USA > Indiana > Blackford County > Biographical memoirs of Blackford County, Ind. : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography embellished with portraits of many well known residents of Blackford County, Indiana > Part 43
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during is duty ser- 1 geant kept tight holl upon the honey and although humiliated he and his comrades that night reveled in sweetness long drawn out and made the camp hilarious with their re sounding songs and laughter. The follow- ing day he was put on duty as eighth cor. . poral, but from the tin. of the incident, which by the way was never reported at I remote possibility if not totally impossible. headquarters, until mustered out of service Mr. Pierce continued to draw a sergeant's pay.
As already stated, Mr. Pierce's educa- tion pi a to entering the army was of a very meager character, indeed he could with diffi- culty read the simplest sentence and as for writing he had never learned to trace . single letter. All his communic: 'ons with his par- ents during his first period of service were written by a bunk mate, a fact which humil- iated him not a little and he formed a resolu- tion to master the mystery of chirography if it required all of his leisure to do it. Dur- ing the latter years of the war he applied himself so diligently that, with such instruc- tions as a comrade gave, he was soon able to write a legible hard besides learning the fun- damental rules of arithmetic, to-wit: addi- tion, subtraction, multiplication and division. By carefully poring over such books and papers as fell into his hands he became in time a fairly good reader, after which his desire for knowledge became almost a pas- sion. Immediately upon his return home he took up the branches constituting the common-school course and, though a young mati at the timo, began with the simple ele- mentary studies and so diligently did he an-
Mr. Pierce long contemplated studying law, but the many difficulties in his way made the realization of his wishes appear a | He was led to enter upon the undertaking under very peculiar circumstances, a brief statement of which is as follows : He had ar- ranged his affairs so as to further pursue his studies in the Hartford City high school and while going to th building on the opening day of the term was invited by Mr. Jetmore to step into that gentleman's law office. Mr. Jetmore had Jong known the young man and being convinced that he possessed the ability and characteristics requisite to success in the law, lost no time, on this partiemar morn- ing, in holding out such flatter: induce- ments to be desired from the legal protes- sion that almost before knowing what he did young Pierce decided to abandon further scholastic study od began at once a course of professional reading. Thus in a few minutes the entire drift of the young man's life was changed, a most fortunate circuin- stance indeod for to it is due the presence to-day of one of the ablest and most dis- tinguished members of the Blackford county bar. Laying aside his school books, Mr. Pierce with his accustomed energy took up the -tudy of law undor the able instruction of Mr. Jetmore, in whose office he continued one year, making iring that time remark- ably rapid and substantial progress.
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While pursuing his professional studies Mr. Pierce, on the 30th day of October, 1870. was united in marriage to Miss Ella Beecher. of l'eunsylvania, and in order to procure means necessary to go to housekeeping, took charge of the district school which he taught one winter. The following spring he erected a small cabin, 16x17 feet in size, ou his father's farm, two miles we ot the city, cutting the logs himself a: performing nearly all of the work required to complete the building. In this primitive domicile Mr. Pierce and his devoted wife set t
first mestic establishment and they look back to the time spent beneath its humble roof as some of the happiest i their married
experience. After becoming settled Mr. Pierce again resumed his legal studies in Hartford City, walking the e ance between the office and his home twice each day. ITc was thus engaged the greater part of five years, rarely missing any time and eating but two mea i day, breakfast and supper, both with his wife. After working early and late and triumphing over difficulties be- fore which many of loss energy would have retired in defeat, Mr. Pierce was at length, in 1872, admitted to the bar of Blackford county by Judge Haines and mume Lately thereafter began the practice in I cford City, removing his family here a short time al. rwards. From 1872 to 0875 I bad an office of his own, but in the latter year effected a co-partnership with Jacob Wells, which lasted until some time in 1876. Again he practiced by himself for eighteen months,
when J. B. Weir became his partnor and the firm thus constituted did an extensive busi- ness until its dissolution two years later. Mr. Pierce's next associate was Hon. W H. Carroll, with whom he continued until the election of that gentleman to the bench
two years later, after which he conducted his own office until becoming a partner of Hen. B. G. Shinn. The firm of Sbing & Pierce, which lasted eight years, was one of the strongest legal partnerships in Hart- ford City and its reputation was not coll- fined to the local courts of Blackford com- ty alone, but extended throughout neigh boring counties of this part of the staic.
