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The Century Publishing & Engraving Co Chicago
Chubb - Füller
345
BIOGRAPHY OF INDIANA.
EDWIN CHUBB-FULLER.
E. Chubb-Fuller, owner and publish- er of the Agricultural Epitomist of Indianapolis, Indiana, was born on Christmas day, 1859, at Grand Hav- en, Michigan. His father, who died during the Civil War, was Hen- ry 1. Chubb, a banker of Grand Haven, of remote English deseent, and a native of Gaines, Orleans county, New York, where the family have lived for many generations. His mother was Violette Scott Chubb, of Scotch-Irish descent- a Daughter of the Revolution-whose an- cestry goes back to one of the Revolu- tionary heroes, Moses Scott of Connecti- eut. Her father was James P. Scott, one of the partners of John Jacob Astor in the fur business of the Northwest. Just before the great Chicago fire, she was married to Mr. Fuller, the children also taking his name, and the family moved to Chicago. The subject of this sketch spent some early years on the ancestral farm in New York State, afterward at- tending the common schools of Grand Haven and Chicago, where the horrors of that terrible catastrophe, which almost completely wiped out the great city, made an indelible impression on the young lad's mind. As a hoy, he entered the business department of the Daily News, at that time a young and struggling independent paper, established soon after the Chicago fire. He early developed an aptitude for newspaper work, and, after passing through various grades of promotion, he
made a connection with the Orange Judd Farmer, and ever since has been asso- ciated, in all the various capacities of newspaper work, with the Eastern and Western Agricultural press. Coming to Indianapolis in 1892, he has since been more fully identified with the agricultur- al interests of Indiana, buying the Agri- cultural Epitomist and organizing the Epitomist Publishing Company, of which he has been president and manager from the start. It can be said truly of Mr. E. Chubb-Fuller, he is a born newspaper man. His indomitable energy and avidity for work, his alertness, quickness of per- ception and his decision of character have combined to make him one of the lead- ing spirits in the field of agricultural journalism. His principle of activity, which he is constantly urging upon his associates, is, "dig up something to ben- efit the farmer." A prominent newspaper man said this of E. Chubb-Fuller some years ago: "It is a matter of common observation that where a notable success is achieved some peculiarly adapted man is behind it all. Search where you will for an extensive business, and the eause will almost invariably be found in the energetic mind of one person. Pro- nounced success in business, as in war, depends upon that generalship which not only has the genius to originate, organ- ize, and strike, but the capacity to pick ont talent for all departments of detail. Why! I can do more all round business with Chubb-Fuller, of the Epitomist, in five minutes, than with most men in his
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BIOGRAPHY OF INDIANA.
line in two hours, and it is always right and no strings to it! He's a born ex- pert in his business, and his paper is bound to head the list if there is any- thing in hard work and true merit." One of the vital elements of E. Chubb-Fuller's character, for which he is noted from Maine to California among newspaper men, is his fearless eagerness to fight for a principle, no matter how slight the principle nor how big the fight. His closest friends ascribe this fighting ten- dency to his "Indian blood," derived from his maternal grandmother, in which he seems to take greater pride, if possible, than in the blood of his Revolutionary an- cestry. Mr. E. Chubb-Fuller is a mem- ber of the Columbia Club of Indianapolis and the Athletic Association of Chicago, and is a Freemason. He resides at his lovely home on North Pennsylvania street, Indianapolis.
GEORGE BROWN.
The power and position of the United States has been developed rapidly and grandly. All nations now recognize and applaud the heroism and . accomplish- ments of the American army and navy, and respect the flag that is an emblem of the highest type of civilization, and a refuge for the deserving of every condi- tion, who, under oppression, gather un- der its folds. Soldiers and sailors, trust- ed and honored by their country, have carried the stars and stripes forward and
upward and planted them safely where they signal the spirit and purpose of the Nation. To those who have been at the front in the battles which have been won, and the forward march of civiliza- tion made possible, a grateful people give due honor and respect. The purpose of this sketch is to let the pages of this volume briefly record the life of one who by patriotic service and a noble man- hood, acted well his part in making the Nation's history. Admiral George Brown was born at Rushville, Indiana, June 19, 1835. He is the son of Hon. William J. Brown, a native of Kentucky, who, when quite a young man, made Indiana his adopted State, and has shared largely its honors and in its prosperity. He became a lawyer of eminence at the bar, a pub- lic spirited citizen, and a leader at the front of the Democratic party in State and National politics. He served his dis- trict two terms in Congress, filled the office of Secretary of State, and was made assistant Postmaster General under the administration of President Polk. He married Miss Susan Tompkins of Ken- tucky, a descendant of the distinguished New York family of that name. The son George, entered the service of his coun- try on February 5, 1849, when less than fourteen years of age, and three years younger than any of his classmates. At the time of his entry, Annapolis was the rendezvous for young men who entered the navy, rather than the location of a naval academy. It had a primary school of instruction to which meritorious ap-
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BIOGRAPHY OF INDELN.A.
