USA > Indiana > Hendricks County > History of Hendricks County, Indiana, her people, industries and institutions > Part 19
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Carolina he was in several skirmishes of a minor character. He took part in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., in the summer of 1865 and was later mustered out at Indianapolis in July. Immediately after the close of the war he returned to Marion township and resumed farming. In 1871 he moved to Eel River township where he bought land and, by gradual addition, has now accumulated three hundred and twenty-one acres of land in that township. In 1907 he retired from active life and bought a home in North Salem, where he is now living a retired life. Alexander Williams was first married in January, 1867, to Anna Fassett, the daughter of Isaac and Unity Fassett. To this union one son was born, Harry. His first wife died about fifteen days after the son was born. Harry now lives two miles north of North Salem on a farm. He married Pearl Speers and has one son, Aubry, who married August Gaines and lives on a farm north of Danville. Alex- ander Williams was married the second time in June, 1871, to Martha Griggs, the daughter of David and Emeline (Webster) Griggs. She was born in Clark county. Kentucky, and came to Marion township in this county, when she was a babe. To this second marriage five children were born : Emeline, the wife of Joseph B. Fleece. Anna, the widow of Clarence Bryant. Flora, who received a fine education, attending the State Normal at Terre Haute and later the State University at Bloomington. She taught several terms in Hendricks county, and also at Indianapolis, but is now making her home with her father in North Salem. Dicey, the wife of Frank Branch, lives at Stockton, California, and has three children, Helen, Doris and Frances. Urban L. lives on his father's farm. He married Lydia Davis, the daughter of Smith R. and Martha Davis, and has one son, Roger. The second wife of Mr. Williams died March 8, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Fleece are the parents of four interesting children, Pauline, Eugene, Maurice and Harlan. Mrs. Fleece is an accomplished musician and a pleasant woman in every way. For some years before her marriage, she was a teacher of instrumental music, having received her train- ing in the music department of the Central Normal College at Danville. Mr. and Mrs. Fleece are loyal members of the Christian church and Mr. Fleece has been a deacon in the denomination for many years. He is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias. In the civic life of his community, Mr. Fleece has always taken an active interest, giving his support to all move- ments having for their object the advancement of the general welfare of his town and vicinity. He is a genial and agreeable man to meet and enjoys a justly merited popularity among his many acquaintances.
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CHARLES P. HORNADAY.
Among the strong and influential citizens of Hendricks county, Indiana, the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section, the gentleman whose name appears above occupies a prominent place and for years has exerted a beneficial influence in the locality where he re- sides. His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and everyday common sense, which has en- abled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral and material advancement of the community.
Charles P. Hornaday was born June 12, 1866, in Washington township, Hendricks county, Indiana. His parents were Anson D. and Sarah (Hanna) Hornaday, both of whom were natives of Indiana. Anson Horna- day was a farmer by occupation during all of his life and settled in Hendricks county in 1865, having come to this county from Indianapolis, where he had been a contractor. He engaged in agricultural pursuits in Washington township, and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred in 1908 at the age of eighty years. His widow is still living in Plainfield at the age of eighty-one. Anson Hornaday was a member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church from his boyhood. Mr. and Mrs. Anson Hornaday were the parents of six children : Ella, deceased; James P., who is now the special correspondent of the Indi- anapolis News with headquarters at Washington City; Charles P., the im- mediate subject of this sketch; W. D., of Austin, Texas, where he is engaged in the newspaper business; Mrs. Mary L. Hadley, of Plainfield, and John, who died in infancy.
Charles P. Hornaday was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools, finishing his educational training at Plainfield Academy. He then took a course in the Indianapolis Business College, and after his graduation from that institution, engaged in the mercantile business in Indi- anapolis for a short time. In 1889 he came to Danville, where he followed the feed and grain business for two years. He next engaged in the grocery business and operated a grocery store for the next seventeen years, at the expiration of which time he retired from the grocery business and went to Indianapolis, where he engaged in the real estate business for three years. He then returned to Danville and in 1910 was appointed postmaster by President William H. Taft, a position which he held until 1914.
Mr. Hornaday was married November 28, 1896, to Effie M. Blair, the
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daughter of Clark Blair, of Washington township in this county. To this union there have been born four children, Howard B., Sarah Josephine, Mary Louise and Charles P., Jr. Mr. Hornaday is a Republican in his political views and has always taken an active interest in politics, although he had never held any public office until his appointment as postmaster of Dan- ville. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and, with his wife, is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church of Danville. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Indianapolis and the Commercial Club of Danville. He is actively interested in all civic matters and is promi- nent in all movements looking toward the betterment of his home town. He is a man who has won a large circle of friends and acquaintances and is universally regarded as one of Hendricks county's leading citizens.
