USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnson County, Indiana > Part 67
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 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
On October 2, 1901, Mr. Sibert was united in marriage to Sarah C. Deitch, the daughter of Samuel and Caroline Deitch, a union which was more than ordinarily congenial. Personal reference is made to Mr. and Mrs. Deitch elsewhere in this work. As a Christian citizen Mr. Sibert wielded a potent influence in the community, and as a public-spirited citizen he gave his earn- est support to every movement for the advancement of the general welfare.
Digitized by Google
.
695
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
OZAIS E. VANDIVIER.
,
Johnson county is indebted, perhaps, to the Vandivier family more than to any other for its wondrous transformation to one of the choicest sections of . the Hoosier state, for members of this family have been leaders in agricul- tural, industrial and civic affairs since the early days. Each, with a fidelity to duty and a persistency of purpose peculiar to that class of men who take the lead in large affairs, has performed well his duty in all the relations of life, and while advancing their own interests they have not been unmindful of the general welfare of their fellow citizens. Thus they rightfully deserve an honored place in the history of this locality.
Ozais E. Vandivier, who is discharging in a satisfactory manner the re- sponsible duties of sheriff of Johnson county, was born in Union township, this county, on April 13, 1867. He is the son of Jefferson and Lucinda (Ca- nary) Vandivier, the former a native of this county and the latter born in Kentucky. Jefferson Vandivier has been a farmer all his life and has taken an active interest in public affairs, having served as trustee of Union township for four years from 1882 until 1886. The subject's paternal grandfather, Peter Vandivier, who was a native of Pennsylvania, moved from that state to Kentucky and later to Johnson county, Indiana, where he settled on a farm about eight miles west of Franklin, where he spent the rest of his days. He married in Pennsylvania and reared a family of thirteen children. His son, Jefferson, father of the subject, had twelve children, nine of whom are living, namely : Almira, the wife of T. L. Banta, of Union township; Minerva, the wife of P. S. Hamilton, also of Union township; Rosa, wife of William Garshwiler, late of Union township; Mayo, deceased, late of Greenwood, who married Alice Thompson, of Hensley township; D. M., of Marion county, Indiana, married first Emma Hamilton, now deceased, his second wife bear- ing the given name of Ida; the next in order of birth is the subject of this sketch; Henry R., a successful physician, married Emma Lang, of Hensley township, and lives in Clay City, Indiana; Strauther E. married first Anna Parsley, now deceased, and then Dora Jenson, and lives in Franklin, follow- ing the duties of deputy sheriff; Emma, the wife of M. S. Slack, of Hensley township, but who lives in Franklin; Susan I., the deceased wife of Peter Taylor, of Union township, and Harriett H., who is unmarried and remains at the paternal homestead in Union township.
The subject of this sketch spent his early years on the home farm and received his education in the country schools of the neighborhood. He was
Digitized by Google
696
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
inducted into the mysteries of successful agriculture, and to that vocation de- voted his energies until he was twenty-five years of age, when, in 1892, he removed to Franklin, where he followed the trade of a plasterer. On Jan- uary I, 1911, having been elected to the office of sheriff of Johnson county, he relinquished his former labors and entered upon the discharge of his offi- cial duties. It is noteworthy that although he belonged to one of the most numerous families in Johnson county he is the first Vandivier ever elected to public office, as the members of the family have invariably been content to ap- ply their energies to the discharge of their private affairs and have had no am- bition for public distinction or preferment. Mr. Vandivier has proved him- self the right man in the right place and has given to the administration of the affairs of his office his paintaking and thorough supervision, so that he has proved the wisdom of those who elected him.
In 1889 Mr. Vandivier was united in marriage to Janie Merriman, a daughter of James F. and Lanie Merriman, of Hensley township, this county, and to them have been born five children, namely: Lawrence, Laurel, Ree, deceased, and Veta and Velma, twins.
Fraternally, Mr. Vandivier is a member of the Free and Accepted Ma- sons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red Men, Mod- ern Woodmen of America and Haymakers, as well as the encampment of Patriarchs Militant. In the workings of these various orders Mr. Vandivier takes a live interest, and in all the affairs of the community affecting the edu- cational, social, moral or material welfare of the people, he is a factor of in- fluence, for he is a warm supporter of all movements for the upbuilding of his fellow citizens. Genial and unassuming in manner, he easily makes friends and throughout Johnson county, where he is well known, his friends are in number as his acquaintances.
JAMES A. FENDLEY.
The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is widely known in Johnson county and is one of the honored citizens of White River township, where he is living in honorable retirement after a strenuous life of activity in connection with agricultural pursuits. . His well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not
Digitized by Google
a.7
Digitized by
1 ;. ....
1
:: :
-
.
