USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 46
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 46
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William H. Martin, ex-judge of the tenth judicial circuit and one of the most prominent attorneys of the Lawrence county bar, was born on May 7, 1848, at Salem, Washington county, Indiana, and is the son of Roger and Martha E. (Cornell) Martin, the former a native of Ireland, born near Lake Killarney on June 22, 1805, while his wife was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on June 15, 1818. Roger Martin ran away from home in his boyhood and worked his way across the Atlantic as a sailor boy, being but sixteen years of age when he arrived in this country. He first located in Baltimore, Mary-
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land. He was variously employed and, being ambitious to succeed, he care- fully husbanded his earnings and in 1834 decided to come West, making the long and tiresome trip overland to Salem, Indiana, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He was thus engaged until the building of the old New Albany & Salem Railroad, when he entered the employ of that company. principally as road master. He was a faithful and competent employee and remained with that road until the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, when he gave practical evidence of his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting in the Fifty-third Regiment Indiana Volumteer Infantry, in which he received a commission as major. With this regiment he took part in a number of the hardest-fonght battles of the war and eventually was detailed to recruit the Sixty-sixth Indiana Regiment. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the latter regiment and later was promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment. with which he served until the close of the war. He was a faithful and courageous sollier and his record was a creditable one in every respect.
On his return home, Mr. Martin again entered the employ of the rail- road, with whom he remained until his death, which occurred in January. 1873. He was survived a number of years by his widow, who died in March, 1890. They were the parents of twelve children, of which number five sur- vive, namely : Anna and Jennie [ ... who are unmarried and reside at Long Beach, California : William 11 .. of this sketch : Louis P. and Robert S., both of whom are now in Oldl Mexico. Roger Martin was a man of vigorous intellect and, through nich reading and study and habits of close observation. he became a man of wide and accurate information. He was a roreefnl and eloquent speaker, having wonderful control over his audiences, and he was twice a candidate for Congress in the old second Indiana district.
William H. Martin received a good practical education in the common schools of Salem, and in 1864 he went to New Albany, Indiana, where for two years he was employed as a clerk. He then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as bookkeeper for the master mechanic of the Pittsburgh division. In the summer of 1868, at the age of twenty years. Mr. Martin entered the law office of the late Judge Frank Wilson and Colonol A. C. Voris, at Bedford, as a student of law. In June. 1860. one month after he had attained his majority, he was admitted to the bar, and in the following November he went to Paoli, Orange county, Indiana, and entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1880 Mr. Martin returned to Bedford and has since remained here, having for many years been numbered among the leading legal practitioners of Lawrence county. In recognition of his high character and eminent ability, he was elected to the bench of the tenth judicial circuit and assumed the duties of his office in November, 1806, for the term
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of six years. At the conclusion of his term Judge Martin re-entered the prac- tice and has since been actively engaged therein. On leaving the bench, the Judge formed a partnership with his son, William R. Martin, and Edward K. Dye, a brilliant young lawyer who died in October, 1903, his place in the firm being taken by Henry T. Pearson.
Aside from his profession, Judge Martin is interested in a number of local enterprises, being president of the Citizens Trust Company of Bedford. He has been a director, since its organization, of the Citizens National Bank, and now is its counsel.
Judge Martin was well qualified for the bench, possessing integrity of character, natural ability and the acumen of the judicial temperament. As a judge he was able to divest himself of prejudice or favoritism and consider only the legal aspects of a question involved. No labor was too great, how- ever onerous ; no application too exacting, however severe, if necessary to the complete understanding and correct determination of a point submitted. His record as a judge was also notable in that he was vigorous in his dispatch of the business of his court. He was merciful when mercy seemed to be justified, but he was equally relentless when there was undoubted evidence of crime, and he sent two hundred and sixty-four men to prison or reformatory, a rec- ord exceeded in only two counties in this state. As a practitioner, Judge Martin employs none of the arts and tricks of oratory, but his speeches are eloquent in the clearness of statement, the broad common sense of reasoning, the force of logic, earnestness and power. His career on the bench and at the bar offers an inspiration to the young practitioner just entering upon his life work, while he has never been known to fail in that strict courtesy and regard for professional ethics which should ever characterize the members of the bar.
On May 7, 1874. William H Martin was married to Martha F. Dough- erty, of Liberty, Missouri, and to them were born four children, only one of whom survives, William R., who, as stated above, is now a partner with his father in the law practice.
Fraternally, Judge Martin belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has taken all the degrees of the York rite and those of the Scottish rite up to the thirty-second, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Religiously, he is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. In the civic life of the community. the Judge has always taken an active interest, giving his support to all movements having for their object the advancement of the general welfare. Personally, he is a genial and agreeable man to meet and enjoys a merited popularity among his acquaint- ances.
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LAWRENCE B. SANDERS.
