USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 15
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 15
USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 15
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 15
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One of Indiana's native sons, William F. Downs was born in Anderson, Madison county, December 25, 1854, his parents being Hezekiah and Ruth Ann (Chase) Downs. The family is of Irish lineage, and the grandfather of our subject, Thomas Downs, was a native of Maryland. In 1800 he removed to Fleming county, Kentucky, and in that state married Ruth House. Sub- sequently he came to Indiana, making his home in Rush county. He followed farming as a life work. Hezekiah Downs, who was one of a family of three sons and two daughters, was born in Kentucky in 1818, and was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Rush county. He, too, was a farmer by occupation, and spent the greater part
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of his life in Madison county, Indiana, but in 1862 came with his family to Connersville, where his death occurred in 1882, when he had attained the age of sixty-four years. His wife passed away in 1881.
William Francis Downs was a lad of eight summers when he came with his parents to Connersville, and with the interests of the city he has since been identified. He acquired his education in the public schools of Anderson and Connersville, supplementing it with a course in the " poor man's college," the printing office. He early entered upon his journalistic career, and prac- tical experience has made him familiar with the business in every department, as gradually he has worked his way upward through successive stages to the editorial sanctum. He put aside his text-books in the spring of 1868, and on the 9th of November of that year, when a youth of thirteen, he entered the employ of A. M. & G. M. Sinks, publishers of the Connersville Times, little realizing then that he would one day be the editor of the same journal. Seven years passed during which time he served as compositor and afterward as foreman of the mechanical department, and in July, 1875, he purchased the Times in conjunction with John A. James, continuing its publication for two years, when they sold out to Charles N. Sinks. He afterward did local work on the paper, but in 1880, in connection with John C. O'Chiltree, he again purchased the journal and was connected with it as one of the editors and proprietors until 1882. He then again sold his interest and for two and a half years thereafter was city editor of The Examiner. On the expiration of that period he became city editor of the Times, filling that position until June, 1887. During all these years his original methods of execution, his great facility of perception, his correct and spirited grasp of affairs, all com- bined to give individuality to his style, bringing him instant recognition not only at home but also in the field of contemporaneous journalism.
In 1887 Mr. Downs extended the field of his labors through the publica- tion of the Daily News, the first successful daily of the city. It made its first appearance on the 9th of June of that year, entering upon what has proved to be a most prosperous existence. His long experience in the field of journalism enabled him to successfully launch the new venture, and so guide its course, that, passing the rocks of disaster, it reached the untroubled sea. In the enterprise he was associated with Mrs. Hull, who owned a half- interest in the paper. The plant was located in the Huston building, and from there removed to the National Bank building. On the 20th of Septem- ber, 1892, the News was consolidated with the Connersville Times, the paper being then owned by J. W. Schackelford, Della Smith (now Mrs. Hull), and W. F. Downs. The last named has remained as the editor of both journals. Mr. Schackelford disposed of his interest to J. H. Tatman, and the local work was under the superintendence of Bernal Tatman until August, 1895, when
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Mr. Tatman sold his third interest to Mr. Downs and Mrs. Hull, but in the spring of 1896 he purchased the latter's half interest. Though changes have occurred in ownership, the News has ever remained the same, save for the continued improvement that is being made. As its name indicates, it is pub- lished daily, and is a bright, entertaining journal, devoted to the promotion of local interests and to the support of the Republican party. The Conners- ville Times is a weekly paper, a six-column, eight-page journal, and both have a large circulation and a splendid advertising patronage. The office and plant owned by the company are most complete, being equipped with the latest improved presses and machinery for turning out the highest grade of newspaper and job work. That the enterprising city of Connersville is well represented by these journals is a fact beyond dispute, and in journalistic circles throughout the state the editor, W. F. Downs, holds an enviable position.
