USA > Indiana > Vigo County > Terre Haute > Greater Terre Haute and Vigo County : closing the first century's history of city and county, showing the growth of their people, industries and wealth > Part 14
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The paternal grandfather, Jeremiah Beal, was for many years an extensive real estate dealer and trader of Terre Haute. He was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, on March 5. 1807, son of Samuel and Nancy (Garner) Beal, both of whom were natives of that state, the former born in 1770. In 1812 Jeremiah Beal, then five years of age, was taken by his parents from Virginia to Blount county, Tennessee, and later five of the sons removed thence to White county, that state, and thence to Jackson county. The grandfather lived in the county, last named until 1827. then marrying Rebecca Fuqua, daughter William Fuqua, of Ten- nessee, and settling in Vigo county. Later he moved across the line into Parke county, walking to Crawfordsville, a distance of forty miles, to make his entry of the forty acres which he there took up. Eventually he collected several hundred acres of fine land in that county, which he sold in 1859, after which he located in Terre Haute and engaged in business as a real estate dealer and general trader. Later he bought a inill at Kankakee, Illinois, but sold the property after a year, and has since confined himself to investments in Terre Haute. Jeremiah Beal volunteered for service in the Mexican war, but was rejected on account of a disabled wrist. His father (the great-grandfather of Fred W.) was a soldier in the war of 1812, one of his sons, served in the Civil war, and one of them served as commissioner of Vigo county for one term,
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so that the Beal family through a variety of long-standing associations is intimately identified with the history of Vigo county.
Mark Beal, the father, for years a leading farmer and stock grower of the county, was born in Parke county, Indiana, on the 5th of October, 1844, and in that section he was reared and educated. He was also mar- ried in Parke county, on November 25, 1865, to Margaret A. Bailor, born in 1846, and a daughter of George and Lydia (Overpeck) Bailor, both of German descent. They became the parents of Nettie F., Fred W., and Elizabeth M., their residence in Vigo dating from 1870, when they founded the family homestead in Otter Creek township. They now live in Terre Haute, where the father devotes his time to the handling of real estate and his farming interests. Nettie F. is the wife of Oscar Creal, a leading farmer of Otter Creek township. Elizabeth M. is a graduate of the State Normal and was a supervisor of the city schools for four years, and is now connected with the public schools of Pasadena, California.
ROBERT H. CATLIN .- A leading member of the Terre Haute bar, Robert H. Catlin is a native of Parke county, Indiana, born on the 12th of October, 1856, son of Hiram and Hanna ( Elson) Catlin, natives respec- tively of Indiana and Ohio. The father is of English origin, and the mother of Swedish.
Our subject was born and reared on the home farm in Parke county, his educational advantages consisting of attendance at the common schools, the Bloomingdale Academy and the DePauw University. He studied law with Judge A. F. White, of Rockville, was admitted to the bar in 1879, and, after teaching for two years, began the practice of his profession in Parke county. In 1880 he located in Terre Haute, where he has since resided, a recognized leader of the local bar. He has been active and prominent in politics, and has gained a national reputa- tion as an orator, having been an influential figure in several presiden- tial campaigns.
In 1879 Mr. Catlin was married in Sullivan county, Indiana, to Miss Letitia R., daughter of Mesha H. and Delphia (Davis) Eaton, and is of English and German descent. Two children have been born to them, Ione and Madge.
