USA > Indiana > Carroll County > History of Carroll County Indiana, its people, industries and institutions > Part 43
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
Thomas Brennan was united in marriage on January 26, 1880, with Anna G. Dwyer, daughter of Patrick and Anna (McGreevey ) Dwyer. She was born at Versailles, Ohio, April 2,. 1857, and was educated in the public schools of the district. Her mother died when she was quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan have had five children as follow: Annie, who became the wife of Quincy A. Porter, and lives in Cass county; John D., who lives at home; Nellie, deceased, the wife of Quincy A. Porter (the two Mr. Porters being cousins) ; William T., and Mary Esther, both of whom live at home.
Patrick Dwyer, father of Mrs. Thomas Brennan, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and his wife, Anna (McGreevey) Dwyer, was born in
Digitized by Google
462
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
County Roscommon, Ireland, both coming to the United States with their parents and settling at New Orleans, Louisiana. At the age of fifteen years, Mr. Dwyer moved to Butler county, Ohio, where he followed the trade of bridge carpentering until the beginning of the Civil War. He served throughout the entire war, receiving the appointment of captain, and after the close of the war his regiment was mustered out at Jeffersonville. His death took place in the South. To Patrick and Anna ( McGreevey) Dwyer were born two sons and two daughters: Martin, who lives at Charleston, Illinois: Mrs. Annie Brennan: Ellen, who became the wife of Frank Roskuski: and Thomas, who lives at Logansport, Indiana.
Mr. Brennan has always led a well-regulated life, and has trained his children along the lines of good citizenship, and he and Mrs. Brennan have the good will of all with whom they come in contact.
CHARLES T. MINNIX.
Since coming to Flora, Indiana, about fifteen years ago, Charles T. Minnix, a well-known contractor of Flora, Indiana, who is also the pro- prietor of the Flora Artificial Stone Company, dealers in coal, stone and cement, has accumulated a substantial competence and now owns, besides several properties in Flora and a business room, other real estate which he has acquired by his own exertions and efforts.
Charles T. Minnix was born in Franklin county, Virginia, on October 20, 1872. He is the son of John and Henrietta ( Adkison) Minnix, both of whom were born and reared in the Old Dominion state, where they spent all their lives. John Minnix was a blacksmith by trade and a prominent member of the Presbyterian church in the community where he lived. He was the father of thirteen children, all of whom grew to maturity. Eleven are now living, but only Charles T. is a resident of this state. The others still live in Virginia.
Mr. Minnix was raised and reared in a little country town by the name of Bonbrook and attended the country schools. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the stone business, working four years in his apprenticeship. During this period he received seventy-five cents per day. Later he became a foreman for the man from whom he had learned the stonemason's trade and was associated with him in business for seven years.
In 1895 Mr. Minnix came to Indiana and located at Flora, where for
Digitized by Google
463
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
two years he lived on a rented farm. At the end of the time he moved back to Flora and engaged in the contracting business. He was first engaged in stone work under contract and later in cement work. He is now engaged, however, in general contracting, and this includes the building of stone and gravel roads.
In 1892 Mr. Minnix was married to Ida Sink, who has borne him six children, Ethel, Bethel, Leo, Fern, Roy and Mary V. Ethel is a graduate of the Flora high school and of Winona College and is now a teacher in the schools of Monroe township. Bethel is a student in the third year of the Flora high school. Leo is also a student in the Flora high school. Fern graduated from the common schools in 1914. Roy is in school and Mary V. was born in 1915.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Minnix are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Minnix is a member of the Masonic lodge at Flora and votes the Repub- lican ticket. In this respect he has departed from the ways of his father, since he is the only member of the Minnix family who belongs to the Republican party.
CHARLES R. McCAIN.
In his chosen field of endeavor, Mr. Charles R. McCain, whose briefly outlined history sets forth a sufficient number of the important points of his life, has achieved a creditable record in one of the most useful vocations to the greatest number of human beings. His sterling character and his never- ending supply of courtesy have wielded their influence towards the ultimate success of his life work, giving a promising outlook to his already bright career.
