USA > Indiana > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Indiana : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 33
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Thomas .I. Kane was born in Franklin t'onnty. Pean., on the tith day of Derember, 1833. He was yet an infant when the family emigrated to Ohio. His early boy hood was passed in the district schools, and in farm labor at home, until he was fifteen years of age, when he became a student in the academy at Tadeton, under Prof. S. S. Rickley, aml the next year he entered the Ohio University at Athens, where he remained a year. At that time, in consequence of his mother's death, bis collegiate course was brought to a close. Then for the next three years, he employed his time in teaching school and in reading law, with the purpose of entering the legal profession. In 1835, he removed to Indiana, and entered the law offire of G. H. Voss, of Noblesville, Hamilton Co., as a student, and shortly after entered into ropartnership with that gentleman in his legal busines, as an attorney at law, having been ad- mitted to practice in the courts in 1856 by his Honor Stephen Mayor, at that time Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit. These business relations continued for several years, until the removal of Mr. Voss from Hamilton County, in 1861. From that time to the present, Mr. Kane has given his entire time and atten- tion to his profession, and has succeeded in building up an enviable reputation as an able and honorable lawyer. By strict integrity and fair dealing with his clients, promptness and industry in attending to all business entrusted to his care, he has seenred a large and birrative practice in the various courts of the State, and is widely known and recognized as one of the leading attorneys at the Hamilton County bar. His present partner. Mr. Theodore P. Davis, became associated with him in 1876, since which they have been known as the law firm of Kane & Davis,
In 1861, Mr. Kane formed the acquaintaner of Miss Sophie N. Smith, to whom he was united in marriage on the 26th day of November, 1862. She was the daughter of Rev. David and Catharine Smith, of Noblesville. They were natives of Pennsylvania, bet, at the time of their daughter's marriage, Mr. Smith was in charge of the Lutheran Church at Noblesville. Mr. Kane, although a zealous and prononneed Republican, is not a politician seeking for office und position, and prefers the steady routine of his profession to the turmoils of politienl strife or the fickle support of party favoritism. He and his estimable wife are honored members of the Presbyterian Church of Nobles. ville, and are surrounded by a wide circle of warm and admiring friends. They are the parents of five children, named Ralph Kent, Thomas Emmet, Allen David, Sophie and Grace-all living except Allen, who died in infiney.
Mr. Kane enjoys the unlimited confidence and esteem of all who have the pleasure of his nequaintanee. In society, he is known as a genial and courteous gentleman, and in his family he is loved and honored as the faithful and affectionate husband and indulgent father. On another page may be found a fine portrait of this gentleman in the group of attorneys of the Hamilton County bar.
96
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
THEODORE P. DAVIS.
The ancestors of this gentleman were of the old Irish Presbyterian stuck, and at an early date were among the settlers in the old South Carolina colony. Paul Davis, the paternal great-grandfather, was a native of that State, and in early life was married to Margaret Alexander. In 1812, he, with his finnily, emigrated to Kentucky, and then, after two years, removed to Indiana, settling at first in Franklin County, and afterward in Fayette County, where he pur- chased a farm, wear Connersville, on which he resided until his death, in 1850, at the extreme old age of ninety years. He was the father of nine children. His con Wilburn was born at the old South Carolina home in 1796, He remained with his parents until he reached his majority, and in 1821 was married to Nancy Dale, the youngest of a family of thirteen children. Her parents, George and Hannah Dale, emigrated from England and settled in Virginia ; they afterward removed to Kentucky, and from there to Indianst. George Dale was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was present at the surrender of' Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Wilburn Davis, in 1825, removed to Noblesville, Ind., where he kept hotel ; was Captain of a militia company, and became County Agent, an office at that time corresponding with the present office of County Auditor. He afterward settled on a farm in Adams Township, where he resided until his death, in 1837, at the age of forty years, Bis widow survived until 1855, dying at the age of fifty-three years. They were the parents of eight children, named William A., Newton J., Dulviana, Albert C., Cordelia, Hannibal, Henrietta and Wilburn.
Of these, the only ones mos living are William .A. and Newton J., both living in their farms in Adams Township.