JAMES H. CALDWELL is actively connected with the profession which has important bearing upon the welfare and stable prosperity of any section or community and has long been considered as conserving the public interests by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining indi- vidual rights. In no profession does advancement depend more entirely upon individual merit and unfaltering, effort, and that Mr. Caldwell is
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now recognized as an able lawyer is due to his possession of those quali- ties. He was born in Charleston, Clark county, Indiana, December 28, 1863, his parents being William and Sarah (Richardson) Caldwell, both of whom were natives of Clark county. The father's birth occurred in Charleston in 1831, while the mother was born at Henryville, in 1837. In the year 1888 the family removed to Vigo county, settling on a farm near Pimento, where William Caldwell carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death. He passed away in 1903, since which time his widow has made her home with her son James.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for James H. Caldwell in his boyhood and youth. He at- tended the common schools and worked in the fields, but thinking to find other pursuits more congenial than those of the farm he removed to Terre Haute in 1882 and accepted a position in the grocery store of W. W. Cliver. He there remained for a year, when, realizing the import- ance and value of further educational training, he entered the Indiana State Normal School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1888. He afterward spent two years as a student in the Indiana Uni- versity at Bloomington, subsequent to which time he resumed farming and devoted a few years to that occupation. It was his ambition, how- ever, to become a representative of the learned professions and to this end he read law prior to his admission to the bar on the Ist of January, 1892. Opening an office in Terre Haute he at once began practice and for two years was junior member of the firm of Price & Caldwell. Since that time he has been alone and his success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court, and he seems almost to place a correct valuation upon the importance of every point bearing upon his case.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Caldwell was married to Miss Cora Alice Alexander, who was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, a daughter of William B. and Louisa Alexander. Their marriage has been blessed with a daughter and two sons, Leona A., Richard A. and James D. Fraternally Mr. Caldwell is connected with both the subordinate lodge and Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias and also holds membership with the United American Mechanics, the Loyal Legion of America and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. His entire life has been passed in this state, and for twenty years he has been a resident of Vigo county, where he is well known, and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from the early period of his residence here is an indication that his has been an honorable and well spent life.
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DANIEL NICHOLDS DAVIS is one of the well known and popular resi- dents of Terre Haute. Entirely approachable and in manner genial and affable, he has an extensive circle of friends, and not to know "Dan" Davis in Terre Haute is to argue one's self unknown. From a humble position he has gradually worked his way upward in the business world until he is now at the head of an extensive and profitable enterprise as president of the Dan Davis Coal Company. He is a native of Wales, his birth having occurred September 7, 1851, at Victoria, Monmouthshire. The original spelling of the family name was Davies, but on account of mispronunciation the present orthography was adopted by William G. Davis, the father of Daniel N., in December, 1868, while the family was residing in Youngstown, Ohio. William Gabriel Davis and his wife, Mrs. Jane (Thomas) Davis, were both natives of Monmouthshire, Wales, the former born at Tredgar on the 7th of June, 1827, the latter at Beau- fort, August 6, 1829. The paternal grandparents were Daniel Gomer and Mary ( Lloyd) Davies, who spent their entire lives in their native city, Victoria, Wales. The maternal grandparents were John Henry and Jane Thomas, both natives of Beaufort, Monmouthshire, where the former died, while the latter, coming to America, spent her last days in Youngstown, Ohio. The marriage of William Gabriel Davis and Jane Thomas was solemnized on the 30th of September, 1850, in the parish church at Bedwelty, in County Monmouthshire, and of this marriage there have been thirteen children, as follows: Daniel Nicholds, the subject of this review ; Joseph Henry, who was born at Victoria, May 13. 1853, and died in infancy: Mary, who was born February 26, 1855. at Blyna, Monmouthshire, Wales; Joseph Henry, the second of the name, who was born at Blyna, May 6, 1856, and passed away in Terre Haute on the Ioth of January, 1907: Charlotte, who was born at Blyna. November 14, 1857 ; Thomas Winfield, who was born August 26, 1859. at South Bank Terrace, Yorkshire, England; Gabriel Evan, who was also born at South Bank Terrace, January 5, 1861: William Gomer, also a native of that place, his natal day being December 13, 1862; Eliza- beth, who was born at Newport-on-Tees. Yorkshire, February 25, 1865: Evan, who was born at Middlesborough, Yorkshire, March 10, 1866, and who died in infancy; Hester, who was born August 15, 1867, at Youngstown, Ohio, and died in infancy; Gwilym Gwent, who was born in Terre Haute, August 11, 1871, and also died in infancy, and John Lloyd, who was born in Terre Haute, February 24, 1873.