The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are two classes, to-wit, the men of study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted for the improvement of the age to the one class or the other is a question of honest difference in opinion; neither class can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their several spheres of labor and influence, zealously and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are briefly out- lined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. Devoted to the noble and humane work of teaching, he has made his influence felt in the school life of Lawrence county, and is not unknown to the wider eduational circles of the state, occupying as he does a prominent place in his profession and standing high in the esteem of educators in other than his own particular field of endeavor.
Lawrence B. Sanders, the present popular and efficient county superin- tendent of schools of Lawrence county, was born in the county in which he now resides on November 19, 1877, and is the son of Warren A. and Sarah A. ( Voris) Sanders. The father, who was a native of Orange county, Indi- ana, was a minister of the Gospel, having followed farming earlier in life. He is still living and is a man of most excellent standing in his community. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men. His father was a native of Kentucky who came to Indi- ana when young and here established his permanent home. The subject's mother, who was a native of Orange county, Indiana, died in March, 1913. She bore her husband two children, the subject of this sketch, and Mary Frances, who is deceased.
Lawrence B. Sanders received his education in the common schools of Lawrence county and then determined to prepare himself for pedagogical work and entered the Southern Indiana Normal College at Mitchell, from which he was graduated in 1808. He immediately entered upon the vocation for which he had prepared himself and as a teacher he immediately attained to a pronounced success, his services being sought wherever a high standard of education was required. In 1911 his abilities and high character were recognized in his election to the office of county superintendent of schools, of which he is the present incumbent and in which he has more than met the expectations of his friends. He pursues his chosen calling with all the inter- est of an enthusiast, thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the work and has a proper conception of the dignity of the profession to which his life and
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energies have been unselfishly devoted. A finished scholar, a polished gen- tleman and possessing the traits of character necessary to insure success, the service thus far rendered and the laurels gained bespeak for him a wider and more distinguished career of usefulness in years to come should he see fit to continue the calling which he has heretofore followed with such signal suc- cess. Unlike so many of his calling who become narrow and pedantic, Pro- fessor Sanders is essentially a man of the times, broad and liberal in his views and has the courage of his convictions on all the leading public ques- tions and issues on which men and parties divide. He also keeps in touch with the trend of modern thoughit along its various lines and, being a man of scholarly and refined tastes, is acquainted with the literature of the world in general, while his familiarity with the more practical affairs of the day makes him feel at ease with all classes and conditions of people with whom he meets.
On December 24, 1899. Professor Sanders was married to Effie S. Trowbridge, the daughter of John and Mary (Taylor) Trowbridge, natives of Kentucky, who came to Lawrence county, Indiana, in about 1866. To Professor and Mrs. Sanders have been born two children, Lois Gertrude and Princess Clarine. Politically, Professor Sanders is an ardent Democrat, while his religious faith is embodied in the creed of the Baptist church, of which he is a regular attendant and to which he gives faithful service. Per- sonally, Professor Sanders is quite popular, possessing to a marked degree the characteristics that win and retain warm friendship. By his kindness and courtesy he has won an abiding place in the esteem of his fellow citizens 'and by his intelligence, energy and enterprising spirit has made his influence felt during his residence in Lawrence county, occupying no small place in the public favor.
SAMUEL CLELLAND DODDS.
It is the dictate of our nature, no less than of enlightened social policy, to honor those whose lives have contributed in any way to the good of their community and their associates: to bedew with affectionate tears the silent urn of departed worth and virtue : to unburden the fullness of the surcharged heart in eulogium upon deceased benefactors, and to rehearse their noble deeds for the benefit of those who may come after us. It has been the com- mendable custom of all ages and all nations. Hence the following feeble tribute to one of nature's noblemen. In contemplating the many estimable qualities of the late Samuel C. Dodds, integrity and industry
S.C. Und
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appear as prominent characteristics-an integrity that no personal or other consideration could swerve, and an industry that knew no rest while anything remained undone. When a given task was accomplished, he would throw off all care, retire to his home and devote himself to domestic and social en- joyments, for which he had the keenest zest and relish. His temper was calm and equable, and his manners were emphatically those of the gentleman, -plain, simple, dignified,-despising sham and pretense of all kinds. His devotion to every duty was intense, while his perception of truth and worth was almost intuitive. Although his life was a busy one, his private affairs and his home making heavy demands upon his time, he never allowed it to interfere with his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his church duties. Always calm and straightforward, never demonstrative, his life was a steady effort for the worth of Christian doctrine, the purity and grandeur of Christian principles and the beauty and elevation of Christian character. He had the greatest sympathy for his fellow men and was always ready to aid and encourage those who were struggling to aid themselves ; yet in this, as in everything, he was entirely unassuming. When he believed he was on the right path, nothing could swerve him from it; home life was a secred trust and friendships were inviolable. He commanded the respect of all classes by his exemplary life, and his memory will long be revered by his many friends and acquaintances.
