, which stands in the midst of spacious and beautiful grounds.

Mr. Marlatt has always been a Democrat and interested in the affairs of his party but was never active or an office seeker. He was never a biased partisan, always according his neighbor the same freedom of opinion which he claimed for himself. In 191 1 he was appointed deputy state oil inspector for the counties of Randolph and Delaware, in fact, he is still incumbent of this office, and has discharged the duties of the same with satisfaction to all concerned. He is a member of the Nelson Trusler Post, Grand Ami}'- of Ihe Republic at Winchester, and he has filled all the offices in the same. He has been a delegate to state encampments. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has passed all the chairs in the subordinate and Encampment of Winchester Lodge, No. 121; he is also a member of the Masonic order, and has tried to live up to its sublime precepts in all the relations of life.

John I. Johnson

The name of John I. Johnson, of Winchester, is one of the best known in Randolph county, for here his life of fifty-six years has been spent and he has long been prominent in public affairs. In his earlier life he followed blacksmithing, but eventually turned his attention to politics and served in the county offices in a mannner that has ever since made him a well-liked citizen. As vice-president and one of the promoters of the Peoples Loan and Trust Company, he has shown himself to be one of our leading business men. He has ever had the good of his locality at heart and has done much to promote its general upbuilding.

Mr. Johnson was born December 23, 1857 in Buena Vista, Randolph county. He is a son of Joshua M. and Amanda C. (Pegg) Johnson, both natives of this county also, and representatives of old pioneer families, the Johnsons coming from North Carolina.

Joshua M. Johnson was born September 13, 1831. He was a son of John and Phebe Johnson. At the age of sixteen years he began life for himself, by going to Williamsburg, Indiana, and beginning the blacksmith's trade, serving his apprenticeship under Nathan Bond, after which he set up a httie shop of his own at Buena Vista, this state. What time he was not busyin the shop he was chopping wood and burning charcoal from wood. By his industry and straight bearing he enjoye.d the full confidence of the whole community. On September 30, 1855, he married Amanda C. Pegg, to which union thirteen children were born, all growing to manhood and womanhood except one which died in infancy, and all married except one ; Alwilda Johnson Lewis died September 12, 1883, leaving two children; Mary Earl Johnson Mills died February 25, 1885. With his kind and generous heart no one was ever turned from Mr. Johnson's door hungry. Sometimes in his shop he worked from four to six hands who shared in his home life. He was true to his convictions of right, and would hold to what he thought was right. After years of toil and hard work he left the shop and took to the farm, buying land adjoining the place of his beginning in Randolph county, Indiana, where he had removed from his native state in early life, and he became a large land owner here. He was a Republican. While he was not identified with any church he was one of the prime movers of the introduction of Christianity, donating the ground on which the church stands at Buena Vista, and the beautiful cemetery is adjoining it because of his untiring efforts when the church was organized, in which there was a general awakening. There were none more interested than he. and none did more than he in local church matters during his lifetime. He was a firm believer in the principles of Christianity and delighted to see it practically carried out. His death occurred on April 23, 1901, at the age of sixty-nine years, seven months and ten days, leaving a widow, five sons, five daughters, eighteen grand children, three brothers, three half-brothers, three half-sisters, step-mother and a large number of relatives and friends. During the last forty or more years of his life he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. Mrs. Amanda C. Johnson, now advanced in years, is still living on the old homestead in West River township.

John T. Johnson grew up in his native community on the home farm, and obtained his education in the country district schools. When a young man he learned the blacksmith's trade under his father and followed that for a period of fourteen years, becoming a very skilled workman and was thus kept busy, many of his patrons coming from remote parts of the county. He maintained his shop in Buena Vista.

in northern Ireland, from which place she emigrated to America when a young girl. Her father became a farmer in West River township. Both parents are now deceased.

In 1898 Mr. Johnson moved to Winchester and entered the county treassurer's office as deputy, serving fqur years. In 1901 he was elected county treasurer, serving one term, with much credit. After his term of office had expired he continued to serve as deputy in the same offi.ce for five years more, and since that time has assisted materially in the business of that office. He has always been an active Republican, and he has been a frequent member of the County Central Committee. As stated above he is vice-president of the Peoples Loan & Trust Company, one of the popular and solid financial concerns of Winchester. He owns a valuable farm two miles west of the county-seat, which receives some of his attention, however for a number of years he has lived practically retired.

Emory L. Ashcraft

Among the enterprising, wide-awake and public-spirited newspaper men of Randolph county, who is a potent factor in molding local public opinion is Emory L. Ashcraft, editor and publisher of The Review, of Parker. He has worked hard to advance himself in his chosen calling for which he evidently has considerable natural talent, else he would not have succeeded at all, for anyone who knows anything about the publishing business knows that it takes something else besides hard and persistent work to win in this uncertain, precarious field.

Mr. Ashcraft was born at Fort Recovery, Ohio, October 18, 1872. He is a son of Emanuel and Susan (Campbell) Ashcraft, whose family consisted of five children, namety: Emory L., of this sketch; Jesse, who is farming near Tippecanoe City, Ohio, married Lulu Sutton and they have one child, Myrtle ; Belle who lives at Fort Recovery, married Burl Graves, and they have one child, Madge; William F., who is employed at the Marion Glass Works, married Effie McKibben and they have three children ; Harvey is a barber at Fort Recovery. The father of the above named children was born in Jay county, Indiana, and is still living. His father was a farmer and was a native of Muskingum county, Ohio. The paternal great grandfather of our subject was a native of Virginia. Both he and the paternal grandfather of our subject entered their farms from the government and were typical pioneers. The great-grandfather was a soldier in the Mexican war. The mother of Emory L. Ashcraft was of Scotch-Irish descent. Her father came from Vermont, and his family consisted of six children. He lived on a farm near Fort Recovery.

Emory L. Ashcraft received his education in the common schools of Fort Recovery, and was graduated from the high school there. When a boy he learned the printer's trade in the office of The Fort Recovery Journal, where he worked three years, after which, in 1896, he came to Redkey, Indiana, where he was foreman of The Times, three and one-half years, then, in 1899, he came to Parker and established The Review, which was successful from the first, and it now ranks with leading country newspapers of this part of the state, being all that could be desired from a mechanical standpoint, and its columns teem with the latest and best news and much advertising matter. Its circulation is rapidly increasing.

Mr. Ashcraft was married October 27, 1893, to Bertha Hall, of Redkey, a daughter of Amos and Elizabeth Hall, a highly respected family, now living retired. She is one of five children. Mrs. Ashcraft grew to womanhood and was educated and graduated from the schools of that city.

To our subject and wife two children have been born,- namely : Myron, born April 6, 1895, was graduated from the Selma high school, class of 1913, and specialized in the manual training department of the University of Chicago ,and Martah, born September 10, 1902. This family are members of the Christian church.

John L. De Voss

The dental profession of Randolph county suffered materially on the 22nd day of January, 1909, for on that day occurred the death of Dr. John L. De Voss, one of the most able and promising of the men in the dental profession of the county, also one of the most public-spirited of her citizens, and one of the youngest. Just a few months over his thirty-third year of life, the uncompromising hand of death came at a time when he was in the prime of life, when the laurels of success and reward for untiring perseverance had begun to be realities to him. Such are the unaccountable vagaries of life, that the young and gifted should be destroyed, while others, whose presence on earth is of no consequence to themselves or fellows, should be allowed to live the full three score and ten. As a dentist. Doctor De Voss was a success. Of a decided mechanical turn of mind, combined with an artistic temperament.

it is not to be wondered that he found success awaiting him. Added to this natural bent was his industry and persistency, being willing to put forth any effort in order to learn a little more of this, one of the world's most important and useful professions. Then, too, he was a gentleman of integrity and uniform courtesy, which won for him a wide circle of friends in the county which he called home.

