A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana, Part 31

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474

USA > Indiana > Randolph County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 31
USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 31

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a HAS. M. KIMBROUGH, clerk of the Delaware circuit court, and president and general manager of the Indiana Bridge company of Muncie, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, Nov. 5, 1847, and is a son of Ira and Clarissa (Howland) Kim- brough, natives of the same county and state. Mr. Kimbrough was educated in the public schools, and his early inclinations leading him to mechanical pursuits, he learned the trade of blacksmithing, in which he acquired skill and proficiency, and which he followed until his twenty-sixth year. He then engaged in the mercantile business in Connersville, Ind., where he remained until 1876, on April 4 of which year he removed to Muncie and c pened the first exclusive book and paper store in the city. His place of business was in the Walnut street Opera House block, and Mr. Kimbrough conducted a very successful business in his line until 1887, at which time he disposed of his mercantile interest in order to become manager of the Indiana Bridge company, of which, two years later, he was elected presi- dent. This company was established in 1886, and employs about 150 persons.

As a loyal citizen Mr. Kimbrough did serv- ice in defense of the national Union as mem- ber of company I, Eighteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served for a period of eight months, being discharged at that time at Augusta, Ga. His official career began in November, 1890, at which time he was elected to the responsible position of clerk of the Delaware county circuit court, the duties of which he has since ably discharged. As a member of the common council representing the Third ward, and as a member on the com- mittee on finance, he has been instrumental in effecting much important municipal legisla- tion. In matters educational, Mr. Kimbrough was also very energetic, having been a member of the city school board. As a business man

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he occupies a deservedly prominent place in the estimation of the people Muncie, and as presiding officer of the large manufacturing establishment with which he is identified has shown executive ability of a very high order. Personally, Mr. Kimbrough enjoys great popu- larity, and, irrespective of his position as a leading republican, has numerous friends throughout the county, irrespective of party affiliations. He is one of the busy, thorough- going, reliable men of Muncie, and as a mem- ber of the Citizens' Enterprise company manifests great interest in everything that pertains to the material welfare of this thriving city. Fraternally Mr. Kimbrough stands high in Masonry, in which he has taken a number of degrees, including both chapter and com- mandery, and he also belongs to Williams post, No. 78, G. A. R. In 1870 Mr. Kim- brough and Miss Margaret A. Curry, daughter of James and Mary Curry, of Clinton county, Ohio, became man and wife, and their union has been blessed by the birth of three children: Hal C., Frank H. and James Lloyd. Mr. Kimbrough and family are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he holds the position of trustee in the High street con- gregation.

HOMAS KIRBY (deceased). - Proba bly none of the early settlers of Muncie were more closely identified with the town and its growth than Mr. Kirby. He was one of its earliest as well as one of its most prominent citizens-having settled here when Muncie was but a small clearing in the wilderness, and was still called by its aboriginal name, "Outainink," by the Indians who lingered about the former town of the Delaware tribe. He was a member of the first mercantile firm in Muncie, and a leader in all public enterprises. If a sub-

scription was to be raised for a turnpike, rail- road, or other object of a public nature, he was always the first to be solicited for his patronage, and never withheld his bounty. He was one of the first trustees elected in Delaware county, but was not a politician, and never aspired to the public positions to which his ability entitled him. He was born in the town of Stockbridge, Mass., December 25, 1804, and, at the age of ten years, became an apprentice in a woolen factory. While thus employed, he gained an early education, by attending school in the winter; but this was supplemented by practical experience in later years. In the fall of 1827 he removed to Richmond, Ind., and accepted employment at his trade with Levinas King. One year later he began to trade in furs, deerskins and gin- seng, buying about six thousand pounds of the latter article every year. In 1830, he removed to Muncie and was engaged in the mercantile business for five years. In the meantime he had acquired a large tract of land (a portion of which is now within the city limits), and retired from business life, and devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. He owned about one thousand acres adjoining Muncie, and made six additions to the town at various times, and donated the grounds on which were erected the Universalist and Pres- by terian churches. He was a kind hearted landlord, and was repeatedly known to sell lots, and, when subsequent developements convinced the purchasers that they could not meet their obligations, instead of foreclosing the mortgages, he would refund the money already paid him, purchase the partially com- pleted buildings at their actual cost, and sell the lots to some one else. He erected the first brick store in Muncie, and also a fine hotel which bears his name. On the 15th of July, 1833, he married Miss Sarah Tomlinson, a native of North Carolina, and daughter of

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Judge Tomlinson, one of the early associate and probate judges of Delaware county. They had three sons-Thomas Hickman, John M. and George, now prominent business men of Muncie, and three daughters-Martha A., "ife of A. H. Hamilton; Elizabeth, wife of J. A. Heinsohn, proprietor of the Kirby house, and Sarah, who died quite young.

