USA > Indiana > Clinton County > History of Clinton County, Indiana : With historical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families, Volume II > Part 48
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In public life Mr. Maish has been a useful citizen and has given much of his time to the promotion of helpful enterprises and the advancement of asociations designed to assist in the progress of improved agriculture and country life. Ile has also been a life long advocate of temperance and sobriety, and has been liberal in his support of all legitimate efforts for the overthrow of the legalized traffic in strong drink.
For more than twenty years Mr. Maish has been identified with the farmers institute movement and has been a state lecturer at institutes and on corn, wheat, and dairy improvement trains, traveling in all parts of In- diana for over ten years.
During this time he served three years as president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association and is at the present time, president of the Indiana Federation of Agricultural Associations, and member of the advisory com- mitte to State Experiment Station, representing the Corn Growers As- sociation.
In politics, Mr. Maish is a Bryan Democrat, although differing from his party's policy on the liquor question. In 1908-9 he represented his county in the State Legislature, serving with honor and distinction. Measures affect- ing temperance, agriculture and rural schools were given his special attention.
In church relation, he with Mrs. Maish and daughters, are member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Maish is a member of Dakota Tribe No. 42, Improved Order of Red Men, at Frankfort. He was state delegate
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to the Farmers National Congress in 1905 and 1907. He was also state dele- gate to the International Good Road- Convention in 1903.
Mr. Maish is the father of four daughters, three of whom are living, namely: Mary Elizabeth, Kathryn Irene, and Elta May, aged twenty-two, eighteen and sixteen years. Louella Pearl, second daughter, after a short illness, passed to the Spirit world, September 7, 1904, at the age of eleven years.
In all of Mr. Maish's effort it is due to note in this sketch, that his con- stant help and counsel has been the untiring efforts of his faithful wife and daughters. Of Mrs. Maish it can be truly said she has been a real helpmect in the fullest sense of the word.
JOHN AULT.
One of the most painstaking and successful farmers of Clinton county is John Ault, a man who has always advocated that whatever was worth doing at all was worth doing well, hence his continued success in his chosen line of endeavor. Being an omnivorous reader, he keeps well abreast of the times, not only in matters pertaining to agricultural affairs, but general topics, hav- ing the best current literature in his home.
Mr. Ault, like many of the enterprising people of this section, is a native of the Hoosier state, having been born in Hamilton county, Ind., February 25, 1862, the son of James and Mary (Billhaymer) Ault. He moved with his parents to Clinton county when he was six or eight years old. His father was born in Marion county, Ind., in 1830, and died in 1910. He was a farmer by vocation and politically was a Democrat. The mother was a native of Virginia, having been born there in 1832, and is still living. Both parents had a common school education. Seven children blessed the union : Catherine, Mandy, Christy. John and Andrew, twins, Rosy (deceased), and Nancy.
John Ault was married November 24. 1889 to Mary E. Whitcomb, who was born in Michigan township, this county, June 21, 1864, and was the daughter of John and Martha (Stinson) Whitcomb. Her father was born March 12, 1832, in Tippecanoe county. Ind., and died in January, 1902. Her mother was born April 6, 1837, in Clinton county, Ind., and died April 17, 1905. The father was a farmer and a Republican. Eleven children were
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born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb: James II., William A. (deceased), Isaac M., Howard (deceased), Mary, Emma, Fred, Eliza, one infant not named, Leonard (deceased), and Orville. Mrs. Ault has a good common school edu- cation. To our subject and wife there have been born three children: How- ard, July 23, 1890; Paul, January 17. 1892, and Ralph, a twin brother, now deceased.
Mr. Ault has always followed the farming vocation, and has made a success of it. He raises Jersey and Short Horn cattle in connection with farming, also Chester White and Poland China hogs. Belgian horses are a favorite breed of horses with him. He owns one hundred and forty-five acres of land, all tillable with the exception of ten acres which is in timber. The land is well tiled and improved. Mr. Ault built his own home thereon.
Politically. Mr. Ault is a Democrat, but has never sought public office.
