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 57
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JAMES FRANKLIN COVAULT.
The ancestors of the subject of this sketch emigrated to America at a remote period in the past and settled in Pennsylva-
Dr. Covault's educational experience embraced the branches constituting the pub- lic school curriculum and until his seven- centh year he pursued his studies in the town of Bluffton. During the five years fol- lowing his Jeaving school he worked in his father's meat market in the above place, the meantime devoting his leisure to the study of dentistry under the direction of Drs. Downing, of Ohio, and Sturgis, of Bluff- ton. After becoming proficient in the pro- fession he began the practice in Blackford county where for a period of twenty-four years he has done a very satisfactory busi- ness, being at this time the oldest practi- tioner and leading dental surgeon in Black- ford county. The better to prepare himself for skillful work and also for the purpose of keeping fully abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to the profession, the Doctor in 1894 took a post-graduate course in the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, since which time he has done a greatly in- creased business in his beautiful and commo- dious parlors in this city. Dr. Covault's professional success is the fruit of diligent application and skillful work resulting there- from. He numbers among his patients the best people of Montpelier and not infre- quently have his services been much in de- mand by individuals residing in various parts of Blackford and other counties.
The Doctor was united in marriage, De-
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cember 22, 1877, to Miss Phebe E. Goodin, the result of which is . family of five chil- dren, namely : Clara M. married John A. To- man : James Ernest, Clarence V., deceased. Franklin Wayne and William Murrel.
Doctor Covault is a member of the l'yth- jan brotherhood, belonging to Hartford City Lodge, No. 135. In matters religious he adheres to no church and while tolerant of all beliefs is what may with propriety be termed a free thinker. Politically he is a supporter of the Democratic party, earnest in the advocacy of its principles, but by no means an aspirant for official honors. He is first of all a professional man, but in addi- tion thereto is popular in social circles and public minded in all that concerns the Illa- terial and moral advancement of the commu- nity. While a resident of Bluffton he served as deputy sheriff under his father and during his incumbency became widely and favorably known, being in fact familiar with every highway and byway of Wells county. By reason of his official duties he came in con- tact with nearly every citizen of the above county and there, as in Blackford county, his name is spoken of in terms most compli- mentary.
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JOHN BURNS.
John Burns, attorney and counsellor at law, son of Joseph and Anna Burns, was born in Wells county, Indiana, on the 10th day of April, 1871. He received his pre- liminary education in the common schools, supplemented by a full course in the Bluffton high school, from which he was graduated in 1890, but previous to that time he was en - gaged for four years as teacher in his na- tive county. Following his graduation he taught two years and in 1893 began the
study of law at Bluffton in the office of Mar- tin & Vaughn, where he remained for a per- iod of about six months. Impressed with a desire to increase his professional knowledge Mr. Burns next entered the Sprague Corres- ponding School, Detroit, Michigan, the pre- scribed course of which he completed in the latter part of 1894 and immediately there- after was admitted to the Wells county bar at Bluffton. Fortified with a thorough pro- fessional training, he selected Montpelier as a location and at once hegan the practice tin- der the most favorable auspices, forming a partnership with his father which is still maintained.
During the first two years of his prac- tice Mr. Burns served as deputy prosecutor of the twenty-eighth judicial circuit and as such acquitted himself to the satisfaction of his superior and also attracted the favorable. attention of the leading lawyers in Black- ford and neighboring counties. His career thus far has been marked with unqualified success ; he ranks well as a counselor, is skill- ful in the presentation of his case in court and is highly regarded by his associates in the profession. A sound reasoner and able speaker, careful and discriminating in all he undertakes, he enjoys the reputation of be- ing an able and thoroughly conscientious advocate. While the bulk of his legal busi- ness is confined to Montpelier, he has at dif- ferent times been called to other points and wherever his services have been utilized he las acquitted himself to the satisfaction of those by whom he was retained.
Mr. Burns was married, February 2. 1894, to Miss Zina yer, daughter of New- ton and Allie (Collier) Hyer, the result of which union is two children, William .... born April 25. 1895, and Lillie E., born March 4, 1897.
