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 40
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Born in Delaware county, on December 3, 1854, John Luther Han- cock is the son of Joseph T. and Hester (Fountain) Hancock. The father was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1831, and as a young man taught school in Deleware county, in the schools of Mount Pleasant township. He was the son of John Hancock, who came from Virginia. He was the father of six children, of whom more complete mention is made in the sketch of W. W. Hancock, to be found on other pages of this work.
The boyhood days of John Luther Hancock were passed much in common with those of the other youth of that period. He attended the Delaware county schools and diversified his school work with a diligent training upon the farm, received at the hands of his industrious father. When he was twenty years old Mr. Hancock came to Madison county and settled in Richland township on the old Hancock farm, as it was long called. Two years later, or in 1876, he married Mary E. Lawler. and soon after rented a farm from his father-in-law, where he settled down and began to apply himself with all consistency to the acquiring
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of a place of his own and a position among the more prominent men of the community. So well did he succeed that today he owns a number of productive farms and has been able to retire from the industry him- self and live comfortably and quietly upon the labors of former years. Before he retired he had reached a place of no inconsiderable promi- nenee in agricultural circles of the county, and was known for the success of his farming ventures and the extent of his operations.
His marriage to Mary Lawler occurred on December 7, 1876. She was born on August 28, 1859, in Richland township on the old James Lawler place, and is the daughter of James and Lydia (Chambers) Lawler. James Lawler was a native Virginiau and came to Indiana when a boy, in company with his parents, James and Nancy (Curtis) Lawler. It was the father of Mrs. Hancock who established the Lawler family in Madison county, and she was one of his four children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hancock have come five children. Ida, the eldest, is the wife of D. Luce, and they have two children,-Lawson B., and Crystal M .; Alta, married William Bronnenberg, and is the mother of two children, -- Roy and Viva; Cora is the wife of Arthur Short, and their children are Thelma G. and Darrell E .; Hazel married Emerson Manger, and has two children,-Harold L. and Ralph; the fifth child is Schuyler Hancock, who married Ethel Denny. All have come to fill useful niches in their various spheres in life and reflect no little honor upon the parents who launched them upon their various careers of home-making and business.
Mr. Hancock, though not a man to interest himself beyond the demands of good citizenship in the politics of his county, still bears allegiance to the Republican party, and has given aid to its causes on many occasions. He has done all one man could do in the interests of the people whenever the rights and wishes of the people have been in contest, and has borne full well his share in the burdens of civic responsi- bility. He and his family have membership in the Christian church of their community and are regular attendants and supporters of that denomination.
OLIVER P. WIDENER. A citizen and farmer of Fall Creek township who began his career some twenty-five years ago without capital and with only the strength of his hands to aid him in his struggle with life, Mr. Widener has since become possessed of a fine farm, has reared a family who are a credit to his name, and during all the years of his residence in the community has been known as a man of honest and good report.
Oliver P. Widener was born in Jackson township this county, Deeem- ber 4, 1864, a son of William and Amanda J. (Sisson) Widener. Both parents are now deceased. The father and five brothers were soldiers in the Civil war, and all in Indiana regiments. The family were among the early settlers of Madison county, and the name has always been asso- eiated in this section of the state with industry and integrity. The par- ents had ten children, seven of whom are living in 1913, namely : Robert, Charles, William, Oliver P., Sarah, wife of Sherman Stephenson : Amanda J., wife of Jolm Hoffman ; and Hattie, who is married and lives in Texas.