JOSEPH B. CARTER.
Whether interested personally in farming or not no one conld view the well kept, clean fields, good buildings and general thrifty appearance of a place that is farmed by Joseph B. Carter of Perry township, Clinton county without admiring the same. He is one of our best general agriculturists and stock raisers and believes in doing well whatever he attempts. He keeps things in ship-shape, never waiting for someone else to do what the himself should perform, nor for others to lay his plans.
Mr. Carter was born in 1856 in Franklin county. Ind., the son of William Carter, who was born in England, from which country he came with his par- ents, when a child, to Franklin county, this state. where they established a good home through their industry. The long voyage across the Atlantic was made in an old-time sailing vessel and the trip required thirty days. The paternal grandfather spent the rest of his life in Franklin county, Ind., and there his son, William, grew to manhood and married Rebecca Beasley, who was also born in England, from which country she came with her parents when a child and settled in Franklin county. Ind. There she grew to woman- hood and she and William Carter were married, later coming to Clinton county to make their future home. A fuller history of these families is found on another page of this volume.
Joseph B. Carter grew to manhood on the home farm and there did his
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share of the work when a boy. He received a good education in the common schools.
Mr. Carter was married when he reached young manhood to Katie Peck. who was born, reared and educated i Shelby county. Ind. She is a daugh- ter of William Peck, a prosperous farmer, now deceased. His widow is still living. making her home in New Mexico, she and Mr. Peck having lived for some time in Kansas. He was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. Our subject had a half brother, William Gardner, who was also a soldier for the Union. He died in Frankfort, Ind., some time ago.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Carter: Clinton F. married to Zora Pollard, living in Perry township on a farm; Myrtle. now nineteen years of age and Alta May ( deceased). The son was born February 10, 1888, received a good common school education, and was married in 1909. His wife is a daughter of Sheridan Pollard and wife. She was reared and educated in Boone county. Clinton E. Carter and wife have one child, a son, Earl Clifton, whose birth occurred in August, 1910.
Mr. Carter and his son are both members of the Woodmen of the World and the son belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
MARTIN HERR.
We are always glad to honor the memory of the pioneers, and this is as it should be, for they deserved every consideration ; they did so much for us of this generation that we cannot begin to repay them, even in gratitude. In fact, we often lose sight of the great sacrifices made for us, their descendants, and of the hardships they endured that the bounds of civilization might be pushed farther westward and outward. They had a hard time combating the root- interlaced soil, the quick-growing underbrush and weeds; combating the wild folk of the woods and the air that sought to destroy their crops and domestic animals : combating the skulking, treacherous red men who claimed the domain on which the paleface settled and erected his rude hut of logs. It is doubtful if we of today, many of us at least, would be willing to brave the wilds as did our progenitors, and wrest from a resisting Nature and blood- thristy race the fair domain now dotted with happy homes, school houses. church spires pointing skyward, and thriving towns nad cities.
The forebears of Martin Herr, owner of Providence Farm in Wash-
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ington township, were of the sterling type portrayed in the preceding para- graph, for his grandfather -braved the wilds of Clinton county as early as 1828, and from that day to this the name Herr has been synonymous with industry and correct citizenship in this locality.
Martin Herr was born in this county September 3, 1871. Hle is a son of Levi Herr, Jr., who lives retired in Mulberry after an active life on the farm. The latter's father, Levi Herr, Sr., a mill-wright by trade, came from Ohio to Clinton county in 1828, as stated above, established the permanent home of the family, and became a leading citizen among the early settlers.
Levi Herr, Jr., was born in Owen township, Clinton county, March 16, 1848. The Herr family originally came from Germany. Levi ITerr, Sr., married Susanna Herr, a distant relative, and to them twelve children were born, nine sons and three daughters, most of whom grew to maturity. Tivo of the sons were soldiers in the Civil war --- John, who died in the service while in Missouri; and George, who located in Colfax county, Kansas, after the war. Levi Herr, Sr., was a Republican and belonged to the Methodist church, of which his wife was also a member. Her death occurred at the age of fifty-seven years.