John L. De Voss was born near Fairview, Indiana, on October 4, 1875, and was the son of Joseph C. and Cynthia Armillia (Read) De Voss. Joseph C. De Voss was born October 7, 1837, in Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, and died in Winchester, December 24, 1908, when at the age of seventy-one years. Mrs. De Voss died January 18, 1914, at the age of sixty years. Mr. De Voss was a soldier in the Civil war, being a member of Company K, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served for nine months, and during that time participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. De Voss was twice married. His first wife was Julia Campbell, and four children, namely: Milton, David A., Daniel and Cora, were born to the union. With the exception of David, all the children are deceased. His second marriage was to Cynthia Armillia Read, and two sons - John L. and Cyrus Read - were born to them. Fraternally, Mr. De Voss was a member of the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. In religious matters, he clung to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Our subject spent his youthful days on the farm, and from there attended the district schools. Afterward he attended the high schools at both Albany and Tipton, Indiana. Thinking of a business career he entered the Muncie Business College, but gave that up and decided to take up dentistry. Accordingly he matriculated in the Central Dental College of Indianapolis, and graduated from that institution with high honors with his class in April of the }-ear 1901. He located soon after his graduation in the town of Winchester, this county, and conducted a very lucrative practice here for a period of eight years, until the sickness that so untimely called him to his Maker.

Mr. De Voss was married to Mary Stout in Winchester on April 26, 1900, and two children were born to them, namely : John Roger, born November 18, 1904, and Francis Armillia, born June 5, 1908. Since her husband's death, Mrs. De Voss has owned and conducted a first-class ladies' furnishing emporium and is making a decided success of her venture. Mrs. De Voss' mother was a native of Illinois and died when our subject's wife was twelve years of age.

Fraternally, Mr. De Voss was a loyal member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Sons of Veterans, and the Randolph Club. Politically, he was a Republican.

Cyrus B. Courtney

Success has come to Cyrus B. Courtney, well known real estate and loan man of Winchester, Indiana, because he has worked for it along well-tried and legitimate channels, has forged ahead despite obstacles and depended upon himself rather than someone else to do his planning and likewise the execution. He is a man of public spirit and while laboring for his own advancement, does not neglect his duty to his county and his neighbors, and he may always be depended upon to assist in the furtherance of all movements calculated to be of general benefit to Winchester and Randolph county.

Mr. Courtney was born August 20, 1853 ^^ Switzerland county, Indiana. He is a son of William and Mahala (Pretzman) Courtney. The father was born December 3, 1814 in Harrison county, Kentucky, and he came to Switzerland county when twenty years old. The mother was born on March 25, 1820, in Switzerland county. William Courtney was a prosperous farmer. He moved to Randolph county in 1872 and settled on a farm in Greensfork township,^ which farm is now owned by his son, Cyrus B., of this sketch. The death of the father occurred on June 14, 1897, his widow surviving until May 2, 1912. Robert Courtney, paternal grandfather of our subject. came from New York state with his family to Harrison county. Kentucky, as a young married man, and later moved to Switzerland county, Indiana. The Pretzmans, the maternal side of our subject's family came from New Jersey with the early pioneers. The father of our subject helped build the first railroad in Indiana, having had a contract to build six miles of the grading. He was always a man active in public affairs. In the early days it was his custom to frequently take produce down the Ohio river and the Mississippi river to New Orleans on flat bbats. This he followed for a number of years with gratifying results.

growing business through his foresight, and honest and courteous dealings with his fellow men. He also owns the old home farm which he supervises.

Mr. Courtney was married on June i6, 1901 to Eva Roberts, daughter of George and Osia (Stutson) Roberts, of Williamsburg, Indiana. The father was born in the last named city and always lived there, with the exception of three years service in the Civil war, as a member of the Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Both her parents are now deceased.

Politically, Mr. Courtney is a Republican, but he has never sought to be a public man. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined in 1890, Spartanburg Lodge, also belongs to the Encampment. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is active in church work.

Hon. Leander J. Monks

Indiana has been especially honored in the character and career of her public and professional men. In every county there have been found individuals born to leadership in the various vocations and professions, men who have dominated not alone by superior intelligence and natural endowment, but by innate force of character which has minimized discourag^ients and dared great undertakings. It is always profitable to study such lives, weigh their motives and hold up their achievements as incentives to greater activity and higher excellence . on the part of others just entering upon their first struggles with the world. Standing out distinctly as one of the central figures of the judiciary of Indiana is the name of Hon. Leander J. Monks, whose home is in Winchester but who maintains an office in Indianapolis. As a lawyer he has won a reputation for distinguished service second to none of his contemporaries, and as a jurist of the highest type and a man of sublimated integrity and honor, for many years judge of the circuit and supreme courts, he has made a deep impress upon the history of this state of which he is one of her distinguished and honored native sons. He is a worthy and conspicuous member of a striking group of public men whose influence in civic and social life as well as in professional circles of the state has been of a most beneficent order. Wearing the judicial ermine with becoming dignity and bringing to every case submitted to him a clearness of perception and ready power of analysis characteristic of the learned and unbiased jurist, his name and work for years have been allied with the legal institutions, public enterprises and political interests of the state in such a way as to earn him recognition as one of the most influential citizens in a state noted for the high order of its talent. A high purpose and unconquerable will, vigorous mental powers, diligent study and devotion to duty are some of the means by which he has made himself eminently useful, and every ambitious youth who fights the battle of life with the prospect of ultimate success may peruse with profit the biography herewith presented.

Judge Monks was born in Winchester, Indiana, July lo, 1843, ^"^^ is the eldest son of George W. and Mary A. (Irvin) Monks. George W. Monks was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, April 25, 1814. In 1820 he came with his parents to Randolph county, Indiana where the future home of the family was established, this locality being at that time a very sparsely settled wilderness and here the grandparents of the future jurist endured the usual privations and hardships incident to pioneer life on the frontier, but they were courageous and industrious and in due course of time were comfortably established. Amid such a primitive environment George W. Monks grew to manhood and received such educational advantages as were possible in those early times. In 1839, while still almost a boy, he was nominated by the Whig party as a candidate for clerk of Randolph county and elected by a large majority. He filled the office so satisfactorily that he was re-elected in 1846 and served until 1853. In 1854 the Republican party was organized in this county by the coalition of the Anti-slavery and Free Soil parties, and Mr. Monks was the first Republican nominee from Randolph county for a legislative office. He was elected and took a conspicuous part in the session of 1854-55. He had studied law, and, after his admission to the bar, he was associated in the practice for a short time with Carey S. Goodrich, subsequently entering into partnership with Judge James Brown, with whom he continued successfully until his death. He was industrious and energetic. He was charitably inclined and materially assisted many in need of help, for, after providing well for his family, he had no inclination to hoard his large income, and many lives were made brighter and better through his assistance and encouragement. He was a man of exemplary character and in every way merits the universal esteem which was so long accorded him. He did a great deal toward the upbuilding of the county in its earlier history.

George W. Monks united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1843, and remained faithful to its principles the rest of his life, carrying his religion into his every-day affairs. He donated to the grounds in Winchester upon which is located the present church building of this denomination, and also the parsonage lot. He joined the Masonic order at- Winchester in 1845. He was a member of the State Board of Agriculture for a number of years and was active in the work of the same.

George W. Monks was twice married, first to Belinda A. Hulett. To this union one child was born, Charles N. Monks, a well known citizen of Randolph county. His second marriage was to Mary A. Irvin and of this marriage there are living three children, namely : Judge Leander J., subject of this review; Minerva B., of ^lankato, Minnesota; and J. Irvin, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. After the death of his second wife in 1864, George W. Monks purchased land in Minnesota, intending to remove to that state with his children, but soon thereafter illness overtook him and he died April 4, 1865, thus closing the career of one of the most active, useful and honorable citizens known in Randolph county in its pioneer period.