Oliver P. Widener was reared on a farm in Madison county and all the education he attained was hy attendance during the winter seasons in the neighboring district schools. The summers were spent in the labor of the homestead and when he was fourteen years of age his father
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A.D. Hurst
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died, leaving him as the chief support of the family. For this reason he remained at home as practical manager of the farm until he was about twenty-four years of age. He then on September 12, 1888, mar- ried Sarah E. Graham, who was born in . Madison county, received her education in the district schools and represents an old family name in this section. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Widener located upon a farm, and by dint of industry, thrifty management, finally acquired ' their present handsome estate of one hundred and twenty acres in Fall Creek township, this representing and being in the nature of a monument to their career of persistent labor in this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Widener became the parents of five children, four of whom are living in 1913 as follows: Ruby, who graduated from the common schools and is now the wife of Robert MeCleary of Anderson ; Dessie F., who also attended the common schools and is now the wife of Harry Webb, of Hamilton county, this state; Vernie, who is a farmer and resides on the homestead with his parents; Jennie, who is a student in the district schools. Mr. Widener and his family worship in the Methodist faith, and he is one of the trustees, a steward and also a dis- triet steward of his church, being one of the most active workers for the church and the Sunday school of this denomination. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. On his farin he raises the general crops and con- siderable stock, and everything about the place is indicative of good management and thoroughness.
ALFRED D. HURST. In the recent death of Alfred Dickson Hurst, which occurred at his home in Anderson on September 14, 1912, there passed away a well known eitizen, one who had been identified with Madison county for thirty years, and within his career were embraced important activities in education, manufacturing, banking, politics, religion, and civic affairs. At his home city of Anderson he was held in universal esteem, and was for many years one of the most substantial factors in business, a man who through energetic, straightforward busi- ness methods gained a comfortable fortune. He had hosts of friends all over the state of Indiana.
Though a great meed of praise must always be due to the pioneers and first settlers for their efforts in behalf of progress and civilization, at least equal if not greater honor is due the men whose enterprise, genius and untiring industry during the latter years of the old century, contributed so largely to the general advancement and development of the county. It was in this latter class that Alfred D. Hurst belonged. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, on a farm near Centerville, April 8, 1856. His parents were William and Merab Foster Hurst, both highly connected and greatly respected in the community in which they lived. They were identified with agricultural pursuits and in consequence Alfred's early boyhood was passed upon the farm and in the performance of such labors as were common to boys similarly situ- ated in life. During the fall and winter months, he attended the district schools, and being ambitious to acquire an education applied himself to his studies with such assuidity that he was not long in mastering the elementary branches. Having an ambition to fit himself for the pro- fession of teaching, he subsequently attended DePauw University, where he took a classical course. He remained in that University four years, during which time his standing as a student and orator and debater
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was highly creditable alike to himself and the school. He was a mein- ber of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After leaving University he was employed as a teacher in the publie schools at Brazil, Indiana, and afterwards in the capacity of superin- tendent, the duties of which position he discharged with eminent satis- faction to the school board and the patrons of the schools. His services as an educator were sought in other cities and in 1884 he accepted a proposition from the school board of Frankton in Madison county to superintend the schools. For seven years he ably and faithfully looked after the educational interests of Frankton, and it can be truthfully said that no superintendent before or since came more nearly to satisfy- ing the public expectations. His methods were approved, and his efficiency was never questioned. Mr. Hurst left his profession about the time that the development of the natural gas fields of eastern Indiana wrought such a complete change in the industrial and economic situa- tion in this section of the state. He was quick to see the possibilities for manufacturing enterprise and he resigned his position to engage in affairs that promised greater financial returns for his labor than the profession of teaching. Through his efforts the Hoosier Fence Com- pany was organized in 1892. No enterprise in the county perhaps has been more successful than this, due largely to the industry and able management of the late Mr. Hurst. He was also one of the principal promoters of the Frankton Land Improvement Company, assisted in organizing the Quick City Glass Company, and was connected finan- cially, if not in the management with the Drisher Coil Company and the Frankton Furniture Company. The late Mr. Hurst was a hard worker, and it was his constant and concentrated application to busi- ness which brought about ill health and in 1901 obliged him to retire from business affairs. Relinquishing the active supervision and man- agement of the industries which have been mentioned, he purchased in November, 1901, a large farm in Richland township, to which he removed his family with the expectation of finding that rest and recreation so essential to one in his condition of health. However, his residence there continued only a few months, when he bought a home at 311 West 12th St., Anderson, and moved to that city. During his later years he had relations with several enterprises in Anderson and elsewhere. He was one of the organizers of the People's State Bank of Anderson, and a director in the Sterling Fire Insurance Company of Indianapolis. Besides looking after his various realty interests at Anderson, he took a great deal of pleasure in supervising and improving the three farms owned by him and located in Madison county. Agriculture was always a great hobby with Mr. Hurst, and it was a constant pleasure for him to be on his farms and so far as possible to look after the details of their management. He enjoyed watching things grow, and was with all a practical business man and made his land produce a generous income.