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Mr. Burns is descended from Irish an- cestry. His grandfather, Michael Burns, came from the old country a number of years ago, settling first in the city of New Or- leans, thence subsequently came to Jay coun- ty, Indiana. Later Michael Burns was a resident of Wells county for a short tin and then moved to the town of Montpelier where his death occurred at a ripe old age. He married Emily Fitzgerald and reared a family of four children, viz. : John, Emily, deceased; Mary, deceased, and Joseph, the last named the father of the subject of this mention ; all of the above children were born before the family emigrated to the United States.
Joseph Burns was three years old when brought to America and he grew to manhood in Jay county, Indiana. He read law under the direction of Martin & Martin, a well- known legal firm of Bluffton, and shortly after his admission to the bar removed to Montpelier where he has since practiced his profession with success and financial profit. Ile married, in. Wells county, Anne McCaf- frey, daughter of James and Bessie (Er- vin) McCaffrey and is the father of ten chil- dren, namely : John, William, James, Mich- ael T., Joseph H., Mary E., Patrick G., Bes- sie, Anna and Felix. He has received the unanimous nomination by his party (the Democratic) for the office of prosecuting attorney of the twenty-eighth judicial dis- trict.
DAVID ALONZO BRYSON.
D. A. Bryson, cashier of the First Na- tional Bank of Montpelier, is a native of But- ler county, Pennsylvania, where he was born May 16, 1852. Paternally he is
descended from Scotch ancestry and on the mother's side from the German, both families settling many years ago in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where his parents. Thomas and Hannah ( Henshaw) Bryson, were both born and reared.
Thomas Bryson was a farmer by occupa tion and died in 1898 at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He reared a family of nine children, whose names are as follows : James C .; John A., deceased ; W. F. and J. D., twins, both soldiers in the late Civil war ; Eli, also a soldier during the Rebellion; Sa- rah E .; D. A .; Elizabeth, wife of James Howard, both deceased, and Ida Jane, who married W. C. Robeson. D. A. Bryson was two years old when the family moved to Wells county, Indiana, and until his fifteenth year he attended the district schools of his neighborhood. Later he took a commercial course in a business college at the town of Roanoke and the further to add to his schol astic attainments entered Liber College, Jay county, where he pursued the higher branches of learning during one term.
After leaving college Mr. Bryson en- gaged in the lumber business, which he car- ried on until 1896, when he accepted the po- sition of cashier in the bank at Montpelier, clischarging the duties incident thereto about two and a half years. With the consolida- tion of the two banks of the place into what was known as The F "mers' Deposit Bank he remained cashier and again, two years later, he was induced to continue in a similar capacity with the First National Bank of Montpelier, organized in 1900.
Mr. Bryson is an accomplished account- ant, familiar with every detail of the bank- ing business, and has earned a well merited reputation as a safe and reliable financier. Ile enjoys the confidence of his superiors,
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is earnest in all his efforts to promote the in- terest of the institution with which he is con- nected and the people of Montpelier have found him a most efficient and affable man with whom to transact business. He is in- ferested in three fraternal organizations, the Masonic, Pythian and Elks orders, in all of which he is recognized as an earnest and faithful worker. Hle belongs to Lodge No. 600. F. & A. M., hokling at this time the of- fice of treasurer, and it has been his good fortune to fill every position within the pow- ' er of Lodge No. 188, K. of P., to bestow. His membership in the B. P. O. E. is with Muncie Lodge, No. 245, and he believes in the future of this great and rapidly-grow- ing fraternity.
Mr. Bryson was married, August 22, 1881, to Miss Sarah Ryan, daughter of John and Frances (Barrington) Ryan, by whom Jie has had two children : Cora, born Decem- ber 31. 1882, and Ethel. born in Septem- ber, 1896, died in July of the year follow- ing.
ASHLEY G. EMSHWILLER.
