USA > Indiana > Daviess County > History of Daviess County, Indiana : Its people, industries and institutions > Part 54
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John H. Spencer was born in Greenville, Tennessee, and came to Indiana when a child with his parents. He was reared in Washington and attended the public schools here. He graduated from the high school in 1880 and then began studying law in the office of Judge J. W. Ogdon. In 1882 he was admitted to the bar and has practiced in Washington ever since. He is a member of the Methodist church.
Politically, Mr. Spencer is a Democrat. He was clerk of the judiciary committee of the House of Representatives in 1885 and two years later, when the Legislature convened, he was chief journal clerk in the Indiana State Senate. In 1887 and 1891 he had charge of the engrossing and enrolling room in the Senate. From 1894 to 1898, he was mayor of Wash- ington and also served as deputy prosecutor for five and one-half years. In 1900, he was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at Kansas City. He was the nominee for state senator in 1908, but was defeated. Mr. Spencer was city attorney for four years, or until 1914, when he was re- elected, but in February he resigned to take the position of income tax collector for the seventh district.
Thus it appears that John H. Spencer has been honored by the people of Daviess county and by the people of Indiana with many important positions of trust and responsibility. It is only fair to say, that he has performed the duties of all of these positions conscientiously and faithfully. In the first place. Mr. Spencer is a man of superior ability and in the next place, he is a man who puts into any duty. public or private, the very best energy and thought of which he is capable. John H. Spencer has never married, but has devoted the time which most men devote to their families, to matters of public interest and. in this respect. he has performed a notably good work in behalf of the people of Daviess county.
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COURTLAND E. HAYES.
It is a well-established maxim, that the greatness of a community or a state lies not in the machinery of government or even in its institution, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and unselfish effort, and their devotion to the public welfare. In these par- ticulars, Courtland E. Hayes has conferred honor and dignity upon his locality and as an elemental part of history, it is fitting that there should be recorded a resume of his career, with the object of noting his connection with the advancement of one of the most flourishing and progressive sections of the commonwealth of Indiana. Mr. Hayes is a well-known business man of Washington, Indiana, who, by his personal efforts, has built up a large patronage in the city of Washington and vicinity.
Courtland E. Hayes was born on May 17, 1886, in Denver, Colorado. He is the son of Edwin and Flora (Cuppy) Hayes, the former a native of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, born in 1861, and the latter of Shelburn,. Indiana, born in 1859.
The paternal grandfather of Courtland E. Hayes was Edwin A. Hayes, Sr., who now resides near St. John, New Brunswick. His wife is deceased. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Hayes were Carter and Nancy (Carter) Cuppy. They settled first in Indiana, but later moved to Illinois. He died at Kemp, Illinois, and his wife is still living in that place.
Edwin Hayes, Jr., the father of Courtland E., is a general merchant at Kemp, Illinois. He left St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, when a young man and located at Idaho Springs, Colorado, where he was a teacher for several years. After his marriage at Idaho Springs, he removed to Denver and there was secretary of a large wholesale plumbing house for some time. In 1898 Edwin Hayes, Jr., removed to Kemp, Illinois, where he engaged in the general mercantile business, in which he has been engaged since that time, a period of practically seventeen years. Edwin Hayes, Jr., was for- merly an ardent Republican, but during the last two or three years has been identified with the new Progressive party. He and his wife are members of the church of Christ. They have been the parents of four children, Court- land E., Glenn, Carter and Amelia, all of whom are now living.
Courtland E. Hayes received his early education at Kemp, Illinois, and also in the high school at Arcola, Illinois, and in the normal school at Marion, Indiana. In 1911, Mr. Hayes moved to Washington, Indiana, and engaged in the general mercantile business at I West Main street. Although a com- paratively young man, he has thoroughly established himself as one of the
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enterprising business men in the city of Washington, and is honored and respected by the citizens of this county.
Mr. Hayes was married on September 8, 1909, to Bertha Hawkins, a native of Arcola, Illinois, born in 1886. She is the daughter of William W. and Mary. (White) Hawkins, both residents of Arcola, Illinois. To this happy union, two children have been born, Pauline-Elizabeth and Jack Edwin.
