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 38
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zation and the amelioration of the condition of the inmates Dr. Worrell was prominently identified. At the beginning of his term of office the building uniting the then administration building to the dormitories was erected. In this building, in accordance with his plans, hospital wards were fitted up and a dispensary installed. Under his direction also pro- vision was made for the accommodation of the insane inmates, who up to that time had been cared for either in the ordinary dormitory or in cells in the basement, where rude accommodations, without sufficient light or heat, were furnished the most violent cases. This year, 1873, owing to the panic, general depression in all industries and consequent closure of many factories, the work of the county physician was so heavy that it became necessary for him to employ an assistant. For this reason he as- sociated with himself Dr. W. Q. Insley in a partnership which continued for two years. This was the beginning of a friendship which terminated only with the death of Dr. Insley.
By this time Dr. Worrell had developed a strong liking for the study of diseases of the eye and ear, and recognizing in that line of work oppor- tunity for the use of certain talents, and for the exercise of a certain man- ual dexterity which he possessed, he determined to direct his attention ex- clusively to the treatment of those organs. Accordingly in 1876 he placed himself under the instructions of Dr. W. H. Norris and Dr. S. R. Risley, of the University of Pennsylvania, on the eye, and Dr. Strawbridge, of the same institution, on the ear, and' with the facilities afforded by the uni- versity and Wills Eye Hospital, he acquired a proficiency that justified him in devoting his exclusive attention to diseases of these organs.
In 1877 he returned to Terre Haute to pursue his practice as a spe- cialist in these fields. In 1882 and in 1888 he spent several months in Europe studying the methods and attending the clinics of Von Arlt, Po- litzer, Hartmann and other distinguished specialists. During his last trip abroad he enjoyed the personal instruction of Professor Hirschberg, of the University of Berlin.
On the erection of St. Anthony's Hospital of Terre Haute he organ- ized the ear and eye department therein, and has for more than thirty years been the ophthalmic and aural surgeon of that institution. He shares with Dr. L. J. Willien the honor of being the only remaining mem- ber of the original medical staff. He is a member of the American Med- ical Association, of the Indiana State Medical Society and of the Vigo County Medical Society, of which he was one of the founders. He be- longs to the Esculapian Society of the Wabash Valley and served one term as its president. Of the societies identified with the specialties in
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which he is interested he is a member of the American Ophthalmological Society and the Academy of Ophthalmology, Otology and Laryngology. He attended the ninth international congress, which met at Washington in 1887, and served as member of the council of the otological section. He has been for thirty years special examiner for eye and ear of the United States Pension Department. In connection with this position he is a mem- ber of the National Association of Pension Examiners.
Enjoying the practice of his profession rather than writing about it, he has nevertheless read many papers before the societies of which he is a member and has contributed much to the dissemination of enlightened views in connection with his special line of work. At the time of his be- ginning his special work the intimate relation between the general health, especially disorders of the nervous system, and affections of the eye was recognized by but few physicians. His contributions were instrumental in bringing about the general appreciation of these relations which now exist among physicians.
In 1885, at the request of the school trustees of Terre Haute, he made an examination of the hearing of the children of the public schools of the city. The results of these examinations were embodied in a report published the following year in the Transactions of the Indiana State Med- ical Society. This report furnished data which contributed to the devel- opment of a demand for the regular examination of the ears of school chil- dren that has become the vogue in many of our states.
Dr. Worrell has always stood for the highest ideals in the ethics of his profession. In contending for these he at times has found himself at variance with some whom he would not condemn, but whom he believes have been led into practices that are not conducive to the highest good of the greatest number. He esteems it the highest honor to be a physician and believes that the advertising of specialties is not only derogatory to the dignity of the profession, but likely to lead to abuse. In this position he is supported by a provision in the by-laws of the American Ophthal- mological Society and by the opinion of many leading physicians and spe- cialists throughout the nation.