Leander J. Monks grew to manhood in Winchester in which city he acquired a good common school education, and in 1861 entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, where he remained during three school, years, leaving the university in his junior year. For some time he had been studying law and was adm.itted to the bar in 1865. He rose steadily in his profession from the first, and while yet a young man was called upon to fill responsible and honorable public positions. In 1870 he was chosen chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Randolph county, and in 1872 was again called to the same position. In 1874 he was elected a member of the Republican State Central Committee and re-elected in 1876, was also a member of the Executive Committee. In 1878 he was the Republican candidate for judge of the Twenty-fifth Judicial Circuit, composed of the counties of Randolph and Delaware, and in view of his candidacy for this office, declined the position as a member of the State Central Committee. Something of his popularity in this district will be gained from the fact that he was elected judge without opposition. In 1884 he was again nominated for the office of circuit judge in the same district, and a third time elected to the same office in 1890, Randolph county alone then constituting the district. His long retention in this office is sufficient evidence of the confidence and trust reposed in him by his constituents and of his fairness and ability in discharging the duties devolving upon him. His decisions were alwavs characterized by uniform fairness and showing a profound knowledge of jurisprudence in all its ramifications. He was prompt and energetic in the dispatch of the business of this court and won the hearty commendation of all concerned. In 1894 he was a candidate for judge of the supreme court from the Fouith District and was elected in Xovember by a plurality of over forty-six thousand. His term of office on the supreme bench expired January 7, 1913, having been commissioned January 7, 1895, and re-elected in 1900 and 1906, thus serving eighteen years as supreme judge, his long career on the nisi prius bench having been in every way successful, fully meeting the expectations of the people of Indiana, for he came to the supreme bench exceptionally well qualified for its exacting duties and responsibilities and from the beginning of his judicial career his decisions were characterized by a profound insight into the law and an earnest and conscientious desire to to apply it impartially ; so he was not long in gaining the confidence of the attorneys and litigants and earning for himself a reputation among the leading jurists of the state.

In the practice of his profession Judge Monks has been associated with several gentlemen who have distinguished themselves at the Randolph county bar. First, in 1865, he was associated with Col. M. B. Miller, which partnership was discontinued in 1866, but re-established the following year and continued until 1 87 1. In November of that year he entered into partnership with Hon. E. L. Watson, with whom he practiced until July, 1875. He then formed partnership relations with W. A. Thompson, which continued until he retired from practice in October, 1878, when he entered upon his illustrious judicial career. The day after leaving the bench, January, 1913, he opened offices in the Knights of Pythias building, Indianapolis, for the practice of law, forming a partnership with James P. Goodrich and John F. Robbins and H. C. Starr under the firm name of Monks, Robbins, Starr & Goodrich, and this is one of the busiest and best known legal firms in the state capital.

As already indicated Judge Monks is a Republican, and as such has been active in public and political affairs and an influential force in his party, not only in local matters, but in the larger and more important theater of state and national politics. He comes of a Republican ancestry, but he does not attribute to this fact his strict adherence to the principles which he supports, but rather to history, also to reflection, judgment and conscience, all of which have combined to make him not only an able and judicious counselor, but a molder of public opinion and leader of men, in what concerns the best interests of the body politic. While loyal to his party to promote its success, he believes that a man can be an earnest and active politician and ye^be strictly honest in his methods and above reproach in all that he does to advance the interest of his cause. He is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, and was elected by that body as a member of the committee on judicial procedure, to serve during the year 1882. He became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, when in college. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and has not departed from the same.

The domestic life of Judge Monks began on August 2, 1865, when he led to the hymeneal altar a lady of culture and refinement, known in her maidenhood as Lizzie W. White, daughter of Alexander and Margaret B. (Smith) White, a sterling pioneer family of Randolph county where Mrs. Monks grew to womanhood and received a good education. She was called to her eternal rest on April 18, 1908, after a mutually happy, helpful and harmonious married life of nearly forty-three years. She was always a favorite with a wide circle of friends and influential in the best circles of Winchester and wherever she was known. The union of the Judge and wife was blessed by the birth of four children, named as follows : Margaret married Thomas J. Kizer, and they live in Indianapolis; Mary D. married Dr. Milo V Smith, of Winchester; Alice and Agnes, twins, the former married George L. Davis, of Kokomo, Indiana; Agnes married William R. Hunter, and they reside in Indianapolis. The children are the possessors of many praiseworthy attributes of head and heart, reflecting the wholesome home atmosphere in which they were reared.

Judge Monks is a member of Winchester lodge No. 56, of the Masonic order, Scottish Rite, thirty-second degree. Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Encampment, at Winchester. Also of Columbia and Marion clubs of Indianapolis.

Personally Judge Monks is entirely unassuming, a plain, genial and uniformly courteous gentleman who makes and retains friends without effort, inspiring the utmost confidence and respect in all with whom he comes into contact.

Walter G. Parry

The biographies of successful men are instructive as guides and incentives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish, if he is willing to press forward in the face -of all opposition, refusing to be downed by untoward circumstances, thus making stepping-stones of what some would find to be insurmountable stumbling blocks. The gentleman whose life history is herewith, we hope, accurately and succinctly set forth, is a conspicuous example of one who4ias

Walter G. Parry, one of the leading attorneys of Winchester and Randolph county, was born in Richmond, Indiana, March 30, 1873. He is a son of George and Anna (Larsh) Parry, both natives of Wayne county, Indiana. The Parry family came from Pennsylvania, and the Larsh family from New Jersey, both being pioneer settlers of Wayne county, Indiana. George Parry learned the plasterer's trade in early life, which he followed for some time, but devoted the major portion of his life to farming. The family came tp Randolph county over a quarter of a century ago and settled on a farm near Lynn, where our subject lived until he was seventeen years of age, then removed to the city of Winchester where he became connected with the offices of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, with which he remained for three years in various capacities, at different points along the line.

On October 18, 1891 Mr. Parry married Hattie Belle Monks, a daughter of Richard and Margaret (Fraze) Monks, of Winchester. To this union two sons were born, Robert L., and James R. The elder is associated with his father; the younger is attending school.

Mr. Parry received the equivalent of a high school education in his youth and this has been materially added to through close application at home and by actual contact with the world. Deciding that his true bent lay along legal lines he entered the law office of J. S. Engle, now judge of the courts. This was in 1892 and our subject made rapid progress, completing the course in shorter time than usual, and was admitted to the bar in 1894. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Engle which continued with much success until September, 1899, when F. S. Caldwell became a member of the firm, the new firm continuing with growing business until 1908 when Mr. Engle was elected to the judgeship. Then the firm of Caldwell & Parry was formed which continued with satisfactory results until September i, 191 3 when Mr. Caldwell became a judge of the appellate court of the state of Indiana. Since that time Mr. Parry has carried on his practice alone, practicing in all the state and federal courts. He has been very successful with all kinds of cases, is careful, painstaking, persistent and vigilant and always has the interest of his client at heart. He keeps fully abreast of the times in all matters of jurisprudence and late decisions and statutes.

Politically, he is a Republican and has been active and influential in pubhc matters. He has three times been secretary of the Republican County Central Committee, and in the fall of 1906 was elected mayor of the city of

Ii30 Randolph County, Indiana

Winchester, and he served one term, being the first mayor under the new codification, serving three years and four months, during which time much was done for the permanent material and moral good of the town. He has proven himself to be a conscientious, honorable and faithful public servant. He has always actively participated in local, district and state politics, and has been a frequent delegate to county, district and_ state conventions. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he and his family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Randolph club and an earnest advocate of good, healthy athletics, and a thoroughly public-spirited gentleman.

