USA > Indiana > Howard County > History of Howard County, Indiana, Vol II > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
In the year 1892 Captain Jacobs entered the marriage relation with Maude Reed, of Wabash, Indiana, an intelligent and estimable young lady of that city and a graduate of its high school. the union resulting in the birth of two children-Fennell, who died at the early age of six months, and Elinor Elizabeth.
Captain Jacobs is essentially a self-made man, and as such ranks with the most enterprising and progressive of his contemporaries.
174
MORROW'S IHISTORY
Thrown upon his own resources at the age of fourteen, without help or influence from any source, he has steadily pursued the honorable course which in due time brought social recognition and the respon- sible place he now fills in the industrial world. By a life consistent in motive and action and because of his many fine personal qualities he has earned the sincere regard of all who know him, and in his home, which is the center of a large social circle, there is always in evidence a spirit of generous hospitality. old and young alike being at all times welcome.
JEROME C. DOLM.L.N.
This well known citizen is an excellent representative of the better class of retired business men of the United States, coming from an ancestry that distinguished itself in the pioneer times. When the country was covered with an almost interminable forest of native trees, filled with wild animals, his people came here and began to carve homes from the primeval forests, build schools and churches and introduce the customs of civilization in the wilderness. They were genuine pioneers, willing to take the hardships that they might acquire the soil and the home that was sure to rise.
The subject of this sketch was born in Jonesboro, Grant county. Indiana, March 6, 1841. His parents were Alexander and Ter- ressa ( Ashton ) Dolman. both natives of Ohio, where they were married. They settled in Indiana in about 1834. He was a tailor by trade, which he followed in Ohio, and also operated a shop on his farm after coming to Jonesboro, this state. He lived on this farm until 1849, dying at the age of forty-nine years of cholera. when this section was stricken with that dread disease. He was sur-
175
OF HOWARD COUNTY.
vived by a widow and ten children. Mrs. Dolman remained at the old home until her death at eighty-three years of age. All her children reached maturity and six are living in 1908. Rufus A. Dolman, brother of the subject's father, came to Kokomo in 1860 and engaged in the mercantile business, also the pork packing in- dustry. Ile died at Kokomo in 1881, at the age of fifty-four.
Jerome C. Dolman. our subject, left the farm when twenty years of age. being unable to overcome the wave of patriotic fervor that swept over him when the tocsin of war sounded calling for loyal sons of the Republic to stand by the flag. so he enlisted in Com- pany H. Eighth Indiana Infantry, raised at Marion, in which regi- ment he served gallantly for three years. He was at first sent to Missouri after General Price, spending the first winter in Northern Arkansas, having engaged in the battle of Pea Ridge in 1862, later marching to Helena and was on the Mississippi river until the siege of Vicksburg, where he saw hard service in the trenches and was among the victors who entered that city on July 4. 1863. After en- gaging in the battle at Jackson he was sent to New Orleans and was sent by boat to Washington City and later joined Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah Valley, serving in several battles. When his time expired he was discharged at Harper's Ferry, after serving a little over three years, during which time he was never wounded or captured although he was in many hard-fought battles, being in the ranks all the time.
After his career in the army he returned to Jonesboro. Indiana. and to Kokomo in the winter of 1864, entering the shoe store of Joli Gripper. his brother-in-law, where he remained two years as clerk. Later he had charge of the entire store. Mr. Gripper having left it to Mr. Dolman. This he successfully operated for a period of three years. He then opened a new shoe store in company with James A. Wildman, who later became state auditor. They re-
170
MORROW'S HISTORY
mained in partnership until ISTI when Wildman was succeeded by James Purdum, who continued in business until the latter's death some six years later. Then the business was conducted alone by Mr. Dolman until 1903 when he retired after carrying on the same line of work for a period of thirty-nine years, being the oldest mer- chant in Kokomo, having confined himself to the one line all the time, his location having been at No. 4 Main street, where the Vaile shoe store is now located. His was the first exclusive shoe store in Kokomo. He had a shop in connection with the store and made boots so long as they were in style. Needless to say that the busi- ness of the subject thrived from the start and grew in magnitude from year to year until he retired. for he had early mastered all the details incident to the boot and shoe business.
