USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 67
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > 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
LYMAN E. SHAW
681
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
George, William, Lyman E., Nora : Cora, a twin of Nora. is deceased ; Bertha and Oliver, the latter being deceased.
The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Putnam county, after which he took up affairs on his own account by engag- ing in the mercantile business at Greencastle. Some time later he came to Bloomington and engaged in the photograph business for sixteen years, then engaged in the coal, sand and cement business, in which he met with success from the beginning and in which he is still actively engaged. He carries a large supply of all the lines mentioned and, because of his eminent business ability, his evident desire to please his customers and his promptness in his deliveries, he has gained his full share of the local patronage.
Politically, Mr. Shaw was formerly a Republican, but is now giving an earnest support to the Progressive party, which he believes best represents the policies that will conserve the welfare of the American people. He holds de- cided convictions on the great public questions of the day and stands squarely on every proposition to which he gives his support. Fraternally, he is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias, in the workings of which splendid order he takes an appreciative interest. Religiously, he is a member of the Chruch of Christ.
On November 5. 1895. Mr. Shaw was married to Lula Baker, a daugh- ter of James A. and Margaret (Latell) Baker, both representing old families of Monroe county. To this union was born one child. Raymond Emery, who died at the age of six months, and the mother died in 1904. at the early age of thirty-three years. Mrs. Shaw was a lady of sterling worth, whose many kindly deeds and loving ministrations will be remembered in the neighbor- hood which she blessed and made better by her presence and influence. Per- sonally, Mr. Shaw is a man of force of character and personality and enjoys a high degree of popularity in the community, possessing as he does the quali- ties of mind and heart that win and retain warm friendships.
ANDREW DODDS.
It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the results of legiti- mate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action when once decided upon. She is never known to smile upon the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer, and only the men who have diligently sought her favor are crowned with her blessings. In tracing
682
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
the history of the influential farmer and representative citizen of Guthrie township, Lawrence county, Indiana, whose name forms the caption of this review, it is plainly seen that the prosperity which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities and it is also his personal worth that has gained for him the high esteem of those who know him.
Andrew Dodds, one of the best-known citizens of Guthrie township, Lawrence county, Indiana, was born in this county on February 25, 1857, and is the son of Samuel and Sophia (Kindred) Dodds, both of whom were natives of Jackson county, Indiana. Samuel Dodds came in an early day to Pleasant Run township and here cleared and developed a splendid farm, this accomplishment representing a vast amount of hard and continuous labor. However, he was abundantly rewarded for his efforts, his splendid farm be- ing numbered among the best in the locality. To him and his wife were born the following children: Henry, deceased; Bart, a farmer living in Jackson county, Indiana ; Mcclellan, also a farmer who resides in Lawrence county ; John, a stone cutter at Bedford, Indiana; Thornton, a successful carpenter and contractor at Seymour, Indiana; Mrs. Elizabeth Ellison, whose husband is a successful farmer in Lawrence county ; Mrs. Adda Jackson, also the wife of a farmer in this county and subject of this sketch, who is the last in order of birth of these children.
Andrew Dodds attended the common schools of Lawrence county, se- curing a good practical education, and at the age of twenty-one years he eu- gaged in the mercantile business, to which his efforts were devoted for a score of years. On the death of one of his brothers, he bought the latter's farm of one hundred and sixty acres near River Vale, to which he has since devoted his attention and in the operation of which he has met with the most emphatic success. Thoroughly up to date in his agricultural methods and using sound judgment aud common sense in his operations, he has achieved a success that is creditable to him and in his daily life in the community he has so lived as to command the favorable attention of all who know him.
Politically, Mr. Dodds is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party, and in 1908 he was elected trustee of Guthrie township, in which capacity he is still serving to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens. Religiously, he is a member of the Baptist church, to which he gives a liberal support, while his fraternal membership is with Lodge No. 164, Knights of Pythias, at Tunnelton.
On September 8, 1888, Mr. Dodds married Francis L. Pain, the daugh- ter of John D. and Jane ( Hamilton) Pain, both natives of Jackson county, Indiana, and to this union have been born six children, namely: Mrs. Cora
683
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
Beasley, of Brooklyn, Indiana; William T., a farmer in Lawrence county; Fred W., of Jamestown, North Dakota; Mrs. Della Whitted, whose husband is a successful farmer in this county; Mrs. Blanche Blackburn, of Bedford, and Edna, the youngest, who lives with her parents at Tunnelton. The sub- ject is a man of kindly disposition, pleasant to all classes, honest and thor- oughly trustworthy, according to the large circle of acquaintances which he claims, and he is much admired by all who know his uprightness and business integrity.