The first brick street paving in Winchester was done durirrg Mr. Parry's administration as mayor, and was brought about largely through his influence.

William Y. Puckett

This well-known citizen is another of the old soldiers who went out to fight their country's -battles a half century ago. What a splendid sight it is at the present day to see a company of these honored veterans go by on Decoration Day or the Fourth of July, in their blue uniforms and their battered flags flying. But they will all be gone in a few more years, and nothing will be left but a memory. That memory should be something more than a sound. Their deeds should be perpetuated in song and story, in monument and perpetual commemoration, so that future generations may draw inspiration from their patriotism and gallantry.

William Y. Puckett, of Winchester, Randolph county, has had an eminently successful, active and useful business career. He has played his part well in the general development of his town and county, and as a result of his public spirit, his genial address and obliging nature he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him, having a wide acquaintance throughout the locality of which this volume treats. He was born in Winchester, Indiana, February 23, 1843. He is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (McNees) Puckett. The father came with his parents, Joseph and Mary Puckett, when a small boy. from their home in Pennsylvania, having made the long overland journey in wagons when most of the states comprising the Middle West were only sparsely settled. This family located on a farm in Randolph county, Indiana, near the town of Buena Vista. The father was a physician, was very popular among the pioneers, practicing in Winchester for a period of thirty-six years, being one of the best known and most successful physicians in this part of the state in his day and generation. Politically, he was a Republican and was active in the affairs of his party. His death occurred on September i8, 1871, his wife having preceded him to the grave twenty-three years, dying on July 23, 1849, when the subject of this sketch was six years old. He was one of six children the others being Luther G., of Winchester; Jehu N., deceased; Hardy H., deceased; Sarah and Mrs. Adolph Rocheleau, both of Winchester.

William Y. Puckett was reared in Winchester and here he has been content to spend his life. He received his education in the common schools and m the old Winchester Academy. He has engaged in various pursuits. In later years he became a general contractor, especially of sewer and street construction. He built practically all of the sewerage system of Winchester. He has been very successful in a business way, having managed well and dealt fairly with his fellow-men. He owns a finely improved and producti\e farm of sixty-one acres, four and one-half miles southwest of Winchester which he superintends.

Mr. Puckett has been twice married, first, on February 23, 1872 to Belinda Monks, daughter of Scott and Crestilla Monks, an old family . of Randolph county. To this union two children were born - Benjamin and £dward, both now deceased. The death of the wife and mother occurred on August II, 1883. On September 19, 1885 Mr. Puckett married Sarah Green, daughter of William and Tenie (Bowers) Green, a highly respected family of this county. To this second union one daughter was born, Bernice E., who is at home with her parents ; she was graduated from the Winchester high school, class of 1912.

Mr. Puckett has always been a loyal Republican and has been active in public matters since reaching manhood. He has a most praiseworthy record as a member of the city council of Winchester for the past twenty-five years during which time he has done as much as any other man for the general upbuilding of the city and the protection of its interests. He was instrumental in securing the fine sewerage system, good water works for the city and in securing the paving of all the principal streets with brick.

During the Civil war he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry for three months, at the expiration of which he enlisted in Company K, of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth regiment for one year, in which he served most faithfully, until the close of the war, in the army of the Cumberland and the East, participating in many hotly contested engagements, but he was never wounded or taken prisoner. He is a member of the Nelson Trusler Post No. 60, Grand Army of the RepubHc. Fraternally, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men. He owns an attractive and well-furnished home at 332 South Main street, Winchester, of which city he is regarded as one of the most substantial citizens.

Squire Columbus Bowex

Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguishing qualities and it cannot be retained without effort. Those by whom great epoch changes have been made in the political and industrial world began early in life to prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities, and it was only by the most persevering and continuous efforts that they succeeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the goal of their ambition. Such lives are an inspiration to others who are less courageous. Judging from the record of Squire Columbus Bowen, of Randolph county, he carefully laid the foundation in the beginning of his career for large future success, much of which he has achieved, as a glance at his life history will indicate.

Mr. Bowen was born in 1848 in Randolph county. Indiana, and is the youngest son of Ephraim L. and Ruth (Dwiggins) Bowen. The father was born in Greensfork township, this county, March 20, 1819. His parents were Ephraim and Hannah (Hale) Bowen. Ephraim, Sr.. was born in Lancaster county, Pennsyhania, in August, 1759, and his wife was born in Maryland in 1777; they each came to Ohio when }'oung and were married there. They were the first white couple to settle in Randolph countv. Indiana, having come here on October 22, 18 14. They founded a vast stretch of woods where the axe had done but little execution and wild game of all kinds was plentiful. To the senior Ephraim Bowen and wife the following children were born, namely: Catherine, John. Xancy, James C, Squire, Rebecca, Hannah, Rachael and Ephraim L. Thus for an entire century the Bowens have been well-known citizens of this localit}' which they have helped develop.

Ephraim L. Bowen grew up on the home farm where he remained until nineteen years of age, when he married Ruth Dwiggins, who was bom in Wayne count}% Indiana, in 1818, and was the youngest of a familv of seven children, namely: Jane, Lydia, Ann, Sarah, Mary, Elizabeth and Ruth, all girls. ^Ir. Boweri and wife settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres that his father had given him. Here he prospered as a general farmer and added to his original farm until he had three hundred and eighty-five acres. About 1890 he bought a ten-acre tract on which stood a fine residence in which he spent, the rest of his life, retiring from active farming in 1895, and dying June 20, 1901. He was twice married, and to his first union eight children were born, named as follows : James, William and John are all deceased; Squire C, subject of this sketch; Elizabeth married John C. Wise; Hannah married Henry Wise ; Elmira married James Peele and Jane married John W. Jackson. After a married life of twenty years the mother of the above named children died, August 5, 1858. Just prior to the commencement of the Civil war in the early sixties, Mr. Bowen married Mrs. Anna J. Corbett, widow of Alfred T. Corbett and daughter of John and Mildred (Tharp) Thompson. She was born in North Carolina, December 16, 1827, and came to Randolph county, Indiana, with her parents when a child. To this second union four children were born, all of whom are deceased, namely: Julian M. died in 1885, at the age of twenty-four years; Rosa died in 1914; Lula died in 1887, and Clarence E., whose death occurred in 1892. The mother of these children passed away in 1899.

Throughout his life Ephraim L. Bowen took a lively interest in public improvements, and contributed largely to the enterprises having for their object the ultimate benefit of the county. He never felt political ambition, but yet consented to serve his fellow citizens as trustee three terms and as assessor two terms. He was a Republican, was a pronounced anti-slavery advocate in earlier years, and became one of the first adherents of the Republican party upon its organization. He was a worker for temperance and in his daily life fully exemplified the principles he held. As a member of the Christian cliurch he led a consistent life, and as a worthy citizen none stood higher than he in the community in which he lived. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was identified with Bethel lodge, No. 250. He helped all his children to a good start in the world and he was proud of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Squire C. Brown grew to manhood on the home farm in Greensfork township and received a common school education. He has devoted his active life to general farming and stock raising and has been exceptionally successful. He is now owner of two valuable and well improved farms of two hundred and seventy-five acres and desirable property in Spartanburg. He is a stockholder in the Greensfork Township Bank and the Lynn Banking Company. Ele has been very successful in his life work and is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of his locality. (72)

Politically, Mr. Bowen is a Republican, but has never been especiallyactive in public affairs. Religiously, he belongs to the Christian church.