Mr. Downs was married December 25, 1894, to Miss Helen Carpenter, of Sturgis, Michigan, and they now have two children, Halo and Talcott Chase. In all of the affairs of the city which tend to the promotion of its welfare Mr. Downs has ever manifested a zealous and active interest, his voice and pen being used in influence of their support. In 1884 his fellow towns- men gave evident appreciation of his worth by electing him to the office of city clerk, and so acceptably did he discharge his duties that he was re-elected in 1886 and again in 1888, serving for six consecutive years. In 1890 he was elected mayor and again chosen to administer the affairs of the city in 1892. His service was one of much benefit to the city, many needed reforms being secured and many progressive measures being adopted. In politics he is a most ardent Republican. He has been secretary of the Fair Association, and at all times is the advocate of the movements that are intended for the public good. Socially he is connected with Warren Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M. and has taken the degrees of capitular and chivalric Masonry. He is also a member of the Otonka Tribe, No. 94, I. O. R. M., and of the Modern Wood- men of America. In manner he is courteous and genial, and among the people with whom he has been so long connected he is very popular.
JAMES H. WALKER.
This well known agriculturist and highly esteemed citizen of Washing- ton township is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer fami- lies of Wayne county, being a son of John B. and Susan (Sinks) Walker, natives of Tennessee and Ohio, respectively. The maternal grandfather, Jacob Sinks, came to this county from Ohio, about 1818, and located on land adjoining the new village of Milton, which his wife's father, Mr. Yount, had entered from the government. He improved a part of the land for farm-
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ing purposes, and platted a portion, laying out about a fourth of the town of Milton into lots, which he sold. He built the first gristmill at that place, which was burned a number of years ago. Lated he added a sawmill to that structure, the power being obtained by damming the Whitewater river. He was a very enterprising and public-spirited man, whose services were of ines- timable value to the new country, and he did all in his power to promote the interests of Milton, taking a foremost place in any movement for the benefit of his adopted town or county. He built many of the residences of Milton, and continued to make that place his home until his death. He was a con- sistent member of the Society of Friends, was a man of stern integrity and honor, and was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. He had four chil- dren: Daniel; Anna; Susan, mother of our subject; and Jacob, all of whom are now deceased.
John B. Walker, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith and wood- worker by trade, and was an expert mechanic. He came to Milton in 1818, and was soon afterward joined by his brother and sister. Seeing the need of agricultural implements in this new country, and both being good mechanics, the brothers soon embarked in the manufacture of plows, for which there was a great demand, and now many of the old men, who were then boys, say that the first plow they used was made by Walker & Brother. They are also willing to testify to the honest work done by the firm, and the honorable way in which they conducted all their blacksmithing and woodwork business, which they continued for many years. The father of our subject also engaged in farming, and was a great fancier of fine horses. He probably did more than any other individual in early days to improve the grade of horses in this county, and owned several fine stallions. He bought a small tract of land adjoining the corporation of Milton, erected thereon a commodious resi- dence, and there spent the remainder of his days, dying November 4, 1852. On coming to Milton he was a Methodist, but finally became converted to the Christian church, and was ever afterward one of its devoted and leading members. He was a man of high integrity, was honorable in all his deal- ings, and in all respects his life was most exemplary. Politically he was a Whig. His wife survived him for many years, and died on the old home- stead, at Milton, June 26, 1880. She, too, was a consistent member of the Christian church, and was loved and respected by all who knew her. Their children were Sarah C., who died at the age of twelve years; Jacob S., who died in 1880, leaving a wife and five children; Mary A., wife of J. McNamee; and James H., our subject.
James H. Walker was born in Milton, April 13, 1851, and was only an infant when his father died. He was reared at the old home by a good Christian mother, who tenderly cared for him, and he was educated in the
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local schools. He was always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and also in teaming to some extent, and he now owns a good larm besides the sixteen- acre tract at the old home. The house built by his father in 1837 is an elegant structure and is still well preserved.