Newton &. was born the 23 day of November, 1893, in Shelby County. Ind. fle war reared a former, and remained at home with his widowed undther, taking charge of the fouily after his father's death. In 1550, he lecame engaged in the manufacture of leather and also harness and saddlery. ut Westfield, in Hamilton County. He continued in business at that place until 1855, when he settled on his farm in Adams Township, where he has ever since resided. On the 10th day of July, 1833, he was married to Louisa, daughter of Heman and Jokez Pearson, old residents of Adams Township. Mrs. Lentisa Davis bereme the mother of four children, named Theodore I'., Harriet L., Wilburn and Jasper. All living at this time. Her death orrurred on the 25th day of October, 1862, at the age of thirty-five years
In 1863, Mr. Davis was married to Mary J. MeMimis, of the same place, by whom he has two children.
Theodore 1. Davis, the subject of this sketch, was born at Westfield. Hamilton Co., Ind., on the 5th day of' Jamary, 1855. Soon after his birth, his parents removed to Adams Township, and settled on the farm where they Mill reside.
The first schot in which young Theodore was a pupil was at Sheridan, and next at the schoolhouse in District No. 1. in that township; and it was then in that old log schoolhouse, the winter terms of which he attended for several years, assisting in the farm labors at home, during the summer seasons, that he laid the foundation and cultivated the taste for close study and profound thought, which characterized the young student to a remarkable degree. At the early age of' ten years, he breame an incessant reader, and, having apress to the town- ship library, he eagerly and enthusiastically devoured the lives of Washington, Napoleon, Jefferson, Hun's history of England, the history of the I'nited States, and many others, always selecting works of solid and substantial character, on history of biography. This course of reading, coupled with acute reasoning powers and a landlable ambition, determined the young student, while yet a mere boy, to embrace the legal profission, and, in accordance with that determination, all his future plans and movements were made with that ohjert stradlily in view. He remained at home until 1872, when he attended a brief term of four months at the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. He then came back and taught oor term in the obl district at home, and then attended a term of the Teachers' Normal, at Noblesville, and then engaged for a short term as a teacher in the graded schools of Noblesville, and at the same time persistently employing all his spare hours in poring over Blackstone and the old authors on law, never for a moment losing sight of the one grand object of his ambi- tion. In 1873, he entered the office of' Messrs, Moss & Trissal, of Noblesville, as a student of law, where he remained until that firm dissolved, and then continued as a student in the office of the new firm of Moss & Kane, until October, 1870, when that firm dissolved, and he entered into copartnership with Thomas .I. Kane, with whom he has been associated in business ever since
In 1875, he formed the nequaintance of Miss Anna F. Gray, un intelligent and accomplished young lady, the daughter of Jacob C. and Catharine Gray,
of Piqua, Ohio, who was at that time a teacher in the Noblesville school. This acquaintance ripened into courtship and marriage, and they were united on the Ist day of March, 1877, at the home of her parents in Ohio.
Mr. Davis and his estimable wife are the happy recipients of the love and respect of a wide circle of wiring friends, and their home is cheered and enlivened by the presence of their little daughter Helen, who was born on the 2:hl day of July, 1879.
Mr. Davis, although yet a young man of twenty-five years, is already known and recognized as one of the leading lawyers of the Hamilton County bar. and has established a reputation in legal studies that many lawyers are proud to possess after a lifelong practice.
While not a seeker for office for himself, he is an active partisan in the Democratie ranks, to which he gives his support in the various political con- troversies at issue in the State and comty, and he is at this time Chairman of the Demorratir Central Committee, to which he was elected in 1976. He is also Secretary of the Noblesville School Board, to which he was elected our of the Trusters in 1878.
He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows at Noblesville, and attends the services at the Presbyterian Church, of which his lady is a worthy member
Mr. Davis is held in high esteem by the members of the bar, and is regarded by them as a rising lawyer in the profession, and by his clients as a wise and judicious conn-pler and friend, and by ali bis acquaintances as a high- minded, homoralde gentleman. It is with pleasure we are able to present in these pages this brief sketch, and in the group of attorneys the portrait of one of the youngest of the members of the Hamilton County bar.
FRANCIS M. HOPSHOLDER.
