USA > Indiana > Greene County > Biographical memoirs of Greene County, Ind. : with reminiscences of pioneer days, Volume III > Part 22
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Mr. and Mrs. Neal had two children, the older of whom, Elmer Elsworth, married Stella McCloud and re- sides in Bloomfield, being the father of four offspring. Ella, the second in order of birth, is the wife of Cyrus L. Slinkard, of Bloomfield, and the mother of one child, a son, by the name of Lee Neal Slinkard.
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In the year 1878 Mr. Neal transferred his residence to Bloomfield, which city he made his home until called from the scenes of his earthly trials and successes, on No- vember 12. 1897, his father following him to the silent land two years later to a day. As already indicated, Mr. Neal was one of the most enterprising and successful busi- ness men of Greene county, as well as one of the most praiseworthy and public-spirited citizens. He adorned every station in life to which he was called, discharged worthily the duties of high and important trusts, and made his influence felt for good among all with whom he came into contact. A member of the ancient and honorable or- der of Masonry, he squared his life according to its prin- ciples and precepts, was popular in every circle in which he moved, and as a natural leader of men had much to do in moulding thought and shaping opinion in the com- munity of his residence. His personal as well as his public life was pure, having never contracted any of the vicious and unseemly habits which pollute the body and degrade the soul, having been a total abstainer, not only in the matter of intoxicants, but was never known to be- come addicted to the use of tobacco in any of its forms. Notably one of the leading men of his day and generation in the county of Greene, his influence will long be felt and the memory of his deeds and achievements constitute a monument far more enduring than bronze or stone.
Mrs. Neal proved a fit companion for her husband. and not a little of his success was directly attributed to her wise counsel and judicious assistance. She minis- tered to his wants, alleviated his sufferings and through- out their long and mutually happy wedded experience
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nobly bore her share of the domestic burdens and made bright the home circle. She now lives to cheer the lives of a host of friends and neighbors and enjoys great per- sonal popularity in the best social circles of the city hon- ored by her residence.
ANDREW ANDERSON.
On August 27, 1905, sorrow settled over one of the residences of South Washington street, Bloomfield, on account of the decease of one of the city's most highly respected citizens, Andrew Anderson.
This gentleman, of stanch Scotch-Irish fiber, was born in Greene county, Indiana, on May 5. 1835, and was the son of George and Ann ( Kethcart) Anderson, Scotch- Irish emigrants to this country, who made their way to Greene county through the usual route of travel common to that class of liberty-loving settlers. They arrived in 1818, before Indiana had been clothed with the powers of statehood, and took up two hundred and forty acres of congressional land, which still remains under the family control, in the person of the wife of the deceased.
Seven children were born into this family, consist- ing of Jane, widow of James Elder, and now living in Iowa ; George, father of our subject, deceased ; Mary Ann. widow of Samuel Elder, also of Iowa: James, deceased ; Lavina, deceased, became the wife of Ellswick Ledger- wood, of Oklahoma : John, deceased, was a soldier in the Union Army during the Rebellion. The members of this
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family were adherents to the old-style Presbyterian faith.
Andrew was reared on the home farm, receiving his education in the primitive form offered in that early day. the details of which it is unnecessary to elaborate upon here. He remained upon the home place, which he ulti- mately inherited, until 1902, and then removed to his residence in Bloomfield, where he finished his days in well deserved retirement.