William G. Davis, the father, was by trade a roller and refiner of iron and became an expert in that line. He learned the trade in Wales and followed it in that country and at different points in England until 1866, when, attracted by the broader 'business opportunities and the
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higher wages paid in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating at Youngstown, Ohio, where he was employed in the iron mills. In 1868 he came to Terre Haute, and it was Mr. Davis who rolled the first bar of iron produced in this city, at what is now remembered as the first rolling mills-an enterprise which has passed out of existence. His life was one of untiring activity and diligence and his example in this respect may well be followed by those who wish to attain success. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Odd Fellows Society and the Methodist Episcopal church, and was true to the beneficent, fraternal and moral teachings of all. He died in Terre Haute, December 13. 1898. while his widow passed away in this city, March 22, 1907. Both were highly esteemed by all who knew them for their many sterling traits of character, which won for them a large ac- quaintance and the unqualified friendship of the majority of those with whom they came in contact. Both were very active and helpful in the work of the church and both possessed natural musical talents, being gifted as singers, in which connection they will long be remembered for the generous use to which they put their powers in that direction. The Terre Haute Gasette of December 15. 1898. commenting upon the de- mise of William Gabriel Davis, said: "All that was mortal of the late William G. Davis was laid to rest in beautiful Highland Lawn this aft- ernoon. His cheery presence will be sadly missed in business, social, church and musical circles-wherever men and women meet in the daily duties and higher pleasures of active life. The debt of gratitude that all the best there is in Terre Haute owe to this kindly gentleman, now gone from among us, and to his good wife, not only directly and per- sonally, but to them for their sons and daughters, who have inherited their genial personalities, and his personal gifts cannot well be over- estimated. It was a fortunate day for Terre Haute when he, who went to his long home today, came here to make this town his home. It is a better town for his coming and has been a happier one. His life was attuned to the harmonies that daily sang in his soul. Honor, love, obedience, troops of friends, all things that become old age, were his. His grandchildren in these later years were to his old age as the hopes and ambitions of his youth. His end. as was fitting, was as calm and peaceful as his life had been. A smile was on his dead lips as if he knew at last the universal hope had been realized and that the Master would lead him gently home." Following the demise of Mrs. Davis, the Terre Haute Spectator of April 6. 1907, said: "Amateur musicians have suffered irreparable loss in the death of Mrs. W. G. Davis, that rare spirit of enthusiasm and good will so familiar to every singer or player in the city. Her presence in the audience was an inspiration to the per-
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former, whether of little or much experience, and her hearty praise or hand-grasp, combined with her glowing face, has sent many an amateur home to renewed effort and higher aspirations. Of an intensely musical temperament and possessing a great love for humanity, no one was out- side of her interest. She was the first to encourage new enthusiasts in music, and she never deserted the old. The fine points in every perform- ance were quickly discovered by her and she doubled her pleasures by sharing them. She adored her children, but she had room in her heart for others who sang, and made them feel that they belonged to her. Choir singers will miss her expressive face in the congregation and the word of praise that was never forgotten at the close of the service. She was young. happy, hopeful and helpful to the end of her more than three score years and ten, her life one grand Te Deum, shedding its influence throughout the entire circle of her acquaintance. Great-hearted, generous, glorious in faith, she will long remain an inspiration in the hearts of those who knew her."
Daniel N. Davis, who is known as "Dan" to his many friends in Terre Haute, spent his boyhood days in this city, for in early childhood he was brought by his parents from the little rock-ribbed country of Wales to the new world, and after a brief period spent at Youngstown, Ohio, came to Indiana. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges in a general way, while his business training was obtained in Garvin's Commercial College and he entered business life as an employe in the old nail works, where he continued for a year. He then engaged in the retail grocery business at the corner of Seventh and Main streets, after which he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the old Wabash Iron Company. He remained with that concern for twenty-six years, and no higher testimonial of his efficiency and faithfulness could be given. In 1900 he engaged in the coal business, and meeting with success in this independent venture, in 1905 he incorporated the business under the name of the Dan Davis Coal Company, and has built up an extensive and profitable trade. His business career has been characterized by consec- utive advancement, resulting from close application, unwearied industry and commendable ambition.