Levi Herr, Jr., grew up on the home farm and received a common school eduation. When twenty-two years old he married Rosanna Weida, who was a native of Ross township, this county, a daughter of Nathan and Catherine Weida, who were carly settlers here, coming from Pennsylvania. Thirteen children were born: Martin, subject of this review: Mrs. Emma Switzer, Edward, Annie, married to Harry Harshinan; Bessie, the wife of Harry Mertz; Maud, wife of L. D. Waldron; Charles, living in the state of Idaho; and Minnie, Curtis, Susan, Orris, Georgie, and an unnamed infant, all six dead.
Mrs. Rosanna Herr, mother of our subject, died when about forty years old. His father is living, retired in Mulberry, as stated in a preceding para- graph. He is highly respected by all who know him.
Martin Herr was reared on the home farm and was educated in the public schools. On his twenty-third birthday he married Lucy Blinn, the ceremony being performed on her eighteenth birthday, she having been born on September 3, 1876, in Washington township, this county. She is a daugh- ter of Willard Blinn. Her mother was Hannah Rothenberger before her marriage. She was a daughter of George Rothenberger.
Martin Herr started out in life as a farmer and each succeeding year
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found him further advanced than the preceding, until in 1902 he purchased the Providence farm of eighty acres in Washington township, and here he still resides, having made many valuable improvements, and has been suc- cessful as a general farmer and stock man. Ile has one of the substantial and attractive homes in the township, in the midst of beautiful surroundings. It is modernly ap vinted and neatly furnished, being equipped with all up-to- date conveniences. He also has a splendid barn and other good outbuildings.
Martin Herr and wife have one child, a daughter. Mae B., now twelve years of age, her birth having occurred on August 15, 1901.
Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are active church and Sunday school workers, he having been in Sunday school work for twenty years, and has been trustee and steward in the church. At present he is serving his third year as superintendent of the Sun- day school.
EDGAR W. LANE.
It requires something more than hard physical work to do successful farming in this age. Muscle counted for more than anything else in the days of the pioneer, when about all one had to do to reap abundant harvests was to clear the land, plow it, perhaps drain it, and sow the seed. Then all the natural elements were in the soil and it required no clever management for the husbandmen to get on well. Conditions have changed almost completely. Today it requires brain work of a high order for one to be very successful as an agriculturist. If one labors, all the better, but something more than labor is evidently necessary. This fact was realized at the outset by Edgar W. Lane, owner of Maple Grove Farm in Perry township, and, being a student both of nature and literature bearing on farming and stock raising, he has been successful in his chosen vocation.
Mr. Lane is the scion of a prominent old family of this section of Indi- ana. He was born on the old homestead in Perry township September 27, 1853. He was the third son of a family of twelve children, born to Jesse Lane and wife, the father being now deceased, and he is a grandson of Judge Joseph Lane, one of the leading men of Perry township during the pioneer period. A fuller sketch of the Lane family will be found on other pages of this volume. They have long been noted for their fine horses. They are public-spirited citizens, their homes being famous for hospitality. They were
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old-time Methodist, honest. kind, obliging: the circuit riding ministers al- ways stopping at their houses.
Our subject grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked when a boy, and received his education in the common schools. When twenty- three years old he married Hattie T. Clark, who was born in Carroll county, Ind., a daughter of W. D. Clark, a native of New York state. The Clarks arc a highly respected. industrious family. Mrs. Lane grew to womanhood in her home community and received a common school education.
Mr. Lane's farm consists of one hundred and seventy-six acres, well improved and in a state of high cultivation. He has one of the most attrac- tive rural homes in Clinton county, everything denoting taste and thrift. The dwelling is in the midst of a beautiful grove, principally of maples. He has a large substantial barn and many convenient outbuildings. He has a large silo and an excellent grade of live stock is to be found in his fields at all times of the year.
