USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions > Part 99
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Doctor Swan was married November 8, 1898, to Florence C. Worth, the daughter of Charles and Caroline Worth, of Oakland City, and to this union have been born three children, Ruth, now a junior in the high school at Fran- cisco, Jean and Gladys. Dr. Swan is one of the charter members of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 814, at Francisco, and also a member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur, of the same town.
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Doctor Swan is devoted to the noble work which his profession implies, and has not only earned a due reward from his efforts in a temporal way, but has also proven himself eminently worthy to exercise the important func- tions of his calling by reason of his ability, his abiding sympathies and his earnest zeal in behalf of his fellow men. His understanding of the science of medicine is regarded by those who know him as being broad and compre- hensive, and the profession and the public accord him a distinguished place among the practicing physicians of his county. As a physician, as a public official and as a business man, he has proven true to the trusts imposed upon him. In his every relation of life he has never fallen below the dignity of true manhood, nor in any way resorted to methods that have invited censure.
J. W. FINCH.
Among the families of Gibson county, Indiana, whose members have worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and their communities, no family takes higher rank than the Finches, several representatives of whom are today prominently identified with the business and social life of Center township. For many years members of this family have stood for all that is best in business, educational, moral or social life and have wielded an in- fluence that has been potential in the development and welfare of their com- munity, being numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the county. Because of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and the close relations they have sustained to the welfare and prosperity of the locality which has been honored by their citizenship, they are eminently en- titled to representation in a work of the character of the one at hand.
J. W. Finch, the son of George W. and Martha P. (Smith) Finch, was born September 11, 1878, in Gibson county, Indiana. His father, George W. Finch, was a native of Posey county, as was his mother. Early in life he came to Gibson county, where he lived the remainder of his life on a farm four miles south of Francisco, near the old Providence church. To Mr. and Mrs. George W. Finch were born fifteen children, twelve of whom are still living and the heads of families. George W. Finch died January 29, 1910. and his widow passed away three days later on February 1, 1910. their funerals being held at the same time and both being buried in the same grave. They would have celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary if they had
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lived until 1912. They were earnest and faithful members of the Providence church for more than fifty years and always took an active interest in all the work of the church.
J. W. Finch was the youngest child of his father's family. He received his education in the district schools of Gibson county and later attended the high school at Francisco. After finishing his education at Francisco, he started teaching in his home township, and taught for ten years in the county, in Barton, Union and Center townships. While he was engaged in teaching he attended Vincennes University for three years, in order to better prepare himself for the teaching profession. He was very successful as a teacher and was fast building up the reputation of being one of the best teachers in the county. However, the opportunity presented itself for en- gaging in the banking business, and after due deliberation he decided that he would leave the teaching profession and go into the banking business. Ac- cordingly he took a business course at the Lockyear Business College at Evansville and entered the Francisco State Bank in July, 1900, as cashier. He is now a stockholder in the bank, and in addition to his banking interests he owns ninety-six acres of land adjoining the town of Francisco. He has called into use in his banking business the same qualities which brought him such excellent success as a teacher, and is already recognized as a very ca- pable banker.
Mr. Finch was married on August 17, 1898, to Estella E. Strown, the daughter of George and Lydia A. (Bruce) Strown, and this union has been blessed with three children, Jessie, born June 8, 1899; Patsy, born March 29, 1902, and Flossie, born August 1, 1904. All of these children are now at- tending school in their home town.
Politically, Mr. Finch has always been a Democrat, but has never taken a very active part in the deliberations of his party. He belongs to the Provi- dence Primitive Baptist church, of which his father and mother were mem- bers for more than fifty years, and takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of this denomination. Mr. Finch is a splendid type of the American business man who is a credit to any community. With his clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judg- ment, he is fast winning his way, not only to pecuniary independence, but what is far superior, the deserving confidence and respect of those with whom he is brought into contact. His residence in this community has brought him a large circle of warm friends and acquaintances, who esteem him because of his excellent qualities of character and his upright business ability.
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GEORGE SCHAFER.
Among the representative men of Francisco, Gibson county, Indiana, there is no one who occupies a more highly respected position than does George Schafer. As a self-made man he stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished by hard, conscientious work and strict attention to his business. The occupation of a blacksmith is as essential to the welfare of any community as that of any other vocation. It is interesting to note that when the United States government made treaties with the Indians throughout the Northwest territory that there was always a provision for three separate men who were to be provided by the government; one was a minister of the Gospel, another a teacher and the third was a blacksmith, and in the welfare of the Indians, it would be hard to say that the blacksmith was the least important of the three.