WESLEY BRADY.
The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is well and favorably known throughout Hendricks county and particularly in the vicinity of Danville. This is not because he can claim great wealth nor be- cause of remarkable accomplishments in mercantile life, though he has been a successful business man ; but because of the fact that he is genial in manner, warm hearted. charitable and kindly to man and beast. In addition to these qualities he is a recognized authority upon the care and breeding of horses; and his proverbial kindness to the animals in his charge has shown marked results. These animals are docile and well trained, and could they speak, they would probably say, "We do our best for him because he is so kind." And this quality in him has appealed to his fellow men.
Wesley Brady is a true product of Hendricks county, having made it his home since the day of his birth, in the year 1858. His parents, George W. Brady and Delilah (Selch) Brady, were among the early inhabitants of the county, and his maternal grandparents were among the first to brave. the terrors of the unbroken forest.
His father. George W., was born in Morgan county, Indiana, near Mooresville, in the year 1839, but during his childhood his parents, Merrill Brady and wife, emigrated to Hendricks county. Here, near Carter burg, they took up their abode, and the remaining days of their lives were spent upon this homestead, he cultivating the soil and toiling diligently to acquire sustenance for the family. Mr. Brady was particularly successful as a
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breeder of and dealer in live stock, and the love which he bore for domestic animals, particularly the horse, was inculcated into the mind and heart of his son.
His wife, Delilah Selch, was a native of Hendricks county also, her parents being one of the early families to brave the terrors of the long, tedious journey by wagon from Kentucky, through the forest country in- fested by wild animals. Near the present site of Cartersburg in Hendricks county, they selected their abode and entered from the government eighty acres of land. This tract was later doubled in size, and the arduous labor of clearing away the grand old forest trees, which to-day are so highly prized, was gladly endured as they saw the cabin raised which was to be their home. During the time of building, one of the workers shot a deer at the hour for noon day rest, and at night the howling of wolves trying to get their sheep disturbed their slumbers. Here they lived the life of the pioneer, the father and sons hewing the huge trees to clear space for the garden and grain, and the mother and daughters spinning and weaving, and later, knitting and sewing by hand the products of the wheel and loom. Baking and broiling were accomplished by the open fireplace, and their table was replete with game.
Hence, we see that the subject of our sketch is truly a son of Hendricks county. His childhood and youth were spent on the farm of his father, and he was busily engaged in all the activities of the place. At the age of twenty- four years, his marriage to Kate Riggen was solemnized. She, also, is a native of Hendricks county, having been born and reared near Cartersburg. His parents took the long journey from North Carolina by wagon in the early days of this county, and purchased the tract of land which has been their homestead throughout their days.
Soon after they were united in marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Brady estab- lished their home on a farm in the vicinity of their former homes, and here he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture until the year 1909, supplementing this work, however, with the purchase and sale of horses. In this year he brought his family to Danville and entered the livery business with John W. Ader, under the firm name of Ader & Brady. In this vocation he has been at liberty to exercise all his talents in the care and training of horses, for which he is eminently fitted by heredity, experience and environment, for the love of this work is inherited from several generations of ancestors. He is now the possessor of "Guy Princeton," a horse that has sired more speed and high class road horses than any other stallion in Hendricks county. Many
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of his offspring have sold for sums ranging from fifteen hundred to twenty- five hundred dollars. His pedigree runs back three generations to Hamble- tonian Ten.
. But dearly as Mr. Brady loves his horses, his home and family are of paramount importance in his life. His one daughter, Lela, is now the wife of Raymond Miles, and resides near Clayton. Though a man of few words, he is proverbially a good neighbor and stanch friend; and his many kind acts have won for him a more desirable reputation than could the possession of large wealth. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, among whom he has many devoted friends.
FRED B. SOPER.
In the early days the Middle West was often a tempting field to ener- getic, ambitious, strong-minded men, and Indiana was filled with them during the time she was struggling up to a respectable position in the sister- hood of states. There was a fascination in the broad field and great promise which this newer region presented to activity that attracted many men and induced them to brave the discomforts of the early life here for the pleasure and gratification of constructing their fortunes in their own way and after their own methods. It is this class of men, more than any other, who give shape, direction and character to the business of a community. Fred B. Soper, well known citizen of Center township, this county, is the son of one of the pioneer citizens of this community, his father, the late Charles Soper, for many years being one of the most substantial and prominent citizens of Hendricks county. He became identified with this section at an early date and for many years wielded a potent influence in local circles.