ALEX COX.
Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success. It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual character and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring experi- ence of the best kind and its most beaten paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for effort and self improvement.
Alex Cox, who is numbered among the sterling citizens and progressive farmers of Indian Creek township, Lawrence county, Indiana, was born on June 10, 1873, at Williams, near his present home. He is the son of Henry and Emma J. (Kern) Cox, old residents of Indian Creek township. The father was born November 21, 1836, and died on December 25, 1909, while the mother was born November 17, 1846, and died September 24, 1904. To these parents were born three daughters, besides the subject of this sketch, namely : Minnie May, now Mrs. Mavity: Idis, now Mrs. Wilking, and Blanche, now Mrs. Herschel Baker, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. All the children are living and are residing in Lawrence county.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the paternal farmstead and. early learned the secrets of successful agriculture, a vocation to which he has devoted his entire active life. He is now the owner of three hundred and ninety acres of splendid land, of which one hundred and twenty-five acres are under cultivation and on which he raises all the crops common to this locality, giving preference to corn, while he also gives a due share of his attention to the raising of live stock, principally cattle, hogs and fine horses, in the hand- ling of which he has met with splendid success. Mr. Cox owns one of the best farms in Indian Creek township, his comfortable and attractive residence,
684
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
large and commodious barns and other outbuildings testifying to the excellent taste and sound judgment of the owner. The residence sits on a knoll com- manding a splendid view of the Indian Creek valley.
Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Katie B. Bossert, the daughter of Jacob and Miscena Rebecca (Williams) Bossert, the father born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, July 5, 1837, and died on May 16, 1902, while his wife was born on December 31, 1842, and is now making her home with the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox have been born two children, Emily Francis, born December 18, 1904, and Mabel Miscena, born June 5, 1906. Mr. Cox's well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him well earned prosperity. his life demonstrating what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and who has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of discourag- ing circumstances. Good natured, easily approached, straightforward and unassuming. he commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact and his friends are in number as his acquaintances.
WALTER A. JONES.
One of the enterprising and successful farmers of Lawrence county, who has succeeded in his chosen vocation solely through his own courage, persistency and good management, is Walter A. Jones, of Indian Creek township, a man who believes in lending what aid he can to his neighbors and the general public while advancing his individual interests, consequently he is regarded as one of our best citizens in every respect.
Walter A. Jones was born near Anderson. Madison county, Indiana, and is the son of John L. Jones, who was born in the state of Virginia on February 11, 1824. He was a man of prominence in his community and on the Democratic ticket was elected trustee of his township, retaining the position for twenty-four consecutive years, and he was also elected a mem- ber of the board of county commissioners, holding this position for several years and in other ways exhibiting a commendable interest in the public affairs of his community. He was a great traveler, having paid two visits to China, going to the Celestial Empire from San Francisco on a sailing vessel, requiring many weeks to make the journey. The subject's mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Andrus, was born in Virginia and her
685
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
marriage to Mr. Jones occurred in 1857. To their union were born the following children : Harrison L., of Anderson, where he is engaged in gen- eral farming ; Mrs. Harriet Hughel, of Anderson, Indiana; John W., also farming near Anderson : D. R., an attorney at Alexandria. this state; Walter E., the immediate subject of this sketch ; the latter also has two half-brothers and a half-sister, namely : Homer B., a farmer near Anderson, Indiana ; Dale C., also a farmer in Madison county, this state, and Mrs. Minnie Ragan, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio. The subject's mother died in 1874 and his father on October 9, 1910. After the death of his first wife the subject's father married and his widow, Mrs. Sarah C. Jones, now lives near Anderson, In- diana.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in the common schools of Anderson, and in 1894 was a student in the college at Danville, where he graduated, after which in 1894 and 1895 he was a student in the State University at Bloomington. He then engaged in teaching school for three years in Madison county, after which he became a student in the Indi- ana law school at Indianapolis during 1898 and 1899. After the completion of his educational training, Mr. Jones located on his farm of six hundred and sixty-five acres in Indian Creek township, Lawrence county, Indiana, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his attention. He is also the owner of two hundred acres of fine land near Shoals, Martin county, Indiana, and altogether is in splendid financial circumstances. He is a practical and methodical man in all he does and his efforts have been rewarded by a due meed of success. He knows no such thing as idleness and has been indefatigable in his efforts to maintain his farms at the highest possible standard of cultivation and agricultural excellency, and among his fellow agriculturists he is held in the highest regard because of his ability and success.
Politically, Mr. Jones is a Democrat, and in 1912 was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, which position he is now filling to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 528, Knights of Pythias, in the workings of which he takes a deep interest.