The subject has an excellent farm three miles from Kokomo where he has much fine stock. He erected his present commodious and well appointed home in 1907. his old residence being the site of the new government building.
Mr. Dolman was united in marriage with Elsie Purdum in 1893, widow of his old partner, whose maiden name was Newcomb. daughter of Dr. Newcomb, late of Kokomo. They have one daugh- ter, Belle Marie, graduate of the Kokomo high school, who also studied at the Oberlin Conservatory at Oberlin, Ohio, in which in- stitution she made a brilliant record.
Mr. Dolman has been twice a member of the city council of Kokomo during the time when the gas meters were being installed. and he rendered valuable service and gave weighty advice to the city, looking carefully to its interests just as if he had been managing his own private affairs. Although a loyal Republican he has never had political ambitions and was never a candidate for offices of public trust. He is a member of the Congregational church and has been a Mason for forty years.
177
OF HOWARD COUNTY.
Mr. Dolman is perhaps the best known man in Kokomo and vicinity and one of the most influential in Howard county, where so many long years of useful endeavor have been spent, and where he has justly earned the high esteem of every one which he now en- joys in his declining age, happy in the thought that his life has been well spent. a life that was not selfish, but which at all times strove to make others happier, better and friendlier.
JOHN B. BUTCHER.
The young bay. as he listened to the recitals of the old soldier. especially to the hero of the Civil war, could not fail to be fired with zeal and enthusiasm for the cause as the boys in blue told about their exploits and exposures for the cause of freedom and the perpetuity of the Union. This old soldier was not only a hero with every lad. but lessons of true bravery, courage and sacrifice were often indelibly impressed on the mind of the boy, and such lessons were a part of his patriotic education. Many of these stories made the very hair stand on end, and the listener was made to won- der if it could be possible that human bravery could face so much shot and shell for the sake of country, home and liberty. But the real struggles for these were not confined to gunpowder alone. True bravery was as often shown in the daily life. in the battle for bread. home and love's real conquests. The conflict against por- erty, vice and the enemy of the sweets of family life was often more trying than the shrieks of the mortally wounded on the country's battlefield. and the victor in the strife, with the banner of pence floating gently to the breezes of civilization and happiness, is crowned with his heart's craving. life honorable and home to his
1 2
178
MORROW'S HISTORY
liking. Our subject was not only brave in following his country's Hag. but the truest life was seen in the pleasures of his home sur- roundings.
Our subject is a native of Decatur county, Indiana, the son of William and Sadona ( Brown) Butcher, and born January 20. 1843. His father moved to this county in 1853 and was the owner of eight hundred acres of land here. He was from Virginia, and was not only a good manager but thought he saw value in the fu- ture in these lands and bought plentifully while cheap. He died in 1868. Ele was twice married, being the father of five sons by his first wife and by his second wife three sons, five of whom were brave soldiers in the Civil war-George W .. Isaac M., Solomon T .. John B. and A. P.
John B, our subject, enlisted September 22, 1861, in Company H. Thirty-Fourth Indiana Infantry, and was given the position of sergeant. His first engagement was at New Madras. Island No. IO. Afterwards in succession he fought in battles at Port Gibson, Champion Hills, forty-seven days at Vicksburg, and seven days at Jackson, Mississippi. From here his regiment went to New Orleans and on December 20. 1863. he went to Texas on the ship Conti- mental, tossing about for fourteen days in a storm at sea. He then campaigned in Texas, Missouri, coming back to New Orleans from whence he was discharged having served three years, the term of enlistment. He was sick for several months and was not expected to recover. He served three years and two months. He now re- ceives a pension of twenty-four dollars per month.
In 1867 he was married to Sarah J. Thomas, a native of Cass county. The result of this union was four children, three girls and one boy, one daughter being deceased.
After he came home from the war and had recovered somewhat he farmed awhile, securing a farm of one hundred and twenty acres.