FREDERICK LAYBOLD, a prominent agriculturist in Prairie Creek township, was born in Wittenburg, Germany, September 22, 1847, a son of Ludwig and Barbara Laybold. The mother died when her son Frederick was but two years of age, and in 1855 the father came with the remainder of the family to America, locating first in New York, and from there journeyed direct to Crawford county, Ohio. 3 He had
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learned and followed the weaver's trade in his native land, but never resumed its work after coming to this country. He maintained his home in Crawford county until his death, about 1876. He was the father of seven children, but all are now deceased with the exception of Frederick, the youngest. Two, the fifth and sixth in order of birth, died soon after the landing of the family in the United States, and the remaining four were Rachael, Barbara, Mary and Rose.
Frederick Laybold remained at home with his father until his mar- riage, and two years afterward, in 1869, he came to Terre Haute and entered upon his two years' connection as iron inspector with the Evans- ville & Terre Haute Railroad Company. For three years following this he farmed or rented land in Otter Creek township, and then moving to Prairie Creek township in 1874 he continued as a renter for about five years more. He then became the owner of his present homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, on which, in August. 1907, he erected a beautiful farm residence of ten rooms, furnished with all the modern conveniences of a city home.
On the 27th of March, 1867, Mr. Laybold married Catherine Holz- warth, born September 27, 1844, and of their nine children six are now living : John H., born January 13, 1868, married Anna Kruzan and lives in Prairie Creek township; Mamie, born February 6, 1870, is the wife of H. L. Flesher, of Prairieton township; William, born September 26, 1875. married Nellie F. Layer, and is on the home farm; Carrie, born February 8, 1875, is the wife of Elmer Evans, of Middletown ; Edward, born March 28, 1881, is at home, and Frederick, Jr., born March 28, 1885, is also at home. Mr. Laybold is a Democrat politically and is a member and one of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church, his wife also having membership relations with the same de- nomination.
ISAAC RYNERSON, a prominent and well known farmer of Prairie Creek township, Vigo county, was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, March 13, 1838, a son of John and Letha (Chambers) Rynerson, natives respectively of Kentucky and Knox county, Indiana, and a grandson of Isaac, Sr., and Sarah (Lambert) Rynerson. The grandparents took up their abode in Sullivan county, Indiana, when their son John was seven years of age, and this community was then a frontier country and the home of but very few settlers. Isaac Rynerson, Sr., served in the Indian wars, and followed general farming on a small scale, and also hunted and trapped some. Nine children were born in the home of
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John and Letha (Chambers) Rynerson, of whom seven lived to attain mature years and six are now living, namely: Samuel, John L. (a twin of Diana, now deceased), Monarch, William, Benjamin and Isaac.
Isaac Rynerson, the youngest of the living children, remained at home with his father until the opening of the Civil war, and on the 2d of September, 1862, became a member of Company F. Eighty-fifth Indiana Regiment of Volunteers, in which he served as a private until his muster out, June 15, 1865. Although he served throughout nearly the entire conflict he was neither wounded nor captured, and he took part in the battles of Peach Tree Creek. Smith's farm and was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea. After the conflict had ended Mr. Rynerson returned to his father's home in Prairie Creek township and remained with him until his marriage and removal to a rented farm. After three years on the rented farm he bought thirty acres, the nucleus of his present homestead of seventy-three acres. He moved to this place in 1891 and has ever since lived here, in the meantime having erected a modern farm residence. During the past six years he has lived retired, renting his land.
On the 8th of October, 1865, Mr. Rynerson was united in marriage to Anna F. Hunt, who was born June 26, 1842, a daughter of Acy L. and Mercy Hunt, both now deceased. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Rynerson are Hally G., whose home is also in Prairie Creek township; John and Emma, twins, and both residents of Vigo, the son conducting the mill there and the daughter is the wife of Acy Frakes; Della, the wife of Clayton Hunt, of Prairie Creek township, and Lettie, at home. Mr. Rynerson is a Republican and an Odd Fellow, affiliating fraternally with Lodge No. 476 at Middletown. Both he and his wife are men- . bers of the Christian church.