On August 10, 1898, Mr. Jones married Cornelia Williams and they are now living on her old home place. Her father, Bartemus Williams, was a native of Tennessee, and her mother, whose maiden name was Rachel Donald, was a native of Daviess county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of two sons, John R. and Dee C. Mr. Jones' life has been one replete with duty well and conscientiously performed. In all the relations of life he has been an advocate of wholesome living and cleanliness in poli-
686
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
tics as well, and has ever been outspoken in his antipathy to wrongdoing, whether by the humble citizen or by the incumbents of influential offices. He is a man who in every respect has merited the high esteem in which he is universally held, for he is a man of public spirit, intellectual attainments and exemplary character.
WILLIAM E. STIPP.
The biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are in- structive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of steadfast purpose and inflexible integrity strongly illustrate what is in their power to accomplish. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life ; appar- ently insurmountable obstacles have in many instances awakened and de- veloped their faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate success. The gentleman whose life history is herewith briefly outlined has lived to good purpose and achieved a much greater degree of success than falls to the lot of the ordinary individual. By a straightforward and com- mendable course he has made his way to a respectable position in the world, winning the esteem and hearty admiration of his fellow citizens and earning the reputation of an enterprising man of affairs which the public has not been slow to recognize and appreciate.
William E. Stipp was born on June 14, 1865, near Palestine, Lawrence county, Indiana, and is the son of Thomas and Susan (Guthrie) Stipp, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of this state. Thomas Stipp, who was a lifelong farmer, was prominent in local affairs in Lawrence county, and at one time was a member of the board of county commissioners, being affiliated with the Republican party. He now lives east of Bedford and enjoys the universal esteem of all who know him. His wife died in 1908. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom are living but two, namely : Ellen, the widow of Lawrence Lee, lives on a farm east of Bedford; Clara is the wife of Joe Hobbs, a member of the board of county commis- sioners; John B. is a telegraph operator for the Southern Indiana Railroad at Bedford; Edward A. is a merchant in Bedford; Dr. Frank E. died about 1909; William E., the immediate subject of this sketch ; Charles, of Elwood, Indiana; Florence, the wife of Elmer McKnight, of Bedford; Myrtle, who died in 1913, was the wife of David Ray.
William E. Stipp was born and reared on a farm, receiving his ele- mentary education in the district schools of his home neighborhood. Later
687
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
he became a student at the Mitchell Normal School, graduating about 1887, after which for four years he engaged in teaching the common schools. During the following two years he was an instructor in the Borden College at Borden, Indiana, and then for five years filled a like position in the West- ern Normal College at Bushnell, Illinois. In the meantime he had been giving serious attention to the study of law and was admitted to the bar in Illinois. Eventually he became a member of the Lawrence county bar, but never prac- ticed his profession here. Mr. Stipp then engaged as an instructor in the Curry Business University at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. for one year, after which he returned to Lawrence county and in 1897 was elected county super- intendent of schools, in which position he rendered efficient service during the following ten years, a longer tenure of this office than enjoyed by any other man in Lawrence county, and this in the face of the fact that at two different elections the trustees who elected him were of different party faith. Eventually resigning the superintendency, Mr. Stipp bought the Mitchell Tribune, and has since given his undivided attention to the publication of this enterprising, influential newspaper. Possessing a forceful and trenchant pen, and with a natural instinct for news, Mr. Stipp has made his influence felt in the community through the columns of his paper and has been an eminent factor in the progress and advancement of this community. The Tribune plant is well equipped mechanically, while the editorial columns of the paper are never dull, but always bright, interesting and newsy. Mr. Stipp has won a warm place in the hearts of his fellow citizens and has mer- ited the high esteem in which he is held throughout the community. Ever alive to the highest and best interests of Mitchell, he has always given his support to every movement which has been for the welfare of the people generally and is not backward in expressing his honest convictions on any subject affecting the common weal.
On August 16, 1892, Mr. Stipp was married to Elizabeth Park, the daughter of Alban and Sarah (Webb) Park, of Lawrence county, and to this union has been born one child, Harold, who first saw the light in 1894, and is now a student in the Indiana Dental College.
Politically, Mr. Stipp is an earnest supporter of the Republican party, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained to the degrees of Royal Arch Mason, having served as secretary of the local chapter for a number of years. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Religiously, lie is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church at Mitchell, of which he is an elder. Though raised on a farm and early learning the lessons of toil and self-reliance. being
688
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
reared under the wholesome influence of outdoor life which developed botli body and mind, Mr. Stipp has been energetic and persistent in the pursuit of his ideals and today he can look back over a record characterized by duty well and faithfully performed, and a life controlled by proper motives. Per- sonally, he is genial and companionable, enjoying a large acquaintance throughout Lawrence county, among whom are many warm and loyal friends.