The late Mr. Hurst was twice married. On December 24, 1880, at Brazil, he married Miss Iva Bridges. Four children were born to that marriage : Helen, Lucia, Joseph E., and Charles. Joseph is now de- ceased; Mrs. Hurst died in 1888. As indicating the character of the man and his solicitude for the welfare and usefulness of his children, it may be stated that Mr. Hurst afforded his children every possible opportunity for acquiring a finished education. The daughter Helen is now Mrs. Charles Preston of Monticello; Lucia is Mrs. Geo. Forrey
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of Indianapolis. Mr. Hurst also had one grandson, Charles Preston Jr., of Monticello, Indiana.
On July 10, 1895, at Frankton, Mr. Hurst married Miss Jessie M. Jackley. The one child now living of this union is Alfred D. Hurst, Jr. Mr. Hurst was survived by four brothers and two sisters, namely : William, now deceased; Oscar and Joseph Hurst of Centerville, in Wayne county ; Frank Hurst of Frankton; Mrs. Robert Wilson of Col- lege Corner, Ohio; and Mrs. Florence Triplett, of Bloomington, Indiana.
In church affairs, the late Mr. Hurst was a devout member of the First Methodist church of Anderson, having served as a member of its official board for some time. Though a loyal Methodist, he believed in the good of all religion, and for himself endeavored to practice the golden rule.
His birthday was the date of the formal organization of the Repub- lican party as a national party, and though he always had sound reason for all his political actions, he was attached to the Republican interests throughout his voting career, and one of the prominent Republicans of Madison county. In 1892 he was a candidate for the office of state representative on the Republican ticket, and during the campaign of 1910 served as chairman of the Republican county committee. In 1892 Madison county was safely Democratic, and he willingly sacrificed him- self for the good of his party without expectation of election. During his speaking tour about the county in that year, though his fellow citi- zens were not aware that he had won the oratorical contest among thie teachers of the county in 1888, discovered the fact that he was not only a logical reasoner but a graceful orator. He also had the satisfaction at the close of the campaign of knowing that through his efforts the regular majority of the opposition was largely reduced.
Honest, honorable and just, in the late Alfred Dickson Hurst were combined all the elements that make for progress and good citizenship. Always a patriot, he loved his country, was devoted to his home, and in the love of Deity stood without fear or favor for every good work. A man of education, he was a patron of books, and had a splendid knowl- edge of standard literature and a fine acquaintance with current history. He had the practical idealism of the true Christion, loved flowers, music and children, and was in his opinions and in his practical relations an optimist. He was regarded as a genial companion and a true friend, and measured by the actual results his life was more than ordinarily successful. His integrity was never questioned, and he left a heritage of a good name which his children and his children's children will always cherish.
ANDREW J. WHETSEL. No more notable example of what may be accomplished by energy, industry and perseverance could be found than that exemplified in the career of Andrew J. Whetsel, one of the highly esteemed farmers of Adams township. Handicapped in his youth by the lack of even ordinary educational advantages, he embarked upon his career without means or influential friends, and in spite of the numerous obstacles which have sought to impede his progress has sturdily and steadily forged his way to the top, until today he is the owner of a fine property of 110 acres in section 18, and is recognized as a man of substantial worth and influence in his community. Mr. Whetsel was born on a farm near Mechanicsburg, Henry county, Indiana, May 31, 1865, and is a son of Noah and Mary (Corbin) Whetsel.