On November 3. 1868. he was married to Mary Ann Quillen, a native of Greene county, and daughter of Jesse and Sallie (Huffman) Quillen, the former being a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Indiana. The Quillen family constituted one of the pioneer families of the county and ranked among the leading citizens of the community. The children consisted of Mary Ann, widow of our subject : William, whose present home is in Knox county, this state: Sarah, deceased wife of Lysander Hayes: Susan, deceased wife of Jolin Geddes : Richard. Jesse and Emily. all deceased. and Francis, who is fol- lowing farming in Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson devoted themselves vigor- ously to the development of their farm, and took a keen interest in facing the problems encountered in the progress of the work. They not only proved excellent managers, but gathered about them that most delightful of adorn- ments of the home, viz .. a family of happy children. These were five in number, made up of Melissa J .. the wife of James Bailey, a farmer, of Cass township. Greene county, who in turn are the parents of four hearty chil- dren, Everett, Lelia, Lola and Merle. Following Melissa was James, who is making his home at present with his
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mother. The third child met with an untimely death. which proved a most severe blow to his parents and cast a shadow of gloom over the family which time could not entirely efface. At the age of sixteen years, while bathing with a number of companions in White river, he fell a victim to the deeper waters and life was extinguislied ere rescue could be made. The next daughter, Georgia, became the wife of Peter A. Hassler, a farmer, of Taylor township. and she is the mother of five children, viz., Mary, Earl. Grace, Jasper and Guy. The fifth of the family was Grace, who is the wife of Langdon Lester. also a farmer, of Taylor township.
Mr. Anderson was not only a pious gentleman, but affiliated with the Methodist church, as does also his widow, and they both contributed liberally of their time and means to its support. He also served as trustee of Taylor township, and in many ways won the confidence and esteem of all of his friends and acquaintances.
IVIL ORA PRICE.
The grandfather of the subject of this review was Aquilla Price, a Kentuckian by birth, a pioneer of Greene county. Indiana, and distinctively a man of influence and high standing in the community which he assisted in founding. His ancestors were English. Several ante- cedents of the family came to America at quite an early period, and in due time they or their descendants joined the tide of emigration westward over the mountains to
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the new Mul undeveloped land of promise, JE Kentucky was then called, where they secured homes, reared fami- lies and bore their respective parts in the affairs of life Among the children of Aquilla Price was a son by the name of Levi M., whose birth occurred in Greene county, Indiana, in the year 1836, and who has been proud to call this section of the Hoosier state his home from that date to the present time. In his young manhood Levi Price married Margaret Hail, daughter of the Rev. Martin and Pheobe ( Hickle) Hail, the father a popular minister of the Methodist Episcopal church during the pioneer period in Greene county and a leader in religious affairs wherever his labors called him. He spent his de- clining years in Linton, where his death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, his faithful wife hav- ing also neared the century mark when summoned to the unseen world. Levi Price became one of the prominent farmers and stock raisers of Greene county, and after accumulating a handsome competency, retired from active life to enjoy the fruits of his labor and thrift. On the 27th day of October, 1907, he and his good wife cele- brated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, on which occasion there assembled at their home in Linton, two hundred and fifty-five guests to wish the worthy couple many returns of the memorable day and to rejoice with them in view of the many signal blessings by which their pathway had been beset. Since retiring from active life Mr. and Mrs. Price have spent the winter seasons on the south Atlantic coast and the rest of the year among the more familiar scenes of their home country, where many relatives and friends seem to vie with each other in do- 76
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ing them honor. Mrs. Price is a native of Clay county, Indiana, and the same age as her husband, having been born in the year 1836. Of their family of seven children the subject is the oldest living son, there being, besides him, three sisters, namely: Hattie, wife of Dr. E. T. Sherwood; Mrs. Jennie Schloot, and Mrs. C. T. Sher- wood, all residents of Linton. The deceased members of the family were Mrs. Cassie Wills, of Linton, who died in young womanhood, and two sons: Elliot and Arling- ton, who departed this life in childhood.
Ivil Ora Price was born June 29, 1866, in Stockton township, spent his early life on the home farm there and received his preliminary education in the public schools, subsequently pursuing the higher branches of learning in Merom College. Manifesting a strong predilection for agriculture, he decided to make that honorable calling his life work. Accordingly, when a young man, he began tilling a part of the home place and later became asso- ciated with his father in farming and stock raising, his efforts in both respects being crowned with signal suc- cess. In the course of time he became interested in other enterprises, notably among which was the construction of gravel roads in various parts of Indiana and he has also devoted considerable attention to the livery business, own- ing at the present time a finely equipped barn in Linton, which, during the last twenty-two years, he has person- ally managed. The latter establishment is up-to-date in every respect and the largest of the kind in the city, be- ing fully equipped with modern vehicles, the best the mar- ket affords, while in number and condition. his roadsters and other animals lack nothing to be desired.