Politically, Mr. Lane is a Republican and has been unswerving in his al- legiance to the party as were his forbears since the days of Lincoln. He is a member and liberal supporter of the Methodist church. He stands high in the estimation of the people, for his life has been one of industry, fair dealing and helpfulness to others.
WILLIAM A. MORRIS.
In a recent editorial, presenting the name of William A. Morris as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for treasurer of state, the Frankfort Crescent-News said:
"As a business man his qualifications are of the highest order. He has been successful in business and in his fifteen years experience as a banker he has served in every capacity from bookkeeper to president ; having retired several years ago from the active management of the bank, his only con- nection at this time being that of a director."
It is not always safe to look to a political announcement for a fair esti- mate of a man, but careful research proves that the above tribute is fully justified, and that much more might be truthfully said. In truth William A. Morris is of the class of men on whom Americans, without regard to party, look with pride and satisfaction-the class that have by their own efforts, their integrity, and their high character, risen from lowly surroundings. Americans above all esteem the man
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"Whose life in low estate began
And on a simple village green ;
"Who breaks his birth's invidions bars, And grasps the skirt of Trippy chance. And breasts the blows of circumstance,
And grapples with his evil star;
"Who makes by force his merits known
And lives to clutch the golden keys, To mould a mighty state's decrees."
William A. Morris was born in Butler county, Ohio, March 22, 1856, the chest son of James E. and Susannah ( Boes) Morris. His father. an in- dustrious and enterprising farmer, was born in the same county, and lived there until, in 1866, he moved with his family to Clinton county. This was two years after the death of his devoted wife, who had passed away on September 26, 1864. To this worthy couple six children were born: William A .; Charles E. : Florence : Louis M .; Mrs. W. D. Albright (deceased ), and Ilarry V.
The father devoted himself to the rearing of his orphaned children, and in this a generous part of the responsibility was borne by the eldest son. He grew up on the farm, receiving the slight education of the common schools, which was broadened by his studious habits and the responsibilities placed upon him. In 1872 he came to Frankfort and learned the trade of carriage blacksmithing, serving in every capacity from the inexperienced helper to foreman of the factory. In this field of labor, twelve years of his life were passed.
In 1884, Mr. Morris was appointed deputy postmaster at Frankfort. under President Cleveland, taking office in 1885, and serving for four years and a half. In 1890 he was called to the office of deputy treasurer under W. P. Maish. In these positions he demonstrated his business ability so fully that he was called to the position of teller and bookkeeper in the Clinton County Bank.
But Mr. Morris desired a broader field, and formed an independent banking firm, known as Morris Bros. Bank. This was later changed to the Citizens' Bank of Frankfort, with Mr. Morris as president, and had a pros- perous and useful career until 1907, when it was sold to the Farmers' Bank of Frankfort, Mr. Morris becoming a director of the Farmers' Bank.
From this time forward his attention was given largely to his personal affairs, conducting also a real estate, investment and insurance business, with office at 8 1-2 North Main street. Frankfort. He is also a director in the Crescent-News Publishing Company, and is Grand Treasurer of Grand Lodge
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of T. O. O. F. of Indiana, also Grand Master of Exchequer in the Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias of Indiana. He has six business rooms in the city, and a beautiful home at 408 South Jackson street.
On August 27, 1891, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Laura B. Gouty, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, a daughter of James M. Gouty (deceased) and Nancy A. Gouty, who is still living. James M. Gouty was a farmer in his earlier years, but later became a successful lumber merchant. Mrs. Morris received a good common school education, and the careful home training that made her an approved home maker. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris.
Politically, Mr. Morris has always been an active Democrat, as his father was before him, but to him political life has been an agency for pro- moting the welfare of the public. He was one of the first to protest against the corruption of the suffrage that formerly disgraced Clinton county, and was among the most active in bringing about an agreement between party leaders for purity in elections that has made the elections of the past decade respectable expressions of the public will.
Fraternally, in addition to his membership in the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Morris is identified with the Masonic Order, the Red Men, and the Elks. In religion, he holds membership in the Presbyterian church. In all rela- tions, public and private, he holds the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
JOHN A. KENT, M. D.