Prominent among the attorneys of the Blackford county bar is Ashley G. Emsh- wviller, who, although young in years, has earned a reputation as a successful lawyer and since his admission to the bar, in 1894, has occupied a conspicuous place among his professional brethren of Montpelier and Hartford City. He belongs to one of the old families of Blackford county, his grandfa- ther having moved to this part of the state in pioneer times and for many years the name has been inseparably connected with the material growth and prosperity of the county. Mr. Emshwiller was born in the town of Montpelier, November 14, 1874, and
is the son of John and Mary A. (Bare) Emshwiller, the father still a resident of the place and one of its substancial business men. After completing the prescribed course of the public schools young Emshwiller began pre- paring himself for the law by a course of pri- vate reading, and later. August, 1890, entered the Northern lidiana Law School, Valpar- aiso, from which he was graduated on the 6th day of Func, 1894. Immediately there- after he was admitted to the bar by the su- preme court at Indianapolis, and after one year alone, entered into partnership with C. A. Taughenbaugh, of Montpelier, a rela- tionship whil continued until November, 1896. Since the latter year Mr. Emshwiller has been alone in the practice and his career from the beginning has been such as to win him a large and lucrative business besides bringing him in contact professionally with the leading lawyers of Blackford and coun- ties adjacent thereto. Since 1896 he has been eputy county prosecutor an for some time prior to the adoption of city government he held the position of attorney for Montpelier.
As a lawyer Mr. Emishwiller, as already stated, has earned an enviable reputation for hard work and professional success and his retention as counsel in many important cases bears testimony to his knowledge of the pro- fession and skill of applying it. He is a close student, prepares his legal papers with the greatest care and maintains the soundness of his opinions with clear and forcible argu- ment and conducts his cases in such a man- ner as to command the respect of the court and opposing counsel. Ile is the legal ad- viser of a number of Montpelier's leading business men and his judgment has seldom been at fault in matters requiring profound research and a wide knowledge of the prin- ciples of jurisprudence.
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In addition to his legal business Mr. Emshwiller is interested in the drug trade with his father, who established the same at Montpelier, in 1872. The marriage of Mr. Emshwiller was solemnized on the 26th day ( June, 1897, with Miss Blanche Rawlings, daughter of J. P. Lillie (Wiggins) Rawlings, and his home has been brightened by one child, James R., who was born No- vember 15. 1898. Fraternally Mr. Emsh- willer has been a member of the Masonic brotherhood since 1896 and during the year 1899 he was master of the lodge in Mont- pelier. In politics he wields an influence for the Democratic party and in religion is lib- eral and tolerant, subscribing to no creed or confession of faith, but at all times believing in the church as a great and wholesome mor- al force. Indeed he may be termed a free thinker in the best meaning of the term, but every movement having for its object the well being of the community is sure to find in him an earnest advocate and liberal pa- tron. Mr. Emshwiller is a man with the courage of his convictions and is ever ready to express himself on all questions of relig- ion and litics. His life has been singit- larly free from faults and although aggres- sive he possesses the power to make and re- tain permanent : endships. He is a valued member of the social circle and Montpelier is proud to acknowledge him as one of its favorite sons.
CHARLES L. SMITH.
The gentleman whose biography is here- with presented is one of the well known and substantial business men of Montpelier and a native of Wells county, Indiana, where his birth occurred on the 22d day of February,
1870. His grandfather, Leonard Smith, was an early resident of Ohio, and on the moth- er's side he is descended from German an- cestry. His father was LeRoy Smith, a native of ( to, in which state his mother, whose naine was Mary Christlieb, also first sav light of day. LeRoy Smith settled in Wer: county, Indiana, some years prior to the war of the Rebellion in which struggle he served as a brave and gar ant defender of the national Union. By his marriage with the above Mary Christlieb he became the fa- ther of the following children : Charles L. : Effie, wife of A. C. Schmuck, of Fort Wayne: Ettie, wife of I. J. Christlieb; Nan- cy; Clark ; Guy ; Ernest, deceased ; Louis, de- ceased ; Minnie and Fredia.
Charles L. Smith was educated in the schools of Ossian, Wells county, and at the age of sixteen began life for himself as a farm laborer. After a short time spent in this capacity he went to Fort Wayne where for a period of two years he occupied a re- sponsible position in a wholesale confection- ery house, taking the road at the end of that time as traveling salesman for the same firm. After representing the house for three years as a commercial tourist he came, in the early part of 1894, to Montpelier, where for a lin- ited period he worked in a restaurant, sev- ering his connection with that business in a few months and taking service as clerk in what is known as the New York dry goods store.