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Mr. Price is a wideawake business man of progres- sive ideas, fully abreast of the times, and every enterprise to which he has directed his attention has prospered. Financially he occupies a prominent place among the solid men of Linton, and in the matter of public improvements his voice and influence have ever tended to their promo- tion. He is a Republican in politics, but not a politician. nor has he ever aspired to office, although well fitted by nature and training for any position within the power of his fellow citizens to bestow. He belongs to Linton Lodge, No. 560, Free and Accepted Masons, is a charter member of Metropolitan Lodge, Knights of Pythias, which was organized in 1887, and also took an active part in establishing Linton Lodge, No. 866, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, to which he has since be- longed, and in which he has been honored with various positions of trust.
On February 19. 1889, Mr. Price and Ada Aikman were united in the bonds of wedlock, Mrs. Price being a daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth ( Plummer) Aikman. of Lyons, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Price are the parents of three children: Merlin, a youth of seventeen. now pursuing his studies in Kenilworth College, near the city of Chicago: Stanley, aged eleven, and Edith, eight years of age, the last two being pupils in the Linton public schools ( 1908).
PROF. JOSEPH HENRY HASEMAN.
Prof. Joseph Henry Haseman, the subject of this review, takes high rank among the leading educators of
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Greene cutifty and has achieved much more than Vocal distinction in the line of work to which his ordens and energies lowe been mithfully devoted.
The family of which Professor Haseman is a worthy representative is widely known throughout Greene county and has long been distinguished in educational circles. and for its efforts in behalf of schools, also for activity tlong other lines calculated to improve the community in- tellectually and morally. John D. Haseman, Sr., the professor's father, is a native of Greene county and is still living on the farm one mile north of Linton, which was purchased from the government by members of the fami- ly in quite an early day.
Elizabeth Shultz, whose birth occurred near Linton in 1853 and who became the wife of John D. Haseman, is also living and has borne her husband the following children, namely : Joseph H., of this review : William P .. Charles, John D., Jr., Leonard, Oscar, M. Gertrude, Ber- tha A. and Arthur, all of whom are in some way inter- ested in educational work, or attending school, several holding important positions in this and other states. Wil- liam P. Haseman, Ph. D., is assistant professor in the Indiana State University ; Charles, an assistant professor in the same institution, has also taken the Ph. D. degree. John D. Haseman. A. M., is located at Brazil, South America, in the interest of the Carnegie Institute : Leon- ard Haseman, A. M., holds the position of assistant in- structor in the University of Missouri; Oscar and Ger- trude are students in the Indiana University, in the junior and sophomore classes, respectively, while Bertha and Arthur are pursuing their studies in the public schools in 1908.
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Prof. Joseph H. Haseman was born in Greene coun- ty, August 27, 1876, and spent his childhood and youth on the family homestead near Linton, receiving his prelimi- nary education meanwhile in the public schools of the city. adhering to his inclination for higher intellectual train- ing subsequently he became a student in the Indiana State University and while attending that institution devoted his vacations to teaching, earning an honorable reputation as a capable and popular instructor. In 1905 he was gradu- ated from the university with the degree of Master of Arts and immediately thereafter accepted the superintendency of the Linton public schools, which position he now holds and the duties of which he has discharged in an emi- nently satisfactory manner, as the continuous progress of the schools under his able management abundantly at- test. The position is one of great responsibility. the city containing four large schools buildings, thoroughly equipped, in which the services of thirty-two teachers are required, the term lasting nine months of the year having been raised from eight and one-half months since Profes- sor Haseman took charge of the work. Under his ef- ficient supervision there has been commendable progress in the educational system of Linton, and it is conceded by visiting superintendents and others that the schools of the city at this time stand among the very best in the state. Through his instrumentality a number of improvements tending to lessen the work of the teachers and benefit the pupils have been adopted, a high grade of professional ef- ficiency characterizes the entire teaching force and no ef- forts are being spared to keep the schools in touch with the lastest and most improved methods of educational work.
