USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A twentieth century history of Delaware County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 7
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Such were the circumstances under which young Thomas B. McCul- lough was reared, and he was obliged to apply himself diligently to the work of the farm to assist in supporting the family. The schools of those early days were poor at the best, but he was not permitted full privilege to enjoy what advantages even they afforded for an education, for if permitted to spend one day in school perhaps the next two or three days he would be obliged to work on the farm or at odd jobs in assisting in the support of the family. So it is seen that he had little opportunity to gain an education in his youth, but throughout life he has been a close observer and thereby, to- gether with reading, he has become a well informed man. His life occupa- tion has been farming and stock-raising. In 1860, when twenty-one years of age, he chose for his life companion Miss Lucinda Hammer, and she has been to him a most faithful helpmeet. They have journeyed together along the pathway of life for more than forty-seven years, together sharing many trials and hardships, and although their marriage has not been blessed by the birth of children, their lives have not been shorn of happiness and useful- ness, for they have led active careers and been not only devoted to each other but to others and to duty as citizens wherever they have chosen to cast their lot in life. During fifteen years they cared for two uncles of Mr. Mccullough who resided in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and out of appreciation for their services these uncles before death left them the small estate which they possessed in Pennsylvania. This Mr. McCullough sold and in 1882 came to Delaware county, Indiana, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 24, Hamilton township, and there they farmed and raised stock with gratifying success until the fall of 1904, when they removed to the city of Muncie and retired from the arduous and ex- acting duties of farm life, to which all their previous days they had been accustomed.
He still owns the farm mentioned, as well as other real estate, and during the years of his industrious life he amassed a competency. Mrs. Mccullough was born in the same county as her husband, her natal day being the 13th of February, 1840, and both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never been a par- tisan, but rather a supporter of the best men and measures as he has been able to determine. Both he and his wife enjoy the confidence and high esteem of a host of friends.
J. WALTER BAIRD, one of the rising young lawyers of Muncie, was born in Jay county, Indiana, October 18, 1876, and for genealogy of the family see the sketch of his brother, M. B. Baird, in this volume. He received his elementary education in the Albany high school, of which he was one of the first three graduates, and in 1901 completed the course and graduated from the Indiana Law School. His studies were carefully directed, and, applying himself with great diligence to the mastery of the science of juris- prudence, gained a wide and accurate knowledge of the law. Immediately
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after his graduation he engaged in the practice of law in Muncie, being first associated in practice with John Lewellen, but he is now in partnership with his brother, M. B. Baird, in his legal work and in the real estate busi- ness. They are popular and highly esteemed young men, noted for their high ideals of character, and are universally respected. In 1902 Mr. Baird organized the Great Northern Mining & Milling Company, its members con- sisting of some of Muncie's leading business men, namely : T. H. Kirby, who is the president of the company ; William Campbell, the vice-president, and C. M. Staigers, the treasurer. Under Mr. Baird's able management the company has been very successful, and a still, brighter future undoubtedly awaits it. He is a member of the Masonic order, Anthony Lodge No. 171, of Albany, and also has membership relations with the Universalist church.
In January, 1903, occurred the marriage of Mr. Baird and Miss Mary J. Risher, she being a daughter of John W. Risher of Greene county.
J. O. POTTER, who is now serving in the position of city engineer of Muncie, was born in Lynn, Indiana, Angust 18, 1877, a son of Octavious and Mary (Douge) Potter, the former a native of New Jersey and the lat- ter of Indiana. In 1852, however, the father made his way to the Hoosier state and took up his abode near Williamsburg, Wayne county, and he is now a resident of Randolph, this state, engaged in agricultural pursuits. During the Civil war he offered his services to his country, becoming a member of Company C, Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he remained a loyal soldier throughout the entire campaign.
