USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 56
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 56
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Silas Moore was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, on July 9, 1801, and he was numbered among the early settlers at Mitchell, Indiana, though prior to his coming here he had kept a hotel at Orleans, Indiana. His par- ents had come to Monroe county, this state, where they spent the rest of
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their lives. From 1854, when he located in Mitchell, Silas Moore took an active and influential part in the upbuilding and development of the com- munity and was a man of marked force and power in everything to which he gave his attention. In 1824 Silas Moore had made a profession of religion, and, under the pastor, Rev. William Martin, he united with the Presbyterian church, which he served as elder both at Livonia and Orleans. This was un- doubtedly one of the most important acts of his life, for in the new commun- ity with which he cast his fortune his godly life and readiness in all good work gained for him the confidence and good will of the people and he exerted a marked influence in church and society at large. He satisfactorily filled many positions of trust and at his death Mitchell lost one of her best citizens. In all of his business transactions he was just and reasonable and he never violated in the slightest degree the confidence which the people placed in him. No interest of the church or other worthy cause ever appealed to him without receiving a generous response, and his pastor always found him ready to co-operate in every good work. He was seventy-five years old at the time of his death. Silas Moore first married Mary McClelland Moore, of Kentucky, whose death occurred in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1847, and he sub- sequently married Mary Lowe, of Bloomington, Indiana, who also died. To the first union were born three children, namely: Sarah Ann, who became the wife of David Clark, of Louisville, Kentucky; William H. H. was a merchant in Mitchell, Indiana; and Milton N.
Milton N. Moore was born in Millersburg, Indiana, on November 15, 1835, and died on May 26, 1904. His educational facilities were confined to the common schools and upon attaining mature age he went into business at Mitchell in partnership with his father, with whom he was associated for several years. Eventually the firm name became Milton N. Moore & Son, the latter being William T. Moore. In 1882 he started the bank at Mitchell, with which the Moore family has been identified ever since and which enjoys the distinction of being the oldest bank in Lawrence county. Of this bank he was the owner and president up to the time of his death and in that capacity he became a most important factor in the business life and development of this section of the county. He also owned a good deal of town property in Mit- chell, as well as valuable farm lands in this county. He was actively engaged in the organization and starting of the Southern Indiana Normal School at Mitchell and to his sound advice and encouragement the success of that in- stitution in its beginning was largely attributable. Intensely optimistic and far-sighted, he entered heart and soul into every enterprise to which he ad- (37)
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dressed himself, and his own enthusiasm was so infectious that others were led to add their efforts and influence.
Politically, Milton N. Moore was a Republican and was earnest in the support of his honest convictions in politics as in everything else, but he was in no sense ambitious for public office. His religious membership was with the Presbyterian church, in which he was active. Fraternally, he was a mem- ber of the Masonic order, having attained to the degree of the council of Royal and Select Masters.
On August 22, 1855, Milton N. Moore married Mary L. Noble, of Lex- ington, Kentucky, a daughter of Thomas H. Noble. The latter owned a plantation and rope walk, but in later life went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he and his wife died. They were the parents of the following children : Thomas C., now deceased, was at the head of an art school at Cincinnati, Ohio; Fannie, who died, unmarried; William T., deceased, who resided at St. Louis, Missouri: Mary L., wife of Milton N. Moore, was born on May 21, 1837, and died on July 15, 1909. To Milton and Mary Moore were born the following children: William T., a merchant and real estate dealer at Mit- chell, married Lillie Dodson, of Mitchell, and they had three children, Egbert D. (in the millinery business at Indianapolis, and who married Fleta Bur- ton), Menlo E. (in the theatrical business in Chicago, who married Arna Pagett) and Lowell T., at home: Rosamond, of Mitchell; Fannie, who died in March, 1912, was the wife of W. R. Richardson, a druggist at Mitchell, and they had a son, Leland, a student in the State University ; Sallie L., of Mitchell; Edward P., who succeeded his father as president of the Bank of Mitchell, was married, on December 28, 1892, to Elizabeth Hyatt, of Wash- ington, Indiana ; Noble L. Moore, cashier of the Bank of Mitchell, was mar- ried on July 12, 1905, to Pearl H. Harlan, of Mitchell; Mark N., assistant cashier of the Bank of Mitchell.
Milton N. Moore was a self-made man and in business affairs he was strict, yet kindly and just in all his dealings. He was broad-minded and generous, and in his private life he performed many acts of kindness and charity known only to himself and the beneficiary. From the time he identi- fied himself with the Presbyterian church at Mitchell, on February 19, 1865, he was one of its most active members, and he served as secretary and treas- urer of the Sunday school for fourteen years.