SETH CLARK .- Prairie township includes among its agriculturists Seth Clark, who was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, July 25, 1831, a son of Anson and a grandson of Thomas Clark, both of whom were born in New York. Thomas Clark spent his entire life there, and he was of English descent. Anson Clark, born in 1797. left the Empire state when eighteen years of age and journeyed to Vincennes, Indiana. later locating in Fort Harrison, and journeyed on foot to Merom, Sul- livan county, where he farmed until his removal to Vigo county in 1850.
During his residence in Sullivan county he married Sarah Wilkins, who died in 1834. when her son Seth was but a boy of three years. They had five children, but the two oldest, David ard Charles, died in infancy, and the third son. Thomas, is also deceased. Mariah and her brother, the youngest of the family, are the
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only ones now living. Anson Clark was three times married and his death occurred in Vigo county in 1872. He was a member of the Christian church, was both a Whig and Republican in his political affiliations and was a soldier in the. War of 1812, with a New York regiment.
Seth Clark remained at home until he was thirteen years of age, entering then the employ of a Mr. Piety, with whom he remained for six years, and during the winter months he attended school until he was sixteen. However, three months was the most he ever attended in any one year, and he had to go a distance of three miles to the school house. During two years after his marriage he rented land, and the boundaries of his first little farm of forty acres has been en- larged from time to time until his estate now consists of two hundred and twenty-five acres. He is a Republican politically and cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott. In 1888 he was elected on its ticket to the office of trustee of Prairie Creek township, to which he was returned two years later for four years, but in that time the law was changed and he remained its incumbent for a period of six years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Middletown, and of the United Brethren church. He is also entitled to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic on account of his services in the Civil war. He enlisted in January, 1865, and served until the following November with the Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, of which he was made the duty sergeant. Although he participated in several skirmishes he , was never wounded, and the government now grants him a pension of twenty dollars a month.
On the 15th of December, 1853, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Sarah Meyers, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 2, 1831, a daugh- ter of J. F. and Nancy Meyers, who came to Vigo county during an early period in its history. Mrs. Clark died January 15, 1890, leaving two children. The elder, Emanuel, born May 2, 1855, married Carrie E. Piety, and resides in Prairie Creek township; Jesse C., born Feb- ruary 10, 1859, married Flora Paddock, and also farms in Prairie Creek township; Nelson, the third child, was born in 1859 and died in 1875. On March II. 1890, Mr. Clark married Flora B. Files, who was born April 6, 1857, in Vigo county, a daughter of Courtney and Jane (Walker) Files. There were five children, one son and four daughters in this family and four are living. Father Files was born in White county, Illinois, of English lineage, and was a farmer. He received a common school education. In politics he was a Republican. His wife was a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Clark participated in the grand encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic at Washington, D. C.
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WILLIAM SEYMOUR RONEY is numbered among the best and most favorably known citizens of Terre Haute, and his business career has been marked by orderly progression, promotions following in recogni- tion of his merit until he is today the auditor of the Vandalia Railroad Company. A native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, his public school course was completed by graduation from the high school, where he prepared for college. After pursuing his college work he began his career as a railroad employe in the general offices of the Cumberland Valley Rail- road at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. For about ten years he filled a clerical position in the general passenger office of that road, after which he came to Terre Haute and entered into business connections with the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad Company, now a part of the Vandalia system. Changes of position rapidly followed, always involving promotion, each successive change adding to his responsibilities, but bringing him a broader outlook until he is now auditor of the Van- dalia Railroad Company. He is very prominent in railroad circles, holding high rank as an official, and his long connection with the line stands as incontrovertible evidence of his capability and fidelity.
