USA > Indiana > Madison County > History of Madison County, Indiana : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests, Volume II > Part 24
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
career here. He is the eldest son of Thomas M. and Katherine (Mc- . Carthy ) Norton.
Thomas M. Norton was born in 1835, in Ireland, and was still a lad when brought to the United States by his parents, the family settling near Dayton, Ohio, where he passed his boyhood and youth and acquired a good common school education. On completing his studies, he learned the trade of carpenter, thus drifting into the contracting business, which he followed until 1863, then moving from Dayton to Union City, Indiana, where he became associated with Louis Williams in the ale brewing business. In 1866 he disposed of his interests in Union City and came to Anderson, and shortly thereafter formed a partnership with Patrick Sullivan, thus organizing the first concern for the brewing of ale iu northern Indiana. Later Michael Cromley was admitted to member- ship in the firm, but in 1882 Mr. Norton sold his interests to his partners and embarked in business on his own account, thus forming the nucleus for what was to become one of the largest industries of the city. Devot- ing his best energies to his enterprise, Mr. Norton extended its trade steadily and surely, and eventually was enabled to build a large brick plant, which he equipped with the finest and most modern machinery . known to the brewing trade. He continued as the active head of this enterprise until his death, January 26. 1907, when he had firmly estab- lished himself as one of his adopted city's most substantial men of busi- ness. He was survived by his widow, two daughters and two sons.
Martin C. Norton acquired a liberal education in the public and high schools of Anderson, this being supplemented by a commercial course in the Miami Business College, at Dayton, Ohio, and on the completion of his studies he entered the brewery where his father thoroughly trained him in every detail of the great business. He was later admitted to partnership, with his brother William J. Norton, the firm then becoming T. M. Norton & Sons, and at the time of their father's death the sons took over the business, which they have continued to successfully cou- dnet to the present time. Changes and improvements have been made in the plant, as extended trade and newly invented machinery demanded, but the same high standard of quality has been maintained. and the customers secured by the older man when the enterprise was still in its infancy have continued to do business with the firm to the present time. Martin C. Norton has inherited much of his father's shrewdness. aenmen and good judgment. and his management of the company's affairs has been of a nature to greatly extend its scope. In addition to a large local trade, a large amount of the product is shipped to the neighboring towns and villages, as well as to a number of large cities in northern and central Indiana. Mr. Norton has interested himself in various other ventures, and at this time is vice-president of another of Anderson's large industries, the Anderson Foundry and Machine Company.
In 1896 Mr. Norton was married to Miss Maud Kilgore, daughter of the late James L. Kilgore, an old resident and for some years a promi- nent business man of Anderson, who died some time ago. They have no children. In polities a Democrat, Mr. Norton has taken an active part in local matters, but only as a supporter of good government, and not as an aspirant for public preferment. Fraternally, he holds membership in the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His fine brick residence, situated at No. 1011 Jackson street, is one of the most valuable and architecturally beautiful in the city of Andersou
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JOHN M. LAMEY. Among the citizens of Madison county who have won material success through the exercise of their own industry and native talent, John M. Lamey, of Anderson, is deserving of more than passing mention. Compelled to face the world and make his own way when but still a lad, he has so perseveringly pursued the vocation that he early chose as his life work, that today he finds himself one of the sub-" stantial men of his community, and the general csteem in which he is held is ample evidence of the fact that his activities have been governed by a high sense of business integrity. Mr. Lamey is a native of Anderson, a son of James and Mary ( Turney ) Lamey.
James Lamey was born in County Cork, Ireland, where he grew to . young manhood. Like thousands of others of his native countrymen, he early decided that better opportunities awaited him in America, and he accordingly took passage for this country, first locating in Canada. He subsequently came to Winchester, Indiana, where he adopted the voca- tion of butcher, and was so engaged at the outbreak of the struggle between the North and the South. Enlisting in the Nineteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, he served with that organization for four years, participating in numerous hard-fought engagements and at all times proving himself a brave, cheerful and faithful soldier. On the eom- pletion of his term of service, he returned to his trade, and was rapidly becoming successful in a material way when his death occurred, hastened, no doubt, by the hardships of his army life. He left his widow with two sons : John M., and Paul, the latter of whom passed away at the age of twenty-one years.