In the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic Mr. Moore always took unusual interest, his membership in that honored organization being par- ticularly consonant from the fact that, in July, 1862, he enlisted in the Six- teenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served his country faith-
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fully until after the siege of Vicksburg, when he resigned his commission as first lieutenant and returned home. Useless to say that Mr. Moore worked hard and honorably earned the reputation which he enjoyed as one of the leading public-spirited citizens of this locality, and it is also needless to add that he was held in the highest esteem by all with whom he came in contact, for he threw the force of his strong individuality and sterling integrity into making the county what it is, and his efforts did not fail of appreciation on the part of the local public. His name will ever be inseparably linked with that of the community so long honored by his citizenship, whose interests could have had no more zealous and indefatigable supporter, and his in- fluence was ever exerted to the end that the world might be made better by his presence. His sons are carrying forward nobly the work so auspiciously inaugurated by him and are upholding the dignity and honor of the name they bear. Of Edward P. Moore, it is worthy of note, that having been con- nected with the Bank of Mitchell from the time of its organization, he is thus the oldest banker in point of continuous service in Lawrence county.
DAVID ANDREW ROTHROCK, A. M., PH. D.
Of high intellectual and professional attainment and ranking among the foremost educators of the state, David Andrew Rothrock, the efficient and popular professor of mathematics in Indiana University, has achieved marked distinction in the work to which his talents and energy have long been de- voted. As a teacher and principal of public schools he made his presence felt and as a citizen in the daily walks of life his influence has always tended to the advancement of the community and the welfare of his fellow men, while in the advanced educational field in which he is now engaged he has wielded a large and beneficent influence not only as an instructor in the science to which he is devoted, but has also had a wholesome and stimulating influence on the students who have come in contact with him. His name with eminent fitness occupies a conspicuous place in the profession which he adorns and his career presents a series of successes which has gained for him more than a local reputation.
David A. Rothrock was born on January 31, 1864, on the paternal farm- stead near Milltown, Indiana. He is the son of Amos and Mary Elizabeth (Burnett ) Rothrock, both of whom were natives of Indiana and both are now deceased, the father having been actively engaged in agricultural operations
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near Milltown up to the time of his death. They were the parents of three children, George W., John W. and David A.
David A. Rothrock received a good, practical education in the common schools of his native town and then was for two years a student in Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he graduated in 1887 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then took a course in Indiana University, graduat- ing in 1892 and gaining his Master's degree in 1893. In 1898 he received from the University of Leipsic, Germany, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He attended the University of Chicago, doing post-graduate work in 1894 and 1896. During the ten-year period from 1881 to 1891, Professor Rothrock was engaged as a public school teacher and principal of schools at various places in Indiana and Illinois and was numbered among the popular and suc- cessful educators of this period. In 1892 Professor Rothrock became an instructor in mathematics in Indiana University, in 1895 was made assistant professor, 1900 became associate professor, 1905 junior professor and since 1908 has been professor of mathematics, holding one of the most important chairs in this great university. Professor Rothrock possesses an exhaustive knowledge of the science of mathematics, in which he is widely recognized as an authority, and he has been honored by the following memberships : Fel- low of the Indiana Academy of Science; a member of the American Mathe- matical Society; a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science ; a member of the Deutsche Matematiker Vereinegung, Leipsic, Ger- many; a member of the Circolo Matematico De Palermo, Italy, and also a member of the Society Matematique de France. He is the author of several valuable treatises on mathematics, including "Essentials of Algebra," 1904: "Supplementary Examples in Algebra," 1906; and "Plane and Spherical Trigo- nometry," 1909, and also other works now in preparation. He possesses a love and enthusiasm for his work which has enabled him to accomplish results impossible to one of less devotion, and no member of the faculty of Indiana University enjoys a larger degree of popularity or esteem among his fellow members of the faculty.
Professor Rothrock was married on September 12, 1905, to Grace Shir- ley, a daughter of Dr. Henry W. and Emily (McKnight) Shirley, of Shoals, Indiana. Doctor Shirley, who was a native of Shoals, is one of the most successful physicians of that locality, enjoying a large practice. His wife, who also is a native of this state, is deceased. Professor and Mrs. Roth- rock are the parents of three children, Henry, Mary Emily and David A., Jr.
Politically, Professor Rothrock is a staunch Republican, but has never been particularly ambitious for public office. From 1902 to 1904 he rendered
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efficient service as city engineer of Bloomington. Religiously, he is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his wife is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained to the degrees of the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and in which he takes a deep interest. Professor Rothrock is a well-rounded, sym- metrically developed man, fully alive to the demands of the times, thoroughly informed on the leading questions before the public and takes broad views of men and things. By keeping in touch with the times and the trend of current thought, he is enabled to discharge the duties of citizenship in the intelligent manner becoming the level-headed American citizen of today and he mani- fests an abiding interest in whatever makes for the material advancement of the community, encouraging all worthy enterprises and lending his influence to means whereby his fellow men will be benefited and made better. He is in hearty accord with laudable and healthful pastimes and sports and all kinds of athletics which tend to develop and strengthen the physical powers. He is a gentleman of pleasing personality, refined and cultured, courteous in his relations with his fellows and retains the warm and abiding friendship of all with whom he associates.