1.
! !
:
1
1' ?- : . .
1:1
! !.....
.
--
- -
. .. : le accomp" il
Google Digitized by
..
: .
..
J. a. Jendley.
Digitized by
1
--
1
!
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L
.
Digitized by Google
697
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of any disaster or discouragement that may arise. In all the relations of life Mr. Fendley has commanded the confidence and respect of those with whom he has been brought into contact and a biographical history of this locality would not be complete without a record of his career.
James A. Fendley, who, though he is now retired from active labor, is the owner of one hundred and ninety-four acres of splendid land in White River township, Johnson county, is a native son of the old Hoosier state, hav- ing been born in Parke county, on February 1, 1836. His parents, Silas A. and Melinda (Ragsdale) Fendley, were both natives of Kentucky, the father having come to Montgomery county in a very early day, later moved to Parke county, and there made his permanent home. He was the father of eleven children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only survivor. James A. Fendley received his elementary education in the common schools of Mont- gomery county, which he has liberally supplemented during the ensuing years by much reading and close observation of men and events. He was reared to the vocation of agriculture, which he has made his life work, and on attain- ing mature years he took up farming in Montgomery county, subsequently going to Vermillion county and still later to Illinois, where he remained about four years. On December 20, 1869, Mr. Fendley came to Johnson county and located on his present farmVin White River township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his attention assiduously for a number of years, achieving a success which eventually enabled him to retire from ac- tive labors and he is now enjoying the fruits of his former years of effort. The farm, which comprises one hundred and ninety-four acres of land, is the equal of any in the locality for productivity and for the state of its improve- ments, for Mr. Fendley, during his active years, gave every department of the farm work his personal attention, allowing nothing to fail through neglect of his and giving intelligent direction to the rotation of crops and other features of successful farming. 1
On October 26, 1860, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Mary Ellen Bristow, the daughter of Evans and Susan (Sells) Bristow, both of whom were natives of the state of Virginia, and came to Indiana in an early day, settling in Marion county. To Mr. and Mrs. Fendley were born nine children: Laura, deceased; Emma, Jennie, Ella, William, Minnie, Austin, May and Nellie.
Mr. Fendley has for many years taken an active interest in public affairs, giving his support to the Democratic party. His fellow citizens, recognizing his ability, elected him to serve in several public offices, in all of which he
Digitized by Google
698
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
discharged his official duties to the eminent satisfaction of his constituents. He was county commissioner three years, county ditch commissioner four years and supervisor of his township one term. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the local lodge of Green- wood, while his religious membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Fendley has ever enjoyed the esteem and respect of those who know him for his friendly manner, his business ability, his interest in public affairs and upright living, and he is regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of the community in which he lives.
ยท
JOHN H. WOOLEY.
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished. An enumeration of those men who have succeeded in their spe- cial vocations in Johnson county, and at the same time are impressing their personalities on the community, men who are conferring honor on the locality in which they reside, would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, for he is an important factor in the business life of his community. The splendid success which has come to him has been the direct result of the salient points in his character, for, with a mind capable of laying judicious plans and a will strong enough to carry them into execution, his energy, foresight and perseverance have carried him forward to a position in the front rank of the successful men of his community. He has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken, and his business methods have ever been in strict con- formity with the standard ethics of commercial life. He has taken an in- telligent interest in the civic life of the community and has earned the high regard in which he is held by all who know him.
John H. Wooley was born in Marion county, Kentucky, on November 28, 1842, and is the son of Zachariah and Burnetta (Burnett) Wooley. His parents, who were both natives of Kentucky, moved to Johnson county, In- diana, in the spring of 1846, locating on the Madison state road, about three miles south of Franklin, and the father's death occurred in the fall of that same year. He was a farmer by vocation and was a man of high character. His widow survived him many years, dying about twenty years ago. They were the parents of six children, namely: Jane, deceased; Frances, who is the widow of John Harris, resides in Bloomfield, Indiana; Sarah is the widow
Digitized by
699
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of Henry T. Neal and also lives in Bloomfield; the subject of this sketch is next in order of birth; Robert, who died about twenty-five years ago; Joseph, who died in Dayton, Ohio, in February, 1912.