John M. Lamey acquired his education in the Catholic Sisters' school and the public schools of Anderson, but left the latter at the age of four- teen years. the death of his father making it imperative that he assist in the support of his mother and brother. He first entered the factories at Anderson, where he was employed for three years, and at the end of that period learned butchering. He was only twenty-one years old when he entered business on his own account at Anderson, but his thorough knowl- edge of the business, his energy, his progressive ideas and his inherent ability all contributed to the building up of a business that has continued to grow steadily to the present time, and he is now known as one of his section's heaviest stock buyers and a wholesale and retail meat dealer whose trade extends far beyond the limits of the local communities. His subsequent career has been spent in unswerving devotion to the duties of life, in the conduet of an honorable business and in fidelity to family and friends, and no one is more deserving and more enjoys the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has been brought into contact. His hobby may be said to be a love of fast horses and he is at present the owner of a number of valuable animals. Mr. Lamey owns a valuable property which has been made more desirable by the erection of a number of build- ings equipped with every modern appliance for the conduct of his busi- ness. Essentially a business man, he has not cared for public life, but takes an interest in the success of the Democratic party and stanchly sup- ports its principles and candidates.
In July. 1905, Mr. Lamey was united in marriage with Miss Esther Langley, and three children have been born to this union: Paul. James and Ireta.
EDWARD E. THOMAS. A native son of Madison county and a repre- sentative of a family whose name has been closely identified with the
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development and progress of this section of the state is Mr. Thomas, and that he has accounted well for himself and gained secure place in popular esteem needs no further voucher than that afforded in his incumbency of the responsible office of superintendent of the county poor farm, in the general management of which his administration has been in every respect faithful and efficient.
Mr. Thomas was born in Boone township, this county, on the 22ud of February, 1858, and is a seion of the third generation of the family in Madison county, where his paternal grandfather settled in the early pio- neer days. Mr. Thomas is a son of Evan R. and Lorema (McMahon) Thomas, the former of whom was born in Monroe township, this county. Evan R. Thomas was long numbered among the most energetic and pro- gressive agriculturists of his native county and he now resides on an at- tractive homestead in Van Buren township, where he is living virtually retired, after many years of earnest toil and endeavor. Of the eight chil- dren the subject of this review was the second in order of birth, the others being : Sarah, Mrs. Allen; Ethel, Mrs. Vinson; James; Ida, Mrs. Jones; Minnie, Mrs. Fisher ; Cora, Mrs. Nelson; and Bertha, Mrs. Kauffnian.
The present superintendent of the poor farm of Madison county gained his early experiences in connection with the work of the home farm and his educational advantages were those afforded in the Tomlinson school, in Boone township, au institution locally designated as the Dead Dog school. In the meanwhile he contributed his quota to the work of the home farm and he was but fourteen years of age at the time of his mother's death. As the next eldest of the children, Mr. Thomas early assuined heavy responsibilities and aided in the support of the younger members of the family, as his father earnestly maintained the home after the death of the loved wife and mother. Edward E. Thomas initiated his independent career at the age of twenty-five years. He rented a farm of one hundred and forty acres and brought his energies and specific knowledge into effective play, with the result that he made the enterprise successful. Finally he purchased a small tract of land, and in connection with its cultivation he also operated a slaughter house, the products of which he sold to the retail meat markets in the town of Summitville. Finally he established his residence in that village, where he engaged in the handing of farm implements and machinery. This venture likewise proved suc- cessful under his aggressive and careful management, and his reputation as a salesman and eireumspect man of business led to his being retained as a traveling representative of the International Harvester Company, with which great corporation he thus continued for a period of ten years. In September, 1910, the board of county commissioners of Madison county conferred upon him the appointment to his present responsible office, and it is a matter of record that the affairs of the county poor farin have been most carefully and ably managed under his effective regime, his con- tinued retention of office constituting the best voucher for the efficiency of his administration.