The son, J. O. Potter, obtained an excellent educational training in the public schools of Randolph county and the Winchester high school, graduat- ing in the latter institution in 1896. Immediately thereafter he entered upon his career as a teacher, first in the schools of Randolph county and later in the Muncie high school. As an educator he stood in the front ranks, and his eminently practical methods were deserving of the high praise which was universally accorded by those in a position to judge wisely. While engaged in teaching he also attended the state university, where he pursued special studies in mathematics, physics and mechanics and was graduated in 1904. On the Ist of May, 1905, he was appointed city engineer of Mun- cie, a position he was so well qualified to fill, and his career therein is one of which he has every reason to be proud. He is a young man of splendid abilities, and a still greater success in the future undoubtedly awaits him.
Mr. Potter was married on the 28th of August, 1900, when Myrtle E. Harriman, a native of Randolph county, Indiana, became his wife, and they have one daughter, Mary, born February 17, 1903. Mr. Potter is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Sons of Veterans.
MARCUS S. CLAYPOOL. For many years an active factor in the indus- trial interests of Delaware county, Mr. Claypool, through his diligence and
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business ability, has won success and placed his name high on the roll of leading men of the county. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, August I, IS51, his parents being Austin B. and Hannah ( Petty) Claypool, both also natives of Indiana. Mr. Austin Claypool, whose birth occurred in Fayette county, became a prominent farmer and stock raiser, whose enterprise and sound judgment in industrial affairs not only promoted his individual pros- perity but also advanced the public welfare. He was foremost in all the large public enterprises in eastern Indiana, and to his untiring efforts was due in a great measure the securing of the Fort Wayne and the Chicago, Hamilton & Dayton railroads through the eastern section of the state. Much of his time was devoted to agricultural interests, and he was also a prominent factor in the fairs and live stock exhibits of his community, devoting his energies to the development and upbuilding of the resources of his section of the state until his useful life was ended, his death occurring on the 16th of January, 1906, when he had reached the eighty-third milestone on the journey of life. Mrs. Claypool, whose birth occurred in Wayne county, Indiana, is still living, and is a representative of a family who have been prominent in the history of eastern Indiana since a very early day.
Marcus S. Claypool attended the schools of Wayne county during his early boyhood days, later becoming a student in the high schools of Dublin and Connorsville, where at the latter place he studied under the preceptor- ship of Harvey Netting, a well known and efficient educator of that time and who had also taught Mr. Claypool's father. Being thus fitted for the higher institutions of learning, he then entered Asbury College, from which he was graduated in 1872. Thus equipped with a splendid educational training and many natural gifts, Marcus S. Claypool entered the business world for himself. Coming thence to Muncie, he became associated with the Muncie Bank, which had been organized in 1871 by A. J. Claypool, his uncle, where he remained for seven years. At this time the gold fields of Colorado attracted him, and he spent five years in that state in search of the precious metal, but the high altitude of that state proved detrimental to his health, and he returned to this city and associated himself with the Muncie Bank- ing Company and later with the Burson Banking Company. In 1886, how- ever, these banks retired from business. During all these years Mr. Clay- pool had been greatly interested in horses, having as early as the '6os engaged in their breeding, and in 1887 he went into the business extensively, having ever since been numbered among the largest and most successful breeders of fine trotting and light harness horses in the state, while to him also belongs the honor of being the oldest breeder in the state. Among some of his famous horses may be mentioned Sable Gift, with a record of 2:10, and Alan, 2:1114. During the long period of twenty-three years he has served as secretary of the agricultural fair, while for fourteen years he has been a member of the Board of Agriculture, and for six years has been a member of the Live Stock Sanitary Commission. He is also extensively engaged in farming east of Muncie.
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On the 14th of January, 1880. Mr. Claypool was united in marriage to Elizabeth, a daughter of John W. Burson, a well known and prominent resident of Delaware county. Mr. Claypool's fraternal relations are with the Delaware Lodge of Masons. He has always had an abiding interest in all matters that subserve the progress and well being of his fellow men, and he is recognized as a power for good in the community where his in- fluence has been directed.