Mr. Davis has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Emma Dodson, who was born September 23. 1855, at the corner of Fifth and Eagle streets, in this city. She died September 23, 1881, and on the 4th of March, 1883, Mr. Davis was married to Mrs. Maggie D. Strout, a native of Fairmount, West Virginia, born September 6, 1856. Their children are Anna C., the wife of R. P. Johnson, of Muncie, Indiana ; Paul Hyde and Charles S., who is secretary, and treasurer of the Dan Davis Coal Company, and is now residing in Muncie, Indiana.
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Mr. Davis is a valued and exemplary member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a vestryman of the Episcopal church. Inheriting the superior musical talent of his parents, he is himself a fine vocalist and has charge of the famous quartette of the Centenary Methodist Episcopal church. A lover of music, he has done much to promote musical culture in the city and occupies a most prominent place in both business and musical circles.
WILLIAM J. WHITE enjoys peculiar distinction as a prime factor in building operations in Terre Haute in the past few years. He entered upon his varied duties with admirable equipment and is a practical builder, carrying out his projects with such industry that he is credited with the erection of various substantial structures here, which are pleasing to the eye and have been erected with conscientious regard for real utility as well as attractiveness and architectural design. The high reputation which he has won in business circles assures him a liberal patronage and many fine edifices of Terre Haute stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise.
Mr. White was born on a farm three miles from Marshall, in Clark county, Illinois, on the 17th of March, 1860. His father, William J. White, Sr., was a native of Ross county, Ohio, born in 1826. The paternal grandfather. John White, was a native of Virginia, whence he removed to the Buckeye state, while in 1858 he became a resident of Clark county, Illinois, where the residue of his days was passed. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Knisely, and was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1833, a daughter of John Knisely, who was of German descent and lived to be ninety years of age, his death occurring in Ohio. It was in the year 1858 that Mr. and Mrs. William J. White, Sr., became residents of Clark county, Illinois, where the mother of our subject passed away in 1862. The father continued to follow farming in that county until 1888, when he removed to Terre Haute, where he spent the succeeding decade in honorable retirement from labor, being called to his final rest on the 22d of April. 1898.
William J. White, whose name introduces this review, was born on the farm and early became acquainted with the task of following the plow and the harrow, of planting the seed and of cultivating the crops until they were ripe for the harvest. He mastered the common branches of English learning as a district school student and on Thanksgiving day of 1885 he left the home farm and came to Terre Haute, where he has since resided. During his first winter here he was employed in the Terre Haute Car Works and in the succeeding spring he entered the employ of Daniel Herzel, one of the leading contractors of that day, with whom he con-
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tinued until the following July. He then began working with James Hook, who at that time was engaged on the construction of the wholesale coffee house on Sixth and Ohio streets for Joseph Strong. For two years he was connected with Mr. Hook, being employed during that period on the inside work of the Vigo county court house. In connection with Mr. Huber he did all of the work in the basement of the court house, includ- ing the placing of the machinery there. Mr. White next entered the shops of the Clift & Williams Company, with whom he continued for nine years, or until the firm passed out of existence. He then began contract- ing on his own account and has been very busy since that time. Some of his leading buildings in Terre Haute are the Herz dry goods store on Wabash, Phoenix Club House, the residence of E. P. Fairbanks, the resi- dence of Burtis McCormack and also the homes of Richard Strong, Daniel Fasig and many other structures in the north part of the city. Since completing the Herz building he has put in twelve new fronts on Wa- bash avenue, this being done in the winter of 1907-08. He also removed the vault and remodeled the McKeen National Bank in 1908, and also remodeled the Deming block on Wabash for the Siegel Dry Goods Com- pany. He now has the contract for the erection of the Odd Fellows tem- ple, which is in course of construction. All this indicates his superior skill and ability. He is himself an expert workman, and is therefore capable of directing the labors of others. He believes in using only the best materials, in employing good workmen and in always working to- ward an ideal standard in the personnel of his business, in the methods pursued and in the character of the service.