Mr. Thomas accords unwavering allegiance to the Democratic party and he has ever taken a deep interest in all that touches the welfare of his home county. He served two years as township assessor and he has ever held inviolable place in the confidence and esteem of the community which has always represented his home. He is in charge of the county farm of two hundred and twelve acres and also has the general supervision of the county infirmary, the unfortunate wards of which hold him in high esteem. The county farm is situated in Union township and is equipped
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MR. AND MRS. JAMES M. FORKNER
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
with excellent improvements of a permanent order. Mr. Thomas and his family hold membership in the Christian church and are distinctively popular in connection with the social activities of the community.
On the 28th of September, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Thomas to Miss Anna Beeson, who is a daughter of William G. and Elizabeth (Williams) Beeson, who now reside in Summitville and who are well known and highly honored citizens of the county, where Mrs. Beeson is one of the few representatives of the Williams family, the name of which has been closely concerned with the history of this part of the state. William G. Beeson was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and is a seion of one of the staunch pioneer families of the Hoosier common- wealth. Of the children Mrs. Thomas was the first born; Joseph is a resident of Summitville; and Frank is deceased; he is survived by his widow, whose maiden name was Stella Block, and by their two children, Austin and Lou, who remain with their widowed mother at Summit- ville. Mrs. Thomas has proved a most able coadjutor of her husband in direeting the affairs of the county asylum for the poor, as she is matron of the institution and is unceasing in her attention to its affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas became the parents of six children, concerning whom brief record is made in conclusion of this review: Arlie wedded Miss Edna Seever and they have two children, Robert and Ruth; Idelle, who completed the curriculum of the public schools of Summitville, re- mains at the parental home; Clyde wedded Miss Leta Morris, and they have three children, Lena, Ernestine and Maurice E .; Chester is de- ceased; Rena is at the parental home ; and Elizabeth is attending the high school at Anderson, the county seat.
JAMES MARION FORKNER. One century ago, lacking five brief years, the Forkner family was established in Indiana, Wayne county being the scene of settlement and for years the home of the family. From that day to the present time men of that name have been prominently identified with the agricultural activities of the state, and have played well their individual parts in the praiseworthy work of advancing the reputation of their various communities in the world of agriculture. They have been men of the highest integrity and especially have they been dis- tinguished by the character of their citizenship and by their public service wherever and whenever there was need for them to give of themselves for the public weal. He whose name introduces this neces- sarily brief biographieal review, James Marion Forkner, has been not a whit less prominent in his activities than have others of the name, and he stands forth today among the substantial and dependable men of his city and country, marked by the high order of his citizenship as well as by the many sturdy traits of character that have contributed to his popularity and success.
James Marion Forkner was born on August 15, 1849, in Richland township, and is the son of Madison and Charlotte (Blacklidge) Forkner. Mr. Forkner represents the fourth generation of the family privileged to claim American birth, and his great-great-grandfather, William Forkner, was born in Wales. He migrated to America in early life, coming to these shores just prior to the Revolutionary war, and settling in what is now Surrey county, North Carolina. There be died in about the year 180S, and it is worthy of mention that a copy of his last will and testament is now in the hands of John L. Forkner, the editor of this historical and biographieal work. This interesting document bears the date February,
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1807, and the instrument conveyed to his heirs his entire property, repre- sented largely by slaves and land.