Since dissolving the partnership with Mr. Shinn, Mr. Pierco has at different times practiced with two other well-known lawyers of this city, namely: J. A. Hind- man, from March 8, 1893, to January, 1895, and his present partner, John A. Bonhain, with whom he has been asociat- ed since the igth day of October, 1895.
During the interim of 1873 to 1875 Mr. Piorce served as deputy prosecuting attor- ney of the counties of Blackford, Hunting- tou and Grant, and in 1880 he was the Democratic candidate for the office of pros- ecutor, making the race against a reliable majority of eight hundred, which he great- ly reduced, being defeated by Charles W. Watkins, whose majority was but sixty- four votes. In 1886 he was elected joint representative in the general assembly from the counties of Adams, Blackford and Jay by a majority of twelve hundred and : ty- four, and two years later was unanimously re-nominated by his party and at the en- suing election was returned to the legisla- ture by a largely increased majority. While a member of that body Mr. Pierce served on a number of important commit- tees, was active in defending his measures on the floor and had the honor of presenting several important bills which ultimately be- calle some of the most valuable laws upon the statute books. He was instrumental as a member of the committee on corpora-
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tions in bringi , about much needed legis- lation, and it was his pleasure to assist in the dedication of the present magnificent state house, in the exercises attendant upon which he took an active part.
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At the conchision of his legislative carcer Mr. Pierce resumed his professional practice, if indeed it bad beon interfered with during his absence at the state capital, and in 1897 he was appointed county attor ney, an office he has since filled by consec- titive reappointment :. For a number of years he has been a prominent factor in local politics and few share with him the leadership of the Democratic part, in Black- ford county. His popularity with the pub- lic, irrespective of party affiliations, has jong buen a subject of comment and the large majorities he has at different times over- come attest the strong friendship felt for hiin by the opposition. Financially his suc cess has been most encouraging, he having accumulated a comfortable competence, and in his domestic relations he is happy and content, having an amiable and devoted wife and oue child, Horace Greely Pierce, an in- telligent and highly educated young gen- tleman, at this time an employe of the Flint Glass Company, in Hartford City.
Mrs. Pierce, to whom reference has been made in a preceding paragraph, was boru October 31, 1851, in Tipsy, Tio county, Pennsylvania, and is the daught: of Jesse and Elizabeth (Trussel) Beccher, both parents nativos of the Keystone state. She is well and popularly known in the city of her adoption and as a member of the Methodist church is foremost in all good work of the congregation to which she be- longs, , well as a helper in general benev- olences among the poor and unfortunate of the community.
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Mr. Pierce is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Pythian brotherhood and the Grand Army of the Republic, having helt in the last named the position of post codi- mander. Endowed by nature with a strong i physique and much more than ordinary i powers of intellect, he has by an application ¡ akin to passion overcome a remarkably no- favorable environment and by the exercise of will power whie laughed at obstacles however formidable, has forged to the front and won for himself an honored standing among the successful men of his city and county.
As a lawyer he is studious and resource- ful, and his knowledge of the underlying principles of the profession, together with his power as an advocate, make him a for- midable opponent, besides attracting to him a large share of publ. patronage. He is quick to dei ct any flaw in the opposition, untiring in taking advantage of the same. but is always courteous in his treatment of opposing counsel, never losing sight of tlc ethics of the profession nor stooping to any- thing savoring of disrept.able practice. Au incident illustrating his tact is related by a friend who recalls the time when clients were few and the family exchequer in conso- quence thereof frequently quite low. Shortly after receiving the appointment of deputy prosecutor and while still living in the little cabin on the farm, his wife expressed a strong desire to attend the Forepaugh show, which on a certain day was to exhibit in the town. Much to the disappointment of both, it was found that the sum total of a Table cash in their possession would be insuracient to pay the way of either into the tent. During the afternoon's oxhi Son Mr. Pierce observed quite a number of gamblers and others plying unlawful devices upon the
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grounds to defraud the innocent and gulli- ble out of their money. Quirk to seize an opportunity he at once had the entire posse arrested and arraigned before the proper authorities by whom they were heavil Gned. The fees thus falling to him were y no means inconsiderable, and that evening both himself and wife occupied reserved seats the performance.
