USA > Indiana > A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume I > Part 83
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HOOTS, PHILANDER HIGLEY, manufacturer and inventor, of Connersville, comes of an ances- try renowned in the early history and intellectual and material development of our country. The Roots, for several generations, were large land-owners, and members of the clerical profession, while one of the Yales, from which family his mother was descended, was the founder of the celebrated college of that name at New Haven, Connecticut. Early in life, Mr. Roots displayed an inventive genius and a taste for mechanics quite unusual in one so young. While he was a men- ber of the junior class of Miami University, where he hoped to complete his education, his father engaged in
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the manufacture of woolen goods; but knowing nothing | about a steam-engine, of which his subordinates were likewise ignorant, he recalled his son from college, to superintend its working. This was a sad blow to the boy's ambitious dream of becoming a finished scholar. However, with true filial obedience, he suppressed his disappointment, and, with no knowledge of the engine save that which seemed intuitive, he entered upon the discharge of his duties. Under his instructions others were qualified to run it, and he assumed the duties of superintendent. He was led to this step by the failing health of his father; and as rapidly as possible mastered all the details of the business. Always enterprising and progressive, Mr. Roots kept pace with the new im- provements as they gradually came into use. At this time he was the designer, and in fact the general man- ager, of the mills. His skill as a designer was such that he could take almost any pattern of cloth and re- produce it in his looms. Being in England, he procured many beautiful patterns from owners of mills which he had the privilege of inspecting. His calculations were so accurate, and based upon such scientific principles, that the mills produced goods equal to the best foreign manufactures. In 1847 the machinery was moved to Connersville, Indiana, where, with his brother, Mr. Roots continued the manufacture of woolen goods, under the firm name of P. H. & F. M. Roots. Many of their suc- cesses and improvements, both in machinery and in fabrics, were achieved after this removal. In 1860 their greatest invention was patented as "Roots' Patent Rotary Blower." This was subsequently developed, and their various patents, running from 1860 to 1870, were covered by fifteen different issues. Francis M. Roots, brother of the subject of this sketch, is an excellent mechanic, and by his suggestions important improvements and modifications have been made from time to time, as Mr. Roots's original ideas were being developed. All of their patents have been taken out by P. H. & F. M. Roots. The causes which led to the invention of the blower were as follows : Their water-wheel at Connersville was giving out, and Mr. Roots visited Cincinnati with a view of substituting a turbine wheel; but after careful examination, and subsequent thought on the philosophy of its construction, he became convinced that much power was lost by this wheel, and at once set about the invention of something better. The final result was the production of the great rotary force blower. This ma- chine has now a world-wide reputation, being exten- sively used, not only in the United States and in Can- ada, but in Great Britain and on the Continent of Europe, where they are also largely manufactured. Its application in manufacturing and commerce is various, as it is used for forced-air blasts in foundries, forges, etc. ; also for ventilating rooms, withdrawing dust, dry- ing purposes, etc. A few years ago this firm con-' A-25
structed, as an experiment, an immense blower, which propelled a street-car under Broadway, New York City. This plan had to be given up, not on account of the motor power, but, it is stated, on account of immense moneyed corporations combining against it. One of these blowers is now used to ventilate a coal mine in England, which machine has a capacity of two hundred and fifty thousand cubic feet of air per minute. In October, 1837, Mr. Roots was united in marriage to Miss Susan Brown, of Cincinnati. Seven children have been born to them, five of whom are now living. A little son, Eddie, who died at the age of two years and nine months, was a remarkable illustration of the ability of young children to comprehend the gospel. His love and unwavering faith in God were delightful to witness and sweet to remember. Both Mr. and Mrs. Roots are members of the Presbyterian Church.
