USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 55
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 55
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Politically, Mr. Chase has always supported the Republican party and, though not a seeker after public office, he has served his township efficiently as supervisor of roads for many years, as school director for six or eight years, and as secretary of the advisory board of Spice Valley township for over twelve years, being still the incumbent of the latter position. His only fraternal affiliations are with the Grand Army of the Republic.
On July 15, 1863, while connected with the military commander's office at Indianapolis, Mr. Chase was married to Susan Williams, who was born on September 24, 1838, near what is now Williams, Lawrence county, Indiana, the daughter of Richard and Abigail (Kern) Williams. Richard Williams was born in Sevier county, Tennessee, on August 16, 1806, and died in Law- rence county, Indiana, on August 10, 1880, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He was an extensive farmer, owned several farms of valuable land
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along White river, and was highly respected in the community of his resi- dence. His wife was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and died in the eighty-second year of her age. They were the parents of the following chil- dren: Ahenioam, Commodore Perry and Mahala are deceased; Canaan was twice married, first to Jane Hastings, and, after her death, to Miranda Mosier ; Susan, wife of Hollis H. Chase; Rebecca is the widow of Jacob Bos- sert; Cornelia is the widow of A. D. Hinshaw; Tilghman H. married Josie McClung, now deceased; Olevia J. became the wife of James Leonard, of Portland, Oregon; William M. married Flora Short, and after her death he married Kate Williams.
To Mr. and Mrs. Chase have been born the following children: (1) Ab- bie Sarah, who was born at Andover, Vermont, September 12, 1864, married David M. Monical, miller and dealer in flour, grain, feed and coal, at Will- iams, Indiana, and they have one child, Lela. (2) Laurin Sardis, born No- vember 12, 1869, is a prosperous farmer of White river land near Williams, he was married, but his wife died, leaving no issue. (3) Lizzie B., born August 19, 1873, became the wife of Hannibal E. Monical, a lumber dealer in St. Petersburg, Florida, and merchandise interests at Williams, Indiana. They have one child, Cecil Chase Monical, now seventeen years old and at- tending school. (4) Anna Flora, born July 20, 1876, married Samuel R. Short, a farmer near Williams, and they have four children, Ermel L., Cora C., Ava S. and Morris C.
Mr. and Mrs. Chase are earnest members of the Church of Christ, as are their children, sons-in-law and two grandchildren, D. M. Monical being an elder and H. E. Monical a deacon in the church at Williams. Mr. Chase has ever been true to every trust reposed in him and, because of his genuine worth and splendid qualities of character, he is clearly entitled to representa- tion in this work.
HENRY A. LEE.
One of the most difficult tasks is to write an unexceptionable memoir of a living man. If the life is worthy of record there is always danger of of- fending that delicacy which is inseparable from merit, for even moderate praise, when it meets the eyes of its subject, is apt to seem fulsome, while a nice sense of propriety would not be the less wounded by a dry abstract containing nothing but names and dates. To sum up a career which is not yet ended would appear like recording events which have not transpired,
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since justly to estimate the scope and meaning of a history it is important that we have the closing chapter. In writing biographical notice, therefore, the chronicler from the moment he takes up his pen should consider the sub- ject as no longer among his contemporaries, for thus he will avoid the fear of offending by bestowing praise where it is merited and escape the risk of giv- ing but a fragmentary view of that which must eventually be taken as a unit. At some risk, therefore, the writer in this connection addresses himself to the task of placing on record the life and career of a man who, by the force of strong individuality, has achieved success in one of the most responsible and exacting callings, and by sheer force of individuality won for himself an enviable position among the leading men of the city and county honored by his citizenship.
Henry A. Lee is a native son of Indiana, having been born in Hamilton county on November 19, 1854, and is a son of James and Lydia (Anderson) Lee. The father was a native of Indiana and of Virginia descent, and the mother of New Jersey. They came to Indiana in 1821, being among the first settlers of Hamilton county, where they followed agricultural pursuits and were numbered among the leading citizens of their community. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Silas B., Luther, James C. and John M., twins; Elizabeth, Elliott, Henry, the immediate subject of this sketch; Alice, and one other, both of whom are deceased. Henry Lee secured his elementary education in the public schools of Hamilton county, after which he became a student in the Indiana State University, where he graduated in 1878. He then took up the study of law and in due time was admitted to the bar in Hamilton county, where he for a time practiced his profession. In 1885 Mr. Lee went to Kansas, where for seven years he actively practiced law and, because of his eminent ability and high character, he soon attained to a high place in the esteem of the people there, who, in 1889, elected him to a mem- bership in the state Legislature from Kingman county, in which position he made a splendid record. In 1892 Mr. Lee came to Bloomington, Indiana, en- tered upon the active practice of his profession and has since been numbered among the most energetic, able and successful members of the local bar. Years of conscientious work have brought with them not only an increase of practice and reputation, but also a growth in legal knowledge and a wide and accurate judgment, the possession of which constitutes marked excellence in his profession. In discussion of the principles of law Mr. Lee is noted for clearness and candor and, having once sought and found firm ground, nothing can drive him from his position, though at the same time his zeal for a client never leads him to urge arguments which are not in harmony with the law.