As a public official 1Tr. Pierce proved true to the trust reposed in him by the peo- ple, and in every relation of life he sustains an unblemished character. As a citizen he has been active to encourage every utility, takes a lively interest in promoting the gen- eral good and the community is proud to number him among the most substantial meinbers of the body politic.
AARON MADISON WALTZ.
Conspicuous among the successful mem- bers of the Blackford county bar is the gen- tleman whose name introduces this article. Mr. Waltz is one of Indiana's native sons and a representative type of its best citizen ship. His father, Solomon Waltz, was de- scended from an old and highly respected Pennsylvania family and became a resident of Indiana in early youth. He settled in Wayne county, where he grew to manhood and where he met and married Mabala Fouts, who became the mother of a large family, twelve children in all, name : Anderson, deceased; Eliza Jane, wife of John Kiser, of Howard county, this state; Elizabeth, deceased ; IJarvey J., a resident of Sherman, Texas; Eli Monroe, contractor and builder, Indianapolis; Henrietta, wife of Henry Brumback, of Henry county, Indi-
ana . Ham R., a resident of Wayne cou- ty, li, nana; David, accidentally killed in a shingle factory at the age of six years: Lewis, a machinist of Hagerstown; Aaron M. ; Ella, who married Charles Werking, a carpenter living in Henry county; and Daniel. a mechanic residing in the town of Moreland, this state.
Solomon Waltz was reared to manhood near the village of Germantown, Wayne county, and in early life served an apprentice- ship at carpentering, following his chosen calling until fifty years of age. He then abandoned mechanical pursuits and engaged in agriculture near Hagerstown, where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 20th of October, 1895. The life of this excellent man was fraught with much to encourage those just starting upon their own career and furnishes a striking illus- tration of what a youth with a well formed determination to succeed can accomplish in the face of adverse circumstances. With comparatively no educational advantages, having attended school but three weeks in his life, he early cultivo: 1 a taste for read- ing, and every momen. could spare from his work was spent in p. ; over such books and papers as fell into his hands. By thus employing his few leisure irs and care- fully stowing away in a very retentive mem- ory what he read, he became in tinie a re- markably well informed man on all the cur- rent questions of the day, besides which his natural ability as a mathematician caused him to be frequently consulted by those bav- ing difficult and obscure problems to solve. He entered upon his apprenticeship at the early age of fourteen, his first year's remun- eration being thirty dollars, which for each of the two succeeding years was increased twice that amount. Finally resolving to
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become master of his trade, he pared no pains to become thoroughly acquainted with its every detail, and at the expiration of his term of apprenticeship there were few bet- ter or more skilled mechanics among men who had devoted many years to the voca- tion. As a consequence of his devotion to his work he soon had more work than he could do and the evidence of his skill as an architect as well as a builder is still to be seen in many substantial edifices, both public . and private, in the village and county where he lived so many years. Having a strony desire to revisit the scenes of his early boy- hood in the Keystone state, Mr. Waltz, when a young man, made the journey from his home in Wayne county to Philadelphia on foot, with a boy companion, enjoying the long walk and meeting with many interest- ing incidents on the way there and back. He possessed most excellent judgment and a nat- ural aptitude for business, in consequence of which ': was frequently consulted upon mat- ters relating to law, and it is said that his sound and able advice smoothed the way over many difficulties and prevented much expensive litigation among friends and neighbors. In fact he was for many years a trusted adviser in the community where he lived; his judgment was seldom at fault, and his ad ce in the great majority of cases was carefully heeded and followed out.