Fred B. Soper was born in Marion township, this county, on December 31, 1869, about one and one-half miles north of New Winchester, the son of Charles and Sarah (Underwood) Soper. Charles Soper was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on December 5, 1823, and came to this county in 1853. He was twice married, his first wife, whom he married in Ken- tucky, being Nancy Bryan. Their marriage took place in 1844 and she died after coming to this county, in 1867. She left three children, namely : James, deceased; Mary Alice and Charles Clay. Mr. Soper took as his second wife Sarah Underwood, to whom were born two children, the eldest being the immediate subject of this sketch, and the youngest, William Ken-
CHARLES SOPER
فايف
Fred B. Soper
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dricks, who departed this life July 13, 1902. Sarah Underwood was a native of Decatur county, this state, her parents originally coming from Kentucky and later coming to this county, where her father entered from the government one thousand acres of land in Marion township. She died in Lake county, Illinois, on September 13, 1909.
Charles Soper, the subject's father, was one of the leading. farmers of his day, being thoroughly progressive in his work at a time when many tillers of the soil rather hesitated to depart from old established methods. He was a firm believer in modern ideas in agriculture and ever endeavored to keep right in the front rank in his chosen vocation. He first settled in Marion township, this county, on a farm of about five hundred acres, where he had excellent opportunities to work out some of his advanced theories. There he lived until the fall of 1870, when he moved to Danville, where he resided for about thirteen years. Becoming wearied of town life and hungering for the country again, he returned to the farm where the subject now lives. This homestead contains one hundred and seventy-four acres, all buildings and improvements being modern, and is one of the best conducted farms in the county. On this farm Charles Soper passed his declining years, his death occurring on January 20, 1909. He was quiet and unassuming in man- ner, yet with a quality of firmness and determination rarely equaled. Highly successful in his chosen field of endeavor, he won his way by his never- ceasing effort, tireless energy and rare judgment and ability, yet, with all his large interests, he found considerable time to devote to his home and family, being a man of marked domestic traits. His fraternal affiliation for some years was with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but he dropped his membership in this society shortly before his death. He was a stanch Democrat in his earlier years, but later endorsed the principles of the Prohibition party and was active in its affairs as related to his com- munity, but never aspired to office in either party. He was one of those splendid men of brains and brawn who always prove themselves such strong factors in the improvement of a new country, for, by reason of their varied qualities, they lead in the moral, educational and material advancement of their community and their influence for general uplift can never be esti- mated.
Fred B. Soper spent his early years at home, assisting his father in his labors and imbibing from him the principles of life and business which make him one of the leading citizens of today. He received his elementary education in the township schools, later attending the high school at Dan-
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ville, from which he was graduated in due time. He chose the vocation of his father as that of his own and all the efforts of his manhood years have been spent in this direction, until he is considered one of the most pro- gressive farmers of the county. He gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of cattle and hogs, principally the latter. Mr. Soper has never married and he and his sister, Mary Alice, who also remains single, make their home together on the old homestead, and she unites with him in a determined effort to make their business an unqualified success.
Both Mr. and Miss Soper are members of the Christian church, being interested in its welfare and they contribute liberally of their means toward its support. Mr. Soper's fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias, being identified with the local lodge at Danville. He is a stanch Republican, firmly believing in the principles laid down by that party, and takes an active interest in political matters in his community. While never aspiring for office, his influence at the polls is a thing reckoned with by those who do seek such honors. Mr. Soper is a quiet, unassuming man, with sterling qualities of heart and mind and well liked and respected throughout a wide acquaintance. His sincere interest in those with whom he comes in contact has won for him many warm friends and both he and his sister hold an enviable position in the estimation of their friends and neighbors. It is such men as he who are the saving class in any community and of whom it can truly be said they are the "salt of the earth."
Miss Soper deals in White Leghorn chickens and has the finest poultry farm and equipment in the Middle West. She is also a club woman, belong- ing to the Modern Priscilla and New Era clubs at Indianapolis, and to the Lawrence School Girls' Club.
EDGAR M. BLESSING.
There are individuals in nearly every community who, by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the unbounded esteem of their fellow men. Characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men always make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personalities serves as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this sketch very properly belongs. Having never been seized with the wanderlust spirit that has led
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many of Hendricks county's young men to other fields of endeavor and other states, Mr. Blessing has devoted himself to his adopted profession and to the public duties to which he has been called, and because of his personal worth and his accomplishments, he is clearly entitled to representation among the enterprising and progressive men of his locality.