George Schafer, blacksmith and one of the most public-spirited citizens of Francisco, was born April 4. 1876, in Perry county, Indiana. His par- ents were Henry and Mary ( Stinehall ) Schafer, his father being a native of Germany and his mother of Perry county. When Henry Schafer first came to this country he located in Louisville, Kentucky, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith. He is still living in Francisco and although fifty- eight years of age is still able to do a good day's work at the forge. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Henry Schafer were the parents of eight children, seven sons and one daughter, the daughter dying at the age of sixteen years, while the sons are all living.
George Schafer is the oldest of his father's family and was educated in the district schools of Crawford county, Indiana, and when eighteen years of age he entered into the blacksmith business with his father. Within a year, before he was nineteen years of age, he moved to Francisco in Gibson county and engaged in the blacksmith business for himself, and has built up a very lucrative trade. He now has a new shop which is fitted out with every mod- ern convenience which marks the shops of towns of much larger size. In addition to his regular blacksmithing business he does a great amount of wood work. He is endowed with much natural skill and with the addition of his scientific study of the art of blacksmithing he is becoming one of the best known blacksmiths in this section of the state.
Mr. Schafer was married July 24, 1912, to Amanda Brothers, daughter of David and Lucy. ( Rodgers) Brothers, and to this union there have been
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born three children: Horace, born March 2, 1902; Edward, born July 22, 1905. and Clara, born July 24, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer are giving their children every advantage which the modern schools can furnish them and intend that they shall have the best practical education possible. Mr. Schafer is a citizen who takes an interest in the educational and moral affairs of his town to a marked degree. At present he is a member of the town board and his influence is always on the right side of public questions. He became a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 814, when it was etsablished at Francisco. Politically, he is a Democrat, but never has had the time to take an active part in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer are leading quiet and highly respected lives and are highly honored and esteemed by their neighbors and friends for the praiseworthy lives they are living. They have a very pleasant home in Francisco, where they dispense hospitality to an ever-increasing circle of friends.
JOHN H. SHIPP.
Whether the elements of success in life are innate attributes of the individual, or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial de- velopment, it is impossible to define, yet the study of a successful life, what- ever the field of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by rea- son of the existence of this uncertainty. So much in excess of those of suc- cesses are the records of failures or semi-failures that one is constrained to at- tempt an analysis in either case and to determine the measure of possession in an approximate way. Studying the life history of the well-known teacher and citizen of Gibson county whose name forms the caption of this sketch we find in this young man many qualities which always gain definite success in any career properly directed. It is very evident that he has lived a life of usefulness and one which has resulted in a life of good to others as well, and it is safe to predict that the future holds much in store for him.
John H. Shipp, the superintendent of the Francisco schools, was born August 25, 1885, in Center township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of David and Mary (Skelton) Shipp, his father's birth having occurred in Cam- bridge, England, while his mother was a native of this county. David Shipp came to this country when he was sixteen years of age and settled near Max- am's Station, in this county, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his
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life. His death occurred October 23, 1912, his wife having passed away sev- eral years before on April 5, 1901.
John S. Shipp was educated in the district schools of his county and then, unlike most country boys of his time, he finished a high school course in the town of Francisco. This gave him a taste for more learning, so he en- rolled in the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Indiana, from which he later graduated. He also attended Oakland City College and Chicago Uni- versity at different times in order to equip himself better for an educational career. His first teaching experience was in Center township in his home county, and later he was offered a position in the Francisco high school, which he filled very acceptably, and for the past five years he has been the superintendent of the school from which he graduated only a few years ago. It is often said that a prophet is without honor in his own country, and it is oftentimes true of teachers as well. Therefore, it is to the credit of Mr.
. Shipp that he is having such fine success in his own home school. During the time that he has had charge of the Francisco school the attendance in high school has increased over one hundred per cent. and the grade teachers have been increased from five to eight in number. When he took charge of this school there was not even a certified course given, but he has brought the work up to such a standard that the state board of education certified it and have recently granted it a commission, which carries with it the right of its graduates to enter any college in the state without an examination.