John H. Wooley received his education in the schools of his day, and in 1858 his mother removed to Clay county, Indiana, where the family located on a farm. At the outbreak of the Civil war, in 1861, Mr. Wooley enlisted as a private in the Forty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which command he participated in many of the most noted battles of that great conflict. He served valiantly and faithfully nearly four years, being mustered out in 1865. The following year he spent in Greene county, Indiana, and then, in 1866, he returned to Johnson county, and has been here since. He first located on a farm about five miles south of Franklin, to the operation of which he gave his attention until 1884, when he removed to Franklin and engaged in carpenter work and contracting, in which he had to some extent engaged before. In 1896 he engaged in the livery business, but in 1900 he sold out and went into the lumber and mill business, in which he has remained actively interested to the present time. The business is incorporated under the name of the Franklin Lumber Company, though the stock is practically all owned by Mr. Wooley and his son Otis. They carry a large and com- plete line of all kinds of lumber and building supplies and also do a vast amount of mill work, for which they are well equipped, and they have always enjoyed their full share of the public patronage in their line.
Mr. Wooley has been twice married, first, in 1867, to Amanda Cox, a native of Johnson county, to which union six children were born, namely : Anna, Bertha, Burnetta, Jessie and Earl, all deceased, and Otis, who is asso- ciated with his father in business. Mrs. Amanda Wooley died in 1885 and in 1888 he was married to Thurza Dobbins, a native of this county, who is still living.
In the public life of the community Mr. Wooley has taken a prominent part for many years. While a resident of Blue River township he served four years as justice of the peace, and also served four years as a member of the Franklin city council. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which so- ciety he has served as trustee for many years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to blue lodge, chapter and commandery. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In every avenue of . life's activities in which he has engaged he has performed his full part and he now enjoys the fullest measure of public confidence and regard.
-
Digitized by Google
700
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
W. W. AIKENS.
Johnson county has been fortunate in the number and character of its newspapers, those advance agents of civilization and indispensable aids to so- cial and industrial development. The county newspaper is recognized as an institution and no other agency does so much for the development of a com- munity. Some grow tired, others weary of the march and fall out, but county newspapers work all the time. On those industrious and often self-sacrificing instrumentalities of progress, the people rely for news, advice and advocacy; the newspaper is expected to do for nothing what all others charge for doing. It contributes both financially and intellectually far beyond any other agency engaged in developing and upbuilding. Its work is unselfish, as the editor usually profits little, while making fame and fortune for others.
W. W. Aikens was born on October 18, 1860, at Newark, Ohio, and is indebted to the common schools of his native city for his education. At the age of fourteen years he entered the office of the Newark Advocate to learn the printing trade. He was employed there until about 1882, when he started out in life on his own account and through the Western states he was employed in a number of printing offices. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Aikens came to Frank- lin, and secured employment here as a general printer. On July 14, 1885, be- lieving that this field offered a splendid opportunity for a daily newspaper. he started the Evening Star, which is said to be the oldest one-cent newspaper in Indiana which has never changed its price. The paper met with instantan- eous success and its support was so hearty and continuous that Mr. Aikens has been compelled several times to enlarge its size. He is a natural-born news- paper man, having keen instinct for the right sort of news and a forceful and trenchant pen with which he comments on the current events of the day in an interesting and pleasing style, so that his paper is a welcome guest in every home into which it enters. In the strictest sense of the term Mr. Aikens is a self-made man, and by strict business methods and definite convictions on questions of the day he has made his business pay and his paper an influential factor in the community. Personally, he is a man who makes friends and retains them and enjoys a large following of admiring acquaintances. He has erected a substantial brick building as a home for the Star, and has equipped his office with a linotype machine and electrical service throughout, owning his own electric plant. In connection with the Star, Mr. Aikens established in 1800 the People's Paper, which, while still published from his office, is now under different management. The Evening Star is non-partisan in politics
Digitized by Google
701
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and consistently and warmly supports every movement for the upbuilding and progress of the community or the welfare of the people along moral, educa- tional or social lines .. Through the columns of his paper Mr. Aikens has through the years wielded a definite influence in the community and is num- bered among Johnson county's public-spirited and progressive men of affairs. Early in his career here it was his fortune to inspire confidence in his honesty and capacity, a confidence which has been abundantly justified by his record since becoming identified with this community.
On November 29, 1883, Mr. Aikens was married to Louisa B. Ackerman, of Newark, Ohio, to which union were born three children, of whom Mary and Jamie are deceased, while Esther L. is a graduate of the Franklin high school and Franklin College and is a member of the Pi Beta Phi fraternity. Mr. Aikens and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Aikens is a trustee. In fraternal matters he takes a deep interest and in the Masonic fraternity he belongs to the blue lodge, the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the council of Royal and Select Masters, the commandery of Knights Templar of Frankfort, and Murat Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Indianapolis. He also belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, in which he is keeper of records and finance, the Court of Honor, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, in which he is trustee. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has served as a member of the school board with efficiency and satisfaction, being a member of the board when the present high school building was erected. He has faithfully per- formed his part in every avenue of life's activities, and the honor and esteem in which he is held by all who have come into contact with him, whether in a business, public or social way, is but a just tribute to his worth.
