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 59
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Noah Ryan who was born in the old log house previously mentioned grew up largely amid pioneer surroundings, and his education was supplied by the schools existing in this county during the decade of the fifties. Later he was sent to Westfield Academy, and qualified as a teacher, a vocation which he followed for four years. Outside of that he has been engaged in farming throughout his active lifetime. In 1879 he settled on the farm he now occupies, in section one of town- Vol. II-27
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ship twenty, range six east, and has employed his energies in general farming with exceptional success. On the second of December, 1869, Mr. Ryan married Samantha Wise, who was born in Jackson township, a daughter of John and Harriet (McClintock) Wise. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have four children: Clara, Emma, Lueretia, and John. Emma married Frank Anderson, and their seven children are Lena, Wilbur, Paul, Robert, Clare, Ralph and Harriet. In politics Mr. Ryan casts his first vote for General Grant, and has been a consistent supporter of the Republican party and principles ever since. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church.
THOMAS M. NORTON. The industrial history of Anderson and Madi- son county records the name of Thomas M. Norton, who for many years was one of their leading business factors, a pioneer in the truest sense of the word and one who maintained a high standard of citizeli- ship. He was a native son of Ireland, born in 1835, and was but a babe of two years when brought to this country by his parents, the family loeating near Dayton, Ohio. There the lad received his educational training in the public schools and there he also learned the trade of a carpenter, gradually drifting into contracting. During the early years of the 'sixties he went to Union City, Indiana, where he became asso- eiated with Louis Williams in the ale brewing business, and from there in 1866 he came to Anderson and formed a partnership with Patrick Sullivan, they establishing the first ale brewery in northern Indiana. while some time later Michael Cromley became identified with the firm.
In 1882 Mr. Norton began the brewing of beer on his own account, and from that time until his life's labors were ended in death he con- tinued to devote his time and energy to the development of a business which grew extensively throughout this section of the state. He at all times gave his closest attention to the business which he had established and east aside whatever aspirations he may have had for public life. although he was never indifferent to the duties of good citizenship. He was a member of the first board of Worker's Trustees in Anderson and served thereon for ten years, the other members being L. J. Burr and Henry Bronnenberg, while later Harrison Quick also became a member.
Mr. Norton made but one trip to his native land, in 1896, and he spent the year touring the continent, then returning to Anderson, the city which he had helped to build, but at this time he turned over his busi- ness to his sons and spent the remainder of his days in quiet retirement. During his residence here he had formed many lasting friendships. In his business relations Thomas M. Norton was cordial, pleasant and honest; to the needy he was generous and liberal; and many families who were beneficiaries of his benevolences sadly mourned his death. In the home eirele he was devoted to his family, liberal and indulgent to their every want. It had been the custom to make an annual trip to the south for the winters, and the plans had been completed for the trip when Mr. Norton was suddenly stricken ill, and after several weeks passed away as the result of apoplexy.
In 1861, in Piqua, Ohio, Mr. Norton was married to Miss Katherine MeCarthy, who survives her husband, as do also their four children : Mrs. J. C. Kreuch, Mrs. M. J. Crowley and Martin C. and William J. Norton, all of whom reside in Anderson. Mr. Norton also left a brother and sister, M. Norton, of Piqua, and Mrs. Mary Hoban, of Dayton. Ohio. Mr. Norton maintained fraternal relations with the Ancient
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Order of Hibernians and his religious connection was with St. Mary's church, in the support of which he was ever liberal. Father Mulcahy, of that church, officiated at the funeral, and this loved, honored and revered pioneer was laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery.
WILLIAM J. NORTON, one of the sons of Thomas M. Norton, has also gained and maintained a high standard of citizenship, and is well known in the business circles of Anderson as the secretary and treasurer of the T. M. Norton Brewing Company. He is one of the city's native sons, born on the 9th of April, 1869, and he received his education in its public and high schools. After leaving school he entered the office of his father's brewery, and there he remained until the elder man's death, thoroughly familiarizing himself with all the details of the large business. Since the death of Thomas M. Norton the business has been con- tinued under the name of the T. M. Norton Brewing Company, with Mar- tin C. Norton as president and William J. Norton as secretary and treas- urer. Although essentially a business man, with no aspirations for public office, Mr. Norton is proud of the achievements of his native city, and when matters of public moment have come up for settlement with other earnest citizens he has guided his actions by a sincere devotion to the public welfare. His fraternal connections are with the Fraternal Order . of Eagles and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On June 14, 1893, Mr. Norton was married to Miss Josephine Elters, of Anderson, and they bave three children: Charles T., Kathleen and Harold S. The Norton residence is located at 122 Seventh street, and Mr. Norton is also the owner of other valuable city realty.