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Noah Whetsel was born and reared in Rockingham county, Vir- ginia, and after his marriage came to Indiana, loeating in Henry county, Indiana. While a resident here, in 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, and on his return to the pursuits of peace moved to Madison county, where he has since made his home. He and his wife, who is now deceased, were the parents of twelve children-eight sons and two daughters-and of these children ten are living at this time, namely : Lewis, who resides in Madison county; William H., a resident of Han- cock county, Indiana; Andrew J., of this review; Charles, living at Elwood, Indiana; Noah, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits near Alexandria; Israel and Nealey, who are engaged in farming southwest of Anderson ; Emma, who became the wife of Samuel Case, of Anderson; Francina, who became the wife of George Ott, of Indianapolis; and Lillian, who married Henry Thomas, a well-known contractor and builder of Anderson.
Andrew J. Whetsel was an infant of one year when brought by his parents to Madison county, and here he was reared to manhood. His early studies were neglected, the greater part of his education being secured in the school of hard work, but in later years this has been sup- plemented by a great deal of reading, study and observation, and at this time he is a better educated man than many who had much greater early advantages. Mr. Whetsel embarked upon a career of his own when he was but seventeen years of age, securing employment by the month of farms in Madison county. He had early learned the value of a dollar and carefully hoarded his savings, with the goal ever in view of one day being the owner of a property of his own. It took ten years of the hardest kind of work and the closest economy to realize this ambition, but when he was once fairly settled upon his first small purchase of land, he began to rise rapidly. He now has 110 aeres of excellent land, all in a high state of cultivation, which yields him generous crops for the labor expended upon it. His buildings are substantial in character, his live stock sleek and well fed, his machinery of the latest manufacture, and the whole general appearance of the property testifies to its owner's good management and thrift. Mr. Whetsel is a quiet, unassuming man, yet wields some influence in his neighborhood, although his only con- nection with public affairs has been his support of the prohibition mnove- ment. He is known to be strictly honorable in his business dealings, and as neighbor and friend is kind and generous. With his family, he holds membership in the Union Missionary Baptist church.
On December 25, 1890, Mr. Whetsel was married to Miss Rettie A. Maxwell, who was born in September, 1865, in Hancock county, Indiana, daughter of Abel and Malissa (Rigger) Maxwell. Mrs. Whetsel's par- ents died when she was fourteen years of age, but she managed to secure a district school education and to support herself until her marriage. She is a member of the Zion's Chapel, Methodist Episcopal church. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whetsel: Delpha Lester, who was born September 18, 1891, graduated from the common schools at the age of fourteen years, and subsequently completed his schooling in the Middletown High school, and is now assisting his father in the work of the home place; and Hushel Raymon, who passed away at the age of twenty-two months.
LEROY DAVIS, one of the energetic and progressive agriculturists of Adams township, and the owner of a well-cultivated tract of land on
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which he is engaged in general farming and stock raising, has been a resident of this township all of his life and is well known to the citizens of his community. His entire life has been devoted to the tilling of the soil, and his success has been accomplished through the medium of his own efforts. Leroy Davis was born on a farm in Adams township, Madison county, Indiana, January 7, 1878, and is a son of Elwood and Mary ( Windall) Davis, also natives of Adams township.
John S. Davis, the paternal grandfather of Leroy Davis, was born in the Carolinas, and was afterwards married to Nancy Scott, a native of the Old North State. They migrated to Indiana at an early date and settled first in Fall Creek township, but subsequently moved to Adams township and there established the family home. In 1888 they retired from active life and removed to the city of Anderson, where both passed away. Both Elwood Davis and his wife were born, reared and educated in Adams township, in the same neighborhood, and after their marriage settled down to farming on their own account, being engaged therein until 1908, when they retired and moved to Anderson, where they still make their home. Elwood Davis was very successful in his operations, and at one time was the owner of 352 acres of land, but since that time has divided a good deal of this property among his children. He had various other interests, took a keen and intelligent interest in the affairs of his community, and is highly regarded by all who know him in country life, as he is in his new home. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis there were born three children, as follows: Leroy; Harry, a graduate of the common schools of Adams township, and now engaged in the wholesale butchering business at Anderson, married Pearl Wilson; and Carrie, who is the wife of John Hayes, a resident of Adams township.