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The high character Professor Haseman has achieved as an educator has made him widely and favorably known throughout the state, both as a teacher and manager of schools, and in view of his untiring energy and marked successs it is safe to assume that there are few, if any. more popular superintendents in Indiana. He is in the prime of vigorous manhood, possesses genial manners and superior scholarship and his practical experience in educa- tional work from country schools to city superintendency bespeak for him a future of distinguished efficiency in his chosen field of endeavor.
Professor Haseman is a Democrat in politics, and while ever interested and thoroughly informed on the leading questions and issues before the people, he is not a politician nor an aspirant for public honors. He holds membership with Lodge No. 637, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, aad Unity Eagle Encampment, No. 222.
CYRUS L. SLINKARD.
Prominent among the enterprising business men of Bloomfield is Cyrus L. Slinkard, whose connection with one of the largest industrial aggregations in this part of the state has brought him into wide publicity and given him a reputation in business circles second to few of his contemporaries. Mr. Slinkard is a native of Greene coun- ty. Indiana, and the son of John F. and Caroline ( Wil- liamson) Slinkard. He was born October 27. 1881. in Bloomfield, received a practical education in the city
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schools and at the age of seventeen prepared himself for business life by taking a full course in the Vories Commer- cial College. Indianapolis, immediately after which he accepted the position of bookkeeper with a large hard- ware firm of that city. Severing his connection with this house at the end of one and a half years, he came to Bloomfield, where during the ensuing two years he held various clerical positions, and at the expiration of that period entered the employ of the Summit Coal and Min- ing Company, with which he is still identified, represent- ing the company as traveling salesman with the states of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan as his territory. He is also interested in the company as stockholder and since accepting the responsible position he now holds has done much to advertise the name and fame of his firm and give it a reputation among the leading enterprises of the kind in the country. Mr. Slinkard is a wide-awake, enterprising business man of progressive ideas, practical in his views, and not only takes advantage of opportunities which tend to his advantage, but in the absence of such opportunities possesses the ability and tact to create them. His wide ex- perience on the road and his intercourse with the lead- ing business men throughout the country have tended to broaden his vision and give him large views of life and its responsibilities, consequently there is nothing nar- row or illiberal in his nature, but on the contrary his re- lations with the world have enabled him to take advanced grounds on all matters of a business or social character and to award to every man, however humble, the credit which is manifestly his due.
Mr. Slinkard was married November 18. 1903. to
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Ella Neal, daughter of Henry T. Neal. Mrs. Slinkard was born at Jasonville, Indiana, on the 30th of March. 1878, and has presented her husband with one child, Lee, whose birth occurred in Bloomfield February 8, 1906.
In addition to his interests in the Summit Coal and Mining Company Mr. Slinkard is also a director and stockholder in the Bloomfield State Bank, and has de- voted considerable attention to the affairs of this de- servedly popular institution. He is public-spirited to the extent of encouraging all laudable enterprises which make for the material advancement of the city of his residence, manifests a lively regard for the moral improvement of his fellow men and discharges the duties of citizenship as becomes a true American of the period in which he lives. In politics he supports the principles and candidates of the Democratic party and in religion belongs to the Luth- eran church.
Mr. and Mrs. Slinkard occupy a beautiful and com- modious modern home in South Seminary street, which he erected in 1907 and which is conceded to be one of the most pleasant and attractive private residences in the city.
CHARLES OLGU'S.
Endowed with those admirable qualities of charac- ter requitie to a successful and well-balanced life, Charles Olgus, of Linton, ranks among the progressive and in- fluential young business men of his city.
Mr. Olgus has been associated with the well known
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firm of J. W. Wolford & Company for the past eighteen years, and for the past ten years has been a member of the firm. His affable personality, his painstaking care and conscientious regard for the comfort and welfare of his customers has enabled him to hold the friendship and trade of his large circle of acquaintances.