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The son of this worthy patriot was Isaac Forkner, who was the great. grandfather of the subject. He was born in North Carolina in 1773, and when the War of 1812 was in progress he gave service throughout its duration. For his splendid aid he was awarded by the goverment a land warrant for 160 acres of valuable Indiana land, in lieu of a pension. - Mr. Forkner settled in Wayne county in 1818, and he was one of the earliest inhabitants of the town of Centerville, where he lived for years and prospered in accordance with his merit. He died at Millville, in Liberty township, in 1863, when he was aged eighty-eight years, and he was long remembered as one of the finest characters the community had known. The eldest son of Isaac Forkner was Jesse, who Was born in North Carolina, like his father. It may be said that he was one of the earliest land owners in Henry county, this state. and he came here with his father, settling upon land in 1822. Liberty township became his permanent home, and he beeame a power in local polities early in life. He was elected sheriff of Henry county in 1830, serving until 1833, and in 1837 he moved into Madison county, where he passed his remaining days. During his residence in Madison county he played a leading part in the public life and activities of his district, and was county commissioner one term, as well as having officiated in other capacities. He was a man of splendid integrity, and was remembered as one of the most progressive farming men the county possessed. None shared more fully in public esteem and approbation than he, and in addition to a fair estate, he left the priceless heritage of a good name, well protected by him throughout his life and passed on to his heirs without spot or blemish of his pro- curing.
Madison Forkner was the son of Jesse Forkner, and was second in order of birth. He in his turn became prominent in farming circles, and was one of the most successful and prosperous men in his community. Before he located in Henry county he married Charlotte Blacklidge, and to them were born seven children, named as follows: Cornelius, now deceased; James Marion. the immediate subject of this review; Mrs. Malinda Crone; Mrs. Martha Lower: Alfred L .. deceased: Mrs. Eliza- beth T. Porter, and Hattie D. Tappaa.
James Marion Forkner was born on the old Forkner farin, now owned by Jasper Bronnenberg. As a boy he attended the Union school and later was a student in a well known college of the state. He was well tutored in the business of farming also, and when he was twenty-one year's old-set out independently on a forty-acre farm. with a log cabin home adorning his acreage. It is pleasing to note here that he did not long remain the proprietor of a "forty." nor did he continue as a dweller in log cabins, but rather that he became the owner of one of the finest stock farms in the state. A short time ago Mr. Forkner, wishing to retire from active business life, sold his place for $28,000, and a brief descrip- tion of the place to which he gave so many years of his life and which prospered so bountifully under his care. is properly entered at this point. Forkner Stock Farm lies some eight miles distant from Anderson. the county seat of Madison county. and but six miles from Alexandria. a thriving young city of about 12.000 population. A solid tract of 225 aeres of rich soil comprise the place. and including a twenty aere wood-lot and pasture. Slightly rolling, as is much of the best land of Indiana. the place has the best possible drainage, with an abundance of shade
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
trees in the most appropriate places, and it boasts a fine orchard of 170 trees in bearing, with an abundance of small fruits. Three wells, none of which has ever failed, furnish a bountiful supply of the purest water, and a windmill adds further to the equipment of the place. The entire place is fenced in the most approved manner, and fine graveled roads lead to all points from the farm to the adjacent markets. A hand- some residence, erected at on inside cost of $3,000, makes for the greater comfort of the owners, the same having been built by Mr. Forkner in the days when he was yet engrossed in the cares of farming and farm life, and a modern grain barn built at a cost of $1,500 provides for the boun- tiful crops that are annually enticed from the willing soil. Twelve other buildings are in evidence upon the place, included among which are two tenement houses, the whole representative of . a cash expenditure of several thousand dollars on the part of Mr. Forkner. The chief indus- try of the place in the days when Mr. Forkner was its proprietor was stock raising, with some grain production, and the annual output of the place in stock and grain aggregated $5,000. On the whole, the place is one' of the finest in the county and state, and represents a praiseworthy cutlay of toil and money on the part of the man who founded the business and brought it to the admirable position it held when Mr. Forkner ceased to be the owner.
In December, 1905, after Mr. Forkner sold the farm, he moved to what is known as the Blacklidge Park, and today he is the owner of barely sixty-four acres, having gradually parted with all his farm lands but that small acreage. He has since given up all active interest in farms and farming as an operator, and is living a retired life near the city of Anderson, and is enjoying to the utmost the fruits of his years of strenuous attention to business.