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ALTER, JAMES W., of Richmond, physician and surgeon, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1808. His father, William Salter, came to this country from England in 1805. His mother was Hannah Wilson, whose ancestors settled in Philadelphia during the life of William Penn. Her grandfather purchased, at one shilling per acre, a square mile of land within what are now the city limits, and built his house of brick imported from England. Doctor Salter's early instruction was such only as could be ob- tained in the common schools of that day, with the addition of the rudiments of French and Latin ; but he was observing and thoughtful, and fond of plants and insects, studying, to the extent of a child's ability, their variety and structure. This predilection led him to acquire in youth some knowledge of the natural sci- ences, and finally induced him to enter upon the study of medicine. He commenced in 1826, as a pupil of Professor George Mclellan, and soon entered the Jeffer- son Medical College. He took three full courses of lectures, and was graduated March 6, 1830, receiving the degree of M. D. Doctor Salter immediately began practice in Philadelphia, and continued it successfully until May, 1836; he then removed with his family to Richmond, Indiana, making the journey, which required twenty-one days, in a private carriage. He at once engaged in the duties of his profession, and was toler- ably successful until his retirement from active practice, in 1855. The following year he purchased the Telegram and became editor and publisher of that paper. Having had no previous knowledge of the business, this venture resulted in the loss of about six thousand dollars; and, although he had established it on a good basis, and it was beginning to prosper, he sold the Telegram in 1868. During the draft, in the Civil War, Doctor Salter served
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as examining surgeon for Wayne County. He has never held any other office than that of trustee of the public schools, and it is quite evident that he does not desire political distinction. He has generally voted with the Republican party since its organization. Although firm in the Christian faith, he has never united with any religious denomination, nor become a member of any society. Doctor Salter married, October 4, 1832, Miss Caroline L. Pyle, eldest daughter of Joseph Pyle. This marriage was blessed with seven children, all of whom are living; the mother died May 21, 1869, passing away in peace after a happy and worthy life. Doctor Salter has lately resumed practice, and for the past eight years has devoted much attention to microscopy, chiefly with a view to testing the theories of pathology. The extent of his researches, and the conclusions derived therefrom, are not known; but, certainly, his investiga- tions have not been devoid of important results in the elucidation of questions in histology, pathology, diag- nosis, microscopic chemistry, etc. Doctor Salter has reached the age of threescore and ten, and still retains his mental vigor, though his physical powers, once ca- pable of great endurance, have been somewhat impaired by the severe duties of his profession. His scientific acquirements and medical skill have caused him to be widely respected, and his personal virtues have endeared him to many friends.
AMPLE, THOMAS J., lawyer, of Muncie, was born in Cecil County, Maryland, November 4, 1800. His father, John Sample, a native of North Carolina, was of English extraction, and a man of intelligence and good moral and religious character. His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Russell, was born in Penn- sylvania, of Welsh parents. In the words of her son, "She was one of the best of women, and took great pains in the moral and religious training of her chil- dren." Both his parents were Presbyterians. Thomas Sample acquired the elements of an English education in the village school, and at the age of fifteen com- menced work with his father at carpentry, which he continued until the spring of 1819, when he became a clerk in a dry-goods store at Elkton, Maryland. He remained there till October of that year, and then re- moved with the family to Lebanon, Ohio, where they spent the winter, and thence went on to Connersville, Indiana. There he followed his trade for several years. On August 31, 1826, Mr. Sample married Miss Juliet Watten, eldest daughter of Samuel Watten, of Conners- ville, formerly of Dayton, Ohio. By industry and economy he acquired at his trade a small capital, besides a good residence, and in 1836 engaged in the dry- goods business, as a member of the firm of Meredith, Helm & Co. This was continued until June, 1837,