About 1829 Mr. Kirby traveled through the sparsely settled regions of eastern Indiana, on foot and on horseback, peddling goods for Stone & Co., of Dayton, Ohio, and brought his first stock of merchandise to Muncie by ox teams from that point. He was uniformly kind and honorable in his dealings with the world, and his memory is treasured in the hearts of all who knew him. He died August 19, 1879. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Marion Crosley, of Fort Wayne, at the Universalist church, of which society Mr. Kirby was a member. His remains were in- terred in Beech Grove cemetery, and the cas- ket containing his remains was borne to the grave by Minus Turner, Warren Stewart, Mar- tin Galliher, John Brady, Thomas S. Neely, Daniel Pittenger, Robert Meeks, Joseph Strad- ling, Joseph S. Buckles, J. Henry Wysor, Walter March, Marcus C. Smith, Arthur F. Patterson and Lloyd Wilcoxson.

3 OHN M. KIRBY, a prominent business man of Muncie and son of Thomas Kirby, whose sketch appears above, is a native of Delaware county, Ind., born on the 6th day of November, 1839. His educational training was acquired in the public schools of his native city, supplemented by a two years' course in Farmer's college of Cin- cinnati, in which institution he obtained a fair knowledge of the higher branches of learning. His early inclinations led him to embark upon a business career, and in 1860 he engaged in

the hardware trade in partnership with T. E. Putnam, and the firm thus constituted soon became one of the leading mercantile estab- lishments of Muncie. He continued in the hardware business very successfully until 188g, and in the meantime, 1879, became interested with his brothers in the lumber business, with which line of trade he has since been promi- nently identified. As a business man Mr. Kirby enjoys a reputation more than local, and to him is due in a great measure the present substantial growth of Muncie, in the material development of which he has always mani- fested a very active interest. Quick to foresee, wise to plan, and possessing business qualifi- cations of a high degree, he has wrought wisely and well, and in him have been reproduced the sterling qualities which for so many years marked the career of his father.

In his political belief Mr. Kirby is an ar- dent supporter of the republican party, but he has never sought nor desired official prefer- ment. In religion he subscribes to the creed of the Episcopal church, in which faith the different members of his family have been reared and educated. Mr. Kirby is promi- nently identified with several fraternities, in- cluding the Royal Arcanum, Independent Order of United Workmen, and the A. F. & A. M., in the last of which he stands high, having taken the Scottish rite degree, also that of Sir Knight. On the 14th day of June, 1866, in the city of Muncie, was solemnized the marriage of John M. Kirby and Mary F. Putnam, daughter of F. E. Putnam, a union blessed with the birth of the following chil- dren: Thomas P .; Ada, wife of Lewis Over; Susette and Sarah. The mother of these chil- dren died August 16, 1887, and on the 11th day of March, 1891, Mr. Kirby married his present wife, Mrs. Belle J. Gilbert, who was born in Muncie, the daughter of John Jack, Esq., deceased.

