USA > Indiana > Madison County > History of Madison County, Indiana ; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests, Volume I > Part 102
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James A. Fowler was born in the state of Tennessee in Hawkins county, December 30, 1859, a son of Henry and Lucinda (Wright) Fowler. His father was a farmer of Tennessee, and though a Union man in his sympathies was drafted into the Confederate army, and his death occurred during the war on August 14, 1863. The mother was born in North Carolina, November 22, 1837, and is still living. After the death of her husband the mother and her family left Tennessee, going to Madison county, Kentucky, later to Ohio, and subsequently back to Kentucky, and after a year or two James A. Fowler and his mother arrived in Fall Creek township in March, 1872. It is in no way discreditable to the now prosperous citizens of Fall Creek town- ship to state that he and the family at that time were very poor people, and while not dependent upon the public bounty in any sense, they actually lived with starvation only a few days distance.
James A. Fowler began his career in this county as a laborer for Elwood Brown, and for six or eight years he worked for Mr. J. L. Thomas. It was in this way that he got his start, and finally learned the carpenters trade. During his youth he had had few chances to attend school, and it was really after he was grown that he applied him- self at leisure intervals and has gained many of the accomplishments which are associated with education and has informed himself beyond the average.
Early in his career Mr. Fowler married Miss Emma Jarret of Adams township, where she was born. Six children were born of their mar- riage, and are named as follows: Arthur, who is a graduate of the county schools, and is now a resident of Indianapolis; Chester, a grad- uate of the common schools, and now in Indianapolis; Carrie, the wife of Lawrence Prigg, of Middletown, Indiana; Earl, who is married and lives in Fall Creek township; and Maude and Eva, both unmarried and living at home. Mr. Fowler and family are members of the United Brethren church, and he is superintendent of the Sunday school and one of the most active workers in his local congregation. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, being a .past noble grand in the latter fraternity. Mr. Fowler is a Republican of the pronounced type, has always given active affiliation to the party both in local and state affairs, and has recently been honored with election to the office of township assessor of Fall Creek township. As a result of his prosperous career, Mr. Fowler is now owner of eighty-three acres of land, a fine homestead in Fall Creek township.
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JAMES M. RITTENOUR. It would be difficult to find, even in a com- munity which can boast of its substantial and public-spirited men, one who deserves the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens in greater degree than does James M. Rittenour, of Adams township. Through his industry, perseverance and fidelity to every duty of life, he has succeeded in making a comfortable home for himself and family, and has acquired large farming interests, while he has also at all times had the welfare of his community at heart and in various ways has assisted in its growth and development. James Morgan Rittenour was born in Shenandoah county of Virginia, January 1, 1848, and is a son of Elias and Lydia (Coffman) Rittenour. He comes of a family that has had a brilliant military record, the grandfather of Mr. Rittenour having served as a soldier in the Colonial army during the War of the Revolution. The parents of Mr. Rittenour were born and reared in Virginia, and there married, and in 1855 journeyed overland to Henry county, Indiana, where they spent two years, then pushing on to Madison county, settling in Adams township. Elias Rittenour here engaged in farming and became one of the valuable citizens of his community. He took a prominent part in local civic affairs, and while he never sought public office was an earnest and hard-working citizen in securing benefits for his adopted community. His death occurred in February, 1902, his wife having passed away in 1884. Of their six children, four are liv- ing in 1913: J. M. Rittenour, of this review; William H., who is a retired farmer and now makes his home at Anderson, Indiana; George, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Adams township; and Alice, who is the wife of George Yanger, of this township.
James Morgan Rittenour was seven years of age when he accom- panied his parents to Henry county, Indiana, and there he commenced his education in the district schools. When he was nine the family came to Adams township, and here he continued his studies during the short winter terms, while he spent the summer months of his boyhood and youth in assisting his father in cultivating the homestead farm. Mr. Rittenour continued under the parental roof until his marriage, at which time he embarked upon a career of his own, and so ably has he directed his operations that he is now the owner of 310 acres of land, all in a high state of cultivation, eighty acres being located in Henry county. His high standing in his community is ample evidence of the integrity which has ever governed his actions, and those who have had dealings of a business nature with him are ready to vouch for his honest methods and fair dealing. It is characteristic of Mr. Rittenour that he should attribute much of his success in life to the assistance and counsel of his wife, who has been his sympathetic comforter in times of discouragement and his greatest encouragement when he has needed faith in his undertakings. A pleasant, hospitable couple, their inany excellencies of heart and character have drawn about them a wide circle of friends, and throughout the community they are held in the warmest esteem.