The ancestors of Mr. Hon-holder were among the early German settler- of Pennsylvania, His grandfather, David Housholder, was a native of that State, where he was married and reared a large family of children. He remained there until 1856, when he removed to Parke County, Ohio, where he died in 1859. at the age of seventy years, His son, David, was born at the old Peun- sylvania home on the 21st day of July. ISIT He grew up to manlunel, and pursued the business of farming and lumlusing until he was twenty-four years of age. In 1836, he was married to Rachel Stall, daughter of Jarob and Mary Stald, old residents of the same place. Soon after his marriage, in removed to Springfield, Ohio, where he remained a short time, and then, in IST. purchased a farm in Parke County, Ohio, where he has ever since resided, engaged in farming, in which he has been nun nally successful all his life.
Mix, Rachel Hoursholder died in 1868, at the age of fifty two years. Slu was the mother of ten children, namely, Lawis R., Esther A., Francis M., Lananna, Feeling, Commodore, Newton S., Mores .A. Franklin and Ella-all of whom are living except Commodore, who died in infancy.
Francis M. How holder was born at the old homestead of his father. in Darke County, Ohio, on the 20th day of April, 1842. His boyhood and youth were passed in farm labor at home, and in attending the common school- during the winter terms, so that, at the age of twenty-one years, he had acquired a fair cilucation in the English branches. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany G. One Hundred and Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, with his regiment, went to the front, where he served four months in the Shenan- doah Valley, and participated in the celebrated raid on Lynchburg. under tien. Hunter. Shortly after his term of service expired, he re-enlisted for one year in Company C, One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, und. with his regiment, went to Georgia, where, under the command of Gen. Stredman, they were employed in guarding the railroads, patrolling the country. and protecting the citizens against violence and robbery. A portion of that time, Mr. Honsholder was detailed and employed in the Freedmen's Bureau at Macon. On the 20th of January following, his regiment was mustered out of' service, and he received his discharge at Camp Chase, Ohio, soon after. He then returned hane, and from that time until April, 1870, he employed his time in attending the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, and the Ohio Wesleyan University at. Delaware, and in teaching school, nad, at the same time, commeneed reading hw, with the intention of embracing the legal pro- fission. In the spring of 1870, he came to Noblesville, Ind., and entered the office of Thomas .I. Kane, Esq., as a student of law, where he remained two years, He was admitted to practice in the courts, as an attorney, in 1871, by His Honor Jones O'Brien, then Judge of the Circuit Court. In 1872, he com- menerd the practice of Inw, and, at the same time, he was elected City Clerk, in which office he served four years, the last two years of which he also served
poneal
Robot, Arabian
Thormany Kane
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Therh Dave
O. M. Causholden
Oscar miles
THE NOBLESVILLE LEDGER,
A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER,
EVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HAMILTON COUNTY, AND TO THE ADVANCE- MENT AND PROMULGATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
On the 8th day of September, 1871, the first issue of | TE LEDGER was made, by Miles & Bodenhamer-William Bienhamer, editor. One week previous to the first publica- til of THE LEDGER, the publication of The Hamilton County Rrister, owned and edited by A. M. Cenklin, the Repub- liin organ of the county, ceased, and its editer withdrew for th time being from the newspaper field, thus leaving THE LIGEN the entire field of journalismn, as far as the county was cocerned.
Mr. Bodenhamer, in his salutatory, made use of the fol- le'ng : "We desire to make our home among you ; we dere to identify our interests with your interests ; and, imelled by this motive, our aim must be to secure, to the ex nt of our ability, the prosperity, materially and otherwise, of he county and of all the people of the county." The gre fication of this desire on the part of its founders has ber fully realized, as the prosperity of THE LEDGER during theast ton years substantiates.
CHE LEDGER, from its start, gradually grew in favor, and 10Y it is considered indispensable by its five thousand ears.
Ir. Bodenhamer continued as editor without interruption int June, 1879, when by stronger manifestations of the listse which finally caused his naturally vigorous constitu-
tien te succumb, he called te his assistance W. W. Conner, who stood at the helm until the following October, when he was succeeded by Oscar Miles, the present editor.
Mr. Bodenhamer, after five weeks' confinement te his room, on the 24th of July, 1879, and while yet compara- tively yeung in days, and at a time when bis usefulness was beginning to be realized to its full extent, was called to join that innumerable throng which travels te the silent realms of eternal sunshine, lamented by all. He was theroughly devoted to his profession; honest, capable, a man having well-defined notions and convictions of right and wrong, and had firm and well-settled principles, which he fearlessly advo- cated, upon all the great political questions of the day.