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EORGE KIRBY, prominent among the successful business men and rep- resentative citizens of the county of Delaware, was born in Muncie, Ind., on the 6th day of December, 1844. He is the son of Thomas and brother of T. H. and J. M. Kirby, and for the greater part of his life has been a valued citizen and an active business man of the city of his nativity. He was reared to manhood in Muncie, in the public schools of which he acquired his early educa- tion, and in 1863-4 attended the schools of Aurora, Ill. Returning home in the latter year he entered the army, enlisting in company B, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, for the three months' serv- ice under Capt. Reese, and, after remaining with his command for a period of four months, was honorably discharged in September, 1864, at Indianapolis. On severing his connection with the army Mr. Kirby resumed his studies, and after completing his education returned home and took charge of his father's business and was thus employed until the latter's death in 1879. During the succeeding year he man- aged the home farm, and in 1886 was elected treasurer of Delaware county, and immediately thereafter removed to Muncie and took charge of the office. He was re-elected in 1888, and discharged the duties of the office in a highly satisfactory manner until 1890, since which time he has been extensively engaged in real estate transactions in partnership with T. F. Rose, and through his instrumentality, aided by the efforts of other progressive men, a large number of manufacturing estab- lishments have been located in Muncie, thus making the city the most enterprising manufacturing center of the great gas belt. Mr. Kirby has been a prominent and active member of the Citizens' Enterprise company, of which he is a director, and he also served as trustee of the Manufacturers' association,

much of the success of which is directly trace- able to his efforts. He is almost constantly conducting some enterprise that will inure to the city's advancement, and in him Muncie and Delaware county find one of their most substantial, energetic and highly respected representatives. As an official he displayed ability of a high order, and his dealings with his fellows in all relations of life have been marked by that high sense of honor which has made him deservedly popular with all with whom he has come in contact. Mr. Kirby is a republican in politics, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order, in which he occupies a prominent position, being a Knight Templar and a member of the Scottish rite branch. He was married January 14, 1866, to Miss Kate W. Whipple, who was born in Washing- ton county, N. Y., on the 19th day of March, 1846, the daughter of Joab T. and Maria (Wilson) Whipple, the latter a sister of the late Volney Wilson, of Muncie. To the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Kirby have been born the following children: Wilson W., teller of the Citizens' National bank; Marion E., Louise, John M. and Julius T.

HOMAS P. KIRBY is the head of one of the leading plumbing and gas fit- ting establishments of Muncie and is entitled to mention as one of the city's representative young men. He is a son of John and Mary Kirby and was born in Mun- cie, Delaware county, Ind., on the 4th day of April, 1867. He was educated in the city schools, and on attaining his majority began clerking for his father, in whose employ he continued for a period of two years, and then entered upon an apprenticeship for three years with the Muncie Water company for the pur- pose of learning the plumbing trade, in which

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he acquired great proficiency. After becoming familiar with the details of the business, he established his present plumbing, gas, steam fit- ting and sewer work, which, as already stated, is one of the largest and most successful enter- prises of the kind in the city of Muncie. In his business Mr. Kirby has displayed commend- able energy and foresight, and he has met with success such as few attain in a much longer life. He retains, in a marked degree, the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens of Muncie, and by inheritance as well as by steady application, possesses those sterling qualities essential to the successful manage- ment of affairs, and which undoubtedly insure for him a future of much promise and useful- ness.

Mr. Kirby was married in Muncie on the 5th of July, 1888, to Miss Gertrude Maddy, whose birth occurred in the year 1867. Mrs. Kirby is the daughter of William R. Maddy, and she has borne her husband two children, namely: Frederick and Edgar. In his relig- ious views Mr. Kirby subscribes to the Episco- pal creed, of which church his wife is also a member, and in politics he supports the princi- ples of the republican party. He is prominent in the Masonic order, having taken a number of degrees, including that of Sir Knight, and he is also an active worker in the Pythian fraternity.

W. KIRBY, receiving and paying teller of the Citizens' National bank of Muncie, Ind., was born Septem- ber 13, 1867, in Muncie city, where he has since continued to reside. He attended the Muncie schools during the years of his minority, and at the age of seventeen obtained his first insight into the practical affairs of life as an assistant to his father in the stock

business, with all the details of which he soon became familiar. Subsequently he took a course of mechanical engineering in the Rose Polytechnic institute, Terre Haute, and upon the election of his father as treasurer of Dela- ware county, he left his studies and became deputy county treasurer, the duties of which he discharged with commendable fidelity; within a short time of the expiration of the term of office, however he accepted the posi- tion of receiving and paying teller in the Citi- zens' National bank of Muncie. Mr. Kirby is an accomplished accountant, understanding thoroughly the many details of banking, and has already made a creditable record as a safe and reliable business man. He is energetic in all he undertakes, enjoys great personal popularity in his city, and by his honorable and manly course has succeeded in winning for himself a prominent position in the estima- tion of the public. He was united in marriage January 1, 1890, with Miss Carrie Louise, the accomplished daughter of Dr. Robert and Elmira Winton, of Muncie. (See sketch of George Kirby, father of W. W. Kirby.)

