USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions > Part 39
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In 1867 James A. Sprowl was married to Martha L. Crow, who was born and reared in Gibson county, and to them have been born eight children, namely : John O., of Cleveland, Ohio; Carrie, the wife of W. J. Schumat, of Princeton : George N., of Princeton; Charles, of Lansing, Michigan; Nellie Margaret. the wife of Elwood Lichtenberger, of Mt. Vernon, Indiana; J. Arch, of Princeton, and Roy and Arthur, who are deceased.
Politically, Mr. Sprowl has given his life-long support to the Republican party and has been active in the ranks in his efforts to advance the interests of the organization. Politically, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, while his religious affiliation is with the United Presbyterian
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church. His life-long residence in Gibson county, his upright life and mature judgment and the many favors which he has rendered have won for him the confidence and esteem of the people with whom he has so long mingled. He is imbued with the deepest and most helpful public spirit and is well fortified in his opinions on matters of public policy, giving of his best to the furthering of good government and being neglectful of no civic duty.
WILBUR F. FISHER.
The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are two classes, to-wit, the men of study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted for the improvement of the age to the one class or to the other is a question of honest difference in opinion; neither class can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their several 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 humane work of teaching, he has made his influence felt in the school life of Gibson county and is not unknown to the wider educational circles of the state, occupying, as he does, a prominent place in his profession and standing high in the esteem of educators in other than his own particular field of endeavor.
Wilbur F. Fisher, superintendent of the schools of Gibson county, was born on July 21, 1876, at Patoka, this county, and is the son of John B. and Sarah Jennie ( Marsh) Fisher, the father a native of Patoka and the mother of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Both are now deceased. John B. Fisher was a farmer by vocation, and was a veteran of the Civil war, having served for thirty-nine months in the Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the great battle of Chickamauga, and many others of almost equal prominence, and was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea and at the fall of Atlanta. He was a man of prominence in his community and served efficiently as a justice of the peace. His death occurred on November 1, 1910, having survived his wife a number of years, her death having occurred on March 26, 1883. They were the parents of the following children, Carrie, Herbert, Harry, deceased, Ralph, Roy, deceased, Wilbur, Henry and Chester, deceased.
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Wilbur F. Fisher received his education in the common and the high schools of Patoka, and then was a student in Indiana University. He had taught some before entering the university, and after attending that institu- tion he took up pedagogical work, in which he has during the subsequent years achieved a pronounced success, being numbered among the leading educators of southwestern Indiana. His work embraces six years in the common schools in White River township, this county, and ten years in high school work, four years as superintendent at Hazleton, Indiana, and six years as superintendent at Patoka. While incumbent of the latter position, Mr. Fisher was elected county superintendent of schools on June 5, 1911, and is the present incumbent of this position. As a teacher, Professor Fisher met with merited success and in his capacity as principal of schools he has met with a series of successes and advancements. He pursues his present calling with all the interest of an enthusiast, is thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the work, and has the proper conception of the dignity of the profession to which his life and energies are so earnestly devoted. As superintendent of schools, his work has been characterized by greater efficiency and closer grading in the schools. He has done much to raise the general standing of education and scholarship in Gibson county, and his work stamps him as a man of unusual ability. A polished gentleman and possessing the traits of character necessary to insure success, the services thus far rendered bespeak for him a wider and more distinguished career of usefulness in years to come. Unlike so many of his calling who become narrow and pedantic, the Professor is distinctly a man of the times, broad and liberal in his views, and has the courage of his convictions on the leading public questions and issues upon which men and parties divide. He also keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought along its various lines and, being a man of scholarly and refined tastes, is acquainted with the literature of the world in general, while his familiarity with the more practical affairs of the day makes him feel at ease with all classes and conditions of people whom he may meet. Deeply interested in the work to which his life is devoted, Professor Fisher has not been unmindful of his duties as a citizen, and to this end takes an active part in public matters and lends his influence and support to all matters having for their object the advancement of the city and the intellectual and moral good of the people.
Wilbur F. Fisher was married October 25, 1907, to Bessie Spain, who was born near Hazleton, Indiana, the daughter of Byron S. Spain, a promi- nent citizen of that community, and to this union has been born one child,
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Jennie Louise. Religiously, Professor Fisher is a member of the Presbyter- ian church, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a Democrat of the Bryan type and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. Personally, Professor Fisher is a popular man, possessing to a marked degre the characteristics which win and retain warm friendships. He is a member of one of the old pioneer families of Gibson county, his paternal grandfather, Jonathan Fisher, being one of the first settlers of Patoka, and here the family early became prominent and in- fluential in local affairs. Jonathan Fisher engaged extensively in the pork packing business and ran a flat boat down the Mississippi river to New Orleans, Professor Fisher's father assisting him in this work. He married Polly Milburn and reared a family of eight children. From such sterling stock, the subject of this sketch inherited qualities which have enabled him to gain success, namely, perseverance, industry, and the strictest ideals of integrity and honesty. By his kindness and courtesy he has won an abiding place in the esteem of his fellow citizens and by his intelligence, energy and abiding spirit has made his influence felt among his associates during his residence in this county, and as a result occupies no small place in the esteem of the public.