Mr. Olgus was born in Grant township. Greene coun- ty. Indiana, September 10, 1871, being the only son of William and Lucinda (Reigle) Olgus, the former being a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was born in the year 1824, and the latter a native of the state of Penn- sylvania, being born March 4, 1830. The mother died on February 18. 1884. and the father June 20, 1890. The mother had been previously married to Mr. Funk. who died November 3. 1853. William Olgus migrated t America when a young man, settling on a farm in Grant township, where he lived all his life, following the occu- pation of a tiller of the soil.
The children of this marriage, which was solemnized October 4. 1855. numbered seven, named as follows: Mary, born October 26. 1856, deceased: Rosetta, born April 5. 1860, wife of Peter Shaw, of Brazil: Esther. born December II, 1861, wife of I. M. Wines, Midland. Indiana ; William H., born September 18. 1864, deceased : Margaret, born November 30, 1866, wife of James Wake- field, Stockton township: Cynthia, born June 17. 1869. widow of Will Wolford, and Charles, the subject of this review.
Charles Olgus attended the city schools of Linton and entered the mercantile house of J. W. Wolford & Company, at an early age, working himself up from a clerkship to one of the proprietors of the business.
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Mr. Olgus was married February 19, 1902, to Jennie Rector, an estimable young lady, of Linton. Mrs. Ol- gus departed this life March 6, 1906. Two children (twins) survive. These were born February 28, 1906, and are named Charles Bishop and Jesse Loran.
Mr. Olgus is one of the most progressive as well as one of the most popular young business men of Linton. He is a member of the Elks and prominent in the best social circles of the city.
WILLIAM LEHMAN.
A high-minded citizen and substantial business man of Linton is the subject, William Lehman, dealer and manufacturer of lumber. Long prominently identified with the growth of the city from an obscure village to its present size and importance, he is a man who com- mands the undivided respect of the entire community. Straightforward in his business methods, benevolent in his daily associations and courageous in all matters af- fecting public welfare, he is man universally admired and esteemed by his fellow men. Mr. Lehman was born in Wayne county, Ohio, November 2, 1847, the son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Devin) Lehman, natives of Penn- sylvania, and both of German ancestry. He is one of seven children. five of whom are living. The children were as follows: Maria Flannigan, deceased : Catherina, making her home with Walter Warren, near Bloomfield ;
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Jane, widow of Mr. Viquesuey, of Spencer, Indiana, and Simon Lehman, a substantial citizen of Bloomfield : Henry Lehman, killed at the famous battle of Stone River, during the Civil war, and Peter Lehman, a pros- perous citizen of Owensburg. Indiana.
Henry Lehman came to Greene county about 1853 and located on a farm north of Bloomfield. He fol- lowed agricultural pursuits all his life. He died about 1880, at the age of seventy-five. The mother died about five years ago at the home of Mrs. Flannigan, at Bloom- field, at the advanced age of ninety-three. The longevity of this good couple is a silent testimonial to the purity of their lives and their exemplary mode of living.
William Lehman, the subject of this review, worked with his father until twenty years of age, and then as- sisted his brother Simon in the cabinet business at Bloom- field. He was married in 1870 to Mary Hartzell, daugh- ter of George Hartzell, a well-known citizen of Bloon- field. The names of this interesting family are as fol- lows: Stella V., the second in order of birth: Wil- lie. deceased : Charley. Lloyd, Grace. Nellie, the wife of Roy Baker, of Indianapolis ; Ray, Roy and Earl. Mr. Lehman removed to Jasonville, Indiana, after marriage and engaged in the cabinet making business, but remained only a short time, going back to Bloomfield and resum- ing work with his brother Simon, where he remained for five or six years. Mr. Lehman came to Linton about 1879. His first business enterprise was to again go into the cabinet making business. He gradually went to con- tracting and from this he went into the lumber business. He has been in the lumber business here for over twenty
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years, and is perhaps the leading lumber merchant of the county. He sold the first piece of lumber ever sold in Linton. His establishment is situated near the Illi- nois Central Depot, and occupies an entire block. The plant is equipped with the most improved machinery and does an extensive business.
Mr. Lehman is an enthusiastic Republican, and was his party's nominee for township trustee a few years ago, but went down in defeat with the rest of the ticket, though making an exceptional fight against great odds.
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