In 1880 Mr. Walker wedded Miss Mary C. Macy, who belongs to a prominent early family of Jay county. Indiana. Her parents, Obed and Mary (White) Macy, were natives of North Carolina, and with their respective parents came to Jay county, where their marriage was celebrated. The father, who is a carpenter by trade, now resides in Adams county, Indiana, an honored and highly respected citizen of that locality. Politically, he is a Democrat, and religiously adheres to the faith of the Society of Friends. His wife died when Mrs. Walker was very young. The latter was born April 16, 1856, and is an only child. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have one daughter, Carrie S., born May 30, 1884. Mother and daughter are con- sistent members of the Methodist church, and the family is both widely and favorably known. Politically, Mr. Walker is a stanch Republican, and though I e takes an active interest in all public questions and political affairs he has never aspired to office.
JOHN FREDERICK HAMAN.
We pause a moment in the whir and flurry of this work-a-day world to pay a passing tribute to one who rounded out nearly a half century of honorable life and then passed to his reward. He was born at Brookville, Indiana, which was his home also in later years, on June 21, 1846, and was a son of Martin and Magdalene Haman. He remained in this vicinity until the death of his father, in his boyhood, when he went to Kentucky, where a bet- ter opportunity was offered in the unequal struggle for a livelihood. His work received his close attention, little time being given for pleasure or even rest, and he early developed a power of endurance and a persistent energy which was one of the chief characteristics of his life and enabled him to accomplish wonderful results in his business.
Having engaged in business in his native village, after arriving at man- hood, he was married on January 6, 1870, to Mary Higgs, by whom he had two sons, George and John. His second marriage was contracted with Miss Amelia Mueller, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Lodhtholtz) Mueller. The former is now in his seventieth year and is a resident of Milton, Indiana. Her mother died in 1873, at the age of forty-seven. The wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Haman was a most felicitous one, extending over a period of nearly seventeen years.
Concerning his deep religious convictions and the purity of his life we insert the following tribute taken from one of the local papers and written
John F. Haman.
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by one who knew him intimately: "By the influence of his wife, who, by her devotion and affection and by the high standard of her pure and noble womanhood, cultivated and fostered the innate, sterling qualities of her hus- band, and through the instrumentality of a revival among the German Meth- odists, Mr. Haman was led to unite with that church on probation. He was very much interested in the work of the church, and as long as there was a prospect for success he was the main support and contributed all that a willing heart and hand can do. During his illness he was admitted to full membership in the Methodist church.
" His life furnishes us an example worthy of emulation. In dealing with mankind his word was his bond. Deceit never entered into any trans- action. One glance of his frank and unflinching eye; one word, spoken with sincerity, carried conviction. His plain, blunt, rugged honesty; his open- hearted and reserved manner; without guile, undisguised and unaffected, is to us a sweet and lasting memory. More admirable still was the sympathy and fellow-feeling which he extended to all. How many good turns, how many kind offices he performed. With him truly the ' quality of mercy' was
not strained. It fell as the 'gentle dew from heaven' upon the place beneath. All shared alike in his generosity, unstinted if the object was worthy, and his keen, quick, sharp intelligence quickly detected the alloy. But more beautiful still was his ideal of a Christian life,-and how uncon- sciously did he exemplify it! With what childlike faith did he cling to his Savior during his illness. His lips often moved, and when the patient attend- ant at his side inquired for his wishes, he replied: 'Nothing; I'm only talk- ing to the Lord.' When pain racked his fevered frame, the name of Jesus was on his lips. The visitors to his bedside were many, and as long as speech remained he exhorted all to surrender their hearts to Christ, and he was no doubt the instrument in God's hands to cause many a fellow being to think seriously of his soul's salvation. He died peacefully, at 12:45, Friday morn- ing, January 5, 1894, retaining consciousness to the last. Shortly before his decease, songs and prayers were offered, and, although too exhausted to speak, he gave testimony by a nod of his head and by the brightening of his eyes of his faith in the cleansing power of the blood of our Lord Jesus, and of his desire to meet the Savior in a better land."
JONATHAN ROBERTS.