JOHN A. JACKSON. The present efficient and popular clerk of Muncie, John A. Jackson, holds and merits a place among its representative citi- zens. His birth occurred in Elmira, New York, July 7, 1869, a son of Willard C. and Catherine (Dalton) Jackson, also natives of the Empire state. In the early years of the 'zos the parents journeyed to Indiana, establishing their home in Noble county, where the father was engaged in farming and the lumber business. Their son John was but a small boy at the time of the removal from New York to Indiana, and his boyhood days were spent in Noble county, receiving his educational training in the Kendallville high school. His first occupation in that city was in the clothing business, and he also spent several years in the same line of trade in Chicago, coming from that city to Muncie in 1893 and associating himself with the Globe Clothing Company. He was thus engaged until his election to the office of city clerk in November, 1905, assuming the duties of the position in Septem- ber following, and his administration of its affairs has been one of honor and fidelity. In his political affiliations he has always been a zealous Republican, laboring earnestly for the adoption of the principles which he believes will best advance good government.
In 1892 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jackson and Miss Blanche Drake, she being also a native of Kendallville, Indiana, and a daughter of Nelson Drake, a prominent stockman of Noble county. One son, Lauren, has been born of this union, his birth occurring on the 29th of October, 1893. In his fraternal relations Mr. Jackson is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Red Men and the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks.
WALTER J. LOTZ, a prominent although one of the younger representa- tives of the bar of Delaware county, is accounted one of the political leaders of this section of the state. He is a native son of Muncie, born on the 17th of March, 1879, and the history of his parents will be found in the sketch of Judge Lotz in another portion of this work. The son received his education in the city's public schools, graduating from the high school in 1898, while on the 23d of May, 1900, he completed the course and gradu- ated from the Indiana Law School. He at once became a member of his father's law firm, and after the death of the latter was given his place, the firm then becoming Gregory, Silverburg & Lotz, and after the retirement of Mr. Silverburg it became Gregory & Lotz. Mr. Lotz has made a deep and
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thorough search into the science of jurisprudence, and his ability has enabled him to become a leader in the public life of his community. He was recently the Democratic candidate for the office of attorney general and made an excellent race. He ranks high at the bar and in political circles, and Muncie may well be proud to number him among her native sons.
JOHN J. HARTLEY. One of the most prominent citizens of Delaware county is John J. Hartley, whose history furnishes a splendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambi- tion and well directed efforts. Starting out in life for himself at the early age of twelve years he has steadily worked his way upward, gaining success and winning the public confidence, and his name is now a familiar one in the industrial circles of Delaware county.
Mr. Hartley was born in Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on the 2Ist of September, 1856. His father, Charles Albert Hartley, was a native of Baden Baden, Germany, but came to the United States when a young man, and after a short residence in Pittsburg removed to Beaver county. In his native land he had been educated for the ministry, but after coming to the United States engaged in teaching, for many years serving as presi- dent of Trevalin College in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. For generations in the fatherland the family had been well known educators, and it was in but natural sequence that Charles A. Hartley should inherit the love of the profession and become one of the noted educators in his eastern home. He was killed in a railroad accident in 1861. In his young manhood he had married Margaret Barbara Heffner, a native of Karlsrhue, Germany, born in 1818, and when but a child she came with her parents to the United States, her death occurring in 1885.