THE LEDGER will continue, as in days gone by, to devote its columns to the welfare and progression ef its readers, and will be ever found wielding its blows against corruption and dishonesty.
THE LEDGER is published every Friday morning, at its office in City IIall Bleck, at the exceeding low price of $1.50 per year.
In connection, it has a splendid job office, where work of the very best quality is turned out at reasonable prices.
OSCAR MILES, Editor and Proprietor.
HANNAH DEMORET DELAWARE, TP.
JOHN DEMORET. DELAWARE,TP.
JAMES G. MC SHANE. CLAY, TP.
Www HP Rooker DELAWARE, TP.
A.T. JESSUP. CLAY, TP.
GEORGE ILLYES. ( DECEASED)
The &hindley WASHINGTON, TP.
Hatte J. Hindley WASHINGTON, TP.
Biff Warford
M. D.
Albert R. Suelen M. D.
Og. Whitesell M.D.
Jenson Haymond Ir Clark M.D.
M.D.
MB Graham ma
1
Amore .M. D
97
NOBLESVILLE TOWNSHIP.
as Assessor for the city. In February, 1876, he was appointed, by Gov. Hen- dricks, to fill a vacancy in the office of Proseenting Attorney for the Twenty- firth Judicial Circuit, and, at the ensuing election in October following, he was elected to that offer and served a term of two years, since which he has bren cagaged in the practice of his legal business,
On the 6th day of July, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Sallie E Myers, a highly gifted and accomplished young lady, the daughter of Andrew and Rhada & Myers. This young lady had been connected with the Nobles- ville schools for eight years, and was known and appreciated as a successful teacher and educator. Mr. How-holder and his accomplished lady reside in a cozy and comfortable home of their own in Noblesville, happy in the esterm and respect of' a wide circle of friends. They attend the ministrations of' the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are worthy and consistent mem- bers. Mr Householder takes an active interest in the various political contro- ver-ies and issues of the day, and is an carne-t and stanch adherent of the uld Democratic party, having, in former years, served as Chairman on their Central Committee.
Ax a lawyer, Mr. Hon-bobler emmamands the respect and confidence alike of his peers in the profession, the courts before whom he pleads, and his clients for whom he transacts business. As a citizen, he enjoys the nulimited confi- dence of all classes, and is universally regarded as a courteous and honorable gentleman. In the group of members of the Hamilton County har, on another page, may be found the portrait of Francis M. Housholler.
HON, ROBERT GRAHAM
is a descendant of the old Scottish family of that name. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the war for American independence. He settled and married in Pennsylvania. His son Willinn was a soldier in the war of 1812. in which he contracted an illness that caused his death, while yet a young man. The maiden name of his wife was Jane MeEllvain They were the parents of five children, named Thomas, William M., Mary, Edward and Robert. Of these. the only ones now living are Theemos and William M. William M. Graham grew up to manhood, and, at the age of twenty years, was married to Amanda J. Kere. He settled on a farm in Butler County, Penn, where he has continued ta reside over since ; a man of much infinener and consideration in his locality, having af various times served as a member of the General Assrm- bly of his State, and in many other honorade positions. His wife die in 1856, at the age of' thirty-seven years. She was the mother of right children, one of whom died in infancy, and the others were momed William B., Amanda J., Erastus, Ama E., Joseph R .. May Hl. and Robert, Of these, all are living except Amanda and Erastus.
Robert, the youngest ad' this funily, was born at the home of Hon. William M. Graham, in Butler County, Pens., on the 8th day of June, 1817. At the age of' seventeen years, he left home and entered the academy at West Sunbury, and for the next three years he supported himself' by his own labor, and paid his way through his academie course. In [Stiti, at the age of' twenty years, he went to Hingis, where he taught school one year. He then came to Noblesville, and entered the office of Hon, James and Col. W. O.Brien, as a law student, where, for the next three years, he was engaged in legal studies, and as a clerk for that law firm. In 1869, he was admitted to practice in the courts as an attorney at law, and in 1870, on the withdrawal of Hon. James O'Brien from the firm, Mr. Graham entered into copartnership with Cod. W. O'Brien in the practice of legal business, which was confined up to 1873, at. which time Cot. O'Brien removed to California. Mr. Graham then continued his business alone, up to 1877, when he became the partner of Indge William Garver, with whom he is still associated, aml the firm of Garver & Graham are widely and favorably known, and transact a large and lucrative business in the various courts. Mr. Girabut is recognized as a good lawyer, an efective public speaker, of fine oratorical powers, and a skillful and able debater, puis- sessel of an usually commanding figure, and prepossessing personal address,
In qualities, he is an active and stanch adherent of the Republican party, with which he stands in high favor, and he is at this time the nominee of that party for the counties of Hamilton and Tipton, as Senator to the State Leg- 'islature.