Charles R. McCain, farmer, Logansport. Carroll county, was born on January 7, 1886, on the farm where he now lives and is a son of Robert B. and Ella ( Williams ) McCain. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and obtained his education at the public schools of Logansport, Indiana, after which he entered a commercial school. Choosing the vocation of an agricultural life, he has become eminently prosperous and is now managing the fine farm of his father, consisting of two hundred and sixty-seven acres of land, all in a fine state of cultivation. Politically. Mr. McCain is a Republican, while his religious membership is with the Lutheran church.
Robert B. McCain, father of our subject. was born on the farm where our subject now lives in 1856, and is a son of Robert L. and Martha Mc-
Digitized by Google
464
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
Cain. He was reared on the home farm and received a good education at the public schools. He was united in marriage with Ella Williams, by whom he had two children, Ilo, who died when young, and Charles R., our subject. Mrs. McCain died in 1888. and Mr. McCain was subsequently married to Alice Myers, but no children were born to this marriage. Mr. McCain and his wife moved to Logansport in 1902, where he is an active member of the Lutheran church. Politically, he is a stanch Republican.
Robert L. McCain, the paternal grandfather. came with his father from Butler county, Ohio, at an early date, and settled in Washington township, six miles south of Logansport. where he lived the remainder of his days. His was the first grave dug in the Plank cemetery, and he was one of the founders of the Plank Lutheran church, to which he contributed liberally. Mrs. McCain died in 1907 at Logansport, Indiana. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living in 1915-Mattie E., the wife of Charles Williams, of Logansport: Emma, who was married to Nicholas Milliken, of Logansport, and Robert B.
Charles R. McCain was united in marriage, November 6, 1911, to Rose Fink, of Logansport, a daughter of E. W. and Sarah Fink. She was born on November 18. 1886, in Logansport.
Mr. McCain faces a very promising outlook for a successful future in his home town, where he has already won a record of influential citizenship.
JACOB R. NEWMAN.
Jacob R. Newman, a well-to-do farmer of Jefferson township, is a native of Adams township, and was born on December 18, 1845. He is a son of Mark A. and Susanna ( Mikesell) Newman, the former of whom was born near Dayton, Ohio, and the latter in Jefferson township, Carroll county, Indiana. Mark A. Newman came to Carroll county with his par- ents when a lad and grew up in this county, and was married in Jefferson township. By his marriage to Susanna Mikesell there were born nine chil- dren, four of whom, Jacob R. (the subject of this sketch), Sarah, Phillip and William, are living. Sarah is the wife of Leander Munson and they have had six children, two of whom are living. Of these children, Bert lives in Adams township; Vernal is the wife of Lawrence Smith, of Delphi; Gus died at the age of twenty-two; Effie, at the age of five; Charles, at the age of four years and three months, and one child died in infancy.
Digitized by Google
O
MR. AND MRS. JACOB R. NEWMAN.
Digitized by
Digitized by Google
465
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
Leander Munson died on June 26, 1910. The other living children include Phillip, a resident of Joplin, Missouri, and William, of Logansport, Indiana. Four of the five deceased children include R. P., who died at the age of fourteen; John, who died early in life; Ruth and Lewis.
Mark A. Newman was a farmer of Jefferson township and owned, at the time of his death, on June 12, 1893, two hundred and forty acres of land. He was seventy-two years old at the time of his death. His wife died on November 21, 1872, at the age of forty-six. Both were members of the Christian church.
Jacob R. Newman received his education in the district schools of Jef- ferson township and lived there until May 8, 1864, when he enlisted in Company C. One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving one hundred days. Mr. Newman's father, the late Mark A. Newman, also saw service in the Civil War. He enlisted in 1865 in Company A. Seventy-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war.