E. M. C. HOBBS.
The record of the subject of this sketch is that of a man who, by his own unaided efforts, has worked his way from a modest beginning to a posi- tion of influence in his community. His life has been one of unceasing in- dustry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens of Monroe county, whose interests he has ever had at heart and which he has always labored to promote.
E. M. C. Hobbs was born on November 15, 1858, on the paternal farm- stead near Salem, Washington county, Indiana, and is a son of Dr. Seth and Elizabeth (Nixon) Hobbs, both of Quaker parentage from North Carolina. The father, who was for many years a successful practicing physician, was a native of Washington county, Indiana, who later in life gave up the active practice of his profession and engaged in farming, which pursuit he followed till the time of his death, though not entirely relinquishing his professional labors, being called upon frequently by the old families whom he had treated for many years. His wife was also a native of Washington county, and is also deceased. They were the parents of six children, Lamira, Lucian, Havilla C., Virgil M., E. M. C. and Martha Ellen Whitsitt.
The subject of this sketch received a good, practical education in Wash- ington county, completing his elementary studies in the high school, and then became a student in the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Indiana, where he graduated in 1882. During the following ten years he was engaged in educational work, teaching in different places and for three years was identi- fied with the American Normal College at Logansport, this state, and also serving as superintendent of schools at Brownstown, Indiana. Later he bought the old homestead and for a number of years engaged in farming and was then for a number of years state agent for manufacturers of fertilizer. He was also for six years connected with Purdue University in farmers' in-
δΈ€
689
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
stitute work in practically all of the counties of Indiana, as well as many places outside of this state. In September, 1906, he and his family moved to Bloomington for the benefit of the Indiana University training for his family. In January, 1913, Mr. Hobbs formed a partnership with S. E. Carmichael at Bloomington, and, under the firm name of Carmichael & Hobbs, they engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business. About the mid-summer of 1913 Mr. Hobbs bought out his partner's interest in the business and now conducts the affairs under his own name. Owing to his business ability, strict integrity and energetic methods, he is commanding his full share of the public patronage in his line and is numbered among the enterprising, progressive and substantial business men of his community.
On November 2, 1896, Mr. Hobbs married Anna Caspar, daughter of Lewis and Ellen (Collier) Caspar. Mr. Caspar was a native of Darmstadt, Germany, who came to America in young manhood, locating near Campbells- burg, Washington county, Indiana, where he eventually became very success- ful as a general merchant. He became anditor of his county and died during his official term. He also owned several farms in that locality and was highly honored by all who knew him. His wife, Anna Caspar Hobbs, was a native of Washington county, and had long been a leader in church work and club life both in Washington and Monroe counties. To Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs have been born three children : Howard C., Wilber E., deceased, and Ellen E.
Politically, Mr. Hobbs has been a life-long supporter of the Republican party and has taken an active part in promoting its welfare in his community. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of Pythias. His religions membership is with the Christian church of Bloomington, in which he is a deacon and he has been for a number of years a teacher of the men's Bible class in the Sunday school. During his entire life since attaining mature years Mr. Hobbs has taken an active and intelligent interest in all public affairs affecting the welfare of the community, and while living at Salem, Indiana, he took an active and effective part in club life institutional affairs and as president of the board in the building of the sixteen-thousand-dollar Carnegie library there. Mr. Hobbs is president of the public library board at Bloomington, which is now planning the erection of a forty-thousand-dollar building in this city. During the recent local option campaign in Monroe county Mr. Hobbs took a decided stand for the abolishment of the saloons and at the head of the "dry" forces in this community he was a very effective agent in advancing the cause of the prohibition of the traffic here. He is chairman of the Civic League,
(44)
690
LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
which has for its object the enforcement of the laws of the community, which is a strong organization of men with strong financial backing. As a member of the board of trustees of the Bloomington Bible Chair in connection with the State University, he has ever done effective work with untiring devotion to this great movement among the Christian churches of Indiana. Being well versed in general political affairs and a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Hobbs' influence has always been felt at local elections and he is looked upon as a man thoroughly in sympathy with every movement looking to the betterment or advancement in any way of his community, where he has always been regard- ed as a man of sterling honesty and worth and worthy of the utmost confi- dence and respect, which his fellow citizens have been free to accord him owing to his upright and industrious life. He moves in the best social circles of this community and, being genial and unassuming in his relations with his fellows, he has won a large and loyal personal following who are themselves numbered among the best people of the locality.
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.