Mrs. Rittenour was formerly Miss Emma Mitchell, and was born in Henry county, Indiana, where she received her training on a farm and her education in the public schools. She was married to Mr. Rittenour August 15, 1872, and they have had one son, Jesse E., born January 28, 1883, a graduate of the common schools, who completed his education in Pendleton high school and Spiceland Academy. He was married September 11, 1911. His wife, who was born in Henry
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county, Indiana, is a lady of much charm and many accomplishments.
Mr. Rittenour and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church at Ovid, Indiana, and have been active in its work. He is a Democrat in politics, but has taken little other than a good citizen's interest in public matters. Fraternally, he is connected with Mechan- icsburg Lodge No. 39, A. F. & A. M., of which his son is also a mem- ber, is Master of the Lodge, and also holds membership in Anderson Chapter No. 52, R. A. M., and Anderson Council, R. & S. M.
EUGENE BENJAMIN HARTLEY. By reason of his long and success- ful career as a merchant, but perhaps more on account of his success in developing a stable of noted racing horses, Eugene Benjamin Hart- ley up to the time of his death held a prominent position in Madison county and is a well remembered citizen. His death occurred at Anderson.
Eugene Benjamin Hartley was born near Fairmount in Marion county, Virginia, in September, 1828. His birth occurred on the old Hartley homestead in that part of the old Dominion. His education was acquired by attendance at the select schools, as they were called, but which would hardly compare in facilities and in advantages of instruction with the poorest country school of the present day. When he was a boy the family moved to Indiana, becoming early settlers of Henry county, and from Virginia had made the journey by water on a flatboat down the Ohio river as far as Cincinnati, and thence crossed the country overland with wagon and team to Henry county. His father, Joseph Hartley, died after two years of residence in Indiana, and the family soon afterwards returned to Virginia to the old home farm. Being the oldest of a large family, Eugene B. Hartley had to assume many of the responsibilities in the management of the place, and his mother came to depend on him as her chief support. His first business was as a general merchant at Fairmount in his native county, and he continued a merchant throughout his career.
About fifty years ago he moved out to Indiana and settled in Henry county, and about 1863 located at Anderson, and soon afterwards opened a general store and grocery at the corner of Tenth and Main streets, on the northeast corner. Many of the old settlers remember his place of business at that location. He sold goods there until about three years before his death. As he had a large trade and was progressive in his business methods, he was one of the first grocery men in Ander- son to deliver groceries by wagon. One of the horses which he drove to his delivery wagon developed a great deal of speed, and was able to outstep any other horse in the town, whether driven in a regular race, or with the delivery wagon behind him. Mr. Hartley took a good deal of pains with this horse, and after taking it out of the harness of the delivery wagon gave it the name "Stride-Away" which became a noted trotter all over this section of Indiana. It was his success with "Stride-Away" that started Mr. Hartley in his career as a developer of fine racing stock. He became the owner of a string of famous trotters, and among the best known were "Katy D." and "Ruth."
The late Mr. Hartley was a Democrat in politics and a member of the Methodist church. He was married in the country district of Vir- ginia near his native town of Fairmount to Elizabeth Carpenter. Their three children were Joseph, Mary and James. The mother died in 1863, and he afterwards married Josephine Phillips, who died in 1889,
George H Hockett.
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without children. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Moss, now resides at 212 W. 11th street in Anderson.