a HARLES A. KITTS, of the firm of Kitts & Everet, real estate dealers, Muncie, Ind., is a son of Williard and Lottie (Adams) Kitts, and was born in Oswego, N. Y., March 8, 1861. He graduated from Union college, Schenectady, N Y., in 1884, and in 1885 began the manu-

facture of knit underwear at Canastota, N. Y., on his own account, but two years later moved to Piqua, Ohio, where he formed a joint stock company, with $50,000 capital, which was incorporated as the Piqua Hosiery company, and of which he was made general manager and vice president, and was active in the manufacture for two years-the company

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being still in operation. While in Piqua he also laid out and developed two or three addi- tions to the city. At the end of six years he sold out his interests and organized a land syndicate, with a capital of $80,000, and went to San Antonio, Tex., where he sub-divided Keystone Park, inaugurated street car service, sold a considerable portion of the tract, and still retains quite a number of the choice lots. He was also interested in developing Spring City, Tenn., and Kanawha, West Va., and his efforts resulted in substantial gains for both places. In 1891, he became asso- ciated with W. N. Whitely in his Indiana gas belt enterprise, Eaton, Ind., being the first town to enter into negotiation, and through the active exertion of Mr. Kitts, a subscription fund of $80,000 was raised and 1,000 acres of land optioned-the largest bonus ever raised by an equal population for the purpose; but, owing to the superior bank- ing and shipping facilities of Muncie, Mr. Whitely decided upon that city as his head- quarters. Mr. Kitts thereupon organized the Fort Wayne Land & Improvement company, which took up the Eaton properties, located the Paragon Paper company and other indus- tries, and established a bank. Mr. Kitts a'so actively assisted the Whitely Land company in developing its property. After Mr. Whitely's withdrawal, Mr. Kitts formed a syndicate at Pittsburg, Pa., with $125,000, which pur- chased the 140-acre tract known as the Wysor Heights, together with the interests of the original company, and in the spring of 1893 located the Whitely Malleable Iron works. Of this company Mr. Kitts is a director, and with his partner, E. E. Everet, has general charge of its large real estate interests. Kitts & Everet were also the prime movers in devel- oping Parker, Ind., where they formed a land syndicate, and in 1893 disposed of over 200 lots at public sale and located three factories.

Mr. Kitts was married in Chittenango, N. Y., in 1886, to Miss Hattie Walrath, a gradu- ate of Vassar college in the class of 1884, and the accomplished daughter of the late Frank- lin Walrath, wholesale grocer of Syracuse, N. Y. To this felicitous union has been born one daughter-Frances. Mr. Kitts is a chapter Mason, and as a business man enjoys a most enviable reputation, not only in Muncie, but wherever else known.

C. KLEIN is a son of Armstead M. and Sarah Klein, and was born in Delaware county, Ind., November 18, 1842. He was reared to manhood in Muncie, received a good education, and in 1855 entered as apprentice under his brother, John A. Klein, to learn the jewelry trade, in which he early acquired great proficiency. After serving three years he began, in 1858, to work at his chosen calling at Richmond, Ind., with Charles Dickenson, and one year later went south, locating at Vicksburg, where he carried on business until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he returned home and en- listed in company E, Nineteenth Indiana vol- unteer infantry, for three years. Owing to physical disability, he was discharged after a few months' service, but, after regaining his health, re-enlisted in the same company in October, 1861, and shared, with his comrades, all the vicissitudes of war, until his honorable discharge at the cessation of hostilities in 1865. During his period of service he participated in many of the leading battles of the Virginia campaign, including, among others, second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Fitz Hugh Crossing, Chancel- lorsville, and Gettysburg, in the last of which he received a severe wound in the hip, which necessitated his being sent to the United States

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hospital of Philadelphia. Later he was trans- ferred to the hospital at Indianapolis, and was absent from his command for a period of about four months. After having sufficiently recov- ered, he rejoined his regiment and took part in the bloody battles of Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Wel- don Railroad, Hatcher's Run, and a number of lesser engagements, in all of which his conduct was that of a brave soldier.