RUFUS H. EAST.
The following is a sketch of a plain, honest man of affairs, who by correct methods and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons has made his influence felt in Bloomington and won for himself distinctive prestige in the professional circles of that city. He would be the last man to sit for romance or become the subject of fancy sketches, nevertheless his life presents much that is interesting and valuable and may be studied with profit by the young, whose careers are yet to be achieved. He is one of those whose integrity and strength of character must force them into an admirable notoriety which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality deeply stamped upon the community.
Rufus H. East was born in Indian Creek township, Monroe county, Indiana, on November 30, 1867, and is the son of John R. and Matilda J. (Binkley ) East. The father was born in Monroe county, Indiana. in 1845, and his wife was born in the state of Ohio in 1846. They became the parents of five children, namely : George. deceased; Rufus H., the immediate subject of this sketch; Martha A., who became the wife of Mr. Van Wie, of Indian- apolis : Eva J., of Bloomington, and William C., deputy auditor of Monroe
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county. John R. East was for many years a prominent, successful and well known attorney at Bloomington, and in the latter's office the subject of this sketch practically grew up. He attended the public schools of Bloomington, graduating from the high school, and upon the completion of his general studies, he commenced the study of law under the direction of his father, being admitted to the bar in 1890. He entered immediately upon the active practice of his profession, but one year later was appointed deputy county clerk, in which position he served two years and at the end of that time he was appointed postmaster of Bloomington, serving four years to the entire satisfaction of his official superiors and the patrons of the office. Since his retirement from the postmastership he has given his entire time to the practice of law, occupying his father's old offices and has been eminently successful, he being now numbered among the leaders of the Monroe county bar. Being well grounded in legal principles and having a large and comprehensive view of life gained by experience and habits of keen observation, Mr. East has forged his way to the front and has been connected with many of the most important cases tried in the local courts. As a speaker he is clear and concise and is effective in presenting the issues of a case. In many respects he has inherited the characteristics which commended his father to the confidence and good will of the people, and through his public-spirited attitude towards the public life of the community he has wielded a wide influence. He gives his support to every movement which promises to advance the educational, moral or social welfare of the people and because of his upright character, eminent ability and success in life he enjoys the respect of all who know him.
In 1886, Mr. East was married to Jennie R. Seward, the daughter of Robert O. and Mary (Voss ) Seward. The father was for half a century a well known blacksmith of Bloomington and now at the age of seventy-three years, having retired from active labor, makes his home with the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. East have been born three children : Allen J., who married Josephine Koontz, and who is now his father's stenographer; Edwin S. and Mary, who are at home.
Politically, the subject has always voted with the Democratic party, having decided convictions on the great questions which divide men and parties and in campaigns he has been a frequent speaker in the interests of the Demo- cratic platform. He is a man of large mental ability and by close study he has become well qualified to discuss the leading questions of the day. Per- sonally, he is genial and unassuming and makes friends easily. His circle of acquaintances throughout the county is large. A man of good habits and kindly impulses, he is deservedly popular in the community.
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SAMUEL BRAY.
The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article contains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well defined purposes which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an influential place in business circles and high personal standing among his fellow citizens. His life work has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the sys- tematic and honorable methods which he has ever followed have resulted not only in gaining the confidence of those with whom he has had dealings, but also in the building up of a large and profitable business.
Samuel Bray was born about six miles west of Bloomington, Monroe county, Indiana, on November 26, 1854, and is the son of Nathan and Nancy (Cannon ) Bray. His father was a native of North Carolina, who, in 1812, moved to the state of Kentucky, locating near Somerset. In 1833 he loaded his household effects in wagons and came to Monroe county, Indiana, locating on a farm, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his atten- tion and in the operation of which he remained actively engaged up to the time of his death. A quiet and unassuming man, he never aspired to public office or distinction, but was numbered among the sturdy, reliable citizens of his locality. His wife, who was a native of South Carolina, came to Law- rence county, Indiana, in 1825, and she also is deceased. Nathan Bray was twice married, having by his first marriage six children, namely : Michager, Littleberry, William, Elizabeth, Iradell and Catherine. The only survivor of these children, William, who is now eighty-eight years old, was until within the past few years pastor of the Christian church at Burnside, Illinois, being now retired from active work. By his union with Nancy Cannon, Nathan Bray became the father of eight children, namely : Thomas Nesbit, Martha Ellen, David B., Mary Esther (deceased ), John W., Salena, Samuel and Ira.