John J. Hartley attended the public schools of Freedom, Pennsylvania, during his early youth, but when only twelve years of age he began the battle of life for himself, having charge of the newspapers on a train, his employers being Riley & Sergeant, but a short time afterward he engaged in that occupation for himself. On reaching his twenty-first year he assumed the management of the Tremont House in Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained from 1877 until 1883, but in the meantime had engaged in the cigar business, while later the firm of Pertell, Hartley & Black, prominent cracker manufacturers, was established, which continued until 1884. In that year Mr. Hartley entered the real estate and insurance business in Mansfield, but in April, 1889, he left that city for Muncie, Indiana, where he has ever since been actively interested in all that pertains to its general welfare and advancement. Shortly after his arrival he formed a partner- ship with James Boyce in the real estate business, but after the burning of the Boyce block Mr. Hartley continued in business alone until in June. 1906, when the firm was incorporated under the name of the John J. Hartley Agency. In 1887, in company with Samuel Lowenstein, Mr. Hartley pur- chased the P. W. Patterson tract, bounded by First. Willard, Penn and
G. R. Green.
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Ebright streets, and laid out the Hartley-Lowenstein Addition, on which he erected and sold many houses, and this has now become one of the valuable and beautiful sections of the city. In addition to serving as president of the John J. Hartley Agency, he is also vice president of the People's Home and Savings Company, organized for the purpose of enabling people to build homes at reasonable rates of interest and allowing settlement on easy payments. Thus for a long period he has been an active factor in the industrial interests of Delaware county, contributing to its general pros- perity through the conduct of large enterprises. Loyalty to all duties of citizenship and fidelity in the discharge of every trust reposed in him have been his chief characteristics, and through the passing years they have gained him the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen.
In June, 1877, Mr. Hartley was united in marriage to Anna A. Mc- Sherry, who died on the 10th of August, 1896, and two years later, on the 22d of June, 1898, he married Sarah A., a daughter of Julius A. and Elizabeth Kirby Heinsohn, of Muncie. Four children have been born of this union : John Kirby, born September 2, 1899; Julius Andreas, born October 23. 1901 ; Margaret Elizabeth, born April 17, 1905, and Robert Heinsohn, born March 7. 1907. In 1894, accompanied by his wife. Mr. Hartley crossed the water to the old country. traveling over Europe. Egypt and the Holy Land. From 1891 to 1893 he was a member of the city council of Muncie. during which time he served as chairman of the committee on water works, and was also active in the establishment of the city's electric light plant. He is a member and an active worker in the Masonic order, affiliating with the blue lodge, chapter and commandery of Muncie and with the Indiana con- sistory. His religious affiliation is with the Grace Episcopal church, of which he is a valued member.
G. R. GREEN, M. D. For over twenty years Dr. Green has been engaged in the practice of Medicine in Muncie, and is thus one of the oldest representatives of the profession in Delaware county. During all this time he has not only maintained his position among the leaders of the medical fraternity but has taken part in much of the public and social life of Muncie, so that he is accounted one of her honored citizens. His birth occurred within the borders of Delaware county November 15, 1851, his parents being Andrew J. and Amassa (Johnson) Green. William Green, his paternal grandfather, was of English descent and moved from New York to Ohio. From there he came to Delaware county and settled in Niles township, where he became one of the earliest pioneers. His son Andrew was born in Athens, Ohio, and when a child accompanied his parents on their removal to Delaware county, where he received his education and developed into a man of varied attainments, having taught school, preached in the Christian church and practiced medicine for many years prior to his death, which occurred in 1885. His name stood exponent for the most sterling personal characteristics, the deepest appreciation of the
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rights and privileges of citizenship, and is ineffacebly traced on the early history of Delaware county.
Dr. G. R. Green completed his literary education in the high school of Muncie. after which he taught for several years, but failing health soon caused hin to leave the school room and return to his home, where naturally he drifted into the study of medicine under the able instructions of his father, although he had had other views for his future life work. Graduat- ing from the Indiana Medical college in 1877 with high honors, he then went to New York and took a post-graduate course at the Polyclinic. He entered upon the practice of medicine at Royerton, Indiana, but in June, 1885, came to Muncie, where he has attained distinctive prestige in the line of his calling and his success has come as the logical sequence of thorough technical information and skill. The doctor holds membership relations with the state, county and district medical societies, thus keeping abreast of the many new discoveries which are constantly being made in the pro- fession, and he has served as president of the County Medical Society. He is also president of the board of public works and fills the chair of history at the Medical College of Indiana.