Mr. Smith did not long remain behind the counter, for in 1895 he engaged in the real estate business to which he has since devoted his time and attention. In 1898 he was elected justice of the peace, an office he still holds, in addition to which he is also manager of the opera house in Montpelier, having had control of the same for three
.
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years. He acted as general manager of the Montpelier street fairs hekl in 1899 and 1900 and to its supervision is due the success with which the enterprise was crowned during the two years of its progress. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and also belongs to the Independent Order of Red Men, Lodge No. 71, of Montpelier. He is also secretary of the Montpelier Driv- ing Club.
On the 26th of September, 1896, Mr. Smith entered into the marriage relation « with Miss Sarah J. Alexander, the accom- plished daughter of James and Mary (Mc- Kee) Alexander, a union blessed with one child, Fred Alexander, born on the 7th day of January. 1897. Mr. Smith's course thus far has been upright and prudent and he is a potent factor in the city for the material interests of which he has ever been active in working. He owns a comfortable home on West High street, and eighty acres of land in Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana, which is well improved and also oil produc- ing. In all matters of public nature he is deeply interested, while in business and so- cial capacities his standing is unimpeacha- ble and no one has ever coupled his name with anything savoring in the least of sus- icion or dishonor. He has borne his part n life in a manly way and it is with pleas- ure that this brief tribute to his worth as a gentleman and citizen is presented in this connection.
JAMES A. TAYLOR, M. D.
James Alphonso Taylor, M. D., son of Jacob and Martha (Smith) Taylor, was born in Jay county, Indiana, April 28, 1869. After completing the course of the common
schools from which he was graduated in 1886. Doctor Taylor entered Ohio Nor- mal University, at Ada, why he pursued the higher branches of learni : until i889, receiving a certificate of graduation in that year.
During the three succeeding years he faught in the schools of Jay county, and in 1889 entered the Indiana Medical College it Indianapolis, from which institution he was graduated in 1897 after making a most com- mendable record as a student. In April fol- lowing his graduation Doctor Taylor began the practice of his profession at Montpelier, where he has since resided, building up in the meantime a fine practice and wining for himself the reputation of a painstaking and successful physician and surgeon.
The Doctor is a young man of excellent habits and combines with his naturally strong mental characteristics superior professional ability and a well framed determination to overcome any obstacles calculated to inter- fere with his success. Although but few years in active practice, he has already made commendable progress in his profession and stands well, not only with the general public, but also occupies a conspicuous place among the successful medical men of Blackford county. Starting upon his professional .ca- reer under most favorable auspices and forg. ing to the front by an aggressiveness that knows no such word as "fail," his present high standing is sufficient guarantee for the future career of enlarged usefulness which his many friends predict for him. Doctor Taylor is a member of the K. of P., Red Cross Lodge, No. 188, of Portland, Indiana, and his name is also found upon the rec- ords of Lodge No. 410, 1. O. O. F., of Mont- pelier. The Doctor is an earnest advocate of temperance and as such does some of his
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most effective work in redeeming the down- fallen through the instrumentality o the or- der of Good Templars, of which he has been a member for several years.
The Doctor was married on the 20th day of September. 1800, to Miss Pearl Thomas, a daughter of Henry and Martha ( Longfel- low ) Thomas, and has one chikl. a son, Bed- ford Thomas, whose birth occurred October 1, 1897.
They are members of the Church of Christ and our subject is an eller in this or- ganization
THOMAS SHULL.
Thomas Shull, hardware dealer, Mont- pelier, is a native of Wayne county, Indiana, and dates his birth from the 13th day of Oc. tober: 1840. His parents, Henry B. and Sarah (Wolf) Shull, were born in Pennsyl- vania, and their marriage occurred in that state, as did also the birth of all their chil- diren except the subject of this mention and one other.