For many years Mr. Roney has been a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, active in its work and generous in his support. He is now a steward and trustee of the Centenary Methodist Episcopal church of Terre Haute, having been for many years president of the official board and financial secretary, and for about twelve years was the efficient and popular superintendent of its Sunday school, com- ing into close touch with the Sunday school scholars, his ready sym- pathy and interest in every particular qualifying him for this position. He has served as the president of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion of the state and is now a member of the advisory board of the Young Men's Christian Association work. In 1900 he was elected vice president of the Union Hospital board, in which position he is still actively at work. At all times actuated by broad humanitarian princi- ples, his life has been a benefit to his fellow men in many ways. He is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and a past master of Terre Haute Lodge, No. 19, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He belongs also to the chapter and council and is a past eminent com- mander of Terre Haute Commandery, No. 16, Knights Templar, and also a thirty-second degree member of Scottish Rite Masonry. In manner he is pleasant and genial, having due regard for the social amenities of life which win warm friendships and high regard. Terre Haute numbers him among her honored and valuable citizens, while his business ability has made his labors of much worth in business circles.
Willian Seymour
Romney
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Astor Lenox and Tilden Foundations. 150g
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WALTER F. PAYNE, M. D., is numbered among the leading medical practitioners of Middletown, where he has been in practice since his graduation, on the 18th of May, 1907, his alma mater being the Indiana University School of Medicine. To him belongs the honor of being one of the first graduates from Indiana to have his name placed on the honor roll in this state on examination before the state board for license. His per cent. of grade on his examination was 92.9. He ranked eighth in the whole state of Indiana. He is now enjoying an extensive and rapidly increasing patronage.
Dr. Payne was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, August II, 1880, a son of William Z. and Mary E. (Martin) Payne, both of whom were also born in Indiana and are now living in Curry township, Sullivan county. William Z. Payne is a son of Isaac T. and Emeline Payne, who also claimed Indiana as the state of their nativity, and both are now deceased. Isaac T. Payne was both a farmer and merchant, and his son William was for two years a merchant at Burchard, this state, but his life occupation has been farming and he now owns an estate of eighty acres. During two years he served as a deputy treasurer, and he is both a Democrat and an Odd Fellow, affiliating with Shelburn lodge. He also has membership relations with the grange and with the Christian church. Mr. Payne is one of two children, and his sister Mary, the elder, is the wife of Henry G. Williams, of Prairie Creek township. William Z. and Mary Payne have four living children: Walter F., of this review: Bertha M., the wife of Aaron Marts, of Sullivan county; James Wiley, who married Lilly Thompson and resides in Shelburn, and Clancie, at home.
Dr. Walter F. Payne attended the public schools of Sullivan county and the Farmersburg high school, and he then taught during two winters. It was at the close of this work, in the fall of 1903, that he entered upon his medical course in the Indianapolis college, and since leaving that institution has been enrolled among the practitioners of Middletown. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Order at Farmers- burg, Lodge No. 622; also Court of Honor, Middletown, of which he is the medical examiner. He is a Democrat in his political affilia- tions and is a member of the Christian church. He owns his own home in Middletown, and his wife also has one hundred and twenty-five and a third acres in Prairieton township.
On the 24th of November, 1903, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Payne and Miss Ida Harlan. She is a daughter of James and Har- riette Harlan, and was born July 14, 1878. She was educated in the public schools. Dr. Payne is a gentleman who keeps abreast of the times in his profession. He is a member of the Indiana State Medical
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Society and Vigo County Medical Society. His practice extends to Sullivan county as well as the southern part of Vigo county.