JUDGE WILLIAM M. LAND.
Judge William M. Land, at the time of his death on April 19, 1904, was the Nestor of the Princeton bar and one of the most prominent jurists in southern Indiana. He was born in Johnson township, Gibson county, Indiana, August 28, 1827, making his age at death nearly seventy- seven years. He was a son of Abraham and Sarah Ann (Edwards) Land. His grandfather was a colonel in the Colonial army during the war of the Revolution. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Abraham Land wa's a South Carolinian, but married in Tennessee and came to live in Gibson county, near Fort Branch, in 1827. To this union were born four sons nad four daughters, Judge Land being the oldest of these children. The father was a cooper by trade, but became the pioneer miller of Gibson county, de- voting his time to milling, although he lived on a farm. He served for many years as a justice of the peace and was held in high regard. His death occurred in 1844, and his wife followed him in 1864.
William M. Land began his education in a log school house and in his
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youth attended the schools of his neighborhood. At the age of twenty, in January, 1848, he enlisted for service in the Mexican war as a member of Company I, Fourteenth United States Infantry, continuing with this com- mand until honorably discharged in August, 1848. Returning home, he at- tended school for a time and then engaged in teaching for twelve years. The oldest of eight children, he assumed the management of the farm and was the mainstay of the family until the children grew to maturity. While quite young, Judge Land was called upon to serve in positions of public trust. From 1853 until 1860 he served successively as township assessor, county commissioner and township trustee, and while acting as trustee he erected the first frame school house in the township.
Shortly after returning from the Mexican war he took up the study of law, devoting spare hours to a diligent reading of Blackstone. He was ad- mitted to the Gibson county bar in February, 1857, and was the oldest living member up to the time of his death. In 1864 he moved to Princeton so he might engage more extensively in the practice of his profession. His ability, honesty and constant application resulted in a most successful career. He had a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the science of juris- prudence, and his argument of a case rested more on the clear, decisive truth and logic than upon oratorical effects. He was always devoted to his clients' interests and went to the depth of every legal point at issue. Al- though years crept upon him, his disposition for work and activity made it a pleasure to continue the practice until the time came when physical ailments precluded a further pursuit of business. During his career no less than nine or ten of the Princeton attorneys read law in his office.
Judge Land served as deputy district attorney, also as attorney for the city of Princeton. He became a member of the board of education in 1868 and during his term the first brick school house in Princeton was erected. In July, 1872, he was appointed to fill the unexpired term as judge of the common pleas court for the first district of Indiana, composed of the coun- ties of Gibson, Vanderburg, Posey and Warrick. On different occasions he served as special judge of the circuit courts of the above mentioned coun- ties, and acted as judge of the superior court of Vanderburg county. Few cases tried under him were ever appealed and not one reversed by a higher court. This record indicates his superior ability as a jurist and his success- ful career in the field of law.
Judge Land was married in 1850 to Sarah E. J. Harmon, of Posey
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county, who died in 1888, and to this union there were born six children, of whom the following survived their father: Oma, the wife of James B. Gamble, who is represented elsewhere in this work; Marion, Henry, Jessie and George.
Judge Land was a public-spirited citizen and encouraged public enter- prise. He was especially interested in educational matters and aided much in the advancement of school interests in the city and county. In 1868 he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and took a deep interest in this order. In the order he held many high places and was a past grand.
During his life Judge Land was a member of three political parties. He voted with the Democracy early in life, but was a Republican from 1862 until 1884, when he took up the Prohibition cause and became a leader in the ranks of that party. He was earnest in the cause of temperance and his advocacy was fraught with much good for the cause he espoused.
Judge Land recognized in the worship of God a privileged duty of man and his life was lived along lines consistent with Christianity. He was a faithful member of the General Baptist church at Enon.
Judge Land was of literary bent, although this phase of his life was not as publicly known as was his ability as a lawyer and jurist. He possessed one of the largest libraries in the county and he was never so happy as when among his books. Among his many talents was that of verse writing, and his productions in verse are meritorious and deserve a wide circulation. These poems were carefully typewritten on pages of uniform size and col- lected in two books. The title of one, "Voyage to Waterloo, and Other Poems;" the other he called "The White Stone King," and other poems. The poems are on varied subjects and the genius of the author has given them a smoothness in style and a depth of thought which mark their ex- cellence.