GEORGE H. HOCKETT, M. D. The medical fraternity of Madison county includes among its members Dr. George H. Hockett, of Ander- soir, a practitioner who has gained distinction in the profession within a few short years. But doubtless much of his recognized talent is inher- ited from his father, who was for years a well known physician of Wilmington, Ohio. However, the physician and surgeon of to-day faces an entirely different proposition from that confronting the doctor of a quarter of a century ago. Each day brings some new discovery, some improved method of combating disease, which but adds to the strictness of requirements, so that the younger physicians of 1913 are often better fitted to cope with disease than those who have had many years of expe- rience behind them. A close student of his profession, Dr. Hockett has- kept fully abreast of the various changes and advancements which are constantly being made, and his skill and success in a number of eom- plicated cases have won him the confidence and patronage of a large and representative practice.
George H. Ilockett was born in the city of Anderson, Indiana, July 14, 1883, the youngest son of Dr. Zimri Hockett. The latter, born on a farm near Clarksville, Clinton county, Ohio, passed his boyhood and early school days in that eity, and after preparing himself at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, practiced his profession in his native city for a number of years. Later he came to Anderson, Indiana, where he hecame equally well known. George H. Hockett, the son, received his early education in the public and high schools of Anderson, and after his graduation from the latter in 1901, began the study of medicine. After some preparation he entered the Hering Homeopathic Medical College; Chicago, and was graduated therefrom in 1910. Returning to Anderson, he at onee opened offices in the Union Building, where he now has a well appointed suite, equipped with every convenience for the comfort of his patients. He was not long in gaining a lucrative practice, and is now numbered among the successful young medical men of the city. He is a valued member of the Homeopathic Medical Society of Indiana, in the work of which he takes a keen and active interest, and also has membership relations with the American Institute of Homeo- pathy and the International Hahnemann Association. IIe is a strict observer of the unwritten ethics of the profession, and as a result his standing among his professional brethren is high.
On the 2d of January, 1902, Dr. Hockett was united in marriage with Miss Edna Curtis, a daughter of Marion Curtis, a well known farmer of Fortville, Indiana. They have two sons, Harry and Maurice. The family attend the Christian church. The Doctor's fraternal connections include his membership in the Masonic order, affiliating with Mt. Moriah Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., Anderson Chapter, R. A. M., Anderson Com- mandery, K. T., and Murat Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Indianapolis, and he is also a member of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. IIe is independent in his political affiliations. but he has manifested a com- mendable willingness to assist in all movements which have been put forward for the betterment of Anderson and its people, taking only a good citizen's part in affairs of a publie nature. His comfortable mod- ern residence is situated at 138 W. 9th St.
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HERMAN G. HUGHEL. Travel and experience are undoubtedly help- ful in the successful pursuit of any calling, for in this manner the mind is broadened, new ideas are secured and hitherto unknown methods are witnessed and given a trial. Few farmers of Madison county have enjoyed greater advantages in this connection than has Herman G. Hughel, the owner of 120 acres of land, the greater part of which prop- erty is located in Union township. Mr. Hughel has attained his success as a farmer and stock feeder through the medium of individual effort, and in his work has used progressive methods observed in his travels in various parts of the country. He is a native son of Madison county, having been born on a farm in Anderson township, in 1864, and is a son of Samuel and Leanna Dye (Louthain) Hughel, she being a grand- daughter of Andrew Dye, one of the founders of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Educated in the public schools of Anderson township, Mr Hughel spent his boyhood on his father's property, being thoroughly trained to follow the vocation of a successful farmer, and upon attaining his major- ity embarked upon a career of his own. For some years he traveled extensively, visiting many different states, but eventually returned to Madison county where he now is located in his comfortable home on Anderson Rural Route No. 4. A practical, hard-headed man of business he has demonstrated his ability in the management of his affairs, and the excellent condition of his property, his fine grade of cattle, and the prosperous crops which he raises upon his fertile fields, gives him the right to the title of representative agriculturist of Anderson township.
On October 8, 1890, Mr. Hughel was married to Miss E. Victoria Matthew, daughter of John and Nancy H. (Middletown) Matthew, both of whom came to Madison county from Ross county, Ohio. John Matthew was a native of Cupar, Scotland, and came to America at the age of twenty, settling in Ross county, Ohio. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hughel, namely: John Samuel, who is a grad- uate of the Anderson High school and has spent two years in the Indiana State University, was recently married to Miss Margrette J. Mowrey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Mowrey of Middletown, Indiana; Howard H., a graduate of the Anderson High school; and Frank L., who is still attending that school. Mr. and Mrs Hughel are consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hughel's fraternal connection is with the Knights of Pythias.