when, fearing disaster, because of the effects of the " specie circular," he sold his interest to Colonel D. Hankins, and went into the general mercantile business in Yorktown, Delaware County, with O. H. Smith, United States Senator, under the firm name of Smith & Sample. This not proving successful, he was induced by Colonel Hankins to return to Connersville and enter into trade with him, which he did in 1841; but through the perfidy of his partner was compelled to leave the firm. Mr. Sample was now out of business, and his property was of such a character that it could not be of immediate use; hence the question what he should do for subsistence became a serious one. He thought of returning to the carpenter's bench. His wife sug- gested that he study law ; but what an undertaking at the age of forty-one! The result, however, showed that she knew him better than he himself did. At her re- quest he consulted his friend Caleb B. Smith, who kindly encouraged him to begin a course of legal study. Although Mr. Sample had a new and pleasant residence in Connersville, his means were at Yorktown, in notes and book accounts; therefore, he returned to the latter place, and, amid the greatest trials and discourage- ments, entered upon the study of law. Heavy judg- ments had been rendered against him in the Federal Court, upon which executions were issued and put in the hands of the marshal, while his assets were scat- tered and unavailable. With all this burden on his mind, he was in no condition to grapple successfully with the abstruse problems of the law. The following from his own pen is an interesting portrayal of his situation :
"I read page after page, with my mind so abstracted froin the book that I had no idea of what I was doing; yet I entered upon the work, and, through strength given from above, and the encouragement of my excel- lent wife, succeeded beyond my expectation. I read as few men read. I had a stern master-necessity. I was at it early and late. Sometimes, in the fall and winter, I awoke as early as three o'clock, and generally at five. In the early morning I read in the room where my wife was sleeping. One morning, I remember, I was among pleadings, when discouragement seized me, and I con- cluded I could never master the subject. I threw my- self acro-s the bed where my wife was, and wept aloud. It aroused and greatly alarmed her, but what could I do? She encouraged me to press on; I made the effort, and succeeded. She was in poor health, and it was the burden of her prayer that she might survive to see me established in the practice of law, and her son attain manhood. God granted both her desires. I was ad- mitted to the bar in March, 1842, after a thorough ex- amination, and to the state Supreme Court in June, 1844. I often wonder how I accomplished it, but I did, through my excellent wife and divine grace."
Mr. Sample was admitted to the Federal Court with- out examination. He removed to Muncie, April 13, 1843, where he is still engaged in his profession. He has taken a deep interest in the general welfare, becom-
6.6. Shipley
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ing identified with certain public improvements, among which is the Cincinnati, New Castle and Michigan (now the Fort Wayne, Muncie and Cincinnati) Railroad. He was associated with Tom Corwin as a commissioner of this road, and for several years was secretary of the company. In the summer of 1861 he was sent as com- missioner to the Winnebago Indians, at the agency near Mankato. Mr. Sample is a devoted member of the Methodist Church, which he joined in 1835. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for John Quincy Adams. The devoted wife of Mr. Sample died June 22, 1845, leaving one son, Charles Parker Sample. December 8, 1846, he married Miss Hannah Garst, a woman in whose character were many virtues. She had two daughters, Kate and Ada Pearl, and died January II, 1876. About three years prior to her death, oc- curred that of Mr. Charles Sample, a great loss not only to the family, but also to the community ; for he was one of the best men in Muncie. November 2, 1876, Miss Kate Sample became the wife of Rev. Frank A. Friedley, of Vincennes, Indiana. Though Mr. Sample embraced the profession of law at an advanced age, he has attained a degree of success surprising even to him- self. Few indeed have overcome so great difficulties in legal study and practice. His life illustrates the worth of a true wife's loving encouragement, the influence of faith in an overruling Providence, and the efficiency of an inflexible purpose. This faith in divine aid is a dominant trait in Mr. Sample's character. He says: " I have been kept all these years by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. I am satisfied that salvation is by faith in Jesus. On that rock I stand, and not of works, lest any man should boast." Mr. Sample is in sympathy with educational interests, and has ever been an earnest worker in moral reforms, especially that of temperance. Kindness and affection have always characterized his domestic life, while his relations with his fellow-citizens have been marked by probity and a strict regard for every virtuous principle.