On the Ist day of June, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth S., tho daughter of Richard and Sarah A. George, of Hamilton County. They have had nno child born to them, who died while an infant of ten months.
Mr. Graham and his estremed wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are honored and worthy members, and are
universally regarded with the highest esteem by all their friends and acquaint- aners. It is with much pleasure we are able to present, in the group of representative members of the Hamilton County bar, the portrait of Hon. Robert Graham.
MARION W. ESSINGTON.
While general history treats of the great events that have transpired in the past, and records the rise and fall of empires and governments, with criticisms and eulogies on the lives and characters of suvercigns, statesmen, and generals, governos, judges and other great men of the past and present, it is proper that some of the real representatives of the people should be remembered in n work like this, that those mum whose shoulders the weight and respumsi- bility of this " threat Hepaddie" chiefly reste, should assume their proper place in these annals,
And in this brief and imperfect outline, we are able to present in this sketch of the life and character of Mr. E-ington, the object will be to preserve in a permanent form, for the use of his friend- and the generations to follow, the heroie self-sacrifice, bright example and Christian life and character, of one of the noble men of Hamilton County.
The paternal grandfather of this gentleman was among the carly settlers of Indiana, and settled in Wayne Township, Hamilton County, about the year 1530. He reared a family of seven children, and died at an advanced age. James M. Essington, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born at the uil Ohio home, and was a young lad when the family emigrated to Indiana. He was reared and followed the occupation of farming, and in - was married to Elizabeth Carlin, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Carlin, old residents of Wayne Township. They were the parents of three children, named William M . Marion W. and James ti. The only one of whom now living, is Jam- x G., who resides in Noblesville, dames M. died in 1815, at the age of thirty-me years, and his widow in 1850, at the age of thirty years.
Marion W. Essington, the second child, was born in Wayne Township, Hamilton County, um the 27th day of October, 1510. In his early boy hood, he was called to pass through a preubarly hard and trying ordeal-the death of his father, and sweet after, that of his mother, and the jour orphan boy at the tender age of eight years, was thrown upon the bounty of the relatives of his derrasel parents, and the euld charity of the world, and for several years the home of the poor waif was first with one, and then with another, of the relatives, and then with various Conilies, working here and there, wherever he conkl find a place. At last lee fond a place to work and a home with the Hon. James L Evans, where he remained until the war broke out. He was among the first to reroll his name as a volunteer in defense of the Govern- mont and Union. He enlisted in Company 1, Sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three months, went with his regiment to the front, and at the respiration of his term, re-enlisted as a musician in the Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for a year or more. On receiving his dis- charge, he again enlisted, this time for three years, or during the war, in Company D, Seventy-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and from that time was in active service with his regiment in all the various skirmishes and en- gagements to which his command was subjected, until the celebrated and dis- astrous battle of Chickamauga, when, on the second day of that terrible battle, he fell, as was supposed, mortally wounded, among the thousands of dead, dying and wounded heroes un that bloody field. On ckeuring the field of the lead and wounded, it was found that he was still alive, and, owing to the uute- mitting care and nursing of his friend, Surgeun W. B. Graham, of Nubles- ville, he became convalescent. and soon after returned home to his friends. After partially recovering from his wound, he went back to his regiment in the field, and with it accompanied Sherman in his celebrated march to the sea. But, owing to the nature of his wound, from which he never fully re- covered, and which ultimately caused his death, he received his discharge at Savannah, Ga. At the time of his discharge, he was in command os Secund Lieutenant of his company, to which he had been promoted from Orderly Sergeant for gallant and meritorious services.
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