He has in his possession a beautiful record, in silk, containing the names of corps, brigade and regiment to which he belonged, and all the battles in which his command took part. On returning home he resumed the jewelry business, being at this time the leader in that line in Muncie. Since 1878 he has been sole proprietor of a large establishment which con- tains a magnificent stock, calculated to meet all the demands of the current trade. Mr. Klein is also interested in the manufacture of artificial ice in Muncie, beside which he has been a liberal promoter of the various enter- prises which have given Muncie its present high standing as the leading manufacturing city of Indiana. Mr. Klein is a republican, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order, in which he stands high, having taken the Thirty-second degree. He also belongs to the society of Elks. Mr. Klein was married Feb- ruary 19, 1866, to Sarah C. Spilker, of Mun- cie, and sister of Geo. W. Spilker, mention of whom is found on another page of this volume. This marriage was blessed with the birth of five children, whose names are as follows: Effie, deceased; Geo. A., Edward M., Arm- stead M. and Fred A. Mrs. Klein died No- vember 17, 1887, and July 29, 1889, Mr. Klein was united in marriage with Flora Pat- terson, of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Klein are members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Protestant churches, respectively.

Armstead Mason Klein, the pioneer jeweler

of Muncie, was born at the town of Water- ford, Loudoun county, Va., on the 26th day of June, 1817. His father kept a hotel at that town, and apprenticed his son for eight years to a jeweler at Leesburg, Va. Armstead reached Newark, Ohio, early in 1837, and, within a few months thereafter, married Sarah E. Ethell. In the fall of the same year he located at Evansville, Ind., and late in the fall of 1838 came to Muncie. There were a few clocks and watches to be repaired in the village and county, and he found sufficient work to do to provide a very good livelihood for his family. About 1846 he opened a shop, the first of its kind in Delaware county, and situated on west Main street in a little frame house. He kept abreast of the times, increas- ing his stock as occasion demanded, until he carried a fine line of goods valued at thousands of dollars. He worked at the bench sixteen and eighteen hours a day, for many years, and only gave up the laborious part of his business to his sons, five years ago.

His first wife died March 2, 1859, leaving him with the care of five children, one of whom has since followed her to the grave, leaving Henry C., Madison C., William C., and Sarah E. On the 26th day of June, 1859, he married Justina Hardy. This union was blessed with two children, both now deceased.

Mr. Klein was a well known citizen, and no words of eulogy from our pen could add to his popularity, or the high grade in which he was held by all who know him. He was a per- sistent worker, always honest and upright in his business transactions, and in his social rela- tions genial and hospitable. In the summer of 1853 he united with the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraternities at Muncie. He was a Knight Templar in the former, and in the lat- ter took all the degrees in the subordinate lodge and encampment, and was a member of the grand lodge of Indiana. He was an ardent

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republican in politics, and served four years as a member of the city council of Muncie.

J UDGE GEORGE H. KOONS was born April 2, 1848. His parents are Peter and Katharine (Rinard) Koons; both natives of Henry county, Ind., where they still live in the old homestead in Blue River township, respected by all, and loved most by those who know them best; they are honest, industrious, hospitable, unpretentious people. His ancestors were lovers of rural life, tillers of the soil, and were noted for industry, thrift and the prompt payment of debts. He is of German and Anglo-saxon descent. His grandparents on his father's side were George and Mary Koons, and on his mother's side were Nancy (Reddy) Rinard and George Rinard, who was a local preacher, and a very ardent abolitionist. His grandmother, Mary Koons, was a woman of remarkable memory, always keeping herself thoroughly posted in the doings of her ten children and her numerous grandchildren, being able, up to the time of her death, at the age of eighty- five years, to give in detail the condition of the affairs of each and all of them, which she took great delight in doing, taking to the last the keenest, liveliest interest in their welfare.

Judge Koons received his education in the common schools and at the New Castle acad- emy in Henry county, and at the State univer- sity at Bloomington. At the age of fourteen he began teaching in the common schools of Henry county. While a student at the New Castle academy, he taught in the country schools during the winter, and became well known as a successful common school teacher. After finishing his course of academic study, he served four years as superintendent of the schools of Middletown, Henry county, Ind.,

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A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana, Part 31

Author: Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1474

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474