The specific history of the west was made by the pioneers; it was emblazoned on the forest trees by the strength of sturdy arms and gleaming ax, and written on the surface of the earth by the track of the primitive plow. These were strong men and true who came to found the empire of the west -these hardy settlers who builded their rude domiciles, grappled with the
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giants of the forest, and from the sylvan wilds evolved the fertile and pro- ductive fields which have these many years been furrowed and refurrowed by the plowshare. The red man, in his motly garb, stalked through the dim, woody avenues, and the wild beasts disputed his dominion. The trackless prairie was made to yield its tribute under the effective endeavors of the pioneer, and slowly but surely were laid the steadfast foundations upon which has been builded the magnificent superstructure of an opulent and enlightened commonwealth. To establish a home amid such surroundings, and to cope with the many privations and hardships which were the inevitable concomi- tants, demanded an invincible courage and fortitude, strong hearts and willing hands. All those were characteristics of the pioneers, whose names and deeds should be held in perpetual reverence by those who enjoy the fruits of their toil.
The Roberts family was one of the first to locate in Wayne county, and Jonathan Roberts, only three years of age at the time of their arrival, is therefore numbered among the honored pioneers who have not only witnessed the remarkable growth and transformation of the region, but have been important factors in its progress and advancement. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, May 30, 1808, his parents being Thomas and Ann (Whitson) Roberts. The father was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1759, and was a son of Walter Roberts, who was a native of the same county and was of Welsh descent. He removed with his family to South Carolina, and after attaining his majority Thomas Roberts was married in that state to Ann Whitson, who was a native of Long Island. They became the parents of eight children, all of whom were born in South Carolina, with the excep- tion of our subject. In 1806 they removed with their family to Preble county, Ohio, and the same year Thomas Roberts came to Wayne county, where he entered a quarter-section of wild government land, and in March, 1811, with his wife and seven children, moved onto the place. One of his daughters had married previously to that date. The father had erected a small log cabin in the woods at what is now the northeast corner of South Thirteenth and A streets and began the development of his farm, all of which is now within the corporation limits of the city. He first cleared a small patch of ground, fenced it in with brush and planted it with turnips. The only people then living in Richmond were Jeremiah Cox and John Smith, who had previously entered land now included within the corporate limits of the city. In 1812 Thomas Roberts built a hewed-log house on his farm, -one of the best residences in this section of the country, and for many years it stood as one of the landmarks of the region, indicating the onward march of progress.
For about thirty years Thomas Roberts lived upon his farm, and was
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then called to the home beyond, September 25, 1840, at the age of eighty- three years. His wife survived him only a few days, passing away on the 28th of October of the same year. Both were members of the Society of Friends. Their children were Rebecca, who became the wife of Nathan Hawkins, but both are now deceased; Walter, who died in Dover, Wayne county; David, who died in Richmond; Phoebe, who became the wife of Henry Hawkins and is now deceased, as is her husband; Sarah, wife of Will- iam Whitacre; Thomas and Solomon W., who also have passed away; and Jonathan, who is the only survivor of the family.
Jonathan Roberts was reared under the parental roof and in the midst of the wild scenes of pioneer life, and early began to perform his share in the arduous task of clearing and developing a new farm. His education was. acquired in the subscription schools, but his advantages in that direction were not very ample. After entering upon an independent business career he followed farming for some years, and at one time was the owner of a val- uable tract of land, eighty acres, and also seven residences in Richmond. He has bought and sold real estate to a considerable extent, and in his trans- actions has met with a creditable and gratifying success, gaining a comfort- able competence that has enabled him to live retired for the past ten years. He is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned, for his business career was one of activity, honesty and usefulness. On the 28th of January, 1831, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Jairus and Aves Smith, who had formerly lived in New York. Four children were born of this union: Aves, wife of W. S. Elliott, a farmer residing near Kokomo, Howard county, Indiana; Eli, who is living with his father, and is engaged in the operation of a farm; Elvira, deceased wife of Josiah Philips; and Henry S., an agriculturist of Wayne township, Wayne county. The mother of this family died August 1, 1888, at the age of seventy-eight years, four months and five days. In his political affiliations in early life Mr. Rob- erts was a Whig. He has always been a member of the Society of Friends, and has served as elder for twelve years. His father also held the same office in the church and the family has long been connected with the organi- zation.