Although deprived of educational privi- leges, as already stated, he was over a warm friend and an earnest advocate of schools, and no one in his county worked harder or did more effective service in bringing about the law providing for the present efficien public school system of the state. From early youth Mr. Waltz determined to think r himself, and follow no man's opinion relative to matters of public or private in-
forests without first carefully investigating and weighing their merits and demeris. This habit of investigation ently led him to believe that the political party with which his father and several brothers acted was wrong, consequently he broke away from its icachings and became a strong and intelli- gent supporter of the opposition; inkleed, he was the only member of the family who openly and vigorously espoused the cause of Democracy, for which party he wielded a potent influence as long as he lived. Not infrequently was he solicited and importuned by his friends to allow his name to be used for political purposes, but he invariably and firmly declined all official distinction, having no ambition in that direction, preferring the quiet of his domestic fireside t the distrac- tions which such honors sually bring. He was indeed a good man, a substantial citi- zen, ever true to his convictions of right, and he left as a pricele s heritage to a grateful posterity a name unclouded by the slightest tinge of anything suspicious or dishonorable. His wife, a lady of many admirable qualities of head and heart, and to whom he was in a large measure indebted for much of his suc- cess in life, is still living at a good old age on the home farm in Wayne county, respect- ed and honored by all who know her.
Aaron Madison Waltz. the leading facts of whose life are herewith set forth, was born in the county of Wayne on the 8th day of May, 1864, and received his elemetary education in the public schools which he at- tended until his eighteenth year. The fur- ther to increase his knowledge and fit him- self for the profession which he carly se- lected as a life work, he entered the North- ern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, where he £ rstted the higher branches of learning foi two terms of twenty wecks
THIR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
each, teaching the meantime in the common schools of his county. Owing to the un- fortunate sickness of his brother, Mr. Waltz was compelled to leave school before com- pleting the prescribed course in the select studies he was then pursuing, and for two years thereafter he taught school during the winter : od read law in the summer seasons. Durie e next year he devoted his entire time the prosecution of his legal studies with such substantial progress that on the 23rd of February, 1889, he was admitted to the bar at Richmond, Indiana, by Tudge Comstock. This admission was noi most meaningless legal formality which un- fortunately obtains in this state where any one with or without knowledge of the law can obtain permission to practice in our courts; it was an dmission based upon a sound acquaint: with the underlying principles of jurisprudence as demonstrated by a critical examination by Judges Fox and Abbott and Richard Jackson, all prominent members of the Richmond bar.
Mr. Waltz swung his shingle to the breeze in Hagerstown, and there began the practice under favorable auspices. He ob- tained his share of the legal business until 1890, in February of which year he sought a wider and more favorable field for the ex- ercise of his talents in Hartford City, effect- ing a copartnership with David II. Fouts, which continued until November, 1896. the latter year he was elected prosecut attorney for the circuit composed of the counties of Blackford and Wells, and so ably and efficiently did he discharge the duties of his office that in 1808 he was elected his own successor by largely increased ma- jority. Prior to ' inning the active prac - tice of his profession, Mr. Waltz, while a resident of Hagerstown, served the people as
justice of the peace, having been elected to that office as a Democrat, overcoming a standing Republican majority of fifty votes. Atter serving fifteen my ths he resigned the office in order i accept the position of deputy prosecuting attorney under Richard Jack- son, discharging his official functions in a manner highly creditable to himself and sat- isfactory to the public until his removal to Hartford City at the date before mentioned. Mr. Waltz's experience as a general practi- tioner was all that an ambitious young law- yer could have reasonably desired, and his career as prosecuting attorney and attorney for tl County, to which latter position he was elected in 1893, was characterized by a devotion to duty and an ability which at once placed nim among the most successful lawyers at a bar noted for the high order of its legal talen
From early manhood Mr. Waltz had been a painstaking student of political econ- omy, and as a leader of the young Democ- racy of Blackford county he stamped the impress of his strong personality upon the party of which he has been a vigorous and unswerving adherent ever since becoming of sufficient age to wield the election fran- chise. In the larger and truer sense of the cord he is a partisan, deeply versed in the history of politics, thoroughly acquainted with the , athods by which campaigns are planned and conducted, wise in conosel and untiring in the caucus, and upon the hustings he is a leader with but few peers and no supe- riors in this part of the state. Ile was chosen chairman of the county central com- nattee during the campaign of 1892, and of his office that in 1868 he was elected his credit of the triumph of the local ticket that year, both county and town, the latter win- ning. over a long standing majority of one