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By a straightforward and honorable course he has built up a large legal busi- ness and is numbered today among the men of sturdy integrity and recog- nized ability who are reflecting credit upon their profession.
In 1885 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Minnie M. Rogers, the daughter of Isaac M. and Emily Rogers, and to them has been born one child, Roger A., who is at home.
Politically, Mr. Lee is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, though never an aspirant for office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious belief is embodied in the organization of the Christian church, of which he is a faithful member and earnest supporter. Mr. Lee is not only a well trained lawyer, but is widely informed on current topics, honest and upright in all his relations with his fellow men and today few citizens of Monroe county are better known and none more highly respected, for in all phases of his career since making his home here, he has performed his full part as a man among men and has earned and retains the sincere regard and confidence of all who know him. Personally he is genial and unassuming, easily makes friends and enjoys a large acquaintance throughout the county.
ROBERT G. MILLER.
The life history of him whose name heads this biographical sketch has been for many years closely identified with the history of Monroe county, In- diana. Throughout the years his life has been one of untiring activity and it has been crowned with a degree of professional success attained by compara- tively few who aspire to eminence in their chosen calling. Years of con- scientious work as a lawyer have brought with them not only increase of prac- tice and reputation but also that growth in legal knowledge and that wide and accurate judgment, the possession of which constitutes marked excellence in the profession. By a straightforward, honorable course Mr. Miller has built up a large and lucrative legal business and financially has been proportionately successful. His life affords a splendid example of what an American youth, plentifully endowed with good common sense, energy and determination, can accomplish when accompanied by good moral principles. He achieved a splen- did record at the bar at an age when most men are merely starting out on their life work, for, from the beginning, he was intensely methodical and unswerv- ingly persistent in search of the true light and of the essentials of the legal
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foundation and sources of legal conception and thought, holding devoutly to the highly embellished record of equity and the sure, certain, invincible methods of practice. Therefore, success could not help crowning his efforts and attracting to him public recognition and appreciation.
Robert G. Miller was born on August 5, 1871, in Tippecanoe county, In- diana, and is the son of Henry A. and Martha (Shigley) Miller, the former born in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1847, and the latter in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1843. They were the parents of two children, the subject of this sketch and Mattie F., who died in infancy. Henry A. Miller, who now re- sides at Montmorenci, Tippecanoe county, Indiana, is a successful farmer and is also equally successful in business affairs, being president of the bank at Montmorenci. In public affairs he has long occupied a high position, having served as treasurer of Tippecanoe county and was trustee of Shelby town- ship, that county. A stanch Republican in politics, he has long been active in political ranks and in every relation of life he has been true to every trust. Additional interest attaches to his career from the fact that at the early age of fifteen years, in 1862, he enlisted for military service as a private in Company E, Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the West under Gen- eral Sherman, but subsequently the command was detached from that army and was sent south to Mobile Bay. They later fought at the siege of Vicks- burg and all the other battles of that campaign. Mr. Miller was for three months a prisoner in the notorious Andersonville prison pen and suffered un- told hardships and privations during this experience. He was twice married, first to Martha A. Shigley, who died when the subject of this sketch was two years old, and the father later married Margaret Godman, now deceased, to which union were born six children, namely: Anna, who died in infancy; Fannie, who is living with her father; Mary, the wife of H. C. Westfall, of Buttsville, North Dakota; Della M., living with her father; Nellie, twin to Della, died in infancy, and Henry L., who is a graduate of the Indiana State University and is now living at Custer, South Dakota, where he is connected with the forestry service.