HUBERT B. MANRING. The leading photographer at Alexandria, Mr. Manring has his studio at 116 N. E. Church street, and by superior work- manship and prompt and careful service has acquired an excellent patronage, and is one of the most successful men of his profession in Madison county.
He was born in Monroe township of Madison county. June 17, 1879, a son of Ambrose A. and Angeline (Mabbitt) Manring. His paternal grandfather was James Manring, who married Mary Hammond. They were both natives of Virginia, and came to Madison county during the pioneer period. They died in this county when well advanced in years, the grandfather at the age of eighty-four and his wife when past seventy. Their six children were: Dr. Nathaniel Manring, of Elwood ; Ambrose A .; James; Edward; Caroline, wife of John Spears of Ray, Colorado; and Ella, wife of Sylvester Potter of Yorktown, Indiana. The maternal grandparents were Anthony and Jane Mabbitt, who were also among the early settlers of Madison county in Richland township, where
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both died. In their family were Granville; William; George, deceased ; Annie; Angeline; Callie; and Amanda.
The parents of Mr. Manring were both born in Indiana. The father was reared in the county, and took up the occupation of farmer as his regular vocation in life. In 1887 he moved into Deleware county, where he bought a farm of eighty acres and reared his family. He still resides on the old place in Deleware county, and also owns another farm of forty- nine acres in Madison county. lle and his wife are members of the Methodist church. Their six children were: Hubert B., of Alexandria ; Homer W., of Monroe township, in this county; Lennie, widow of Lewis Scott, of Deleware county; Winnie, wife of Lloyd McCreery, of Gaston, Indiana; Jennie, wife of Ralph Guynnup, of Gaston; and Errick, at home.
Hubert B. Manring spent his youth on his father's farm in Madison county and in Delaware county, and while growing up had the advan- tages of the district schools and the grade schools at Cammack in Dela- ware county. He subsequently was a student in the Northern Indiana University at Valparaiso, and also the normal school at Muncie. After leaving home he went out west, where he had much experience during a year and a half, but then returned to his old home in Delaware county. After his marriage he was engaged in farming a few years, and then took up the study of photography with the intention of making it his regular profession.
At Monroe, Michigan, he finished his preparatory work and then had a six months' practical experience in Chicago. His work at the profession was interrupted during the next two years, when he became assistant to his brother, whose wife had died. Then in the fall of 1911 he located at Alexandria, and has since conducted his studio.
On September 10, 1904, Mr. Manring married Miss Dora Lewis, daughter of B. S. and Mary E. (Bowman) Lewis. She was born in Wells county, Indiana, her father being a native of North Carolina, and her mother a native of Jay county, Indiana. Her paternal grand- parents were Henry and Sarah Mary Lewis, both natives of North Carolina, and subsequently among the pioneers in Lafayette county, Indiana. They died at Huntington, the former when about eighty-four years of age. Among their children were Benjamin Franklin; Nathan; Frances, and Lizzie. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Manring were among the pioneers of Jay county, where her grandfather died and her grandmother passed away in Gas City. Their three children were Mary E., Mark S., and George Bowman. Benjamin S. Lewis, the father of Mrs. Manring, was reared on a farm in Lafayette county, Indiana, and followed the trade of shoemaker, being a very expert workman in that line. During the Civil war he entered the Sixty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Infantry, and gave three years of service to the Union as a private soldier. In later years he engaged in the real estate business at Gas City. He is now in the hospital in the National Soldiers' Home at Marion. His wife resides in Monroe, Michigan. Their ten children were named: Sarah, Lizzie, Lando, Edward, Maude, Dora, Della, Emerson, Charles and John. Mr. and Mrs. Manring are both members of the Methodist church at Epworth. Politically Mr. Manring favors and supports the Prohibition party.