Edgar M. Blessing, the son of George A. and Margaret (Ladd) Bless- ing, was born in Wadena, Indiana, in 1876. He was given a good common school education, graduated from the high school at Wadena and later from the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute in 1899. Between the time he en- tered the State Normal and his graduation he taught two years, and after his graduation was principal of the Plainfield high school for two years. During the summer of 1900 he was in attendance at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. In 1901 he was for five months clerk of the Indiana Boys' School at Plainfield. In the fall of 1901 he entered the law department of the Univer- sity of Michigan, and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law in June, 1904. In January, 1905, he opened a law office in Danville for the practice of law. A year later he was elected prosecuting attorney, and was re-elected in 1908. January 1, 1912, he became county attorney, which office he now tills very acceptably. He has been distinguished by his work in the office of attorney in the well known Asher and Moon cases. As county attorney he is official attorney for the board of county commissioners, and has had work of great importance for them, which he has creditably performed. He pre- pared all the papers for the board of commissioners in the new court house matters and prepared the transcript for the sale of the bonds for two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars for the proposed new court house. The bond attorneys who examined the transcript pronounced it legally perfect and could make no corrections or amendments and went so far as to compli- ment the work he did. In this high and difficult service for the public he evidenced capacity in his profession.
Mr. Blessing was married October 5, 1905, to Geraldine M., the daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Dr. C. A. White, of Danville. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Danville, and are interested in all its activities. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is wor- shipful master of the Western Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Danville. He is also a thirty-second-degree Mason and a Shriner of Murat Temple, Indianapolis.
Mr. Blessing loves the law because its purpose is the preservation for each citizen in the state of his rights for his own use. The practice of the
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true lawyer is the practice of patriotism, and Mr. Blessing has the high ambi- tion to be a true lawyer. There is no nobler ambition, no greater field for usefulness, and all that is needed is time to make him eminent in his profes- sion. He is now assistant to Prof. Solon Enloe, the head of the law depart- ment of Central Normal College, of Danville.
WILLIAM W. TROTTER.
Among the men of Hendricks county who have seen it emerge from a virgin forest to its present state as one of the finest agricultural counties in the state, there is no one who can give a more vivid picture of the steady growth of the county than William W. Trotter, who was born February 19, 1833, about two miles east of North Salem, and has spent his entire life in this county. His parents were James and Sarah (Whitt) Trotter, and his father was born in Lee county, Virginia, June, 1813, the son of James and Elizabeth (Culton) Trotter. In 1815 the Trotter family came from Vir- ginia to Indiana and settled in Monroe county, where they remained for two or three years; from thence they went to. Greencastle, Indiana, and still later to Lafayette, in this state. They finally settled in Hendricks county, where they bought a farm of two hundred acres south of North Salem. Here James Trotter, Sr., died on October 27, 1857. James Trotter, Jr., was a young man when his parents moved to this county, and shortly after coming here he mar- ried Sarah Whitt, who was a native of Montgomery county, Virginia. She had come to Indiana with the family of James Hedge, who only stayed a short time in Indiana, when they returned to their old home in Virginia. After his marriage, James Trotter, Jr., bought a farm east of North Salem, and lived there the rest of his life. He built a cabin in the woods and started life like all of the pioneers of early Indiana. William, whose history is here portrayed, remembers distinctly of the clearing of that farm and all of the incidents which surrounded their pioneer home. James Trotter died Febru- ary 16, 1878, his wife having passed away November 12, 1872.
William W. Trotter was married February 28, 1857, to Nancy E. Keith, who was born December 9, 1838, in Putnam county, in this state, the daughter of Bird and Hannah (Stigleman) Keith. Bird Keith was a native of Virginia, the son of James Keith and wife. He married Hannah Stigle- man in Wayne county, Indiana, when he was about thirty years of age, and shortly afterwards moved to Putnam county, where they lived until 1852.
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They then moved to Hendricks county and located east of North Salem, al- though his wife had died before he came to this county. His death occurred later at Indianapolis.
After Mr. Trotter married he engaged in farming on rented land for several years and then purchased a farm two miles east of North Salem, where he lived until February 19, 1901, at which time he retired from active farming and bought a home at North Salem, where he has since maintained his residence. Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Trotter are the parents of seven children living and two who died in infancy, the ones deceased being Jesse and Arthur T. Those living are Allen F., who lives with his father; James, a hardware merchant of North Salem; Silas B. and Oliver W., who are in the dry goods business in North Salem, and whose histories are given elsewhere in this volume; Charles M., a dentist of North Salem; Clarence H., agent for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway Company at North Salem, and Nora B., who is at home with her parents.
Mr. Trotter was assessor of Eel River township from 1865 to 1867, and again from 1883 to 1891, and on several different occasions acted as treasurer for the land in his township: His father, James Trotter, had been township trustee of this same township for nine years, beginning in 1860. Mr. Trotter and his whole family belong to the Christian church, and give to this denomination their most earnest support. Mr. Trotter has been a loyal member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since April, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Trotter have lived useful and busy lives in this county and have reared a family of children, all of whom have became useful members of the community.
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