The subject of this sketch received a good education in the public schools of Shelby township, Tippecanoe county, and then took a three years' course in Purdue University. Having decided to devote his life to the practice of law, he then entered the law department of the State University, where he re- ceived his degree in 1893. During the following four months he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Lafayette, Indiana, after which time, on October 15, 1893, he came to Bloomington and entered into a professional
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partnership with J. R. East, this association lasting until March 17, 1897, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Miller became a partner with Arthur Hadley. This association was a strong and successful one, but was dissolved in 1906, the subject of this sketch buying his partner's interest. Until February, 1911, Mr. Miller practiced alone, and then became a partner in the firm of Batman, Miller & Blair. This firm, succeeded the firm of Dun- can & Batman, which was dissolved January 30, 1911, by the death of Judge Duncan. This is one of the oldest and most substantial legal firms in Monroe county, which for years has been identified with most of the important cases at the local bar. The subject of this sketch has successfully defended seven murder trials and many other important criminal cases, and in the general practice the firm has met with a notable degree of success. From 1897 to 1901 Mr. Miller served as deputy prosecuting attorney under James A. Zaring, and 1901 until 1905 he served as prosecuting attorney of the tenth judicial circuit, having been elected the first time by a plurality of one thousand, and his election being secured the second time without opposition, he leading his party ticket in both counties of the circuit, certainly a marked testimonial to his popularity and the public opinion as to his ability. As a lawyer Mr. Miller has ever maintained a high standing, never descending beneath the dignity of his profession or compromising his usefulness by countenancing any but noble and legitimate practice.
On August 23, 1894, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Olive May Hughes, the daughter of David Hughes, and to this union has been born one child, Henry Hughes, who is a student in the Bloomington high school. Mrs. Miller is a woman of many gracious qualities of head and heart, possessing intellectual ability of high order and is well educated, being a graduate of the Indiana State University, where she received the degree of Master of Arts. For a time she gave private lessons in elocution and is now often requested to read for public entertainments, her work being of high order and always well received
Politically, Mr. Miller is an ardent Republican, believing that the past record of the party entitles it to the support of every fair-minded man. Fra- ternally, he has been for many years active and is held high in the societies with which he is connected. He belongs to Monroe Lodge No. 22, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master ; to Lodge No. 446, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is a past exalted ruler, and to Lodge No. 22, Knights of Pythias, of which he is a past chancellor. In the latter order he has received distinctive preferment in the grand lodge, having served as grand instructor for the state of Indiana during 1906 and 1907,
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and was also president of the Indiana Pythian building commission, which had in charge the erection of the magnificent Pythian building at Indianapolis. Religiously, the family belong to the Lincoln Street Christian church, of which they are regular attendants. The family residence is located at No. 509 West Kirkwood avenue, and is one of the most attractive and comfortable residences in Bloomington, and here the many friends of the family are de- lighted to gather, for they are always assured of a hearty welcome and an enjoyable hour. Personally, Mr. Miller is a pleasant gentleman, honest and upright at all times and he is not only held in high esteem for his superior professional ability, but for his public-spirited nature, his wholesome private and social life, and his position is secure as one of Monroe county's most influential men.
ULYSSES S. HANNA.
Perseverance and sterling worth are almost always sure to win conspic- uous recognition in all localities. Ulysses S. Hanna, who for a number of years has been recognized as one of the leading mathematicians of the state, having for nearly two decades held a position in the department of mathe- matics in the Indiana State University, at Bloomington, affords a fine example of the successful, self-made man, who is not only eminently deserving of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, but also possesses the talent and forcefulness that have made him successful as an instructor and educator. A man of strong fiber and vigorous mentality, he has achieved a signal success in his special calling and has earned high words of commendation from those competent to form a proper estimate of the man and his accomplishments.
Ulysses S. Hanna was born in Delaware county, Indiana, on January 16, 1865, and is the son of William and Rhoda ( Boots) Hanna, both of whom were natives of the state of Ohio. In 1854 they moved to Indiana, locating in Delaware county, where the father continued to follow agricultural pur- suits during the rest of his active life, he and his wife being now deceased. Ulysses S. Hanna received his early education in the common schools of Dela- ware county, graduating from the high school in Muncie, Indiana. From 1883 to 1894 he engaged in teaching school, and in the latter year he became a student in Indiana University, taking a special course in mathematics, in which he was graduated in 1895, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He received his Master's degree from his alma mater in 1898 and in 1905 the University of Pennsylvania conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Phil-
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osophy. In 1895 he began teaching mathematics in the Indiana University, which he has continued to the present time, with the exception of some brief periods spent in outside study. In 1904 Mr. Hanna was elected city engineer of Bloomington, being still retained in that official position and discharging his duties to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. With a profound and comprehensive knowledge of his profession, Mr. Hanna combines the ability to impart, in an interesting way, to others the knowledge he possesses, and he is one of the most popular and successful members of the faculty of this great educational institution. He is allied with a number of scientific socie- ties, membership in several of which is considered a distinct honor and mark of distinction. He is thus a member of the American Mathematical Society, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a mem- ber of the Mathematiker Vereinegung, at Leipsic, Germany; of the Circolo Matematico di Palermo, of Italy, and of the Indiana Engineering Society, in the proceedings of which societies he takes a deep interest. He is also a mem- ber of the honorary literary society, Phi Beta Kappa, and a member of the honorary scientific society, Sigma Ni.