Mr. Hayes and his family are members of the Christian church at Washington and take an active part in the affairs, both of the church and the Sunday school. They contribute liberally of their means to the support of this denomination. In politics, Mr. Hayes is now identified with the Pro- gressive party, though formerly he was a Republican. Fraternally, Mr. Hayes is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and has been for several years.
LAWRENCE CHARLES GROSS.
It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience that industry is the key to prosperity. Success comes not to him who idly waits for fortune's favors, but to the faithful toiler who, with cheerful celerity and sleepless vigilance, takes advantage of every circumstance calculated to promote his interests. Such a man was Lawrence Charles Gross, a well-known and highly-esteemed citizen of Daviess county, Indiana, who in a comparatively brief period of time, advanced from an humble station in life to a proud position among the citizens of this county. Faithfulness to duty and a strict adherence to fixed purposes, which always do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or position, were the dominating factors in his life, which was replete with honor and success worthily attained. He was known as a man of strictly honest business principles : industrious, pleasant and agreeable.
The late Lawrence Charles Gross was born on May 1, 1866, in Ger- many, where his parents died. He came to America early in life and after landing in this country, went immediately to Green Bay. Wisconsin, when he was fifteen years old. Subsequently, he removed to Louisville, Kentucky, and in October. 1889, came to Washington, Indiana. He died on May 29, 1909. His earlier education was received in Germany. He was a baker and engaged in this business on March 17, 1892, at 13 Southeast Second street, and continued in business until his death. Since his death the business has been carried on by his widow. In politics, Lawrence Charles Gross was a
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Democrat. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, a Knights Templar and a member of the Knights of Pythias, He attended the Presby- terian church, of which Mrs. Gross is a member all her life. The late Law- rence Charles Gross was married, March 9, 1892, to Louise Schuck, a native of Weis-Baden, Germany, born on October 26, 1868, and a daughter of Philip and Catherine (Alberti) Schuck, both natives of Germany, the former born on January 14, 1839, and the latter born on October 20, 1842. They were married in Germany and in 1869 they came to New Albany, Indiana. After living there for two years, they removed to Washington, Indiana, in 1871. Philip Schuck was a coal miner. Later in life he was engaged in the restaurant business in Washington, Indiana. In politics, Philip Schuck was a Democrat. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was also a member of the German Benevolent Society.
The children of Philip and Catherine ( Alberti) Schuck were as follow : Lena, who died in infancy; Henry and Louise, who were born in Germany ; Peter, who was born in New Albany, Indiana; Mary, born in Washington, Indiana, and who is deceased; Louis, who is deceased, was born in Wash- ington, Indiana. The father of Mrs. Lawrence Charles Gross died on September 13, 1888, and his wife died on April 16, 1909.
Mrs. Gross's maternal grandfather was Christian Alberti, born in 1810, who married Elizabeth Bernhart. He died in Germany in 1867. After his death, his widow came to the United States and located in Washington, Indiana, and died there on September 24, 1886. She was born on December 15, 1815. They had four children, Jennie, Louis, Catherine and Louise, all of whom are now deceased.
Lawrence Charles Gross was one of five children. The others were Caspar, Martin and two sisters.
The late Lawrence Charles Gross occupied a prominent place in the business life of Washington and his death was keenly lamented by the people of Washington and vicinity. Few men paid stricter attention to business, or were more thoroughly centered in their own personal affairs, than the late Mr. Gross. While he gave all his time and energy to business, he, how- ever, was interested in the public welfare and loyally supported all worthy public movements. Mrs. Gross is a most estimable lady and is now living in Washington, Indiana. She has a host of friends, which she has won because of her gentleness of character and keen intellectual refinement. Mrs. Gross presented the memorial window to the Presbyterian church, in memory of her beloved husband.
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DAVIESS COUNTY, INDIANA.
WILLIAM DEARMIN.