JAMES P. ENGLISH, M. D .- Although so long and prominently identified with the medical profession in Vigo county. Dr. James P. English is a native son of Illinois, born on a farm in Clark county, near Marshall, June 12, 1852, to John and Angeline ( Plaster) English. John English was born near Camden, New Jersey, but came to Illinois when a boy with his father, Rev. Abel English, a pioneer Methodist minister. Here in Clark county he met and married Angeline Plaster, who was born and reared near Wheeling. West Virginia, and had come to Illinois with her parents during her girlhood days. Her father, James Plaster, was a pioneer and a prosperous farmer near Livingston, Illinois. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. English took up their abode on the farm which his father had entered from the government, one mile north of Marshall, where he became a prominent and prosperous agriculturist. He was a Republican and a prominent member of the Methodist church. His death occurred in 1882, his life's span having covered fifty-seven years, and two years later his wife was laid by his side, her death occurring at the same age. Her father lived to the age of ninety-three years and was a soldier in the Mexican war.
Dr. James P. English, named for his maternal grandfather, James Plaster, was one of ten children, five sons and five daughters, and was reared as a farmer boy, leaving the old home place at the age of twenty- three to attend medical college. In the meantime he had received a high school training in Marshall and had read medicine under the preceptor- ship of Dr. J. M. Janes, of that city, for three years. Entering Rush Medical College of Chicago he graduated in that well known institu- tion with the class of 1879, and at once began practice in Nevins, Illinois, remaining there for thirteen years. At the close of the period in 1892 he came to Terre Haute and has prominently identified himself with its professional, political and social life. During his residence in Edgar county, Illinois, he served as a member of the pension examining board. This was during President Harrison's administration and during McKinley's term he served as president of the examining board of Vigo county for five years. He has served three years as a member of the school board of the city of Terre Haute, is consulting physician on the staff of Union Hospital, and is a member of the Vigo County Medical Society, the Esculapian Medical Society of the Wabash Valley and of the State and American Medical societies. His fraternal affiliations are with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and he votes with the Republican party.
THE NEW YORK UBLIC LIGGANY -
1009
I.S. Briggs.
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Dr. English married, December 16, 1874, Ella Husted, and their three sons are Claude H., Bernard and Paul. The eldest son served three years at the head of the history department of the Terre Haute high school, and he is now managing a large stock farm in Illinois.
LEONARD SYDNEY BRIGGS .- A quiet, strong, constant and uplifting force in the community for a period of nearly forty years, the late Leonard Sydney Briggs, of Terre Haute, so widely known in the lumber trade of the west, left a field of broad practical activities in which he is sadly missed. A native of New York, he was born in Fort Ann, Washington county, on the 21st of December, 1826, and was a son of Spencer P. and Sally (Lamb) Briggs. Both sides of the family are of English descent, the father being a native of New Hampshire and the mother of the Empire state. At various times in his life the former was a farmer and a con- tractor on public works, finally removing to Alton, Illinois, where he died in 1864.
Leonard S. Briggs was reared on the home farm in New York, educated in the neighboring schools and became a teacher himself. In 1855 the freedom and opportunities of the west drew him to Alton also, where he established himself as a merchant. In 1861 he was appointed a sutler in the Union army, being unable to withstand the physical strain of active military service, and in 1864, after three years of this employ- ment, he became a resident of Terre Haute. For the six years following his coming he was connected with the interests of Samuel T. Reese, a lumber merchant, when he invested his savings in an independent enter- prise. During a short period he operated a planing mill, but in 1878 en- tered the lumber trade by establishing the L. S. Briggs Lumber Company. His son William, now deceased, was associated with him, and together they conducted a business which brought them both profit and a broad and honorable commercial standing. The executive ability and sound judgment of the founder of the company were also sought and enlisted in various enterprises in the west and southwest. In association with C. M. Daggett he founded the town of Fair Oaks, Arkansas, where was es- tablished an extensive hardwood lumber and milling business. At Alton he also organized a company which organized a mining enterprise at Golden, Colorado. This enterprise was abandoned because of the impos- sibility of obtaining water for the prosecution of placer mining. These are but illustrations of the wide scope of Mr. Briggs' business and in- dustrial activities ; but until shortly before his death, December 5, 1901, his abilities were mainly applied to the development of his lumber trade. the importance of which made it a factor in the material progress of Terre Haute.
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