Mr. Shipp was married November 2, 1908, to Thelda H. Loveless, the daughter of Joseph H. and Lucretia (Hume) Loveless. Joseph Loveless was born September 5, 1865, in Pike county, the son of James K. and Eliza (Rainey) Loveless, both of whom were natives of this state. As a young man Mr. Loveless worked in a coal mine for a few years, and then engaged in the mercantile business, and is still conducting a general store at the town of Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless were married November 12, 1886, his wife being the daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Hume, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless are the parents of five children, Mrs. Thelda Shipp; Ray V., of Francisco; Mrs. Jennie Chappel, of Francisco; Clifton and Powell. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless are active members of the Gen- eral Baptist church of Francisco, and Mr. Loveless has been superintendent of the Sunday school at that place for the past thirty years. To Mr. and Mrs. John H. Shipp has been born one daughter, Hazel Naomi, who is now de- ceased.
Professor Shipp is a Republican in politics and has been interested in
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the various political issues which have been advocated by that party. His po- sition as superintendent of the schools has precluded him from taking a very active part in politics, although he is one of the best informed men in his county on political problems. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Francisco and contribute liberally of their means to its support. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 814, at Francisco. Mr. Shipp's professorship here has been a busy and useful one and his name is respected by all who have had occasion to come into contact with him, or who have knowledge of his life's work. He has dignified and honored his profession, for his life has been one of consecration to his calling and well does he merit a place of honor in a volume touching upon the lives and deeds of those who have given the best of their time and talent to the betterment of mankind.
JAMES R. MORROW.
No sturdier or better citizens have ever come to our shores than have those sons of Ireland who have made their homes in this country. Fortunate indeed is the community which receives these people and incorporates them in her body politic, for wherever they are found they are always industrious, upright and willing to do their share toward the advancement of the material and moral welfare of the community in which they reside. In the old country they learned those habits of industry which insure success and upon their coming to this country they never fail to bring along those same habits which made them independent in their old home. The United States have no better citizens than these sons of Erin. Gibson county is fortunate in having some of these good people and among them James R. Morrow, the subject of this sketch, occupies a prominent part in the civic life of the com- munity which is honored by his residence.
James R. Morrow. the son of Irish parents, was born in Center town- ship, Gibson county. Indiana, on January I. 1870. His parents, James and Mary Jane (Speer) Morrow, were both born in Ireland, and came to this state about 1850 and located in Center township, in this county. James Morrow followed the occupation of a farmer all his life, and at his death, which occurred in May, 1910. he had become one of the most prosperous farmers in this locality. To James Morrow and wife were born nine chil- dren. James R. being the youngest of the number.
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James R. Morrow was educated in the district schools of his neighbor- hood, and his boyhood was spent in performing all those multitudinous duties which fall to the lot of the average farmer's boy. He attended school in the winter season and assisted on his father's farm in the summers. As a young man he set for himself a definite goal, and his present position in the circles of his community show that he has not labored in vain. He has realized that success means hard work and honest endeavor, and throughout all of his career he has never failed to recognize this fact. With these good quali- ties ever in mind he has gradually added to his possessions until he now has a fine farm of two hundred and ninety acres in this township. In addition to his agricultural. interests he is prominently identified with the Francisco State Bank, of which he is a director and vice-president at the present time. He built a beautiful new home of ten rooms in 1911. It is equipped with gas lights and a hot water system. He has made all of the improvements which stand on his farm today. The house is finished in oak which came from the farm.
Mr. Morrow was married on December 12, 1895, to Lettie Arnold, of Pike county, this state, and to this union have been born three children : James L .. and Mary H., who are both in the high school at Princeton. In- diana, and Samuel R., the youngest, who is still in the common schools. Mr. Morrow takes a very active interest in the education of his children and in- tends that they shall receive the best which can be given them. He is a firm believer in education and realizes that in the life of the present day an edu- cation is a valuable asset.
In politics Mr. Morrow was a Progressive and allied himself with that party in the fall of 1912. He votes for the best men regardless of their party affiliations. He is well informed on all the public questions of the day and is an interesting conversationalist on the current topics before the people. He and his family are faithful and earnest members of the Presbyterian church and are interested in the various activities which are promoted by that denomination. Mr. Morrow attributes his success to his industry and strict integrity, feeling that without these qualities he would never have attained the position which he holds today. His comfortable station in life is such that he can now devote his time and energies to helping the com- munity at large, and accordingly, every movement which has for its object the bettering of the social and moral life of the community finds in him a ready and sympathetic supporter. The study of the lives of such men as he should be an incentive to the young men whose fortunes and destinies
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are yet to be determined. The example of any farmer who can accumulate a farm of two hundred and ninety acres under modern-day conditions is one which is well worth studying. It is a pleasure to record the life of such a citizen. and the province of a volume of this nature is to set forth for coming generations the lives of men who have been as important factors as the subject of this sketch in the development of the community in which they live.