The lady who is now Mrs. White was formerly Mrs. Ella Abbott, nee Colter. She was born in Grayville, Illinois, and is a daughter of J. H. and Margaret Colter, the former still living. Mrs. White is a member of the Presbyterian church and presides with gracious hospitality over her pleasant home. Mr. White is identified with the various branches of the Odd Fellows society, including the subordinate lodge, the encamp- ment, Canton McKeen and the Rebekah lodge. He is also a past chan- cellor of Oriental Lodge, No. 81, Knights of Pythias, and of the Court of Honor. In social circles, as in business life, he enjoys an enviable reputation and has gained an eminent position, which is the public recog- nition of his genuine worth and admirable qualities.
JAMES B. MULLIKIN is a lawyer who in his professional career has made that steady advancement which results from hard work and an unfaltering devotion to the interests of clients. He began his life record in Johnson county. Indiana, on the Ist day of December, 1868. His parents, James M. and Nancy A. ( Kindle) Mullikin, were also natives of
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Johnson county, the former born in the year 1839 and the latter in 1841. The paternal grandfather, Harvey Mullikin, a native of Kentucky, made his way to Indiana, during the pioneer epoch in the history of the state. It was also during the early days that the maternal grandfather, Joseph Kindle, a native of Ohio, arrived in Johnson county. Both were agri- culturists. James M. Mullikin was also a farmer and removed with his family in 1878. to Rinard, Illinois, where both he and his wife still reside.
The environment and influences which surrounded James B. Mul- likin in his boyhood days were those of the home farin, and in the acquire- ment of an education he passed through the common and high schools and afterwards attended Franklin College, at Franklin, Indiana. After two years spent at the State Normal School, at Terre Haute, he began preparation for a life work in taking up the study of law in the office and under the direction of the firm of McNutt & McNutt, attorneys of this city. He was admitted to the bar April 21. 1891, and at once located for practice here. Advancement in law is proverbially slow, but gradually Mr. Mullikin demonstrated the possession of abilities entitling him to a liberal share of the public patronage and he now has a distinctively rep- resentative clientele, which he represents in the courts and in the manage- ment of their affairs.
Mr. Mullikin was married to Miss Elizabeth Higgins, who was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, a daughter of Michael Higgins, and they now have one son. Paul, thirteen years of age. The parents are prominent socially and Mr. Mullikin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Improved Order of Red Men.
SAMUEL K. DUVALL. senior partner of the firm of Duvall & Beal, has been an active member of the profession since 1891, when, follow- ing his graduation from the University of Michigan, he located for prac- tice in Terre Haute, where he has since remained. He was born on the home farm in Pearson township, Vigo county, July 26, 1861, his parents being Thomas and Lydia M. ( Lloyd) Duvall, both of whom were natives of Nelson county, Kentucky. The paternal grandfather was William Duvall. a native of South Carolina and of French Huguenot lineage. Removing westward in pioneer times, he became one of the first settlers of Nelson county, Kentucky, and assisted materially in its development and improvement through its formative period. The maternal grand- father was William Lloyd, who came from Kentucky to Sullivan county, Indiana, at a very early day and was here married to Louisiana Grable, a native of the Blue Grass state. After the death of her husband Mrs. Lloyd married Joseph Liston, who was a soldier of the War of 1812
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and for years acted as a scout all along the Wabash river valley in the employ of the United States government. Following his death, which occurred when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-three years, his widow, Mrs. Louisiana Liston, received a pension from the national government in recognition of the military aid he had rendered in the second war with England. She survived him for some time and was buried from the home of Samuel K. Duvall in Terre Haute in 1902, at the very advanced age of ninety-six years, being probably the oldest lady in the county at that time.
The marriage of Thomas Duvall and Lydia M. Lloyd was cele- brated in Kentucky, but they cast in their lot with the early settlers of Vigo county in 1837. Both had previously been to the county and Thomas Duvall entered land from the government in both Linton and Pearson townships, his home being situated on the boundary line be- tween the two. The first year his house stood in Linton township, but afterward the residence was in Pearson township. It still stands as one of the landmarks of pioneer times, having been a mute witness through many years of the events which have shaped the history of the county and molded its destiny. Year after year Thomas Duvall carried on the work of the farm, bringing his fields under a high state of culti- vation and gaining a goodly measure of success as a reward for his industry and perseverance. He died in 1898, at the age of seventy-four years, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1868.
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