When Thomas Shull was eight vears of age his father moved within a short distance of Indianapolis, and it was about two miles from that city that the boy obtained his first knowledge of books by attending school in an old log building which had been erected a number of years prior to the date of which we write. Until his twentieth year he as- sisted his father and also did some work for Himself as a farmer, the latter proving only fairly successful. Impressed with a desire to see the great west, and thinking that fortune might perhaps rewa 1 his efforts there, young Shull, in 1860. bid adien to home and friends and made a p to the Rocky mount- tains, where he spent some time in prospect-
ing for gold. He remained in the west about eight and a half years, a greater part of which period was devoted to prospect- ing and mining. He then returned to In- diana and seeing a good opening for busi- ness in the thriving little town of Montpelier decided to locate there in the mercantile trade: accordingly he purchased a stock of dry goods and groceries and was soon in the enjoyment of a large and prosperous busi- ness. Subsequently he embarked in the drug trade, which occupied his attention three years. At the end of this time, in 1873. he disposed of his stock and became a dealer in hardware. Since the above year Mr. Shuff has devoted his entire time and attention to the hardware business, in which his success has been most gratifying, his store at this time being the largest of the kind in the city. During the four years he- tween 1875 and 1879 he served as township trustee and for a number of years was a member of the city school board, besides serving since 189; in the city council. Under the old municipal organization he served as town trustee and since the adoption of the city charter his efforts as : member of the common council have been dustrumental in promoting much legislation for the general good of the place.
Mr. Shull is widely and . favorably known in business circles as a man of sound judgment and strict integrity and his pro- gressive spirit long since brought him to the favorable notice of the public. Ile takes an active interest in everything calculated to ad- vance the welfare of Montpelier and during the last few years has influenced men of wealth to invest capital in Blackford coun- ty, which he considers one of the most prom- ising sections of Indiana.
On the 2.4th of March, 1872, Mr. Shull
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and Margaret A., daughter of Uzal and! Rachel ( McDaniel) Kimble, became man and wife, their union being blessed with five children, namely: Clarence C., born December 31, 1873, died August 28, 1874; Belle I., born December 3, 1874 : George F., born April 4. 1878; Lulu M., born January 30, 1880, and James B., born January 10. 1885. Mr. Shull became identified with Montpelier Lodge, No. 410, 1. O. O. F., in 1876, and since that date has been active in all the deliberations of the fraternity. ,having fled all offices within the gift of the local organization. In religion he sub- scribes to the Baptist creed and his life has been a practical exemplification of the teach- ings of the church. At this time he holds the position of deacon in the congregation wor- shiping in Montpelier and his wife is also a consistent member of the same body. In all that goes to make true manhood Mr. Shull has done his whole duty and all who know him respect him for his sterling quali- ties of head and heart. ITis influence has ever been exerted on the side of right and among Montpelier's representative men he occupies a commendable standing.
JOIIN P. BOYD.
John P. Boyd, the well-known and suc- cessful member of the Blackford county bar, is the son of Amos and Elma M. (John- son) Boyd, and was born on a farm in Jay county, Indiana, March 28, 1869. When eight years of age he was taken by his par- ents to Montpelier, i: the schools of which town he received his educational training. completing his high school course and grad- uating in the year 1887. From early boy-
hoed he evinced a decided liking for the law, and in 1887 vielded to his desire of long standing by beginning a course of study in the office of George A. Mason, un- der whose direction he continued atil formally admitted to the bar in Noven- ber, 1891. He began the practice of his profession in partnership with Mr. Mason. and after maintaining the firm relations for two years purchased that gentleman's in- terest, after which he continued alone until 1894. At that time he became associated in the practice with John E. Mason, with whom he continued a partner until 1896, in January of which year the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Boyd retaining posses- sion of the office. . From the beginning of 1896 until January, 1898, Mr. Boyd prac- ticed by himself, but in January of the lat- ter year took in as a partner C. A. Taugh- inbaugh, of Muncie, who remained with him until June following, when Mr. Boyd disposed of his legal business and removed to Chattanooga, Tennessee. His stay in that city was of brief duration, as he re turned to Montpelier in September of the same year, and resumed his practice which he has since successf: dly continued.
Mr. Boyd's marriage was solemnized, October 27, 1802, with Miss Minnie, a daughter of Daniel and Harriett (Shull) Arnold, a union blessed with two sons, Rob- ert Arnold, born October 31, 1893, and Francis D., born December 18, 1899.
From June, 1893, to June, 1894, Mr. Boyd hekl the office of city attorney, and from the spring of 18gt until November, 1894, he was deputy prosecuting attorney of Blackford county. Professionally he takes high rank and his name has appeared in connection with a number of important. cases tried in the courts of Blackford and
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