school in Philadelphia until he was fourteen years of age. Two years later, in 1843, he emigrated with his father's family to Muncie, in this state. In the follow- ing spring he became a clerk in the store of Charles F. Willard, where he remained about four years. At the expiration of that time he studied mathematics and the languages for nearly three terms in the Delaware County Seminary. Here he applied himself to his work with great diligence, and made rapid progress. On leaving the institution he engaged in teaching a district school in Randolph County; but he found the occupation un- congenial, and abandoned it after one term's practice. He then returned to Muncie, and, although in poor health, devoted himself to the study of medicine. He relinquished this study at the end of six months, know- ing that his constitution was not strong enough to un- dergo the hardships of medical practice in that region. In the fall of 1849 young Shipley became a druggist's clerk, and remained in that situation two years. A mercantile occupation, however, did not offer to him the attractions held forth by the legal profession. While a clerk he commenced to read law, and on leaving the drug business entered the office of Hon. J. S. Buckles. In the spring of 1852 he was admitted to the bar. In October of the same year he was elected district attor- ney of the Common Pleas District, composed of Hamil- ton, Tipton, and Howard Counties; and, removing to Tipton, he entered upon the duties of the office in con- nection with his practice. Being in delicate health, his increasing business overtaxed his strength, and at the expiration of two years he returned to Muncie. There he soon resumed the duties of his profession, and rap- idly grew in favor. Hitherto feeble health and unfav- orable circumstances had caused Mr. Shipley to seem irresolute; but now, in spite of these hinderances, he proved himself the possessor of a fine mind; and his practice steadily increased. In 1865 the Legislature elected him one of the three directors of the Northern Indiana Penitentiary, at Michigan City, in which posi- tion he served one term. He has been a member of the city council for about six years. In 1864 he was a candidate for nomination before the Republican State Convention for the position of reporter for the Supreme Court of the state, but was defeated by Hon. Benjamin Harrison. In 1873 he was a candidate for the office of
HIPLEY, CARLTON E., lawyer, of Muncie, was born in Philadelphia, March 22, 1827, and was the son of William and Abigail (Lynde) Shipley. | Judge of the Twenty-fifth Judicial Circuit, but was de- His mother was a native of Jefferson County, New feated by General Silas Colgrove. Mr. Shipley has identified himself with the growing interests of Muncie and Delaware County, giving efficient aid in various public enterprises. In 1869 he helped to organize the Lafayette, Bloomington and Muncie Railroad, can- vassed the county to secure the levy of the tax to build it, and for one year was a director of the company. He has been secretary of the Muncie and Granville Turnpike Company ever since its organization; and was York. His father was born in Chester County, Penn- sylvania, on Christmas-day, 1798. He was a wholesale and retail hardware merchant in Philadelphia till about 1841, when he engaged in the manufacture of iron in Northumberland County. He died in Delaware County, Indiana, March, 1854. Mr. Shipley's grandfather, John Shipley, was an Englishman, one of the Quaker pioneers of Pennsylvania. Carlton Shipley attended a Friends' i
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one of the incorporators of the Citizens' National Bank, in which he has always been a stockholder and a director. Mr. Shipley became a Freemason in 1849, and has taken all the degrees through those of the Commandery. In Tipton he was Master of Austin Lodge, No. 128; and has held offices in the Muncie Chapter and the Muncie Commandery. His parents belonged to the society of Friends; his family attend the Episcopal Church; he is not connected with any religious body. A Democrat at the breaking out of the Civil War, he then became a Republican, believing that the platform of that party was more in accordance with the principles of just government and the rights of man. He now has a strong disposition to be inde- pendent in politics. Mr. Shipley was united in mar- riage, March 22, 1852, to Miss Clara Jackson, of Delaware County. They have three children. Mr. Shipley is de- voted to his profession, and being endowed with capac- ity and force is well fitted for his work. As a close student, a clear, profound thinker, and an able coun- selor he has no superior in Delaware County. He has often been called to the bench temporarily, and in that position has shown himself well qualified in learning and native talent. Mr. Shipley has other claims upon the public esteem than those of intellectual worth. He is not wanting in moral qualities of a high order. Candor and probity mark all his intercourse. He never encourages useless litigation ; if a client has no grounds for a case he frankly tells him so. By this conscientious dealing he has won general confidence; and his industry and ability have gained him a moderate fortune. In social life he is a general favorite. He is pronounced, not only an able lawyer, but also one of the worthiest citizens.