LOREN SMALL. One of the old and honored families of Madison connty is that of Small, members of which have been identified with
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the agricultural interests of this section for upwards of seventy-five years. A worthy representative of the name, who is maintaining the family reputation for industry, integrity and good citizenship, is found in the person of Loren Small, who has a farm of 110 acres in Stony Creek township, where he resides with his father-in-law. Mr. Small is a progressive farmer, being an advocate of modern methods and ideas, the beneficial effect of which is shown in his well-tilled fields and healthy, well-bred stock. Mr. Small was born in Madison county, Indiana, December 7, 1876, and is a son of James Madison and Louise (Todd) Small.
Some time in the latter thirties, Joseph Small, the grandfather of Loren Small, left his native state of North Carolina, and with his wife and children, among the latter James, journeyed overland to Madison county and took up his home among the pioneers. He was an agricul- turist, and reared his sons to become tillers of the soil, an occupation which James Madison Small also followed all of his life. The latter had a family of six children, of whom three survive: Jerry, who resides in Anderson township; Loren; and Bertha, who married a Mr. Hershbarger.
Loren Small secured a good common school education, attending the old Shaw school, and his youth was passed on the home farm, where he was thoroughly trained in the science of agriculture. He also learned the stone mason's trade and worked thereat for some time, but during the greater part of his life he has been a farmer. After his marriage, he located on the property where he now lives, and his sub- sequent career has been one of continued success. Probably a good deal of his success in stock raising is due to his great fondness for horses, a liking is almost a hobby. He has been content to give his entire time to his farming and stock raising operations and has experienced no desire for the struggles of publie life. He has, however, manifested a commendable interest in matters that affect his commun- ity, and at all times can be relied upon to support movements making for progress and good government.
On August 26, 1904, Mr. Small was married. He has one child : Orville Leroy. Mr. and Mrs. Small are consistent meinbers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they number many warm friends.
JOHN HAINES. Classed among the prominent and enterprising farmers of Fall Creek township, Madison county, is found the subject of this review, John Haines, the owner of 120 acres of well cultivated land. Mr. Haines belongs to that class of progressive men who, having spent their entire lives in this section, are thoroughly acquainted with soil and climate conditions here, and as a result are able to gain a full measure of success from their operations. He was born in Fall Creek township, Madison county, Indiana, September 15, 1867, and is a son of Noah and Mary (Vernon) Haines.
Noah Haines was born in 1849, at Centerville, Montgomery county, Ohio, and was a youth of nine years when brought to Madison county. Here he was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the district schools, and was still a young man when he enlisted for service during the Civil war, joining the Union army as ; private of Company K, Eighth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served throughout the remainder of the struggle between the North
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and South. He saw a great deal of hard fighting with his regiment, and at the siege of Vicksburg, in which the Eighth took an important part, received a severe wound. On the close of hostilities, Mr. Haines returned to Madison county and resumed the peaceful occupation of farming, in which he was engaged until his death, which occurred in 1910. He exhibited the same characteristics of faithfulness to duty and fidelity to trust in his private life that had marked his military career, and became honored and respected hy all who knew him. Mrs. Haines survived her husband but a short time, dying June 12, 1912, the mother of four children : John; Ella, the wife of J. W. Jones, of Fall Creek township; and Edward HI., all of whom are carrying on operations in this township; and Olive M., single, a teacher in the schools of Adams township. Olive and Ella own the old homestead of 180 acres.
John Haines was reared on his father's farm in Fall Creek town- ship, and as a lad entered the district schools, which he attended, off and on, during the winter terms, until he was twenty-two years of age. At that time he commenced working on the old home farm for his father, also attending Purdue University for a time. When twenty- seven years of age he became a renter and was so employed until Febru- ary, 1898, when he bought a part of the farm on which he now lives. He has now a well-cultivated tract of 120 acres, on which he has made improvements of an extensive and modern nature, and each year has found the property increasing in value. He believes firmly in the use of the latest ideas and machinery, and the general appearance of his farm shows that he is an expert in his calling. In addition to general farming, he has interested himself in the value of ensilage for cattle feeding and other stock, and has erected a large cement silo. He has been recently reelected as president of the Madison County Farmers Institute Association. Mr. Haines is a stockholder and director in the Pendleton Trust Company. In politics he is a Progressive. His fra- ternal connection is with the Sicilian Lodge No. 234, Knights of Pythias, and he is a member of the Friends church.
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