Samuel C. Dodds was born in the city of Bloomington, Indiana, on January 28. 1854, and his death occurred suddenly at his home in this city on April 23, 1913. He was the son of Clelland F. and Mary (Orchard) Dodds. Clelland Dodds, who was a native of Monroe county, Indiana, and who during his life was a prominent figure in business and civic life, was a merchant, then turned his attention to farming, and during his later years followed the real estate and insurance business in this city, meeting with fair success in his business affairs. He was the first mayor of the city of Bloom- ington. He and his wife, who also was a native of Monroe county, are both deceased. They were the parents of twelve children, namely: Corinne, Samuel C., Henry A., Ella B., Andrew J., William, John, Morton, Cora L .. Frederick, Carrie C. (deceased), Mattie N. and Flora.
Samuel C. Dodds received his elementary education in the public schools of Bloomington, graduating from the high school, after which he took the literary course in the State University, graduating and receiving his degree in 1875, being only twenty years of age at that time. His first employment was as a clerk for his brother-in-law. Newell Sanders, who later became United States senator from Tennessee and now resides at Chattanooga, that
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state. At the end of a year he bought the book store from Mr. Sanders and ran it for nearly four years. Selling the store, he was then, for about a year, engaged in the lumber business, at the end of that period forming a partner- ship with Showers Brothers and Henry Henley, under the firm name of Showers, Dodds & Company, manufacturers of chairs, the plant being gen- erally known as the North End Chair Factory. About a year later the firm name was changed to Showers & Dodds, but on March 15, 1883, J. B. Wald- ron bought a third interest in the business, the firm style being soon after- wards changed to S. C. Dodds & Company. This partnership was main- tained for about twelve years, when Mr. Dodds sold his interest in the busi- ness to Showers Brothers. In 1894, upon the organization of the Monroe County State Bank, Mr. Dodds was elected its cashier and continued to dis- charge the duties of that position up to the time of his death. Though he had not enjoyed perfect health for some time prior to his death, his condition was not considered critical, and two days before his death he performed his usual duties at the bank. Therefore the news of his sudden passing away came as a profound shock to the entire community.
The funeral, which was one of the largest ever held in Bloomington, was from the First Presbyterian church, which was filled with relatives and hundreds of sympathizing and sorrowing friends. From the sermon preached by the pastor, Rev. John R. Ellis, the following words are quoted, not only as a tribute to Mr. Dodds, but as a beautiful word picture of his character and attainments : "Death is a solemn and mysterious event, come when it will and to whom it may. An instinctive and undefinable sense of awe pervades the reflecting mind wher. any human spirit passes into the belt of darkness, long, low and distant, where 'Life to come touches the life that is.' The stroke may fall suddenly or be long delayed. But, come when it will, men reverently bow their heads, as they hear the Voice and confess the presence of the great God. They are hushed in silence by the nearness of the powers of the world invisible. This sense of the presence of God in death is heightened and inten- sified when a man dies in the vigor of his powers, who, by exalted purity of personal character and unselfishness of life, faithfully and loyally has served his generation. At such a time, and this is such a time, we stand so near to the thin veil that separates mortals from immortals, time from eternity, that the whispers of God may be heard by the children of men.
"When, on Wednesday morning, through the parting folds of that thin veil, our beloved brother was admitted to the 'General Assembly, the church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven to God, the judge of all.
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and to the spirits of just men made perfect,' not alone the home from whence he has gone, but this church, that he loved, and this community, in which his noble life was spent, felt the hallowing touch of the hand of God.
"In all the tributes to the memory of Mr. Dodds none sheds richer luster upon his life than the beautiful testimony to a life-long loving chivalry, by the sorrow stricken companion of his life, who, in the hour of deepest shadow and shattering hammer strokes of fiercest grief, thinking of her beloved, through blinding tears, sees the whiteness of his character, and feels deep comfort in the message of the Master, a message tremulous with the wordless mysticism of the Christian faith, 'Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.'
"This innermost utterance of the Sermon on the Mount suggests the key to the whole life of our departed friend. I do not mean, this supreme benedic- tion of our Master means the attainment of absolute perfection in this earthly life. It does mean, perfection of aim. It does mean moral and spiritual single-mindedness, freedom from all duplicity. A man of pure heart is one whose will is set straight for God. * Mr. Dodds was, in and above all else, positively and pre-eminently a Christian man. He possessed great simplicity, purity, and humility of character. He had convictions, the princely passion of convictions ; careful and patient in coming to conclusions, he was firm in maintaining them. A kind and courteous Christian, a worthy follower of Him who has been called 'The world's first gentleman.'