170
OF HOWARD COUNTY.
About eleven years ago he moved to Kokomo and went into the livery business.
Mr. and Mrs. Butcher belong to the United Brethren church and are faithful members of this religious body. He is a trustee of his church. In politics he is a Republican and served one term as township trustee of Ervin township. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and Past Commander of Kokomo Lodge, No. 30. He has a very large circle of friends and acquaintenances who esteem him very highly.
ELWOOD S. HOCKETT.
Among the men who have been largely instrumental in de- veloping and advancing the opulent natural resources of Howard county and who have been instrumental in advancing the public wel- fare stands the gentleman whose name initiates this review and whose fine real estate office is in Kokomo. It is most consonant that in this compilation mention be made of those sterling pioneers who have done so much for the upbuilding of this section of the state, in the majority of instances being compelled to endure the vicissitudes which usually attend those who form the advance guard of civil- ization in a new country. Time and prolific enterprise have wrought wonderful changes in this section since our subject first saw the light of day, and the great section no longer depends upon its initial industry of lumbering, but has been brought forward to the high plane which is marked in the older sections of the commonwealth. The subject, who has aided materially in the developing of Howard county, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, October 5. 1847. He was brought to Hendricks county. Indiana, when ten years of age.
180
MORROW'S HISTORY
and on April 1. 1868, reached Kokomo. He is the son of Asa Hockett, a tile manufacturer, who started the first tile manufactur- ing plant in this part of the state, which occupation he followed for fifteen years, dying in Kokomo at the age of eighty-one years. His wife, Elizabeth Wasson, to whom he was married in Ohio, was born in Wayne county. Indiana. She was the daughter of Calvin W. Wasson, a Friends' minister for fifty years, having spent his long life preaching throughout Ohio and Indiana, however, he lived for several years in Miami county. Elizabeth died in 1879, twenty-two years before the death of her husband. She was fifty-five years old. They had a family of three sons and one daughter, namely : Albert, a carpenter, living at Altus, Oklahoma: Elwood; Martha, wife of Rev. Dr. Newton, of Noblesville, Indiana : Walter, a machinist em- ployed at Indianapolis. Elwood S. is the only one living in Howard county, where he has made his home for the past forty years. On coming to Kokomo he engaged with his father in the manufacture of tiles and finally became the owner of the plant which he operated for fifteen years, operating it during the summer season and teach- ing school during the winter months in Miami county and Howard counties for a period of four years. He taught in Kokomo as prin- cipal for four years in a ward school. He was principal in the fourth ward from 1873 to 1876, having about four teachers under lıim. Professor Cox was then superintendent, with his wife as as- sistant. Several of the subject's pupils became efficient teachers, including Indiana Mortz. Although the subject received only a common school education together with what he received at the teachers' institute, he is a highly educated man, having always been a close student and is widely read, and a brilliant conversationalist, being able to interest his readers on almost any topic, whether polit- ical, educational, scientific or literary.
Having learned the brick mason's trade in his youth he followed
18I
OF HOWARD COUNTY.
contracting for several years in Kokomo and Howard county. Ile also successfully operated a grocery store for several years.
In 1888 he was elected township trustee, serving in this capac- ity with credit for seven years. This was a serious time during part of the term, for the panic of 1893 caused a money stringency that resulted in the officials of this county having many poor people to look after, and our subject helped to provide for the wants of at least two thousand who were out of employment and had to be as- sisted, making his position a responsible one, but he filled it with great credit, and erected school houses and did many other com- mendable things.
In 1895 he launched in the real estate business, carrying in- surance, dealing in loans, etc., with which he has been eminently successful owing to the careful and honorable methods which he has employed in managing the same. In the meantime he had a machine shop at Tipton which was under his direction. But his time is now devoted almost exclusively to his office work. He carries a fine line of fire insurance and has many good loans out.