The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are of two classes-the men of thought and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted for the improvement of the age to the one class or the other is a question of honest differences of opinion; neither can be spared and both should be en- couraged to occupy their respective spheres of labor and influence zealously and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are briefly out- lined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. Devoted to the noble and human work of alleviating human ills, Dr. John A. Kent, of Mulberry, Clinton county, is making his influence felt in a most potent manner in the locality of which this history treats occupying a prominent place in his profession and enjoying the confidence and good will of all classes.
Dr. Kent was born near Michigantown, Clinton county, February 5,
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1873. lle is a son of William Kent, a retired farmer, of Mulberry, who was also born in this county, and is a son of George Anson and Sarah ( Boyle) Kent. George A. Kent was born in Pennsylvaia in 1819 and was a son of Carlton and Lucinda (Starkweather) Kent. Carlton Kent was born in Massachusetts in 1787. George Anson Kent came to Clinton county in 1832. Ile was one of the builders of the Michigan road and did a great deal of work on the same. His death occurred in 1859, his widow surviving him many years. George A. Kent was reared on the farm and upon reaching manhood married Sarah A. Boyle, a daughter of William and Anna (Vencil) Boyle, natives of Virginia. William Boyle became a prominent citizen. He kept a tavern for a number of years, held a number of political offices, and politicians of the state often stopped at his home. To George A. Kent and wife the following children were born : Byron, of Nebraska; William, father of our subject ; Judge J. V., a twin brother of William, living at Frankfort ; Mrs. Mary E. Walters (deceased) ; Mrs. Martha J. Frazier, of Burlington, Kansas: Mrs. Emma L. Dow, of Nebraska; Mrs. Minerva A. Jenkins and Adrian B., of this county. William Kent, father of these children, grew up on a farm in the vicinity of Michigantown and he received his education in the common schools. In early manhood he married Rebecca Elizabeth Pruitt, a native of Jolinson township, Clinton county, where she grew to womanhood and was educated.
She was a daughter of John Pruitt, whose father was a North Caro- linian, and Nancy J. (Stewart) Pruitt, who was born in Kentucky. John Pruitt was a county commissioner for a period of twelve years and promin- ent in Democratic politics. To William Kent and wife eight children were born, six sons and two daughters: James O. and William W., deceased ; Dr. John A., of this sketch : Charles D. and Dallas P., engaged in the hardware business at Mulberry and Rossville, under the firm name of Kent Brothers; Mrs. Dora Lindly, of Wabash, Indiana ; Mrs. Edith Beavers, who is living in Billings, Montana ; George B., a medical student.
Dr. John A. Kent's mother died in 1911 at the age of fifty-nine years. She was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Dr. Kent was reared on a farm and there assisted with the general work when a boy. He received a common school education, later attending Val- paraiso College and the State Normal at Terre Haute. Ile began life for himself by teaching, which he followed with much success for a period of nine years. He taught in both graded and high schools and was one of the most popular educators of the county. Believing that his true bent lay in another direction, he began studying medicine, later entering the Illinois Medical
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College, where he made an excellent record and from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1902, later taking a post graduate course in the medical department of John Hopkins University.
He began the practice of his profession in 1902 at Scircleville, Indiana, and in 1906 located at Mulberry, Clinton county, where he has since remained. Ile was successful from the start, and now ranks among the leading general physicians and surgeons in the county, enjoying a large and lucrative prac- tice. Ile has remained a close student of all that pertains to his profession and has kept well abreast of the times. He maintains a modernly equipped office and owns a commodious and attractive home in Mulberry.
Dr. Kent married Nona Wilson, of Monon, Indiana, and a daughter of James K. Wilson. She is a lady of many estimable characteristics and has been well educated. To the Doctor and wife two children have been born : Lillie E. and James W.
Dr. Kent is a member of the Clinton County Medical Society and the Indiana State Medical Society. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Or- der. having attained the Knights Templar degree : also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is a gentleman of pleasing presence and exemplary habits and is popular with all classes.
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