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hundred and fifty votes. During the session of the general assembly of 1863 he was roll clerk of the state senate, and at different times he has been honored by being chosen delegate to city, county and state conven- tions, in all of which he made his influence felt and proved a potent factor in formulat- ing principles and platforms and planning for agg . ssive campaigns. His successful leadership as chairman of the central com- mittee in 1892 1: to his being chosen to the same position in 1896, in the campaign of which year another sigual victory was won, the entire Democratic ticket with a single exception being triumphantly elected. It is fitting in this connection to state that Mr. Waltz has not always been uniformly suc- cessful in his political contests, having suf- fered defeat by a small majority for the nom- ination for prosecuting attorney in 1894; his majority in 1896 over his opponent, J. Boyd, a popular man, was seven hundre much more than the party's strength, and in 1898 he went into the office with a largely
creased vote, eight hundred and eighty- eight majority, which fact attests his great personal popularity with the people irrespect- ive of party affiliations. He was assistant sergeant-at-arms in the national convention at Chicago in 1896, and during the memora- ble campaign of that year rendered able and brilliant service as a worker in the ranks and as an earnest and fearless exponent of Demo- cratic principles upon the platform. At the state convention in 1898 he was a member of the committee on organization and rules, and in 1900 was a delegate to the national convention at Kar as City from this, the eighth con: ressional district.
As a lawyer Mr. Waltz is devoted to his profession and being endowed with unusual capacity and force is well fitted for his work.
As a close . fudent, a clear, profound thinker and an able counselor he occupies a conspicu- ous place among his brethren of the bar. Before court a al jury he is uniformly kind and courteous, quick to defect a flaw in the opposition and equally quick to follow it is to the advantage of himself and client possesses the ability to present to a jury in strong and lucid language the cause he repa - sents, and by arguments logically connected and couched in vigorous and often eloquent appeals seldom fails to convince the jury and obtain verdicts at their hands. In his inter- course with fellow attorneys he aims to be guided and controlled by professional ethics and since entering upon the active duties of the law nothing savoring of disreputable practice has ever been coupled with his name.
Mr. Waltz has other claims upon the public esteem than those of intellectual and professional worth. He is not wanting in social and moral qualities of a high order; candor and probity mark all his intercourse with his fellow men, and his conscientious dealing and upright life have won for him a high place in public esteem. He possesses a vigorous personality and fine presence, which with other qualities already alluded to make him in the social circle and else- where a popular favorite, and it is fitting to predict for him a permanent abiding place in the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Waltz was married in Hartford City, December 23, 1894, to Miss Anna Geisler, of Hartford City, Indiana, daugh- ter of George and Magdalene (Swope) Geis- ler. Mr. and Mrs. Waltz have a pleasant home on North Jefferson street, where they dispense to their many friends an open- handed hospitality characteristic of those who endeavor to obtain from life its great-
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est and most satisfactory enjoyments. Mr. Waltz holds membership in the following orders: Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, including encampment and Rebekah degree, and the Modern Woodmen; he is also director of the leading building and loan association of the city.
JAMES HOLCROFT.
James Holcroft, a retired artisan of Hartford City, is a native of England, where his birth occurred on the 22d day of June, 1826. His father, John Holcroft, also born in England, was a dyer in the celebrated Thompson Print Works at Clilhero and two uncles were color makers in the same es- tablishment. His maternal grandfather was for many years employed in the manufacture of uniforms for the British army and his mother's father was a gas manufacturer. The maiden name of Mrs. Holcroft's mother was Nancy Smithton, whose family for many generations lived in the part of England where the subject was born. While still a lad James Holcroft manifested decided tal- ents for mechanics and early became quite skillful in making various kinds of devices. At the age of thirteen he entered upon a seven-years apprenticeship in an establish- ment for the manufacture of calico and in dute time acquired much more than ordinary skill in his chosen calling, so much so in fact that his services were in great demand at re- munerative wages. He did not long con- tinue this work, however, but turned his at- tention to the cotton industry, serving a five- years apprenticeship in a cotton mill and becoming thoroughly familiar with every de- partment of the manufacture of all kinds of
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