Leroy Davis was reared on the old homestead farm in Adams town- ship, on which he worked for his father during the summer months, in the meantime acquiring his educational training in the district schools during the winter term. When he had completed his schooling, he turned his attention entirely to farming, and in this he has con- tinued to be engaged to the present time. Mr. Davis has been success- ful in his general farming ventures, using the most modern machinery and methods, and his products find a ready market, his associates know- ing him as a man of the highest integrity and business honor. He has also had satisfactory results in his stock raising ventures, and keeps a high grade of cattle and standard Duroe hogs. His land is under a high state of cultivation, and has been made more valuable by the erection of substantial buildings and other improvements, and altogether compares favorably with any of its size in this section.
Mr. Davis was married January 24, 1900, in Anderson township, to Miss Ethel Hoppes, who was born January 17, 1882, in Anderson township, Madison county, Indiana, and educated in the public schools there. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis there has come one son: Howard, who was born February 12, 1903, and is now a student in the district schools. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Church of God and has been active in its work. Mr. Davis is essentially an agriculturist, and has never eared for public life, but gives his support to Democratic prin- ciples and candidates and supports also those movements which be believes will make for good government and better citizenship. He is widely known in Adams township, where the family has resided for so many years, and there are few who have more friends.
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. ROBERT H. CLARK. A representative of an old and honored family which on both the paternal and maternal sides has been identified with the agricultural interests of Madison county for three generations, Robert HI. Clark is one of the highly respected farmer-citizens of Adams, township. Although now somewhat retired from active pursuits, he still maintains an interest in all that affects the welfare of his com- munity where his entire life has been passed. Few men have a more thorough knowledge of agricultural conditions in this section than has . Mr. Clark, for he was born on the farm which he now occupies, and from earliest childhood has watched its growth and development, keeping fully abreast of the changes and advancements that have made this one of the flourishing regions of Madison county. He was born Septem- ber 26, 1853, and is a son of Selbia and Sarah A. (Davis) Clark.
The Clark family is of English origin, and was founded in America by the great-grandfather of Robert H. Clark, who emigrated to this country at an early day and located in North Carolina. From that state his son, Barney Clark, the grandfather of Robert H. Clark, migrated to Madison county, Indiana, settled in Adams township, and here spent the remainder of his life in clearing a farm and making a home for his family. Selbia Clark was born in 1809, in Pasquotank county, North Carolina, and some time after his marriage came to Indiana, about a year before the arrival of his father. Like the elder man, he devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil and succeeded in establishing a home for his large family. He was married in Madison county, Indiana, in 1829 or 1830, to Sarah A. Davis, who was born in 1812, in Pasquotank county, and whose parents were also early settlers of Madison county, Indiana. This union resulted in the birth of four- teen children, of whom seven are still living in 1913, Robert H. being the youngest member of this family.
The education of Robert H. Clark was secured in the district schools of Adams township, which he attended during the winter ternis until he was about twenty-one years of age. He continued to remain under the parental roof and assist his father until his father's deat !: in February, 1879. at which time he rented the old homestead, and this has continued to be his home. The mother, Sarah A. Clark, sur- vived until the 18th of August, 1885. Robert H. Clark has a well- cultivated tract of forty-seven and one-sixth acres, and his ventures in farming have proved uniformly successful by reason of his good man- agement and thorough knowledge of his vocation. In his politien! views, Mr. Clark has been a Democrat, but at times has cast his vote with the Socialist party. He and Mrs. Clark are consistent members of the Christian church.
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