Mr. Bowen was married on March 7, 1885, to Philena Ross, who was born in Greensfork township, this county, March 18, 1854. She is a daughter of Timothy and Susannah Ross. The father was born in 1819 in Virginia where he spent his early years, finally coming to Indiana and locating in Randolph county where his death occurred in 1865. His wife was born in Greensfork township, this county, February 12, 1826, and died September 9, 1895. Mrs. Bowen grew to womanhood in her native community and received a common school education.

To our subject and wife three children were born, named as follows : Florence Ruth, born January 14, 1886, and married Lester Taylor. They are the parents of two children, Mervyn Bowen Taylor and Squire Lesle}' Taylor; Harry E., was born December 21, 1889 and died November 9, 1907, age 17 years, 10 months, 18 days, and Wanda E., was born April 26, 1892 and -died January 28, 1893, age 9 months, 2 days.

George W. Browne

In the course of a long, industrious and interesting life, George W. Browne, now living in retirement in his attractive and modernly appointed home in Winchester, Randolph county, has learned many valuable lessons and has been of great help to those with whom he has come into contact. The reason he has been able to give up the active duties of life at an earlier age than many men is because he has always been persistent and energetic, at the same time using his thinking powers. He has kept abreast of the times in all that pertained to his chosen line of endeavor - agriculture and stock raising - and he is one of our most substantial and large land owners. During his residence here of thirty-five years he has done much for the general upbuilding of White River township and has so ordered his life as to gain and retain the good will and esteem of all.

Mr. Browne hails from the "dark and bloody ground" country, his ancestors having been excellent Kentucky stock, and his birth occurred in Bourbon county, that state, February 4, 1849. He is a son of John A. and Ellen (Whaley) Browne. When our subject was about three years old the family moved from Bourbon county to Grant county, Kentucky, where he grew to manhood, assisting his father with the general work on his farm there. In the meantime he attended the country schools.

Mr. Browne was married in Grant county, Kentucky, on December 21, 1869, to Emma Burroughs, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Edmondson) Burroughs, and in the fall of 1878 he removed with his family to Randolph county, Indiana, and settled on a farm in White River township, and here he soon became a leading farmer and stock man, developing one of the choice farms of the township. His land now consists of four hundred and eighty acres, all in White River township. It is well improved in every respect, fertile, and on it stand substantial and convenient buildings. For many years he was one of the largest stock feeders of the community. In 1907 he left the farm and moved to Winchester where he owns a fine residence at 524 South Meridian street. He has earned his splendid estate through his own efforts, the exercise of sound judgment, proper principles and industry, and has the name of having always dealt honestly with his fellow men.

To Mr. and Mrs. Browne nine children have been born, namely: John W. is married and is farming in White River township; Thomas G. is alsa f arming in this township; Charles N. is married and living in Winchester; Minnie and Mary are at home ; Frank M. is married and is farming in White River township; Sarah is at home; Eva is now the wife of Robert Jackson, a farmer of this township; Bonnie is at home.

Politically, Mr. Browne has always been a Republican, but he has never sought or held public office. He is a brother of General Thomas Browne, who, for several terms, represented this district in Congress and was for many years one of the leading men of this section of Indiana.

Edgar L. Monks

Deeds are thoughts crystallized, and according to their brilliancy do we judge the worth of a man to the country which produced him, and in his works we expect to find the true index to his character. The study of the life of the American representative never fails to offer much of pleasing interest and valuable instruction, developing a mastering of expedients which have brought about most wonderful results. Edgar L. Monks, well-known groceryman in Winchester for many years, now engaged in the loan, real estate and instirance business here, is a worthy representative of that type of American character and of that progressive spirit which promotes public good in advancing individual prosperity and conserving popular interests. Members of the Monks family have long been prominently identified with the affairs of Randolph county, and while their endeavors along material lines

Mr. Monks was born December 15, 1868 in White River township, Randalph county. He is a son of Charles N. and Evoline (Reed) Monks, both parents born in the same township and county, mentioned above, each representing sterling old pioneer families, and here they grew to maturity, received such educational advantages as the early-day schools afforded, and here they were married, and here they spent their lives successfully engaged -in general agricultural pursuits. The death of Charles N. Monks occurred on February 12, 1900. His widow is still living on the old home farm in Washington township. Besides our subject they were the parents of one other child, Nathan R. who is operating the home farm.

Edgar L. Monks grew to manhood on the farm and assisted his father with the general work during crop seasons, and during the winter months he attended the district schools, later the Valparaiso State Normal. He began life for himself by teaching in the district schools of the county, which he continued with great success for a period of ten years, his services being in much demand. Finally tiring of the school room he turned his attention to the grocery business in Winchester for a period of five years, during which he enjoyed an excellent trade as a result of his fair and courteous dealings with his many customers, and he always carried a good line of fancy and staple groceries. In 1906 he discontinued the grocery business and engaged in the loan, real estate and insurance business in Winchester, with ofifices in the Knights of Pythias building, and he has built up a large and growing business.

Mr. Monks was married three times, first, on June 30, 1894, to May Chapman, daughter of William and Ellen (Kizer) Chapman, of Winchester. To this union one son was born. Reed C, now a high school student. The wife and mother died April 13, 1899. On January 15, 1906 Mr.' Monks married Sarah F. Bales, daughter of William D. and Rebecca (Jackson) Bales, of Randolph county. She survived but a few months, her death occurring on July 9, 1906. Our subject's last marriage took place on October 29, 1909, when he espoused Sarah J. Heaston, daughter of Abram and Margaret (Mclntire) Heaston, both old pioneers families.

Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and also belongs to the Sons of Veterans, by virtue of the fact that his father was a gallant soldier for a period of three years in the Union army during the Civil war, a member of Company C, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Our subject is a Republican and he has long been active in the affairs of his party, but never an office seeker.

Thomas F. Moorman

The name of Thomas F. Moorman, banker, agriculturist and all-around man of affairs needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, he having for a number of decades been one of the leading financiers in this section of Indiana, one of this county's most deserving and representative native sons and one who has done much toward the later-day progress of the city of Winchester. Mr. Moorman's extensive business interests are the legitimate fruitage of consecutive effort, directed and controlled by good judgment and correct moral principles. He has forged his way to the front over obstacles that would have thwarted men of less heroic mettle, gradually extending the limits of his intellectual horizon until he is not only one of the leading business men of his county but also one of the most symmetrically developed mentally, having always been a student and kept fully abreast of the times, and one of the most influential in civic and social circles. Taken as a whole his career presents a series of continued successes rarely equalled in this locality. In the most liberal acceptation of the phrase, he is the architect of his own fortune, although springing from a family of noted bankers, yet he preferred carving out his own career with as little assistance as possible, and his entire business record has been such as to entitle him to the high esteem in which he is universally held.

Mr. Moorman was born in Stoney Creek township, Randolph county, Indiana, May 28, 1852. He is a son of Thomas Moorman, who was born in North Carolina, March 13, 1815, and in 1821 he was brought by his parents to Randolph county. Indiana, who settled four miles west of the present city of Winchester, and were thus among the earliest pioneers of this county. They found here a wilderness, indeed, where the ring of the axe had yet been but little heard, for their neighbors were few and far between. Amid such an environment Thomas Moorman grew to manhood, knowing the meaning of hard work on the farm and he was denied the liberal education which he so much desired. In 1838 he entered land in Stoney Creek township, where he was engaged successfully in farming until

1865, when he removed to Winchester and became connected with the Winchester Bank, which connection he retained until 1878, when he became vice-president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, with which he remained until his death, which occurred on December 23, 1905.