It cannot be other than interesting to note in the series of personal sketches appearing in this work, the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are outlined. An effort has been made in each case, to throw a well-focused light on the individuality and to bring into proper perspective, the trend of each career. The man who strives to do his part in connection with human life and its activities, deserves recognition, what- ever may be his field of endeavor. It is a function of historical works of the character of the one in hand, to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record concerning those represented in its pages. The value of such publication is intended to be cumulative for all time to come, and the work represents the individual and specific accomplishments of each genera- tion.
William Dearmin, a well-known grocer, of Washington, Indiana, was born in Monroe county, Indiana, January 19, 1853. He is the son of Joseph and Eliza (Rainey) Dearmin, the former a native of Virginia, born in 1812, and the latter a native of Indiana, who died in Monroe county in 1855. Joseph Dearmin was the son of John Dearmin, a native of Virginia, who came to Monroe county, Indiana, in 1824. Here he died about 1857. John Dearmin's wife was Rebecca Pearcy.
Joseph Dearmin was twelve years old when he was brought to Monroe county, Indiana, with his parents. He was a farmer in Monroe county and identified with the fortunes of the Democratic party early in life, but later became a Republican. He died in 1876, in Daviess county, Indiana. By his first wife he had five children : Dr. John, who first lived in Monroe county and later in Daviess county, died in Indianapolis; George; James L., de- ceased ; William, and Percy, deceased. After the death of his first wife, Joseph Dearmin married Mary Reeder and had two sons by this marriage. Thomas and Henry, both of whom are deceased.
William Dearmin was eighteen years old when his parents moved from Monroe county, Indiana, to this county, in 1875. He was educated in the public schools of Indiana, and, after completing his education, lived in Illi- nois for a few years. In 1876, he removed to Daviess county, where he was married. He settled at Raglesville, in 1877.
William Bearmin was married to Mary Critchlow, of Daviess county. She was the mother of five children, Carl L .; Martha F., the wife of Alfred M. Tarr; Ada P., the wife of A. H. Witsett, of Pittsburg, Kansas; Joseph
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E. and Miles R., both of Washington, Indiana. Mrs. Dearmin died in 1896, and Mr. Dearmin was married again to Margaret V. McFadden, of Daviess county. No children have been born to this last marriage.
While living at Raglesville, Mr. Dearmin was engaged in carpenter and contracting work. For a time he was located at Elnora, Indiana, and was in the real estate and insurance business. In 1912, he came to Washington, Indiana, and engaged in the grocery business, operating two stores, one at 725 East Main street, and one at 14 Southeast Third street. His sons, Carl L. and Joseph E., were in partnership with him, under the firm name of Dearmin's Cash Grocery. Later, Joseph E. sold his interest in the firm to his father and brother, and he is now a traveling salesman. William Dearmin and his son, Carl L., are now in business at 14 Southeast Third street, under the firm name of Dearmin's Cash Grocery, and do a very extensive business. They began in a small way and now have one of the largest groceries in Washington. Mr. Dearmin and his son also own a good farm in Barr township, consisting of ninety-six acres.
The Dearmins are highly-respected residents of Washington and have built up an enviable reputation for honesty and square dealing. These quali- ties account in a large measure for their phenomenal success, since coming to Daviess county and particularly to Washington.
Mr. Dearmin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Odon, Indiana, the Modern Woodmen of America, at Washington, and are also his three sons; he also holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal church at Washington, Indiana.
JAMES M. CONLIN.
The record of the subject of this sketch is that of a man who, by his own unaided efforts, has worked his way from a humble station to a posi- tion of influence in his community. His life has been one of unceasing industry, perseverance and toil, and the systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens of. Daviess county, whose interests he ever has had at heart.
James M. Conlin was born May 8, 1871. in Martin county, Indiana, and is the son of James and Mary Anne (Feagan) Conlin. His father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1846: his mother was born in Daviess county, September 12, 1844. His paternal grandparents were natives
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of Ireland, who immigrated to this country and first settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later came to Reeve township, this county, where both lived and died. Subject's maternal grandparents, Henry and Ellen (Sutton) Feagan, were natives of Daviess county, coming here in an early day, and here they both died.