ROBERT M. MILLER.
No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its essen- tial limitations will serve to offer a fit testimonial to the life and accomplish- ments of Robert M. Miller, who for a long lapse of years has been one of the best known legal lights in central Indiana-a man notable for the breadth of his wisdom, his indomitable perseverance, his strong individuality, and yet one whose entire life has not one esoteric phase, being able to bear the closest scrunity. True, his have been "massive deeds and great" in one sense, and yet his entire accomplishment but represents the result of the fit utilization of
Digitized by Google
702
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the innate talent which is his and the directing of his efforts along those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination have led the way. There is in Mr. Miller a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judg- ment and a fidelity of purpose that has commanded the respect of all, and today he stands in the very front rank of his profession in Indiana.
Robert M. Miller is the son of George and Margaret J. Miller, to whom were born six sons, three of whom died before attaining their majority, the other survivors being Judge John D. Miller, of Greensburg, Decatur county, Indiana, and E. C. Miller, vice-president of the Franklin National Bank, Franklin, Indiana. Robert M. Miller first saw the light of day on the paternal farmstead in Fugit township, Decatur county, Indiana, on the 14th of April, 1845, and he remained there until 1860, when, his father having died, the widowed mother removed with her boys to Hanover, Indiana, in order to give them the advantage of the excellent college at that place. Mr. Miller had received the educational training of the public schools and in 1865 he graduated from Hanover College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. A few years later his alma mater conferred upon him the Master's degree, in deserved recognition of his scholarship and attainments. Immediately upon his graduation from college Mr. Miller took up the study of law, in connection with the vocation of teaching, and in June, 1870, he was formally admitted to the bar of Johnson county, Indiana. He then formed a partner- ship with Hon. W. W. Browning, and later was associated with W. C. Sande- fur, both of these gentlemen being now deceased. On November 23, 1875, he formed a professional alliance with Henry C. Barnett, under the firm name of Miller & Barnett, which association has continued uninterruptedly to the present time and which has for many years been considered one of the strong- est and most successful legal firms in this section of the state.
The great secret of Mr. Miller's splendid career is that early in life he realized that labor is the only talisman of success. He ate no idle bread; he flung away no priceless moment. An insatiate thirst for knowledge, in- domitable energy, untiring industry, inflexible fidelity to duty, earnest devo- tion to truth, an incorruptible sense of justice, purity of conduct, buoyancy of disposition and fearless self reliance-these are the elements which have characterized his record and contributed to the upbuilding of a character which has stood the test of time and storm and today he stands pre-eminent among the representative men of his county, while among his professional colleagues he is held in the highest esteem because of his high attainments in the law and his genuine worth as a man. As a private citizen, Mr. Miller takes a deep
Digitized by Google
703
JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
interest in the general welfare and gives his earnest support to every move- ment having for its object the advancement of the best interests of the com- munity, educationally, morally or materially.
On September 28, 1870, Mr. Miller was married to Angeline Donnell, of Kingston, Decatur county, Indiana, and to them were born five children, four of whom are living, namely: Ethelwyn, Marcia, Bertha and Gladys, their only son having died in infancy.
Politically, Mr. Miller has been a life-long supporter of the Republican party and has taken an active part in the campaigns. In 1910 he was the nominee of his party for the office of judge of the supreme court, but he met defeat at the polls along with the rest of the party ticket. Mr. Miller's personal relations with his fellow men have ever been pleasant, for, genial and unassuming in his disposition, he is easily approached, and is obliging and straightforward in all the relations of life.
DANIEL A. BREWER.
Daniel A. Brewer, who lives on a part of the old Brewer homestead in Pleasant township, Johnson county, Indiana, and who is numbered among that locality's enterprising and successful farmers, was born on February 19, 1856, on the farm where he now lives, and is a son of David D. and Nancy A. (Green) Brewer. There parents are referred to specifically elsewhere in this work in the sketch of E. G. Brewer, to whom the reader is referred for such desired information. The subject received his education in the common and high schools of his locality and at the age of nineteen years had planned to enter Hanover College, where his father bought a scholarship. However, about that time, through the failure of the First National Bank of Franklin, his father sustained a loss of about sixty thousand dollars, because of which the sons were compelled to remain at home and assist in the operation of the farm. Though the family's financial situation was far from encouraging, they were not deterred by the unfavorable conditions, but the boys manfully went to work to pay off the father's indebtedness. Though the land was heavily mortgaged, yet in three years they paid of thirty-five hundred dollars of principal and interest and eventually the entire debt was discharged. The sons were energetic and hustling and the first year they raised fifteen hun- dred bushels of wheat, for which they received one dollar and fifteen cents per bushel. The subject of this sketch had originally intended to become a minis-
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.