"During the brief year in which it had been my privilege to know him we have been in intimate fellowship and I feel a sense of deep personal loss. A busy man, interested in his daily task, sharing in various ways in the mani- fold affairs of civic life, he was never too busy or too absorbed in merely temporal affairs to give time and thought to the service of his church, which, with his home, lay close upon his heart. As one has written in a beautiful tribute to his life, 'To him the church was not a mere matter of form, but a means to reach the highest and the best.' Always a faithful attendant at the mid-week service, his voice was heard in prayer ; simple in expression, broad in range of interests, thoughtful of the varied needs of humanity, his prayers were an inspiration and a gracious benediction to us all.
"I need not dwell this afternoon upon the genial, attractive, dignified service rendered in welcoming strangers to our church, week by week. We shall miss him more than my poor words can tell. My brothers, by the mem- ory of this Christian Great-heart, bowed in sorrow here around his lifeless form, here in this house of God, fragrant with the memory of his unselfish
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service in our Master's name, I summon you today to rally to the cause to which he gave the last full measure of his devotion. There is a vacant place -you will not leave it vacant. We cannot fill his place nor do the work he did so well, but we may fill our own, and in the same spirit which inspired him do the duty given us to do.
"A choice spirit has left us. A brave, large-hearted, optimistic soul, a life from whence radiated an atmosphere of cheer. One who loved his fel- lows and made the world brighter for his living in it. The shell of his splen- did manhood is coffined for the grave. The man himself, his faith, his con- science, his purity, his spiritual sentiments, the man who dwelt within the earthly tent, has passed from service here into the larger service of the better world."
At the grave, in beautiful Rose Hill cemetery, the Knights of Pythias, of which Mr. Dodds had been an appreciative member, conducted their ritualistic burial service.
The following beautiful tribute to Mr. Dodds is quoted from the Bloom- ington Evening World: "In the death of Samuel C. Dodds the state of Indiana has lost one of its best citizens. In all that counts towards the ideal man he was prominent. In the first place, Mr. Dodds had character of the highest type. He stood for the best things. He was a part and parcel of the best things. His thoughts were pure and his actions squared with his thoughts. In the second place, he had genial personality. He had the fac- ulty of becoming interested in the daily affairs of the people about him. When one met him he felt at once that Mr. Dodds was genuinely sympathetic and sympathetically genuine. Some way or other, one felt that there was just a little more sunshine in the world after he met Mr. Dodds. In the next place, Mr. Dodds was a success in the business world. In business, he did not tear down his fellow workers. He built up by those means which are in harmony with the teachings of Christianity.
"As a citizen, Mr. Dodds was easily one of the foremost. He loved his city with a passion that was all-consuming. Any movement that had for its object the betterment of his home city met with his hearty support. He knew when to say no and how to say no. He was geniality up to the point that met his approval and then he was firmness personified. He was always courteous and those who differed with him admired his fairness and his open- hearted honesty.
"The bigger the position one occupies the more opportunities there are
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to make enemies. Mr. Dodds held many important positions, but his genial- ity, fairness and honesty were such that he had remarkable success in making and holding life-long friendships. Old and young, rich and poor, will unite in giving him their tribute of praise.
"As great as Mr. Dodds was in other fields of work and pleasure, it was in his home life that he showed best the real character of the man. Many men carry the sunshine into the world and reserve the shadows for the home. Not so with Mr. Dodds. He was the ideal husband and the hearts of the people of this community will go out to his noble wife."
Politically, Samuel C. Dodds was an ardent supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, though he was never in any way an aspirant for public office. Fraternally, he was, as before stated, a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Phi Delta Theta college fraternity. He was prominent among the alumni of Indiana University and always main- tained the deepest interest in the welfare of his alma mater. In the civic life of the community he was for many years an influential factor, having served as a member of the city council and as president of the Commercial Club. He was also interested as a director in the National Stone Company and was a stockholder in two local building and loan associations.
Religiously, Mr. Dodds was for many years a member of the First Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder at the time of his death. He had been elected a delegate from the Indiana presbytery to the General As- sembly of the Presbyterian church, which meets at Atlanta, Georgia, in May, 1914. He was a liberal, though entirely unostentatious, giver to all depart- ments of church work and was never happier than when he saw the church's interests advancing.
On October 17, 1878, Mr. Dodds married Nellie Winters, the daughter of George W. and Clementina (Herd) Winters, of Columbia, Kentucky, though her father was a native of Pennsylvania. He was a successful farmer, tobacco raiser and cattle buyer, and in politics was a strong Republican. Mrs. Dodds is descended from sterling old patriotic stock, a great-grandfather having fought under General Washington and, with him, endured the terrible hardships and privations at Valley Forge. Mrs. Dodds is a woman of gracious qualities of head and heart, which have endeared her to the large circle of acquaintances which she enjoys. She, too, has been active in the interest of the Presbyterian church and she well merits the large measure of esteem which is accorded her.
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