plicants were nominated by Congressmen, I discipline, but he never faltered in his but not the academy that it now has. It was on shipboard that the embryo officer was required to study. Education and training were thorough and practical. But then, as now, the germ of distinction was necessary to develop the efficient offi- cer. George Brown's love of literature that recited the heroism and adventure of great naval commanders indicated the bent of his mind; and, although he had never seen a full rigged ship, when, one day on his way to school, in Washington, the question, "Would you like to go into the navy, my son?" came to him, there was no hesitation in the emphatic an- swer, "Yes, I would," which surprised the father. The inquiry was suggested by the sight of a midshipman in uniform, to which the boy's attention was directed, and the wish that he might rightfully wear it was expressed. William J. Brown was then assistant Postmaster General. Hon. Joseph E. M.Donald represented the Crawfordsville district in Congress, and had an appointment to the Naval School at his disposal. Circumstances so fortui- tous paved the way for easy access to the coveted position, and in less than twenty-four hours after the ques- tion was presented, the appointment was unhesitatingly and gladly prom- ised and promptly made. The stay at Annapolis was short. Within a few hours after entering the school, he was attached to the "Cumberland" of the Mediterranean squadron. Here he en- tered a life of exacting duties and rigid
purpose. Two years passed away before his first return to home and native land. No words of regret or complaint ever passed his lips or clouded his let- ters. In 1856, he had passed from midshipman to master, and from mas- ter to lieutenant-the latter rank- ing in the navy with a captaincy in the army-before he had reached his majority. He served in the Brazilian and AAfrican squadrons until 1860, when he was ordered to special duty on the steam sloop "Powhattan," and transferred in 1861 to the gunboat "Octarora," the flag ship of Commodore Porter's mortar-boat flotilla. He shared the dangers and the honors of ascending the Mississippi nn- der Farragut, and the attack on Vicks- burg in June, 1862. He was commended in the official report for his bravery. When secession threatened the Union and many brave seamen and soldiers hesi- tated in their allegiance, Lieutenant Brown, with characteristic promptness and determination, wrote to his mother: "When I entered the service as a boy, I dedicated my life to my country, and to her service my life is now given." it has ever been to him a cause for just pride that his ship fired the first shots on the enemy at Pensacola, and in turn received the first shots from the foe. While the storm was gathering he was stationed off Vera Cruz. On July 16, 1862, he was promoted to lieutenant com- mander, and placed in charge of the iron- clad "Indianola" of the Mississippi
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BIOGRAPHY OF INDLINA.
squadron. After passing the batteries at Vicksburg and Warrenton, unharmed, an engagement took place near Upper Pal- myra, in which the "Indianola" and its brave officers and crew, were confronted by a force of four Confederate gun- boats, manned by a thousand strong. Battle was bravely accepted, in which Commander Brown was severely wound- ed, and his ship battered into a sinking condition. Surrender was inevitable. Offi- vers and crew were made prisoners and held several months. When exchanged, a new assignment placed the "Itasca" in his charge. He commanded that vessel in the west gulf blockading squadron, and at Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864, and the iron-clad "Cincinnati" in the naval opera- tions against the Confederate fort and de- fense of Mobile in March and April, 1865. His promotion to commander came to him July 26, 1866, when stationed at the Washington navy yard; and while there, he was granted leave of absence to serve as agent of the Japanese government, and April 25, 1877, he was commissioned cap- tain. In September, 1887, he was pro- moted to commodore and commanded the Pacific station from 1890 to '93. He was granted leave of absence in January, 1893, which he kept until commissioned rear admiral and placed in command of the United States navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia. He retired from the service June 19, 1897, after serving his country nearly half a century, without having at any time during his long service received a reprimand or censure from a superior
officer. Ile was ever loyal to his super- iors, considerate to his subordinates, and faithful at all times and in all places to country and duty. On October 4, 1871, he married Miss Kate Morris, a highly ac- complished lady of Indianapolis. Two sons were born to them, and the eldest, George, Jr., is now a paymaster in the navy. Since his retirement he enjoys the pleasures of a delightful home in Wood- ruff Place, Indianapolis, and the respect- ful consideration of publie men who hon- or him for the service he has rendered. The citizens of Indianapolis remember that the navy in all its brilliant achieve- ments is the reflection of individual bril- lianey and bravery by which men gain honor and distinction. The achievements of their esteemed citizen-sailor are their just pride, and the respect shown him is his well earned tribute.