The E. S. Hockett addition to Kokomo is in the southeast sec- tion of the city, and he was one of the six men who opened the Parkview addition at the time of the gas development. It com- prises sixty acres in the residence section of the city, which has proven a choice building district. He has also helped open addi- tions for others, understanding the best methods with which to carry out such plans to successful issues. His associates have been Ed. A. Simmons, the present postmaster : J. C. Dewees and L. E. Col- lins, the last named being his associate in 1908.
Mr. Hockett deals extensively in both city and country prop- erty, having an agency for northern, northwestern and southwestern lands. He is at present a member of the city council and is noted for his firm stand at all times for substantial improvements in Ko-
182
MORROW'S HISTORY
komo, having great faith in the city's future. Being so popular throughout the country, his advice and services are naturally sought during elections and he is always a delegate to various conventions where his voice is heard in their deliberations or his influence felt in the shaping of their policies. Needless to say that our subject is a loyal Republican. Among the noteworthy things that Mr. Hockett has done for Kokomo may be mentioned the fact that he was largely instrumental in securing a number of manufacturing establishments while a member of the okl association which was organized for the purpose of promoting the city's enterprises.
Mr. Hockett was united in marriage in 1872 with Mabel E. Banta, who was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, having come from Preble county, Ohio, to Kokomo in 1865, and taught school for some time in Howard county. To this union two children have been born, namely: Jessie, a music teacher who is still a member of the family circle : Glen, who resides in Kokomo and is city elec- trician.
The subject has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since he was twenty-one years old, or for a period of thirty-eight years in 1908, being one of the oldest members in this lodge in the vicinity of Kokomo, having passed all the chairs and been representative to the grand lodge. He is also a Master Mason. Thus in many ways can we account for Mr. Hockett's popularity in Howard county.
N. C. HAMILTON, M. D.
The medical profession in Howard county has an able and worthy representative in the person of Dr. N. C. Hamilton, whose success since locating in Kokomo has won him many warm friends
183
OF HOWARD COUNTY.
and admirers in the city and county and made him widely and favor- ably known among the representative medical men in this part of the state.
As his name indicates, Dr. Hamilton is descended from the sturdy Scotch-Irish element, that has added so much to the moral fiber of the American commonwealth and is a compliment worthily bestowed to claim for him the possession of many of the sterling attributes and characteristics for which that people have long been distinguished. On the mother's side his ancestors were Scotch and bore the characteristic name of MeGlaughlin. Both branches of the family were early representatives in the country and have been known in Logan county, Ohio, where the doctor's parents. James G. Hamilton and Isabella MeGlaughlin, were married and spent the greater part of their lives.
Dr. Hamilton was born in the above county and state on Au- gust 13, 1873, and spent his childhood and early youth in the town of Zanesville, where he also received his first instruction in the public schools. Owing to circumstances over which he had no control he was early oblige'l to rely upon his own resources for a livelihood, accordingly at the early age of eleven years he left the parental roof and during the ensuing two years turned his hands to any kind of honorable labor he could find to do. While still a mere lad he de- termined to take advantage of every opportunity to increase his earn- ings with the object in view of obtaining a good education and ulti- mately fitting himself for some useful vocation, his early experience having taught him that without such preparation his life would be of little worth. To this end therefore he husbanded his savings with the greatest care, and being blessed with a vigorous physique and good health he was able to put in steady time as a farm hand until ac- cummilating sufficient mears to defray his expenses for one term at the State University, Ada, Ohio.
1
184
MORROW'S HISTORY
On becoming a student of that institution young Hamilton applied himself diligently and made such rapid progress that within a comparatively short time he was sufficiently advanced to pass the required examination and obtain a teacher's license. After teaching two years in the country schools he secured an appointment as night watchman at the State Industrial school at Lancaster, later being promoted to assistant superintendent, with which institution he con- tinued until his twenty-second year, meanwhile laying aside the greater part of his salary and devoting his hours of leisure to the perusal of such books as would enable him to lay a firm mental foundation for the subsequent courses of study in medicine which he had determined to take.