On April 19, 1838, Thomas Moorman married Eunice Diggs, who was born on a farm two miles west of Winchester, April 19, 1821.. She was a daughter of William Diggs, who was an early settler of this county. Her death occurred December 9, 1892. * She was a woman of beautiful Christian faith and fortitude. Seven children were born to Thomas and Eunice Moorman, namely: Thomas P., subject of this sketch; Tarlton W., born April II, 1839, died September 22, i860; Agnes, born April 30, 1842, died October 13, i860; William D., born August 25, 1844, died December 26, 1848; Hannah married William P. Marlatt, who became an employee of the government at Indianapolis; she was born April 30, 1848; Hiram D., born March 7, 1855 ; William A., born January 5, i860, became a banker at Portland, Indiana.

Thomas F. Moorman, of this review, grew to manhood in his native county and received his early education in the schools of Winchester, which he attended until eighteen years of age; he then went to Richmond, Indiana, for the purpose of obtaining a more extended education, but was compelled by illness to abandon the plan, and consequently he returned home to labor upon the farm, and he continued general farming until 1872, when he located in Winchester, assuming a position in the Winchester Bank. Upon the organization of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, in 1878, he was elected cashier, which responsible position he held to the satisfaction of the stockholders and patrons of the bank until the expiration of its charter, in 1898, or a period of twenty years. During that time he did much to increase' the prestige and substantial growth of the institution, rendering it one of the sound and safe banks of this section of the state, and to his good management and financial experience belongs the credit of taking the bank successfully through the panics of 1882 and 1893. He has also long been interested in a bank at Union City, Randolph county, and in one in Portland, Indiana, and he is still a director in the Farmers and Merchants Bank, of which he declined to continue as cashier when the bank was reorganized in 1898. Aside from the banking business, he is also interested in agriculture, owning three large, productive and well-improved farms in Randolph county, and has considerable valuable city property. At one time he owned farming land of more than one thousand acres. His three farms, which lie in White River and Washington townships, contain over five hundred acres. Since 1908 his large agricultural interests have occupied his time and attention almost exclusively, and he has carried on general farming and stock raising on an 'extensive scale. In 1893 he erected the magnificent and substantial block at the northeast corner of the public square in Winchester, which is still one of the best commercial blocks in the city, and he has' a beautiful home at 414 South Main street He also erected the Masonic, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men's blocks.

Mr. Moorman was married December 4, 1877, to Elvira A. Hiatt, a lady of many estimable characteristics. She is a daughter of A. R. and Mary A. (Clark) Hiatt, the former for many years one of the highly respected and influential merchants of Randolph county, where Mrs. Moorman grew to womanhood and received her education. Allen R. Hiatt was born February 20, 1829, and died October 22, 1910. Mary A. (Clark) Hiatt was born November 8, 1829, and died April 29, 191 2. Mrs. Moorman was born near Winchester, September 21, 1851. To our subject and wife three children have been born, all of whom graduated from the Winchester high school, namely: Walter H., born March 4, 1879, married Otho F. Farlow, and his death occurred September 2,j, 1907; Herbert R., born December 28, 1883, married Nellie Butler, and he is an electric engineer in the employ of the New York Telephone Company, stationed at Buffalo, New York; Lester F., born November 2, 1887, married Horace ^Marshall ; he is a rising young lawyer of Indianapolis.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Moorman are leading members of the Society of Friends, of which he became, years ago, treasurer of the quarterly meeting, and one of the trustees of the yearly meeting, and has been a member of the board of trustees for over thirty years. Politically, he is an ardent Republican and has been deeply interested in public matters, and he served two terms in the city council. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, and has filled all the chairs in the lodges, and for two years was worthy patron of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. To show the undoubted confidence the philanthropist, James Moorman, had in him, it may be well to state that he was appointed administrator of the philanthropist's estate, which was valued at over a half million dollars, and was also elected by the testator as one of the trustees of the Orphans' Home, which is located just west of Winchester. He is a plain, unostentatious gentleman, charitable, broad-minded, genial and neighborly.

Ii40 Randolph County, Indiana Henry Wise

Although born under alien skies and taught to revere a flag other than the Stars and Stripes, nevertheless Henry Wise, one of the venerable agriculturists and public-spirited citizens of Randolph county, loved his adopted country so well that he risked his - health, business chances, even life itself, in our great war between the states that the national union njight not be disrupted; and this is not to be wondered at when we learn that he comes of a sterling race that produced the redoubtable Iron Chancellor, universally regarded as one of the greatest statesmen of the world, past or present, in other words, he came of a race of fighters in periods of war, when the fabled Mars strides menacingly up and down the welkin. But men who have such stick-toitive qualities that they seldom give up any undertaking until the coveted goal is reached cannot be other than helpful and successful wherever they deign to cast their lots ; therefore, the German people have been of great assistance to us in forwarding our civilization, in clearing the wilderness from the various states of the Union, in conquering our enemies and building solidly the foundations of our various institutions.

Mr. Wise was born May 5, 1838, at Oppenrod, Germany, and is a son of Melchiar and Elizabeth (Fellig) Wise, both natives of the Fatherland, where they grew to maturity, were educated and married and there spent their lives engaged in farming. There also Henry Wise grew to manhood and attended school, and when about sixteen years of age he emigrated to the United States, reaching our shores on February 11, 1854. He came to the central states and found work in a foundry in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained six months, then took up carpentering at Greenville, that state, for a year and one-half, after which he farmed six months, then came to Randolph county, Indiana, and here worked on a farm and attended school. At the age of twenty years he rented a farm, but met with bad luck and began working by the month again and continued going to school, but he has engaged contiijuously in general farming and stock raising ever since with the exception of the war period. However, he is now living practically retired.

Mr. Wise enlisted August 19, 1862, in Company F, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and saw much hard service, but proved to be an excellent soldier. He was in the battle at Richmond, Kentucky, Chickasaw Bayou, Siege of Vicksburg and the battles incident to the same, was on a campaign through Arkansas, then fought at Carthage, afterwards was sent to Texas and was in the Red River expedition, then fought at Natchez, was in the Mobile campaign, also that of Pensacola, Florida. It was his regiment that opened the famous Vicksburg campaign under General Grant. He relates very vividly the awful scenes of that siege. He was honorably discharged at Mobile, Alabama, July 5, 1865. He was never wounded or captured, but sustained an injury to his left shoulder by a fall. After returning home he resumed farming and was successful with advancing years, and at one time owned three hundred acres of valuable land and large herds of good stock. Old age coming on, he being now seventy-five years old, he discontinued active farming and has lived practically retired for the past ten years, now owning but ninety acres of land, which is all he cares to manage. He ' has a good home and well improved farm and is very comfortably fixed in his declining years as a result of his good management and hard work of former days. Politically he is a Republican and was the first member of the Greensfork township advisory board. He is a member of the Methodist church.

Mr. Wise was married August 18, 1862, to Hannah L. Bowen, who was born in Greensfork township, Randolph county. She is a daughter of Ephraim L. Bowen and wife, who live on the farm in this township which was entered from the government by his grandfather, and here Mrs. Wise grew to womanhood and had the usual educational advantages of the early days here. To our subject and wife the following children have been born : Elnora, wife of Michael Lahey; John married Dora Moore; Elizabeth is the wife of John Hart; Hattie is the wife of Uriah Dowlar; 'Ulrie married Minnie Powder; Florence, deceased. The Wise family belongs to the agricultural class and are each substantial citizens and owners of well-improved homes.