In November, 1890, Mr. Hanna was united in marriage with Cora Pierce, the daughter of William H. and Emma ( Cecil) Pierce. Her father, who was a native of Ohio, was for many years an active and successful min- ister of the Methodist Episcopal church, but eventually retired and took up the vocation of farming, to which he still gives the major part of his time and attention, though his voice is still frequently heard in the pulpits of his church when called upon. His wife was a native of Delaware county, Indiana. Mrs. Cora Hanna died in 1897, leaving two children, Hubert and Cecil. On Decem- ber 27, 1901, Mr. Hanna married Ella Millis, the daughter of John and Maria (Bruner ) Millis, both of whom were natives of Orange county, Indiana. The father, who was formerly a farmer, engaged also in the mercantile business, which demanded his attention for fifteen years, but he is now retired from active pursuits. Both of Mr. Hanna's fathers-in-law were vet- erans of the Civil war, William H. Pierce having been a member of the Eighty- fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and John Millis, who enlisted as a private in Company D. Sixty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, became a lieutenant before the close of the war. To Mr. Hanna's second union was born one child, John.
Politically, Mr. Hanna was formerly a Republican, but he is now an en- thusiastic supporter of the Progressive party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Free and Accepted Masons, having taken the degrees of lodge, chapter and council in the latter body.
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Religiously, he is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Per- sonally, he is a man of genial and approachable disposition, possessing to a marked degree those qualities which make and retain friendships. During the years of his connection with educational work at the State University, he has at all times tried to keep in close touch with the students with whom he has been connected and many of these young men have gone out into the world and achieved eminent success in their several stations. His influence has been potent and his sympathies broad, so that he has been enabled to quietly, yet strongly, call forth the best in those with whom he has been associated. Those who know him are unstinted in their praise of his genial disposition and supe- rior ability, and he has ever held the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people among whom he has lived and labored.
J. MARION RICE.
Few residents of Monroe county are as well and favorably known as the enterprising business man and representative citizen whose life story is briefly told in the following lines and none' stand higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community in which he resides and for the material advance- ment of which he has devoted so much of his time and influence.
J. Marion Rice has been a lifelong resident of Monroe county, having been born here on May 18, 1874, and is a son of Nathan L. and Nancy Eliza- beth ( Burks) Rice, both of whom were also natives of Monroe county. The subject's paternal grandfather. Robert Rice, was a native of Virginia. who came to Monroe county in a very early day, settling at Whitehall. His wife was a native of this county. Nathan Lewis Rice became a student in the Indi- ana Eclectic Medical College of Indianapolis, where he was graduated in due time and was a practicing physician here during practically all of his active life, enjoying to a marked degree the confidence of the people among whom he mingled. He was a man of marked professional ability and was notably successful in the practice of his profession. To him and his wife were born five children, namely : Benjamin F., deceased ; Melvin. deceased; J. Marion. Alfred A. and Roy H. J. Marion Rice attended the common schools of his home community, receiving a good practical education. He completed his education by taking a complete course in pharmacy, after which he opened a drug store at Ellettsville, Monroe county, Indiana, which he has since con- ducted with notable success. Thoroughly qualified by natural aptitude and
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technical training, Mr. Rice has proven himself abundantly qualified for the special line of effort to which he devotes his attention, and because of his square dealing, courteous treatment of his customers and genial disposition, he has, ever since locating here, commanded his full share of local patronage.
On August 9, 1896, the subject of this sketch was married to Luella Carpenter, a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth ( McPheeters) Carpenter, who were early settlers in Monroe county. To this union have been born two chil- dren, Charles Russell Hubert and Marion Lucile.
Politically, J. Marion Rice is an enthusiastic supporter of the Progressive party, believing firmly the principles embodied in the platform of this party to be those most likely to conserve the best interests of the whole American people. He has never been an aspirant for political office, though he is now serving as president of the local school board and is also a member of the county board of education. Fraternally, Mr. Rice is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the first three named orders at Ellettsville and the Elks at Bloomington. Religiously, he is a member of the Church of Christ, to which he gives earnest support.
THE MOORE FAMILY.
Among the families of Lawrence county, Indiana, whose members have worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and their community, no family takes higher rank than the Moores, of whom several representatives are today prominently identified with the business and social life of Mitchell. For many years members of this family have stood for all that is best in business, educational, moral or social life and have wielded an influence that has been potential in the development and welfare of their community, being numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the county. Be- cause of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and the close relations they have sustained to the welfare and prosperity of the locality which has been honored by their citizenships, they are eminently entitled to representa- tion in a work of the character of the one at hand.
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