WINFIELD T. DURBIN.
Winfield Taylor Durbin was born at Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, Indi- ana, May 4, 1847, the son of William S. and Eliza A. (Sparks) Durbin. His father, William S. Durbin, was a native of Kentucky. He came to Indiana while a youth and settled at Brookville, where he served an apprenticeship as a tanner. He pursued this vocation both at Law- renceburg and at New Philadelphia in Washington county. He located at the latter place in 1850, removing in 1874 to New Albany, where he died in 1891 at the age of eighty-five. He was a devout
The Century Publishing & Engraving Co. Chicago:
Winfielb & Durbin
349
BIOGRAPHY OF INDIANA.
member of the Methodist church, and was a brother of Rev. John Price Durbin, the eminent Methodist preacher, who devoted a great part of his life to foreign mission- ary work, serving for years as secretary of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal church. William S. Durbin had the distinction of rearing seven sons, six of whom served in the Union army, the seventh only being prevented from joining the ranks with his brothers by the fact that he was engaged in steam- boating in the South before the war, and for a long time afterward. Winfield, the youngest of this family of stalwarts, was
raised in New Philadelphia, obtaining in the common schools of that village, a meager education. In the summer of 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but owing
to an injury to his left hand and arm,
he was disabled and did not join his regi- ment at Camp Morton until October of the same year. He was then refused mus-
ter on account of his injury, but insisted
upon accompanying his regiment.
He
participated in the investment in the rear of Vicksburg, and also the battle of Ar- kansas Post. Upon the expedition np the
Yazoo river, Mr. Durbin contracted an ill-
ness and was compelled to return home in 1863. He was not discharged, simply
from the fact that he had not been mus-
tered. The following spring he assisted
and Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer In- in organizing Company K, One Hundred
fantry, refusing a commission, as he pre- ferred to serve in the ranks. This regi-
ment was assigned to guard duty along the Nashville Railroad in Kentucky. In the autumn of 1864 the regiment was mus- tered out, and Mr. Durbin returned to his home in New Philadelphia, where his time was amply occupied in teaching school and in working at the tanner's trade with his father. In Mr. Durbin's own phraseology, "he tanned salt hides in the summer and fresh hides in the win- ter." As part of his pay as teacher, he had the pleasant experience of "boarding round." In October, 1869, he went to Indianapolis and entered the employ of Murphy, Johnston & Co., jobbers of dry goods. During his ten years' service with them, he had charge of the firm's office for eight years. It was in 1879 that he re- moved to Anderson, Indiana, and became a member of the firm of N. C. McCul- longh & Co., operating the Citizens' Bank, which had been organized in 1855 by the late Neal C. McCullough under its pres- ent name. In 1879 Mr. Durbin and Mr. C. K. McCullough were admitted as part- ners, the Citizens' Bank afterward con- solidating with the Madison County Bank, retaining, however, the former name. Mr. Durbin's adaptability to his new vocation, may be judged by the fact that he now owns the largest interest in it. It is not a corporation, but a banking firm. Other business connections of his are as follows: vice-president of J. W. Sefton Manufacturing Company, makers of wooden ware and paper novelties; pres- ident of the Anderson foundry and ma- chine works; treasurer and general mana-
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BIOGRAPHY OF INDIANA.