Nathan U. Strahan

It is a good sign when a county like Randolph can boast of so many of her enterprising agriculturists, business men and public officials who are native sons, for it indicates that here are to be found all the opportunities necessary to insure success in the material affairs of life and that her native sons, unlike so many from various sections, have found it to their advantage to remain at home. .They have been wise in doing this for nature has offered the husbandman unusual advantages here and seldom fails to reward the honest worker with gratifying results, and when the tillers of the soil are prosperous, all lines of business flourish, consequently not only the farmers succeed in the locality of which this volume treats, but also the merchants

One of our well-known, successful and useful native sons is Nathan U. Strahan, ex-sheriff of the county, who was born on January 4, 1864 in Nettle Creek township. He is a son of Samuel R. and Martha (Hunt) Strahan, both parents natives of Fleming county, Kentucky, where they grew to maturity, received such educations as the early day schools afforded and there were married, and continued to reside until in the early fifties they left the "dark and bloody ground country" and removed with their three children to West River township, Randolph county, Indiana, but soon afterward moved to Nettle Creek township. There they became well established through their industry, working hard and enduring not a few privations and hardships, like most early settlers in any country, but they succeeded nevertheless. There Samuel R. Strahan engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising. His family consisted of eleven children, five of whom are living, namely: Russell P., of Muncie, Indiana; Basil H. lives at Randolph county; Dr. Charles S. lives at Galesburg, Kansas; Nathan U., of this review; Hattie M., who married W. French lives in Indianapolis. The mother of these children passed away in March, 1896, the father surviving until in February, 1900.

Nathan U. Strahan grew to manhood on the home farm in Nettle Creek township, being sixteen years of age in 1879 when he removed with the family to White River township, this county. He received his education in the public schools of his locality. He remained on the home place until his marriage on April 2, 1888 to Mary E. Wolfe, a daughter of John I. and Malinda (Pegg) Wolfe, a substantial Ramdolph county family, and here Mrs. Strahan grew to womanhood and received her education. To our subject and wife four children have been born, namely : Ethel, Orla, Verna and Esther, all at home.

After his marriage Mr. Strahan engaged in farming a year and was then appointed sexton of Fountain Park Cemetery, which position he held three years with satisfaction to all concerned. He then went to Indianapolis in 1892 and worked for a railroad company one year, after which he returned to White River township, his native county and resumed farming, finding the country more to his taste than the hurry and worry of the state capital. He continued general farming and stock raising with a large measure of success, attending his efforts until 19 10 when he was elected sheriff of Randolph^ county. He served two years in this important office in a manner that re- fleeted much credit upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Leaving the farm he removed to Winchester where he still resides. He was at one time assistant assessor of White River township, proving to be a most faithful and conscientious public official. Since the expiration of his term of office as sheriff in January, 1913 he has devoted his attention to overseeing his finely improved and productive farm of over two hundred acres in White River township, two miles northwest of Winchester. Politically he has always been a loyal Republican, taking an active part in public affairs. He has frequently served as a member of the Republican county committee. Fraternally he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, having beena member of the same for twenty-three years. He has also been a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle for a period of twenty-one years, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for twelve years.

John C. Henning

Randolph county has been fortunate in the character of her public officials, as a rule, the strongest men of the county being elected. This is due to the fact that all her citizens are public-spirited and are willing to do whatever they can to further the best interests of the county, not caring to leave the affairs of the same to idlers and ne'er-do-wells, so the best citizens are accustomed to seek the county offices; another thing, the voters of the county refuse to endorse the candidacy of anyone who is not a strong-minded, clean-living man, one whom they know they can trust to look after the best interests of the locality.

John C. Henning, the present sheriff of Randolph county, is one of the able and popular county officials at this writing, and although he has been incumbent of the office less than a year, he has shown himself to be eminently fitted for the same and is popular with his constituents and all concerned. He was born September 13, 1861, in Darke county, Ohio. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Finfock) Henning. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Miami county, Ohio. John Henning devoted his life to general farming. He left the Keystone state and came to Darke county, Ohio, in 1834 with his parents, being then six years old, his

John C. Henning grew to manhood on his father's farm and there assisted with the general work when a boy. He received a practical education in the district schools. He was married on December 20, 1883, to Mary C. Stump, a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Cole) Stump, of Darke county, Ohio. To this union three sons have been born, also an equal number of daughters, named as follows : "Bessie P., now the wife of Newton Wilkinson, deputy sheriff of Winchester; Charles G., of Hartford City; Edith and Flora are both deceased; John Raymond is telegraph operator at Millgrove, Indiana; James W. is at home.

John C. Henning left Darke county, Ohio, in 1884, where he had been successfully engaged in farming since a young man, at that time selling his farm and removing to Union City, Indiana, where he was on the police force from 1906 to 1909, when he was elected marshal of that place, serving three years, giving the people there eminent satisfaction in both positions. In the fall of 1912 he was elected sheriff of Randolph county and took office January i, 1913. He has so far proven an alert, able and conscientious officer. At that time he moved to the sheriff's residence in Winchester.

Politically, Mr. Henning is a loyal Democrat and active in the affairs of the party. He enjoys the distinction of being the first Democrat elected sheriff of this county since the year 1854. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and- Knights of the Golden Eagle.

The life of the scholarly or professional man seldom exhibits any of those striking incidents that seize upon public feeling and attract attention to himself. His character is generally made up of the aggregate qualities and qualifications he may possess, as these may be elicited by the exercise of the duties of his vocation or the particular profession to which he belongs. But when such a man has so impressed his individuality upon his fellow men as to gain their confidence and through that confidence rises to high and important standing he is deserving of a great deal of credit. Dr. Bader S. Hunt, of Winchester, is one of the scholarly men of Randolph county, who, not content to hide his talents amid life's sequestered ways, has, by the force of will and a laudable ambition, forged to the front in a responsible and exacting calling and earned an honorable reputation in one of the most im- portant branches of human service. His Hfe has been one of hard study and research from his youth and since maturity of laborious professional duty; and the high standing which he has attained is evidence that he possesses the qualities that 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.

Doctor Hunt was born December 13, 1868, near Union Port, Randolph county, Indiana. He is a son of Giles P. and Elmira (Botkin) Hunt. His parents were born in this county and here grew to maturity, were educated in the early-day schools and were married here. The mother is a daughter of Dr. J. W. Botkin, also a native of Randolph county, born in 1819, and was thus a pioneer child, and here he practiced medicine for a period of sixty years, a fine type of the old school doctor. His death occurred at the age of eighty-two years. He was one of the first white children born in this locality. His daughter, Elmira, was born September 5, 1847, ^^^ she is now living in Winchester. Giles P. Hunt was born January 12, 1843, ^"d his death occurred October 30, 1905. He was a successful farmer. Politically, he was a Republican. Pie was a member of Company D, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in 1861 under Capt. John Ross, and he served three years in a faithful and praiseworthy manner.

To Giles P. Hunt and wife six children were born, namely : Dr. Bader S., of this sketch ; Mary is the eldest daughter ; Morton is deceased ; Emma is living at home; James is deceased; the youngest child died in infancy, unnamed.

Dr. Bader S. Hunt grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his early education in the common schools, and was graduated from the Winchester high school in 1889. He then entered Rush Medical College in Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1894, and in 1902 he took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Polyclinic Institute. In 1894 he began the practice of his profession in Winchester and has remained here to the present time, enjoying a liberal patronage from the first, and he has long since taken his place in the front rank of leading medical men of this section of the state. He practiced alone until 1910, when his brother, Dr. Morton Hunt, joined him, but his death occurred two years later, and since then our subject has remained alone. He has ever been a deep student of all that pertains to the medical profession and is well abreast of the times.

womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of John W. and Eliza (Aker) Thomas. Her Grandfather Thomas came from Missouri, and Grandfather Aker was a native of Virginia. He located in Randolph county in pioneer days and opened the first store in this locality, it being the only one between the cities of Richmond and Fort Wayne. Mrs. Hunt, after graduating from the Winchester high school in 1889, entered the Conservatory of Music at Cincinnati, Ohio, and subsequently took a special course in vocal music, also the violin, in Indianapolis. She is a talented musician, and a lady of refinement and many estimable attributes, a favorite in the best social circles of the county.