Subject's father received his early education in the public schools of Daviess county and began his career as a common laborer, working in various places in Daviess and Knox counties, Indiana, on the railroads and after some years was promoted to foreman of a section gang. At a later date he became a locomotive fireman and continued in that capacity for some time. At the present time he is occupied in Vincennes, Indiana, as a stationary engineer and lives there. He has always supported the Democratic ticket and the entire family are members of the Catholic church. To their union were born the following named children: James M., Henry, deceased, William, Agnes, Sarah, Anna, Margaret, Mattie and Michael.
James M. Conlin received his early education in the public schools of Knox county, Indiana, and when quite young began work as a laborer in a local stave factory. At a later date, he secured employment in the Ohio and Mississippi shops in Vincennes, Indiana, and worked there during the years 1887-88, and on March 24, 1889, left there to go to work as a machinist in the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern railroad shops in Washington, In- diana. While employed there, he was promoted to the position of assistant foreman of the round house, later promoted to foreman, and finally placed in the position as general foreman of the round house and director of the machine and erecting shops. In 1893, Mr. Conlin was married to Catherine Brennan, a native of Washington, Indiana, and a daughter of Owen and Catherine (Roarty) Brennan, both residents of Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Conlin have been born four children: Rose May, Charles, Marguerite and Dorothy, deceased.
Mr. Conlin owns an attractive home at No. 1IO Pearl street, in Wash- ington, where he and the family have resided since 1908, and where every evidence of the kindest hospitality exists. Politically, Mr. Conlin is a sup- porter of the Democratic ticket, but at no time has he aspired to hold political office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Royal Arcanum. Religiously, the whole family are attached to the Catholic faith and contribute liberally to the support of that denomination. Personally, Mr. Conlin, is genial and unassuming in his relations with his fellowmen, easily wins friends and among the wide acquaintance which he enjoys, he has many warm and loyal admirers. Mr. and Mrs. Conlin are
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leading quite lives and they are highly respected for the honorable and praiseworthy lives they have led, and for the hospitality they have ever shown. to the poor and needy, having long been worthy examples and influential. for good, wherever they have resided.
FRANK MANGIN.
Enterprise and industry, coupled with well-directed purpose, will always. be productive of some measure of success. In the pursuit of agriculture, the qualities mentioned are quite essential. Numbered among the successful farmers in Daviess county, Indiana, is the man whose name appears at the head of this review. He has so developed his holdings and cultivated his. land so intensively, that he has attained a definite degree of success, and at the same time has greatly benefited the people of this county. Having always pursued honorable and upright methods in his dealings with his fellowmen, and having led an exemplary life, he is entitled to recognition in a work of the character of this history.
Frank Mangin was born on September 24, 1845, in Lorraine, France, and is the son of Frank and Katrina (Lawson) Mangin, both natives of France, where they lived and died. The subject of this review received his education in his native country and came to his country in 1867, first settling in Floyd county, Indiana, where he remained until 1870, and then came to Washington, Indiana. In 1878, he returned to France and was married there to Catherine Vourms, born on September 12, 1853, and a native of Lorraine, France. Returning with his wife to America in 1879, he went to the town of New Albany, Indiana, for a short time, then coming to Daviess county, entered, and at a later date bought his present farm con- sisting of forty acres. A number of improvements have been effected on the place and a general farming business is conducted. Mr. Mangin has a commodious and comfortable residence, well situated, and everything about the place is kept up in good shape, indicating a considerable degree of interest in his holding. To him and his wife have been born the following children : Mary, who died at the age of fourteen years; Frank, who died at the age of five years; Barbara, wife of George Rankle, of Washington township, whose children are : Frances, born on February 15, 1902; Margaret, March 15, 1905; Catherine M., March 23, 1908; Rosemary, July 4, 1911, and Vin- cent, July 19, 1914; Anna, wife of William C. Howard, whose marriage.
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occurred on October 6, 1914; he is a machinist on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad at Washington, Indiana; Rose, who is a trained nurse and lives in Kokomo, Indiana, and Nicholas, who lives with his parents.