Samuel Bray is indebted to the common schools of Monroe county for his educational training, but by much reading and close observation of men and events he has become a well informed man. He has for a number of years been following the business of contracting specializing in stone and brick work, though he takes general contracts. Many of the largest, most substantial and costliest buildings in this part of the state have been erected by him and the quality of his work has always received the commendation of the parties interested. Among the public buildings constructed by Mr. Bray may be mentioned the First Baptist church, the Christian church, both in Bloomington, and many fine residences both in city and country. He superin- tended the construction of several of the State University buildings, and he
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is at present building the Colored Baptist church in Bloomington. For about twenty years before entering upon his present line of work, Mr. Bray engaged in agricultural work and there imbibed those habits of industry and perse- verance which have characterized his labors during the subsequent years. A competent workman himself, he has always insisted on the highest quality of work on the part of his employees and he absolutely will not permit inferior work to enter into the buildings constructed by him. This fact is well known and is one of the elements which has contributed so largely to his success.
On April 17. 1884, Samuel Bray was married to Laura Pauley, the daughter of James B. and Mary ( Wooley) Panley. Her father, who is a native of Monroe county, was for many years a successful farmer here and served one term as county commissioner. Mrs. Pray's mother was born near Cincinnati, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Bray have been born three children, namely : Alina Pearl, deceased : Francis and Grace.
Politically, Mr. Bray was formerly a Republican, but is now aligned with the Progressive party. Religionsly, he is a member of the Christian church. A business man in the full sense of the term and making all other considera- tions subordinate to the successful prosecution of his chosen vocation, Mr. Bray is also public spirited and fully in touch with means and measures for the advancement of his city and for the welfare of the people. He is mindful of the duties he owes to the community, discharges the same as becomes a man of character and influence and as a citizen is fully abreast of the times, having decided opinions and the courage of his convictions on all the leading questions of the day.
ROBERT W. MIERS.
Standing out distinctly as one of the central figures of the bar of southern Indiana is the name of Robert W. Miers, of Bloomington. Prominent in legal circles and equally so in public matters beyond the confines of his own juris- diction, with a reputation in one of the most exacting professions that has won him a name for distinguished service second to that of none of his contem- poraries, there is today no more prominent or honored man in the locality which he has long dignified by his citizenship. Achieving success in the courts at an age when most young men are just entering the formative period of their lives, wearing the judicial ermine with becoming dignity and bringing to every case submitted to him a clearness of perception and ready power of analysis characteristic of the learned jurist, his name and work for years
ROBERT
MIERS
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have been allied with the legal institutions, public enterprises and political interests of the state in such a way as to earn him recognition as one of the distinguished citizens in a community noted for the high order of its talent. A high purpose and an unconquerable will, vigorous mental powers, diligent study and devotion to duty are some of the means by which he has made himself eminently useful, and every ambitious youth who fights the battle of life with the prospect of ultimate success may peruse with profit the biography herewith presented.
Robert W. Miers was born in Decatur county, Indiana, on the 27th day of January, 1848, and is the son of Thomas S. and Mahala ( Braden) Miers. These parents were both also natives of Decatur county, Indiana, the father born in 1825 and the mother in 1829. Mrs. Mahala Miers is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, and makes her home with a brother in her native county. To Thomas and Mahala Miers were born ten children, all of whom are living except three who died in childhood.
The subject of this sketch received his preliminary education in the com- mon schools of Decatur and for five or six seasons he was a student in Harts- ville College. In 1867 he entered the State University and in 1870 graduated from the literary department and from the law department in 1871. Immedi- ately after completing his studies he entered upon the active practice of his profession and it is noteworthy that of all those who were admitted to the bar with him he is the only survivor, having been engaged in the active practice for forty-two consecutive years, and is now the senior member of the Monroe county bar. His record has been one of exalted character and he has been honored in many ways by his fellow citizens. He was appointed judge of the circuit court, serving two years, and then was elected to succeed himself, serv- ing a full term of six years, or a total service on the bench of eight years. His record was one which reflected great credit upon his own ability and sound judgment and honor to the county court over which he presided. From 1875 to 1879 Judge Miers rendered efficient service as prosecuting attorney, while in the private practice of his profession he occupied a position second to none of his contemporaries. He entered the bench well qualified for its exacting duties and responsibilities and his judicial career was characterized by such a profound knowledge of the law and an earnest and conscientious desire to apply it impartially that he quickly gained the respect and confidence of the attorneys and litigants and earned for himself an honorable reputation among the leading jurists of his section of the state. He has always stood high in his profession and as a practitioner at the bar he has been frequently retained in important cases in the local court and in adjoining counties. He is always
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