Mr. Forkner in early manhood married Miss Ellen Catherine Tappan. a daughter of David D. and Elizabeth ( McNear) Tappan. The mother is still living. at the advanced age of 82. Mrs. Forkner's sisters are Mrs. . J. M. Watkins, deceased. Mrs. Geo. Kirk and Mrs. Emma Jackson. To this union were born three children, concerning whom, with their respec- tive families. brief mention is here incorporated. The first born, Charles E., married Aldine Mae (Smelser), and they have two children, Austin H. and Francis E. Charles Forkner makes his home in Marshalltown, Iowa, and has for some years been prominently known to the manufactur- ing interests of that city. In early manhood he was for six years em- ployed as a mail clerk, but business interests of his own have later claimed him. Earl A. Forkner, the second born son of James Marion Forkner. passed through the common schools of his native community and later was a graduate of Anderson and DePauw, as well as the University of Indiana at Bloomington. He was later graduated from the University of Michigan in the electrical engineering profession. and is now engaged in its practice and in the manufacturing business in Marshalltown, Iowa. although he was engaged in educational work for some years. He married Martin J. Wolfe, and is now the business partner of his brother, Charles E., mentioned above. Walter M. Forkner, the third and last born of the three children of his parents, married Etta M. Gilerist. a native daughter of Greenburg, Indiana, and they have two children. Marjorie E. and Gertrude C. Walter Forkner was educated in the common schools. and early took to farm life, in which he continued for some years. He later he became interested in the fire insurance business and is now active and prominent in fire and life insurance circles of Cass county. He, like
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thisibrothers, is a man who takes a leading place in business and political activities of his community, and all three are sturdy young men who ære a distinct eredit to their honored and honorable parents, and who are nnost ereditably carrying forward the family name in Indiana.
Mr. Forkner, the father of these sons, is Republican in his politics, and llike all :the men of his family, from the earliest representative down ttotthe latest, takes an intelligent and praiseworthy interest in the business off tthe city and county with which he is identified. He was elected by ccentral committeemen of the county to the office of treasurer for ten or ttwelve years and was road supervisor. He paid insurance premiums policy for nineteen years in the Union Central and received $5,352. He ihas llong been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his fra- tternal relations are confined to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, wwith which he has fraternized for some years as an active and esteemed member. In concluding this sketch, a newspaper article relating to the iindustry of Mrs. Forkner is here appended :
The recent discussion regarding a license ordinance for butter makers ssuggested to Mrs. J. M. Forkner that she find how much butter she had imade:and:marketed. Mrs. Forkner has made and sold butter for many years. The past fifteen years she has kept an accurate count of her work. In that time she has made 28,441 pounds or an average of from four tto five pounds a day.
When Mr. and Mrs. Forkner lived on a farm in Richland township tthere were times when they kept seven or eight cows. A year ago they imoved to Anderson. Since then they have kept only one or two cows. There are some customers Mrs. Forkner has supplied with butter for eigliteen years.
In making butter.Mrs. Forkner was always slow to take up with new fangled notions. A paddle she used for nearly fifteen years was made iby ther and preferred over manufactured paddles. This paddle was practically worn out a couple of years ago. Mrs. Forkner gave it to her sson Charles E. Forkner, who proposes to keep it as a memento. For a dozen years Mrs. Forkner did her churning with a gas engine.
ADAMI SCHUSTER. Anderson township can boast of some of the most lbeautiful farms to be found in Madison county, and among these none lhas been brought to a higher state of cultivation than the country home of Dr. Jonas Stewart, a handsome tract of 120 acres, lying on the Ander- sson road. This property has been brought to its present excellent con- dition through the efforts of Adam Schuster, who has charge of the coperations for Dr. Stewart. Mr. Schuster has made farming his life work, and his long experience his constant study of farming conditions, this mready ability to adapt himself to and adopt new ideas and his untiring perseverance have made him known as an expert in his chosen Dine. He was born on a farm near Cincinnati, in Hamilton county, Ohio, May 28, 1858, and is a son of John and Mary (Schumberger) Schuster.
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