Having decided to make this profession his life work, the doc- tor in 1806 severed his connection with the Industrial school and in the fall of that year entered Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, where he prosecuted his studies and researches with diligence and assiduity until completing the prescribed course and receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine later. In the spring of 1000, the year in which he graduated. Dr. Hamilton came to Kokomo and formed a partnership with Dr. J. C. F. Thorne, the firm thus constituted last- ing about one year when it was dissolved by mutual consent, since which time he has been alone in the practice, building up a profes- sional business, the meanwhile which in scope and magnitude, is second to that of few physicians in the city or county. Dr. Hamil- ton is in many respects remarkable in that he began life with no capital save a clear brain, strong will and an inborn determination to succeed, and his success in overcoming the many obstacles in his way and forging to the front among the leading men of his profession in an old and well occupied field bespeak the possession of ability with which few are endowed. He has al- ways been a critical student and with a laudable ambition to rise
OF HOWARD COUNTY. 185
in his profession he keeps abreast the times in all matters relat- ing thereto. being well grounded in its fundamental principles and ready to adopt any modern discovery or improved method suggested or sanctioned by the leading schools and authorities. The doctor is a gentleman of pleasing presence and genial per- sonality and during his residence of over eight years in Kokomo he has gathered about him a wide circle of loyal friends in business and professional circles and in addition to which it can truly be said that his popularity is bounded neither by class nor condition. His already comprehensive practice is steadily growing, and being in the prime of vigorous physical and mental powers he confidently looks forward to many years of activity and usefulness in the noble and humane calling to which his life is being so unselfishly devoted.
Dr. Hamilton maintains a beautiful home in Kokomo and is the head of an interesting family circle consisting of an intelligent and refined wife and three bright children, who answer to the names of Marion L .. Isabel P. and Alice J. Mrs. Hamilton, formerly Clara Laughlin, is a native of the same state and county in which the doc- tor was born, and as indicated above is a lady of gracious presence and varied culture, being not only a graduate of the schools in the place of her birth, but also an alumni of the Cleveland Art school. one of the noted institutions of the kind in this country. She pos- sesses artistic talent of a high order and is a leader and authority in this branch of culture in the city of Kokomo, where she is widely known and socially very much esteemed.
The doctor discharges the duties of citizenship as becomes an intelligent. broad-minded American of the times, being interested in the growth and development of his adopted city and a friend to all enterprises and measures for its advancement along material lines to say nothing of his deep interest in all that makes for the intellect- ual development and moral welfare of the populace. He is a Re-
186
MORROW'S HISTORY
publican, but has never entered the domain of party politics, voting his principles, expressing his opinions, fearlessly when necessary but steering clear of the amphitheater in which partisan feelings and ran- cour too often find expression. Fraternally he belongs to the Ma- sonic Brotherhood and religiously holds membership with the Con- gregational church in which he now fills the office of deacon, his wife being also an active and useful communicant of the same con- gregation with which he is identified, and deeply interested in its va- rious lines of religious and benevolent and charitable work.
EDWARD THOMAS HATTON.
The record of Mr. Hatton is that of a man who has worked his way from a modest beginning up to a position of considerable prom- inence by his efforts which have been practically unaided, which fact renders him the more worthy of the praise that is freely accorded him by his fellow men. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the notably systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won him the nubounded confidence and regard of all who have formed his acquaintance and in looking over the list of Howard county's business men who have been successful in their line of work, especially those whose place of residence is Ko- komo, the biographer deems none more worthy of representation in a work of this nature than that of the gentleman whose name appears above.
Edward Thomas Hatton was born near Center. this county. February 15. 1864. the son of James H. Hatton, who was born at Vevay, Indiana. April 11. 1830. His mother, Rachel J. Hatton. was born March 10. 1836. The subject's parents were people of
187
OF HOWARD COUNTY.
high ideals and reproachless character who spared no pains in giving their children every opportunity possible.
Our subject was reared in Taylor township, this county, and in his early youth assisted his father on the farm, attending the com- mon schools during the winter months until he received sufficient education to enable him to enter the Northern Indiana Normal school at Valparaiso, where he did special work and made a splen- did record for scholarship, being an ardent student in the subjects he pursued.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.