After returning from the war, Jacob R. Newman took up farming, and on October 29, 1868, he was married to Nancy J. Rutherford, a daughter of Sheldon and Verlina (Carter) Rutherford, the former of whom was born in Jackson county and the latter, in Washington county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford were married in White county and had eight children, all of whom are living: Nancy J. is the wife of Mr. Newman; J. J. lives in southern Indiana; Lewis C. lives in Bloomington, Indiana; Sarah is the wife of Aaron Price, of Idaville, White county, Indiana; Rose is the wife of Jacob Davis, of Lafayette, Indiana; Ida is the wife of Thomas Brusne- han, of North Dakota; May is the wife of Henry Barron, of Chicago; Furman is a resident of Denver, Colorado. Sheldon and Verlina (Carter) Rutherford came to Carroll county, Indiana, in 1856. The former was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted in 1865, and served until the end of the war. He was a farmer by occupation, but removed to Burnettsville, where his wife died in February, 1888. He died at the Soldiers' Home at Lafayette, Indiana, in April, 1896.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob R. Newman have had ten children, five of whom are living. Four died in infancy and Arthur, the third born, died at the age of twenty-seven in March, 1906. Susie is the wife of Allen Nethercutte, of Burnettsville. White county; Bertha is the wife of Gilbert Cain. of Fulton county ; Earl married Lula Casad and they reside in White county,
(30)
Digitized by Google
466
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
Indiana ; Stewart G. married Nola Brewer and lives at home with his par- ents; Cora is the wife of William Hodge, a resident of Illinois.
Mr: Newman owns forty acres of well-improved land, including a fine house and barn. He is a Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Newman are members of the Hickory Grove Christian church, while fraternally Mr. Newman is a member of the Delphi post, Grand Army of the Republic.
HOWARD D. HINKLE.
No county in the entire state of Indiana presents a more prosperous list of agriculturists, all things considered, than that of Carroll county, the history of whose citizens ought to serve as an inspiration to those whose ambitions have remained unrealized. either for the lack of sufficient stamina to forge forward until the light of success dawns forth, or for their failure to take the necessary observation of how and when to act.
Howard D. Hinkle, a farmer. was born on January 1, 1869, in Wash- ington township, and is a son of John and Mary (Husser) Hinkle. He was the youngest of the family and was reared on a farm and obtained his edu- cation by attending school during the winter. his summers being spent in assisting his father with the farm work until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began farming for himself.
At the time of his marriage he bought a farm from his father-in-law, to which he has continued to add purchases until he acquired his present fine farm, known as the "Water-Elm and Burr-Oak Farm," consisting of two hundred acres, which is located two miles south of Clymers, Indiana. Politically. Mr. Hinkle is a Democrat.
Howard D. Hinkle was united in marriage with Ellen Mahoney on October 27. 1897. She is a daughter of Michael and Catherine (Ryan) Mahoney, and was born in Washington township. Indiana. December 27, 1870, and was educated in the public schools of that township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle have been born two children, Veda, a student - at. the Holy Angels Academy of Logansport. Indiana, and Robert, a student in the public schools,
Mr. Hinkle is one of the most energetic and industrious agriculturists of Washington township, where he is also one of the most prosperous and efficient men in his line of business.
Digitized by Google
467
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
WILLIAM CADID SMITH.
William C. Smith, mayor of Delphi, the county seat of this county, a well-known and successful lawyer of that city, who also is acknowledged to be one of the highest and most competent authorities on the problems of modern agriculture, is a native Hoosier, having been born on a farm in Howard county, this state, nearby the city of Kokomo, on April 17, 1857, last born of the eight children of William B. and Sarah Ann (Canine) Smith, well-known residents of that community, the former of whom, a native of Ohio, died in 1905, and the latter, a native of Kentucky, of Dutch descent, died in 1896. Mayor Smith's great-grandfather on the maternal side was a soldier in the army of the patriots during the Revolutionary War.
William C. Smith received his early schooling in the common schools of Kokomo and was graduated from the high school in that city with the class of 1878. He then took a course in the University of Indiana at Bloom- ington, following which he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was graduated from the law department of that institution, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of his profession, Mr. Smith opened an office at Delphi in 1881, and ever since has been engaged in the practice of the law. In recent years, however, his remarkable experiments in soil and crop development on his fine farm near Delphi, together with the literary labors connected with the numerous works he has published, embodying his conclusions based upon those experi- ments and his constant contributions to the best agricultural journals in the country, have taken much of his attention away from his law office.