JACKSON DEPRIEST.
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in the church, in the public forum, they observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization, and are therefore competent to judge of his merits and his demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know his worth. In this connection it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch has passed a life in his township which has been marked by strict attention to business and a modicum of success which indicates that he has directed his energies along the lines of honest endeavor. As a private citizen and public official he has been accorded definite recognition by the citizens of his town- ship, being now the township assessor, in which position he is rendering efficient and satisfactory service. The mere fact that any citizen holds an office by virtue of the suffrages of his fellow citizens is a sure indication of the esteem in which he is held by the community.
Jackson Depriest, the fourth of seven children, was born July 23, 1858, in Barton township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of William and Dicy A. ( McCleary) Depriest, both of whom were natives of this county also. William Depriest was one of the early settlers of Gibson county, and went through all the struggles incident to the pioneer farmer of the early days of Indiana.
Jackson Depriest was educated in the district schools of his native county and performed all the multitudinous duties which fall to the lot of the ordinary boy on the farm. He has spent all of his life with the excep- tion of the last few years, upon the farm and has built for himself a reputa- tion of being one of the most progressive farmers of his township. On his
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well improved farin of one hundred and thirty acres he has excellent buildings and has brought it to a high state of cultivation. Ile carries on a diversified system of farming, raising all the crops which are common to this section of the state. In addition to his general crops, he also raises considerable live stock.
Politically, Mr. Depriest has been a life-long Democrat and has been rewarded by his party by being elected township assessor, an office which he is now holding to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the township. Pre- vious to his election as township assessor, he had been deputy for two years, so that he went into the office well qualified and equipped to discharge the duties of that important position.
Mr. Depriest was married August 2, 1879. to Ellen Colinger. and to this union have been born six children, Mrs. Delta King, who lives on a farm in Center township, has one child, Fay; Mrs. Stella Mahon, whose husband is a farmer in Center township: Otto, who is married and lives in Princeton, and has one child, Cloyd; Homer, who lives on his father's farm in Center township. Mrs. Depriest is a faithful and earnest member of the Regular Baptist church of Providence, and contributes liberally to the various activ- ities of the church. They are firm believers in the great amount of good which can be accomplished by the church and lend themselves willingly to all movements which have for their purpose the bettering of the moral, civic and social life of the community in which they live. They have a hospitable home and number their friends and acquaintances by the score. Mr. De- priest has never allowed the multitudinous activities of his life to warp his kindly nature, but has preserved his warmth of heart for the broadening and helpful influences of human life, being a kindly, genial man and a gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet.
WILLIAM A. WHEELER.
Among the old and representative families of Gibson county there are none who hold a more prominent place than does the Wheeler family. Com- ing to this county early in its history, they have seen it emerge from a primitive wilderness to a farming community which is second to none in the state. They were among those who drained its swamps, cleared its forests and built the highways which connect the fine farms scattered throughout
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the length and breadth of the county. They are of that class of early settlers who had to battle with the ague and miasma of the swamps and all of those ills which surrounded the farmer of pioneer times. Too much credit cannot be given these sturdy forefathers of ours who have made it possible for us to enjoy the comforts which surround us on every hand today. A scion of one of these pioneer families is William A. Wheeler, and one of the most prominent farmers of the county.
William A. Wheeler, son of Charles W. and Mary A. ( Karn) Wheeler, was born September 4, 1869. in Gibson county, Indiana. Charles W. Wheeler was a native of this county, while his wife came from Crawford county, In- diana. Charles Wheeler was one of the earliest settlers of the county and has been engaged in farming all his life. He is still living and resides near Princeton, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Wheeler were the parents of nine children, the subject of this sketch being the second in order of birth.
William A. Wheeler received his early education in the district schools of his home neighborhood, and although his early education was limited, he has been a reader all his life and keeps himself well informed upon all the current topics of the day. That he has kept himself well posted on all affairs, particularly those pertaining to agriculture, is evidenced by the fact that he is the owner of three hundred and thirty acres of fine land in this county. This farm he has brought to a high state of cultivation and has always be- lieved in keeping it well stocked with all the latest farming machinery. In addition to being engaged in a diversified system of farming and raising all those crops common to this locality, he makes a specialty of breeding Here- ford cattle. He has as fine a herd of Herefords as can be found in the state and takes a great deal of pride in keeping it to a high standard of excellence. He has a beautiful home, substantial barn and other outbuildings on his place and enjoys all the modern conveniences of life.
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