In 1878 Dr. Green was united in marriage to Mary E. Monroe, a daughter of Hugh Monroe, of Delaware county. Mr. Monroe is a Scotch- man of the celebrated Monroe clan. Three children have been born of this union, Dwight M., a graduate of Rush Medical College and now practicing with his father ; Earl, who is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College, his father's alma mater, and he is now in the government service as acting as- sistant surgeon at Fort Stanton, New Mexico, in the public health and marine hospital service ; and Bessie K. The Doctor's fraternal relations are with the Muncie lodge of Masons, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree and is also a member of the chapter. He has attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish rite. He has long been a worthy and consistent member of the Presbyterian church and during the period of twenty years has served as an elder. Dr. Green is a leader in his profession in Delaware county, and his splendid characteristics both as a practitioner and a citizen make him worthy of the high regard in which he is held.
ALVA C. SURBER, who has gained enviable prestige as one of the most able and successful of the younger practitioners of medicine in the city of Muncie, is a man of scholarly attainments, and has made deep and careful research into the science to which he is devoting his life. His birth oc- curred in Hillsboro, Ohio, November 3, 1871, his parents being John P. and Jennie M. (Davidson) Surber, both also natives of the Buckeye state. In his early youth their son Alva attended the public and high schools of Hills- boro, his studies therein being supplemented by attendance at the Hillsboro College, where he pursued preparatory work. During the following two years he was a student in the Butler University, after which he entered Wooster College at Wooster, Ohio, graduating in that institution in 1892.
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Thus with a most excellent literary education to serve as the foundation on which to erect the superstructure of his life work he began the study of medicine, spending the first year in the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, and completing his course and graduating in Baltimore, Mary- land, in 1895. Dr. Surber received his A. M. degree from Loyola College, and for two years served as interne at the Maryland General Hospital, after which, in 1897, he began the practice of medicine in Muncie. Although he follows a general practice he has made a specialty of chronic diseases, and the large patronage which he now enjoys is indicative of his skill and ability. Since entering upon his practice he has pursued a special course at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and thus it will be seen that he has been an earnest student, and accordingly he has gained distinction in the line of his chosen calling.
In 1900 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Surber and Miss Abbie L., a daughter of Mathias Kuchmann, who is numbered among the honored old pioneers of Delaware county, having been a resident of Muncie for nearly fifty years. Two sons have blessed their union, Alva C., Jr., who was born on the 17th of August, 1901, and John Roger, born June 7, 1906. Dr. Surber is a member of the Masonic lodge of Muncie, also of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Red Men, and is a consistent and worthy member of the Christian church.
MYRON H. GRAY. The man who wins prominence at the bar of Ameri- ca's thriving cities must have a thorough understanding of the law. All must begin on a common plane and rise to prominence by perseverance, industry and ability, or fall back into the ranks of mediocrity. In a like manner with all others, Myron H. Gray has started out to win a name and place for himself, and the success he has already achieved gives him a most promising future and assures him a place in the foremost ranks of the legal profession in Muncie. Mr. Gray is a representative of one of the old and honored families of the county. His grandfather, James Gray, was but a little lad of seven years when he came from Tennessee to Delaware county, where he located in Salem township, and later became a farmer and merchant. His son, Milton Gray, spent his early life on the farm, for a time engaged in the general merchandise business at Daleville and at Middle- town and finally moved to Muncie in 1889, where he has since resided Milton Gray is the secretary and treasurer of the Muncie Casket Company, and is well known in business circles throughout the state. In his early man- hood he married Miss Jeannettia Griffis, the daughter of Dr. Robert Griffis, of Henry county.
Myron H. Gray, the son of Milton and Jeannettia Gray, was born at Daleville, Indiana, September 17. 1881. He received his training in the public and high schools of Muncie, from which he was graduated with the class of 1900. He then became a student at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. where he graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1904. Mr
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