Mayor Smith is an ardent Democrat, and ever since locating at Delphi has given his earnest attention to civic affairs and the promotion of the cause of good government hereabout. Within a year after he had begun his practice at Delphi he was elected prosecuting attorney for the thirty-ninth Indiana judicial circuit and served in that office for four years, 1882-86. He was master commissioner of the Carroll circuit court for six years, 1888-94: city attorney of Delphi, 1894-1902: city councilman, 1904-10, and in 1913 was elected mayor of Delphi, which important position he is now filling with honor and dignity, his course as chief executive of the city receiving the unqualified indorsement of all thoughtful citizens. Mayor Smith was chairman of the Carroll county Democratic committee 'in 1906 and was candidate for elector on the Democratic ticket that year.
But it is not his professional and official honors that have brought to Mayor Smith his chief title to distinction, for as a farmer he has created for
Digitized by Google
468
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
himself a name that is known from ocean to ocean and from the gulf to the lakes and is recognized, as well, in some European countries. Even from the days of his youth, Mayor Smith has been interested in the important problems of soil culture and crop development, and years ago provided him- self with a farm near Delphi, on which for years he has been testing out his admirable theories along the lines of scientific agriculture. He long has held that farming is our biggest business. It feeds the nations of the world. and is the basis of all prosperity and happiness, and therefore should receive our biggest consideration and be safeguarded by our best brains and legisla- tion. He also holds that in these days of worn and worn-out soils and the abandoned farm, with the most improved labor-saving machinery, the busi- ness of farming needs brains more than brawn, that our soils may be rescued from the wilderness of wasted fertility that has stifled them. In keeping with these conclusions, Mayor Smith has written a series of the most con- vincing books that have attracted practically world-wide attention and which have caused him to be regarded as one of the closest and most valued advis- ers of the agricultural department of the government at Washington, and President Wilson seriously considered his appointment as secretary of agri- culture .. The list of these works include "The Business of Farming." "How to Grow One Hundred Bushels of Corn Per Acre on Worn Soil." "The Book of Vetch" and "Alfalfa, the Money Crop." In addition to these works, Mayor Smith for years has been a valued contributor to the columns of the Country Gentleman and other high-class farm journals, and is recog- nized as an authority on the topics with which he treats. Concerning the book above first named the New York Sun says: " 'The Business of Farm- ing' combines practical information with preachments on the dignity, happi- ness and material prosperity that may be made a part of farm life. Old- fashioned farmers may not find the book so appealing as will those who, hankering for country life, want information on the possibilities of farming as a 'business proposition' in which management is the decisive factor, labor simply a commodity." Concerning the second-named book. the Boston Transcript commented as follows: "The author is a determined enemy of
the soil robber. * * * To the possessor of worn-out land Mr. Smith offers the fruits of long experience, and he has certainly accomplished won- ders. He treats exhaustively of soil, drainage, organic matter, ventilation, soil covering, etc. * * His chapter of 'Don't Forgets' is a rich garden of agricultural epigrams. and not the least forceful warns the farmer : 'Don't forget that the soil robber is the highwayman of agriculture.'" Mr. Smith possesses a singularly happy style in the presentation of his forceful
Digitized by Google
469
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
truths regarding his thoughtful conclusions, his books being, as the Lexing- ton Herald points out, "as interesting as any romance, as beautifully written and as overflowing with enthusiasm as any story of great deeds ever writ- ten."
On January 1. 1883, at Kokomo, this state. William C. Smith was united in marriage to Julia A. Gwin, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, March 25, 1860. daughter of Pleasant and Hannah Gwin, and to this union seven children have been born, all of whom are living save one. Mayor and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and ever have been regarded as among the leaders in the social and cultured activities of their home city. They are interested in local good works, tak- ing an active concern in all proper movements designed to advance the com- mon interest, and are held in the highest esteem throughout this entire com- munity. Mayor Smith is a member of the Delphi lodges of the Knights of Pythias and of the Masons, and takes a warm interest in the affairs of those organizations.
GEORGE F. BROWN.
Having lived beyond the age of the average man, Mr. Brown, whose name introduces this sketch, was no doubt able to close his eyes in his last sleep with the satisfaction of having done his duty both to his family and his fellow man, and in leaving those near and dear to him well fixed with the material things of this world, being one of the most prosperous stock- men of Carrollton township.
George F. Brown, deceased, was born on January 1, 1849, in Carroll county, and died on February 22, 1913. He was a son of Daniel and Eliza- beth Brown. His education was obtained at the district schools in Carroll county. After his marriage. Mr. Brown settled down on a farm near Camden, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a suc- cessful and prominent agriculturist, and later became greatly interested in the breeding of thoroughbred stock of various kinds, of which he sold a large number each year. Politically, Mr. Brown was always a loyal Demo- crat, but never took an active interest in politics.