Mr. Roberts has spent almost his entire life in this county; has seen the introduction of the railroad, the telegraph, the telephone; has watched the transformation of wild land into beautiful homes and farms, while towns and villages have sprung up and have become imbued with all the progress and advancement of the east. In the work of growth and upbuilding he has ever borne his part, has been honorable in business, loyal in friendship, faithful in citizenship, and now in his declining days can look back over the past with little occasion for regret.
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JOHN M. WESTCOTT.
The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare or advance the edu- cational, social and moral influence of a community, deserve the gratitude of humanity. One of the most important factors in the upbuilding of Richmond is the Hoosier Drill Works, an extensive enterprise that has brought success not alone to the stockholders, but has also added to the general prosperity by furnishing employment to many workmen and thus promoting commercial activity. The man who stands at the head of this concern, John M. West- cott, is also connected with other leading enterprises of Richmond, and at all times is a public-spirited, progressive citizen whose support is never with- held from measures that tend to advance the public good.
Mr. Westcott is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Union county in 1834. His parents were Henry and Sarah (Dyche) Westcott, the former a native of New Jersey, of English descent, and the latter a native of Kentucky, of German descent. Their marriage was celebrated in Warren county, Ohio, and in 1832 they became residents of Union county, Indiana. Their family numbered four children, Ruth E., George H., John M. and Jennie M.
At his parental home the subject of this review was reared to manhood and in the public schools near his home he acquired his education. His early experiences were those common to frontier settlements, and with the progress and development of Indiana he has long been actively identified. In the early part of his business career he was engaged in the dry-goods trade, and on abandoning merchandising he dealt in grain and feed, his capable manage- ment and well directed energies bringing him desirable success. In 1862 Mr. Westcott removed to Richmond, where he engaged in the grain and feed trade until he became identified with the industrial interests of the city in 1872. In that year he became a stockholder in the Hoosier Drill Works, then located in Milton, Indiana, and for some time thereafter devoted his entire attention to that business. Believing that it could be made a very paying investment, he secured a controlling interest by purchasing the stock of Isaac Kinsey, and since that time, by his business and executive ability, his keen discrimination and unflagging industry, he has made the Hoosier Drill Works a most paying enterprise. In the spring of 1878 the company purchased the ground on which the present works are located and erected the buildings the following summer. About the time Mr. Westcott became the heaviest stockholder of the concern, Omar Hollingsworth also became a part- ner, and since that time J. A. Carr and F. A. Wilke, his other sons-in-law, have become partners, and the entire business is now in control of the family,
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with John M. Westcott as its president; Omar Hollingsworth, treasurer; James A. Carr, vice-president, and Burton J. Westcott, secretary. They have the largest plant in the world manufacturing exclusively seeding machines, and the annual output is worth one million dollars. The seeders are sold all over the world, and in the works four hundred men are employed.
John M. Westcott is a man of resourceful ability, whose energies have by no means been confined to one line. In the spring of 1883 he purchased forty feet of ground on Main street, between Seventh and Eighth streets, and erected thereon a four-story brick business block, with a stone front. It is finished in modern style, heated with steam and supplied with all accessories and conveniences that are found in first-class business houses. He is the chief owner of the Westcott Hotel, of Richmond, which was projected in 1892 by the Commercial Club, of which J. M. Westcott was then president, and in whose honor it was named. To his public spirit, enterprise and liberality is due the fact that Richmond now has the finest hotel in the state. The amount originally subscribed was one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, of which one hundred and ten thousand was subscribed by Mr. Westcott. He is at all times most liberal in support of any movement which will benefit the city, and with most generous hand gives of his means for the promotion of a worthy cause. He is the owner of some valuable real estate, including a fine stock farm of five thousand acres in Dickinson county, Kansas, the greater part of the land being under a high method of cultivation. His farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres, located in Center township, Wayne county, is devoted to the raising of fine-bred horses and imported Shetland ponies.
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