In the death of Judge Land, Gibson county lost an eminently useful man. He had ability and, what was more important, the disposition to use it at all times for the advancement of good morals and right principles. As a Christian gentleman, he was a model for the rising generation, and as a public-spirited citizen he had few peers in the community. There was in him a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judgment and a fidelity of purpose that commanded the respect of all, but greater than these was his unswerving integrity, and "an honest man is the noblest work of God."
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HARVEY MILBURN.
Specific mention is made in the following paragraphs of one of the worthy citizens of Gibson county, Indiana, one who has figured in the growth and development of the educational and financial interests of this favored locality, and whose interests have been identified with its progress, con- tributing in a definite measure in his particular spheres of action to the well- being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, com- bined with mature judgment and every-day common sense, have been among his most prominent characteristics and he has merited the respect and esteem which are accorded him by all who know him.
Harvey Milburn was born August 3. 1870, in Lineus county, Missouri, the son of Augustus and Isabelle (Devin) Milburn. The father was born in Indiana, where he spent his life in farming in Gibson county, his death oc- curring there on August 2, 1909. The mother died on November 2, 1889. To the parents of the subject five children were born, namely: Preston is engaged in the general mercantile business and lives in Patoka; Alex D. is deceased; Harvey; Sue married Oscar Witherspoon, a farmer of Gibson county; Mary married D. R. Trippet, a lumberman, and lives in Memphis, Tennessee. Augustus Milburn was allied politically with the Republican party, but never aspired to public office.
A thorough education was granted Harvey Milburn, the subject of this biographical review. He attended the common schools, then graduated from the high school at Patoka, and took the course in teacher training, supple- menting this with a course in the State University at Bloomington, Indiana. At the conclusion of his studies he engaged in the profession of an educator, teaching in the schools of Gibson county for fifteen years and was principal of the South school for seven years.
On May 28, 1906, Mr. Milburn forsook pedagogical pursuits and en- tered the American National Bank as assistant cashier, which position he is yet filling in a praiseworthy manner, his genial personality and accomnio- dating manners having won for him a wide circle of friends and been of in- estimable value to the institution which he so capably serves.
In December, 1898, the subject of this review was married to Ethel May Witherspooon, daughter of James C. and Fanny (King) Witherspoon. The father, who died in February, 1910, was an old settler in Gibson county, where he engaged in agriculture all his days. To the subject and wife have
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been born two children, Isabelle, living at home, and Lucile, who died in her , seventh year, on October 30, 1909.
The Republican party has constantly claimed Mr. Milburn's suffrage, while, fraternally, he is an earnest and appreciative member of the Masonic order. A worthy member of the First Presbyterian church, Mr. Milburn takes a deep interest in its welfare and contributes liberally to its support.
Personally, the subject is a man whom it is a pleasure to meet, jovial, agreeable, hospitable and a well informed man. The Milburn family bears an excellent reputation throughout the county and takes first rank in the citizenship of this favored section of the Hoosier state.
DAVID INGLE, SR.
Indiana has been especially honored in the character and career of her active men of industry. In every section have been found men born to leadership in the various vocations, men who have dominated because of their superior intelligence, natural endowment and force of character. It is always profitable to study such lives, weigh their motives and hold up their achieve- ments as incentives to greater activity and higher excellence on the part of others. These reflections are suggested by the career of one who forged his way to the front ranks of the favored few, and who, by a strong inherent force and superior business ability, directed and controlled by intelligence and judgment of a high order, stood for over a quarter of a century one of the leading men of his section of the state. No citizen in southwestern Indiana achieved more honorable mention or occupied a more conspicuous place in the public eye than David Ingle, Sr., whose earthly career is ended, but whose in- fluence still pervades the lives of men, the good which he did having been too far-reaching to be measured in metes and bounds. In this age of colossal enterprise and marked intellectual energy, the prominent and successful men are those whose ambition and abilities lead them into large undertakings and to assume the responsibilities and labors of their respective fields of endeavor. Success is methodical and consecutive and though the rise of Mr. Ingle may have seemed rapid, it will be found that his success was attained by the same normal methods and means-determined application of mental and physical resources along a rightly defined line. To offer in a work of this province an adequate resume of the career of this good man would be impossible, but,
David Lingly
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with others of those who have conserved the civic and commercial progress of this section of Indiana, we may well note the more salient points that marked his life and labors. He was long a dominating power in public utilities as well as extensive private operations of a varied nature. He achieved a position as a substantial capitalist, gaining his success through legitimate and worthy means and he stood as an admirable type of the self-made man.