Daniel Brown, father of our subject. came to Carroll county from Ohio at an early date. His wife was E. J. McCain.
George F. Brown was united in marriage, February 10, 1874, with Emeline Stone, daughter of John and Cinthia A. Stone. She was born on
Digitized by Google
470
CARROLI. COUNTY, INDIANA.
July 9, 1860, in Carroll county, where they settled down and spent the remainder of their lives, Mrs. Brown dying on April 11, 1895. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and was the mother of three children : Lottie, who graduated from the public school, and is living with her brother on the farm; William Brown, who died at the age of eighteen months; John O. Brown was reared on the farm, they now own, consisting of two hundred acres, and located seven and a half miles southeast of Camden, Indiana. After graduating from the public schools he selected the occupa- tion of an agriculturist and became very successful.
George F. Brown, although not a member of any church, was neverthe- less a kind and generous man, who always looked after the immediate needs of those who came to him in distress.
WILLIAM J. GUCKIEN.
To his parents, the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this review, owes a debt of gratitude in bringing him to his adopted home, where he has doubtless achieved greater things than he would have done elsewhere. Mr. Guckien, through his own efforts and industry, has become the owner of a splendid piece of property, consisting of five hundred and fifty-eight acres of good agricultural land, which he very ably handles.
William J. Guckien, farmer, Camden, Carroll county, was born on February 14, 1851, in Butler county, Ohio, and is a son of Sylvester and Catherine (McGeavey) Guckien. He was reared amid farm scenes in Washington township, attending school during the winter seasons and assist- ing with the farm work during the summers, and remained at home until the death of his father, at which time William was twenty-eight years old. Mr. Guckien and his brother, Sylvester, bought out the interests of their sisters in the home place, which they later divided. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has given his active support by serving as treasurer of Car- roll county through two terms. 1890 to 1894, and has been generally active in county politics. Religiously, Mr. Guckien is a member of the Catholic church. He is a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank at Burrows, Indiana, ·and also controls some stock in an elevator at Camden, Indiana.
Sylvester and Catherine (McGeavey) Guckien, parents of our subject, were born in Ireland, each coming with parents to the United States, and settled in Butler county, Ohio, where they grew up and were married. They
Digitized by Google
471
CARROLL COUNTY, INDIANA.
came to Carroll county about 1853, after Mr. Guckien had previously made a tour of the county and purchased eighty acres of land, to which he after- ward added three hundred acres more. Politically, he was one of the lead- ing Democrats in Washington township, taking an active part in politics, and was always loyal to his friends. In religion, he and all his family were members of the Catholic church. Mr. Guckien died in 1881, and his wife's death occurred in 1873. They were the parents of ten children: William J., John, deceased; Michael and Anna, twins (Anna having died in infancy), Sylvester, Cornelius, Catherine, Mary, Winifred and Ellen, who make their home with William J.
Mr. Guckien is a man of sterling qualities and commands the respect and high esteem of a large circle of acquaintances in Carroll county, where he has spent his entire life.
AMOS ALBAUGH.
The gentleman whose name is mentioned above is descended from a line of fine old pioneer stock and whose ancestors for generations back have been Americans, all possessing American thrift and industry. Amos Albaugh has devoted his energies and talents to an honorable career, and has long been recognized as being part of the backbone of the citizenship of the county in which he has always lived.
Amos Albaugh, farmer, Camden, Indiana, was born on November 26, 1859, in Monroe township. Carroll county, and is a son of Solomon and Eliza (Salsbury) Albaugh. He received a good public-school education and remained under his father's roof until he was married, after which he settled where he now lives, renting for five years, and then buying outright. His present farm, consisting of eighty acres, is located three miles from Cam- den and two miles from Flora, Indiana. Politically, Mr. Albaugh is a stanch Republican, having always voted in the interest of that party, while his religious membership is with the Presbyterian church at Flora, where he is one of the deacons in the church. Fraternally, he belongs to Flora Lodge No. 605, Free and Accepted Masons.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.