Politically, Mr. Mangin is a supporter of the Democratic ticket, but does not take any active interest in the political questions. Religiously, he and his family are devout members of the Catholic church. Personally, he is regarded as an unselfish, charitable man, of pleasing disposition and a gen- tleman in every sense of the word. His life in this community has resulted. in a large number of friends, who hold him in the highest esteem and who recognize in him worthy motives, business ability, and high character. He is a man who is liberal in his views, believes in progress and improvement and does what he can to further these ends, taking an interest in whatever makes for the material advancement of the county, and the social, intellectual and moral good of the people.
JOSEPH SMALL.
While success cannot be achieved without unceasing industry, the futility of effort is often noticeable in the business world, and results from the fact that it is not combined with sound judgment. Many a man who gives his entire life to earnest and unremitting toil, never acquires a com- petence; but when his labor is well directed, prosperity always follows. Joseph Small is one whose work has been supplemented by careful manage- ment and today he is numbered among the successful agriculturists of the locality in which he lives. Descended from honored ancestry of Revolu- tionary days, and himself having won the high esteem of his community by honorable methods and right living, is entitled to recognition in a work of this nature.
Joseph Small was born on November 4, 1849, in Washington township,. Daviess county, and is the son of William and Tabitha (Sanford) Small, the former born February 13, 1822, in Washington township, and the latter born in Mason county, Kentucky, February 1I, 1829. Subject's paternal grandparents were Benjamin and Mary Small, the former a native of Vir- ginia, who went to Kentucky in an early day and was married there. He removed to Daviess county, Indiana, where both he and his wife died. Sub- ject's maternal grandparents, Hamilton and Tabitha Ann (Clark) Sanford, were both natives of Kentucky and came to Daviess county, Indiana, in an
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early day. They are both dead. William and Tabitha (Sanford) Small were the parents of the following children: One who died in infancy ; Joseph W. and a twin who died in infancy; Tabitha Ann; Mary Jane; John W .; Lucretia; Thomas R., who died on March 12, 1914; another who died in infancy; Helen; Virginia; Reuben; Benjamin and Sarah.
The great-grandparents on both sides of Mr. Small's family were active during the Revolutionary War, and his great-grandfather was killed in the last battle.
William H. Small, died in January, 1881, in Washington, Indiana. The father had been a good provider for his family and lived an honorable and upright life. His early education had been neglected, but being a man of keen observation and quick to learn, he acquired considerable knowledge and was recognized as a bright and well-informed man. He was a member of the old Whig party and later became a Democrat. At one time he was engaged to assist in the building of the old Baptist church in Washington, Indiana, and belonged to that denomination, while for the most of his life he was engaged in farming.
Mr. Small received his education in the township schools of Daviess county, and at the age of twenty went to work in the southern Indiana coal fields. After laboring in the mines for a while, he secured a position a's fore- man for the firm of Cabel & Kauffman, and remained with that firm for twenty-three years, then went to work as foreman for the firm of Freeman & Wolford, where he remained for the following five years; then, for the next two years, acted as foreman for the United Fourth Vein Coal Company, mined for several months, and finally began farming and continues to farm to this day. He is the owner of two hundred eleven acres of land in Daviess county, and one hundred fifty-six acres in Owen county, Indiana. He carries on general farming and has made a good many improvements on his home place.
Joseph Small was married in 1877. to Annette Brown, who was born in Fredericksburg, Washington county, Indiana, a daughter of Alonzo B. and Margaret Brown, she being the only child. Her father went to Texas many years ago and is supposed to have died there, and her mother moved to Daviess county, Indiana, forty-three years ago and still lives there. To Mr. Small and his wife have been born the following children: Naoma, who married James B. Aikman, and lives in Washington, Indiana; their children are : George, Margaret, Josephine and Paul; William H., who married Ida Long, and is now engaged in farming; Annette B., now Mrs. Arthur Green- wood, living in Washington, Indiana, where he practices law; Theresa, de-
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ceased infant; Joseph, who married Sarah Shinefelt, and is a civil engineer, graduate of Purdue University, and now connected with the American Bridge Company, of Ambridge, Pennsylvania; Ella, who married Marvin Busic, and lives in Dayton, Ohio; Thomas Jefferson, who married Minnie Dover, and is mining coal in Linton, Indiana.
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