EXTON, MARSHALL, M. D., of Rushville, one of Indiana's ablest surgeons, was the first male child born in that village, that event happening on January 29, 1823. He was the son of Doctor H. G. and Hannah (Pugh) Sexton. His father was a na- tive of Massachusetts, and came West to Cincinnati in 1818. He read medicine under Doctor Crookshank, of that city, a man of considerable note, and then entered upon the duties of his profession at Springboro, Ohio, but removed in November, 1822, to Indiana and located at Rushville. There he remained in active practice until June, 1865, the date of his death. He never sought other than professional distinction, though he served in the capacity of major-general in the Indiana state militia. As a pioneer physician he took eminent rank, and his name is held in sacred remembrance by many, especially the poor, to whom he was a great benefactor. His wife was the daughter of David Pugh, a prominent business man in Warren County, Ohio,
and a member of the society of Friends. Marshall Sexton had the limited advantages afforded by the schools of the time, and then, under the care of Rev. D. M. Stewart, Presbyterian minister of Rushville, was prepared for the freshman class of Hanover College, which he entered in October, 1840. Ill-health, caused by too close application to study, prevented his com- pleting the course, obliging him to leave the institution at the beginning of the junior year. Soon afterward, in 1841, he began the study of medicine with his father, having as a fellow-student Doctor N. P. How- ard, of Greenfield, Indiana. Having finished his pre- liminary course, he entered the Ohio Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1844. In that year he commenced practice with his father in Rushville, and, a fact not unworthy of note, never has exchanged that for another location. He seemed naturally adapted to sur- gery, as shown by the success of his first operation, which was cutting a kernel of corn from the windpipe of a child. This was in 1844, enabling him soon to establish a reputation as a surgeon. His duties multi- plied year after year, till his practice became very ex- tensive. In 1861, at the breaking out of the Rebellion, Doctor Sexton entered the army as surgeon of the 52d Indiana Volunteers. Here was a field of great useful- ness, but, unfortunately, after he had stayed long enough to demonstrate how invaluable were the services of a skilled surgeon, he was compelled to resign, being utterly broken down in health. He served six months, and was present at the capture of Fort Donel- son, where he rendered most efficient surgical aid. He returned home in May, 1862, and did not recover so as to warrant his again entering the service. Doctor Sex- ton is a member of the Rush Medical Society, and is chairman of its committee on surgery. He is a charter member of the Indiana State Medical Society, and has always borne a prominent part, contributing very often to its Transactions. He is also a permanent member of the American Medical Association, and has been sent many times as a delegate to that body from the Rush Medical Society and the Indiana State Med- ical Society. He excels as a writer upon subjects per- taining to his profession, and his contributions form some of the most interesting matter in the various Western journals of medicine. Many of his essays de- livered before the State Medical Society have been pub- lished in their columns. Doctor Sexton is the peer of his associates as a physician, and in surgery ranks among the most eminent in the state. For years he has performed some of the more difficult operations in Rush and the adjacent counties, and in the thirty-four years of his practice has accomplished many of the most skill- ful surgical feats known to the profession. Though en- dowed by nature with superior talents, he has attained his enviable position only by long and patient effort.
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From the beginning of his career as a physician he has devoted himself closely to his profession, permitting neither the attractions of foreign travel nor the entice- ments of political office to turn him from his high pur- pose. He is strong in his political convictions as a member of the Republican party, but has consented to occupy no official position except that of councilman. He has been connected with no other than medical so- cieties. Doctor Sexton was married, in May, 1844, at Wilmington, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth S. Brooks, a na- tive of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They have had five children. The eldest, Mr. H. G. Sexton, began busi- ness in Cincinnati in the firm of Maddox Brothers, from which he retired in 1876. While on business in New Orleans he died with yellow fever in the fearful epidemic of that disease in 1878. The eldest daughter is the wife of Mr. George Havens, a successful mer- chant of Rushville. The second daughter, Miss Ruby Sexton, a graduate of the Wesleyan Female College in Cincinnati, has for two years been an acceptable teacher in the graded school at Rushville. The third daughter, Miss Sallie Sexton, a young lady, resides at home. John Chase, the second son and youngest child, is at Hanover College, in this state, and designs, after com- pleting the course, to pursue the study and practice of medicine and surgery. Mrs. Sexton finished her educa- tion in 1842, at Augusta, Kentucky, when that town could boast of one of the best female colleges in the West. It was under the control of the Methodist Church and the presidency of Bishop Bascom. Doctor Sexton is a man of fine presence and of dignified bear- ing. He is courteous in his general intercourse, and especially so with members of the medical profession, with whom, under all circumstances, he is very scrupu- lous to observe the code of ethics. He is bold and dar- ing, yet feeling and sensitive, as a surgeon, and though eminently successful as such is none the less distin- guished as a physician and obstetrician. He is social with friends, and has a certain magnetism that attracts the most polished to his acquaintance, and his conver- sation is characterized by good sense and solidity.
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