ger of the Diamond Paper Company; and a member of the firm of Buck, Brickly & Company, druggists, all of Anderson. Mr. Durbin's society connections are: Past Commander of Major May Post, G. A. R .; Past Commander of Anderson Command- ery, No. 32, K. T .; Past Grand Command- er of Knights Templars of Indiana. He is also a thirty-second degree Mason, and is elected to receive the thirty-third de- gree. Mr. Durbin's activity is not wholly confined to business matters. He is an active and zealous member of the Metho- dist church, and is heartily interested in its welfare. He is widely identified with the charities and benefactions of this church, and locally has done much for it, having in 1897 presented to it, the beau- tiful building in Hazelwood, known as the Madison Avenue Chapel. As a staunch Republican, Mr. Dur- bin has won great distinction. His interest in politics dates from the time when General Gresham ran against M. C. Kerr in the old Third Dis- trict. He is one of the disinterested ones, however, who has not an office in view to whet his political zeal. Mr. Durbin gives his services to his party; he often says that he has never sought an office, never held one, and would not know what to do with one. He was chairman of the State Executive Committee for six years. He is the Indiana member of the Repub- lican National Committee, and at the ear- nest solicitation of Chairman Hanna, be- came a member of his executive commit- tee in Chicago in the campaign of 1896.
During that great and exciting campaign -the only one which approaches in in- terest the historical one of 1840-Indiana and Michigan were regarded as the bat- tle-field. Mr. Durbin was given charge of these States, and his success in bringing about the desired result, is still vividly remembered. Immediately after the elec- tion he notified Mr. Mckinley that he would, under no circumstances, accept any office. In 1888 he was a Presidential elector, and a delegate to the National Convention in 1892 which renominated President Harrison. He was honored by this convention with the chairmanship of the committee which was sent to White Plains, New York, to notify White- law Reid officially of his nomination for the Vice-presidency. He was also dele- gate to the St. Louis convention in 1896. Mr. Durbin's reason for not accepting of- fice has been that he preferred to devote himself to business. This devotion has resulted in great success to him as a. financier. As a liberal and progressive citizen, his Anderson friends are always glad to bear witness. A leading financier and business man of Indianapolis, who has known Mr. Durbin intimately for many years, says of him: "Mr. Durbin's success as a banker, financier and busi- ness man, may be attributed to the fol- lowing characteristics: First,-a most genial personality that at once inspires the confidence of his fellow men. These first impressions being favorable, are strengthened by longer acquaintance. Second,-though outwardly affable and
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BIOGRAPHY OF INDIAN.A.
agreeable in business matters, the glove of politeness conceals a strong hand. man of the staunchest integrity himself, he is quick to discern sham and hypocrisy in others. Third,-as a banker, he is quick to see a financial point and has the ability to apply his knowledge of men; he can size up a man quickly and deter- mine whether he is worthy of confidence. Fourth,-in politics, though a good 'mix- er,' he keeps very close counsel. He can draw out the 'other fellow' without dis- closing his own plans and opinions; this is his strong point in politics." One of the leading bankers of the State says of him: "Mr. Durbin has one characteristic very essential to a banker-he decides quickly and is very firm when he reaches a conclusion. 1 consider him a man of excellent judgment and of good counsel in financial, political and church mat- ters." Mr. Durbin's excellence as a citi- zen of Anderson has been attested in no way more creditably than in his interest in the public schools of that city. a member of the school board he ever held advanced ideas, working constantly for the erection of modern and sanitary buildings in the different wards. In 1898 he was appointed paymaster of the Indi- ana National Guard by Gov. Mount, with the rank of Colonel, and paid the State troops when they left Camp Mount for the front on the breaking out of the war with Spain. June 18, 1898, Colonel Dur- bin was requested by Governor Mount to command the regiment to be formed and to be known as the 161st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry-the only white or- ganization of volunteers from Indiana, the others being of the National Guard- and assumed command of Camp Mount, Indianapolis, June 24. From an article published in "The Pen Magazine," while the regiment was at Camp Mount, we quote the following:
"The One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers, now awaiting orders at Camp Mount, Indianapolis, rejoices in being un- der the command of Colonel Winfield T. Durbin, of Anderson, formerly colonel on the staff of Governor Mount. If it be asked why 'the boys' rejoice in having such a man as Colonel Durbin at their head, the best answer is given by asking, what do the men of the One
Hundred and Sixty-first and what do they look for in their col- onel? Every soldier, no matter how dull of comprehension, or how ignorant he may be, appreciates in his commanding officer those qualities which distinguish the man and the real soldier-bravery, executiveness, firmness, considerateness and dignity, without stiffness. These and other commendable qualities shine forth so conspicuously in the character of the colonel of the One Hundred and Sixty-first, that there is not a man of the nearly 1,600 men in camp, who is not cognizant of this fact, and who is not proud of his colonel, and proud that he is under his command. June 18 last, a dispatch from Governor Mount brought Colonel Durbin to Indianapolis, where the command of the One Hundred and Sixty-first regiment was tendered him. Not only did the Colonel not seek the appointment, but on the con- trary he was urged to accept it for the good of the regiment, for the good of the cause, and through the patriotism that has always characterized him as a citizen. Ile did accept with the full knowledge of the labors and requirements of the position, and is now, not a pen-and- ink colonel, but a real officer of the
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BIOGRAPHY OF INDIANA.