David Ingle, Sr., was born on December 14, 1851, at Evansville, Indiana, and was a son of John and Isabella ( Davidson) Ingle, the father a native of England and the mother of Scotland. The subject's paternal grandfather, John Ingle, Sr., was postmaster at Inglefield, north of Evansville, under President Andrew Jackson. He was a successful farmer, well-known justice of the peace and a very prominent and influential man in his community. John Ingle, Jr., was a well-known lawyer in Evansville and was successful in many other enterprises, having built and surveyed the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad, of which corporation he became the first president. He re- mained a citizen of Evansville until his death, which occurred in 1875, at the age of sixty-one years. David Ingle received only a public school education in the schools at Evansville and on leaving school he obtained employment in a hardware store in that city. A few years later he went to work for his father in the Ingleside mine, which was the oldest mine in Indiana, and which had been opened in 1850 by some members of the Ingle family, and which had evidently come into the possession of John Ingle, Jr. After leaving the mine David Ingle became freight agent for the Merchants Dispatch fast freight lines, and in this capacity became somewhat acquainted with the de- tails of railroad business. He was thus engaged until 1880, when he came to Oakland City and opened the old Ingleton coal mine just across the line in Pike county, and which at that time was the terminus of the railroad. The mine was a success from the start, though somewhat hampered in its opera- tions because of the fact that the railroad company could not supply cars fast enough to ship the product. He was the pioneer in the coal industry in this section, and for many years operated this mine and then, going further east. opened other mines. He operated on a large scale on his own account, but in 1890 he organized the Ayrshire Coal Company, which corporation branched out and opened and operated seven other plants, only two of which are now being operated, the others having been worked out. Of this company David Ingle was president up to the time of his death, which occurred on October 18, 1909. He did not confine his activities to this immediate locality, but was heavily interested in other mines over the state, though he did not turn his
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attention to any extent into other lines of business. Strong mental powers, invincible courage and a determined purpose that hesitated at no opposition so entered into his composition as to render him a dominant factor in the busi- ness world and a leader of men. He was essentially a man of affairs, of sound judgment, keen discernment, rare acumen, far-seeing in what he undertook and the enterprises to which he addressed himself resulted in liberal financial returns, his success in life being the legitimate fruitage of consecutive effort directed and controlled by good judgment and correct principles.
Politically, David Ingle was a stanch supporter of the Republican party, but did not take a very active part in public affairs, his private business con- cerns demanding his undivided attention. Religiously, he was for many years a member of the Presbyterian church at Oakland City, being one of the prime movers in the erection of the present magnificent church building at Oakland City. He was for many years a member of the board of elders and treasurer of the church board.
On February 2, 1875, David Ingle, Sr., was married to Fannie Burbank, the daughter of Bradford Burbank, of Evansville, and to them were born the following children, David and William D., who are mentioned in later para- graphs of this sketch; Frances, the wife of William Bebb, who is a scientist and college professor in Chicago; Katherine, the wife of M. K. Mitchell, also an educator in Chicago. Personally, Mr. Ingle was a man of great force of character and was usually found in the lead when any movement was on foot for the betterment of his community. In his business career, as well as his private life, no word of suspicion was ever breathed against him. His actions were always the result of careful and conscientious thought, and when once convinced that he was right no suggestion of policy or personal profit could swerve him from the course decided upon. His career was rounded in its beautiful simplicity, for he did his full duty in all the relations of life and it is said today that no man in the county in which he lived enjoyed to a greater extent the affection and the confidence of the people more than did Mr. Ingle.
David Ingle, Jr., who succeeded his father as president of the Ayrshire Coal Company, was born on October 5, 1875, at Evansville, Indiana, and received his education in the public and high school at Oakland City, sup- plementing his studies by a course in the Rose Polytechnic Institute at Terre Haute, where he was graduated in civil engineering in 1897. Then for a year he was employed in the engineering department of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad, at the end of which period he became associated with his father in the Ayrshire Coal Company, with which he has since been identified.
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On October 5, 1904, David Ingle, Jr., was married to Effie Hughes, the daughter of R. P. Hughes, a successful and well-known merchant of Evans- ville, and to them has been born a son, David. Fraternally, Mr. Ingle is a member of the Masonic order, having attained the degree of Knight Templar and belonging to the commandery at Princeton.
William D. Ingle, second son of David Ingle, Sr., received his education in the public schools and Rose Polytechnic Institute. where he graduated in 1903 in the electrical engineering department. After completing his studies he became connected with the St. Louis Transit Company, with which he remained for about three years, and was then for four years in Evansville, where he had charge of the old Ingle mines. Since then he has been con- nected with the Ayrshire Coal Company as secretary, and has been active in the management and advancement of this enterprise.
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