The union of the Doctor and wife has been graced by the birth of two children: Frances E., born Februar}'^ 5, 1905, is attending school; and Mary ^Martha, born June 14, 1909.

Politically, Doctor Hunt is a Republican and has long been active in the ranks and influential ; in fact, is a local leader in the party. He is at present ably and faithfully serving as state senator from Randolph and Jay counties, and is making his influence felt for the general good of this locality, being regarded by his colleagues as an able, far-seeing and conscientious public servant, and his course so far has been entirely satisfactory to his constituents. From 1902 to 1906 he served Randolph county as health officer in a most faithful manner. He has been a member of the city council for the past eight years, during which he has done much for the general upbuilding of the city of Winchester.

Doctor Hunt is a charter member of the Randolph Club : he holds membership in the Randolph County IMedical Society, the Indiana Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge No. 638, and is past master of the same; he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

Doctor Hunt has not only kept in close touch with the trend of current medical thought but is also a close student of all social, political and scientific subjects, being broad-minded, full of spirit and a leader in the matters relating to the advancement of the community honored by his citizenship and the welfare of his fellow men. He is a man of decided convictions on all public questions, maintains his stand with resolute firmness and has made his influence felt in formulating and directing political policies, as well as in the various official trusts with which he has from time to time been honored. He is a plain and unassuming gentleman, yet possessing that innate dignit)' which stamps the true man of modern affairs, genial, obliging and neverfailing courtesy, and, the genuineness of his public spirit being unquestioned, he is popular with all classes.

John Edwin Lacey

It makes a great difference in one's life whether he earns his property by severe toil or by easy methods, or has it becjueathed to him by some industrious kinsman, for our personal habits are determined in no small measure by the manner in which we become the possessor of material things. People of all occupations should be thrifty enough to take care of what they have, no matter how they obtained it, for they have others to consider - children who have the right to demand of their parents that they save the property left to them by ancestors. Such is a family inheritance, which no member has the right to dissipate. One of the thrifty families of Randolph county who have been careful both as to how they secured their property and its retention are the Laceys, of whom John Edwin Lacey, well known real estate dealer of the town of Lynn, is a worthy representative.

Mr. Lacey was born January 3, 1862 in White River township, this county. He is a son of John A. and Mary S. (Butterworth) Lacey. The father was born in Wayne county, Indiana, May 2, 1839. John A. Lacey received very little schooling. When a young man he learned the painter's trade, and, being by nature an excellent penman he taught penmanship in White River township, also Greensf ork and Washington townships for a number of years. He owned eighty acres of land in Greensfork township which he farmed. His death occurred on July 30, 1913. He married Mary S. Butterworth. She was born in Randolph county, Indiana, and here grew to womanhood and received a meager education in the early-day schools. Her death occurred April i, 1890. She was a representative of one of the old families of this county, and both the Butterworths and Laceys have been known in this section of the state for a number of generations.

John E. Lacey grew to manhood on the farm in his native community and received his education in the common schools of his locality. After working on the farm some time he learned the painter's trade and worked as a painter and contractor for a number of years in Lynn. In 1903 he opened an insurance office here, also began dealing in the real estate business, conducting both with much success until 191 1 when he sold out the insurance end of his business and has since devoted his attention exclusively to real estate, and he is a very busy man in this connection. He is regarded as one of the best judges of property both city and farm, to be found in Randolph county, and, dealing honestly and promptly with his fellow men, has won their good will and confidence.

Mr. Lacey was married July 7, 1888 to Nora Dell Carter, a daughter of Thomas W. and Lydia Carter. " She was born October 22, 1 871, in this county and here grew to womanhood and received a common school education.

Calvin S. Engle

Realizing, with Lowell, at the outset of his career that, "New occasions teach new duties, time making ancient good uncouth, and we must up and onward," Calvin S. Engle, one of Randolph county's old and honored citizens, sought to keep fully abreast of the times in all that pertained to his special field of endeavor, and so he has prospered; and no doubt much of his material success has been due to the fact that he has been an advocate of progress in all lines, material, civic and moral, playing well his part as a citizen in this locality for more than a half century during which he has noted vast changes in every way. He represents one of our worthy pioneer families, the name Engle having been familiar throughout this county since pioneer times.

Mr. Engle was born September 9, 1844, on a farm in Washiiigton township, Randolph county, and he now owns the farm on which he was born. He is a son of William and Letitia (Cabe) Engle, and a brother of Judge James S. Engle, a sketch of whom appears in another part of this work.

Our subject was reared on the home farm and he attended the country schools. On December 8, 1863 he left school, and enlisted in Company C, Second Regiment, Indiana Cavalry, in which he served nineteen months, lacking nine days. The regiment was in the army of the Tennessee and was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and on May 9, 1864, he was captured while in advance of Sherman's army at Varnell Station, Georgia. Our subject was taken to Andersonville prison and tasted the horrors of that place for four months, when he was transferred to Charleston, South Carolina, where he was a prisoner for a month, then sent to Florence, that state, foi four months, later to Wilmington, North Carolina, and there paroled on

February 28, 1865. He with other Union soldiers came north to Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Engle was furloughed, after which he came back to Randolph county. He was so emaciated by his long irpprisonment that his home folks hardly knew hi'm, and his recovery was very slow. He was not able to return to his regiment until the war was over. His furlough was extended from time to time, and he was finally mustered out July 31, 1865, when his regiment returned to Indianapolis, aftef it had seen much hard service in many important campaigns.

For a year after the war Mr. Engle remained on the home farm, and in the spring of 1866 he went to Rice county, Minnesota and bought a farm where he soon had a good foothold and there he remained for a period of seventeen years.

He was married on December 12, 1867 to Ellen Greeley, a distant relative of Horace Greeley, the famous editor and politician. She was a daughter of James and Sarah Jane (Rand) Greeley. To our subject and wife six children were born, namely : Sarah Letitia died when one and one-half years of age; Lillian married Omar Van Landingham, a farmer of White River tow nship ; Ella died when seven years old ; Price died when five years of age ; Alice who married J. O. Batchelor of Winchester, is also deceased; Jennie is the wife of Samuel Staudt, of Darke county, Ohio.

Mr. Engle returned from the North to Randolph county, Indiana in 1883 and rented his father's farm, the old homestead for one year, and a year later he returned to the old place where he was born. After the death of the father he bought the interests of some of the heirs and he still owns one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead, including the old buildings there. Here he continued to reside and carry on general farming successfully until he removed to Winchester in the fall of 1898, having been elected county auditor, and he assumed office on November 17th of that year. He served in this capacity four years and during a term extension until January ist. He has always been a ReiDublican and always more or less active in party affairs. After his term of office expired he remained in Winchester. He owns besides the old home place seventy-six acres in White River township, all good and well-improved land. The last mentioned land lies southeast of the county-seat. He lives retired but looks after his farms in a general way.

Several years ago Mr. Engle published his experiences in Andersonville in a series of well-written and interesting articles which ran several weeks in the Winchester Journal. Other Southern prisons were also included and they attracted widespread attention.

V Mrs. Engle's first husband was Jacob H. Johnson, who was also a soldier in the Federal army, serving three" years as a member of the Thirteenth -Ohio Cavalry under the famous Phil Sheridan. Mr. Engle is a member of the Nelson Trusler Post, No. 60, Grand Army of the Republic. He was formerly a member of the Jake Jackson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and he filled all the chairs of the same before coming to Winchester. At one time he belonged to Williamsburg Post, of this organization. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife are members of the Rebekahs. He holds membership with Carlos City Lodge, No. 643, in Carlos City and has passed through all the chairs of the same He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was for many years a member of the board of stewards, and he has always fceen active in church and Sundav school work.