United States Army, in effect a brigadier general, for he commands nearly 1,600 men, who are well drilled and impatient for the fray. From being one of the own- ers of the Citizens' Bank of Anderson, performing the pleasant duties which were his to perform as such, to the col- oneley of a regiment ready for the field and liable to be called to the front at any moment, is quite a step in the way of change and greater responsibility. No one realizes the change better than does Col- onel Durbin, and no man could meet the responsibility with sterner resolve or with manlier bearing than does he. Self- possessed, business-like and calm, he commands his camp and orders all things connected therewith, never forgetting that the citizen and the real gentleman are not incompatible with the true sol- dier and the patriot."
After organization and thorough drill the regiment moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and became a part of the Seventh Army Corps. Early it developed that the regiment was an unusually strong one, and it soon received favorable mention on all sides. Of the camp at Jacksonville, the Secretary of War re- marked to Colonel Durbin as he walked through the camp, "This is a revela- tion," and later when reviewing the regi- ment, remarked in public, "That is the finest regiment I ever saw." This remark was repeated later on, after again review- ing the regiment in Cuba. Under the ad- ministration of the commanding officers, a remarkable health record was main- tained. The camps of the regiment, wherever established, were always neat and tidy, and the sanitation perfect. The organization removed from Jacksonville to Savannah, preparatory to embarking for Havana, which point it reached De-
cember 15, 1898. The regiment estab- lished camp near Quemado, eight miles from Havana, where it remained until March 29, 1899, when it returned to Sa- vannah, Georgia, to be mustered out of the service April 30. While in the serv- ice Colonel Durbin commanded a brigade upon several occasions. He always mani- fested unusual interest in the care and welfare of his men, and thereby won their esteem, as is evidenced by the resolutions passed and a souvenir of his service in the form of a magnificent sword pre- sented to him. Few commanding officers stood higher in the service than Colonel Durbin. No regiment was so widely and favorably known as the One Hun- dred and Sixty-first Indiana, and President Mckinley invited them to return home via Washington. Mr. Durbin was married October 6, 1875, to Miss Bertha Mccullough, daughter of the late Neal C. Mccullough of Ander- son. Mrs. Durbin was a native of Madi- son county, and a graduate of Oxford (Ohio) Female College. They have but one child, Fletcher M., whom, as a com- pliment to Colonel Durbin, Governor Mount commissioned an officer in his father's regiment. Their daughter, Marie, died in 1893 at the age of eleven years.
RANALD T. McDONALD.
Ranald Trevor MeDonald was born June 24, 1849, in Allegheny City, Penn- sylvania. His parents, James B. and Mar-
T
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BIOGRAPHY OF INDIANA.
garet (Morrison) McDonald, were of Am- erican birth but of Scottish descent. The family removed to Fort Wayne early in the fifties, and, the boy received his edu- cation in the common schools of that city, and there spent his life. He began his business career selling papers on the street, filled with the stirring news of the Civil War. Before the war was over he was in the army helping to make the news. At its close he entered the whole- sale dry-goods store of 1. S. Evans, to be first a clerk, then a traveling salesman, then a partner in the firm of Evans, Me- Donald & Co., jobbers in dry goods and manufacturers of overalls. In 1881 Jas. A. Jenney came to Fort Wayne with an electric are lamp and a little dynamo barely large enough to run it. Evans, McDonald & Co. had a small engine which they used to run the sewing machines in their overall factory. Mr. Jenney ob- tained permission to set up his dynamo and lamp in their store and operate them from their engine. This was the turning point in Mr. MeDonald's career. At that time the only electric lights burning in Indiana were four Brush arc lamps lo- cated in the tower of the court-house in the city of Wabash. With prophetic fore- sight, Mr. MeDonald saw at a glance the boundless possibilities of business which electricity opened up. He at once inter- ested a few friends in the enterprise, and with them organized the Fort Wayne Electric Light Company. He was treas- urer, general manager and chief salesman of the company for several years and its
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