JOHN G. MCILWRAITH. In tracing the lives and characters of those who have won eminence in the professions and in business, it is found that among the most successful are men who have been content to start at the bottom of the ladder and to force their way steadily upward to their rightful place among their fellow-citizens. In this class stands John G. Mellwraith. secretary and treasurer of the Indiana Box Com- pany, of Elwood. Mr. Mellwraith's residence is at Anderson, but he has taken a lively interest in the affairs of Elwood, where his influence, always for good, is felt in public matters. He is a Canadian by birth, his home being the city of Hamilton, and his birth date December 31, 1865. Mr. Mellwraith is a son of Thomas and Mary (Park) Mellwraith, and on both sides of the family is descended from natives of Scotland.
Thomas Mellwraith was born at Ayr, Scotland, and was there reared and educated. Shortly after his marriage, he emigrated to. America, -locating at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where he became manager of the gas works, a position which he held for many years. He subse- quently became a brick manufacturer, but about the year 1870 bought out a forwarding business, owning the locks over which goods were `shipped to the West. He also dealt extensively in coal and ice and had other profitable investments. As a young man, Mr. MeIlwraith became interested in the study of ornithology and taxidermy, and this he made his hobby throughout life .. He became president of the American Orni- thological Society, and wrote a number of works in regard to his art, one of which, "The Birds of Ontario," attracted nation-wide attention. His prominence in that line led him to exchange bird specimens with taxidermists all over the world, his collection was one of the most valuable to be found in Ontario, and he was a recognized authority on all matters pertaining to this interesting study. Mr. Mellwraith
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died in Hamilton, in 1903, aged about eighty-five years, and the flag on the Government building was hung at half-mast. He was promi- nent in the business life of the city, and took a decided interest in its welfare and development. His religious belief was that of the Presby- terian Church, as was also that of his wife, who died in 1901, when about eighty-three years of age. They were the parents of seven chil- dren, as follows: Thomas F., who is a coal merchant at Hamilton, Canada; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of R. J. Service, of Detroit, Michigan; Jane, single, a book reviewer for the firm of Doubleday, Page & Company, Garden City, New York; Helen, who became the wife of John H. Holl, of Quebec, Canada; Hugh, who is engaged in the. manufacture of boxes at Newcastle, Pennsylvania; John G., of this review, and Dr. Kennedy, a practicing physician of Toronto, Canada.
John G. McIlwraith was reared to manhood in Hamilton, Canada. receiving his education in the public schools of his native land, and in 1884 came to the United States, where he secured employment as a clerk in a Detroit wholesale hardware store. Six months later he became freight clerk for the Detroit & Cleveland Steam Navigation Company, continuing with that line during 1884 and 1885, and in 1886 went to Muskegon, Michigan, where he acted in the capacity of manager .for the Munroe Manufacturing Company until 1891. In that year, with two Muskegon lumbermen, he organized the Indiana Box Com- pany, at Anderson, Indiana, to which city he removed the same year, locating permanently. In 1899 the Indiana Box Company purchased the plant of the Elwood Box Company, and until 1903 operated both plants. The Anderson plant being destroyed in that year, the business was concentrated at Elwood, where about seventy-five persons are employed in the manufacture of wooden boxes for packing purposes, especially for glass and tin-plate. The business of the concern increased so rapidly that the proprietors soon purchased the plant of the Munroe Manufacturing Company, at Muskegon, Michigan, which is operated as a branch, although hiring more people, there being about 150 employes in that factory. Although his business is located at Elwood, Mr. McIlwraith continues to make his home at Indiana, where he has a modern residence at No. 1121 Central avenue. He has interested hill- self in the progress and development of both places, and is known as one of the substantial men of good judgment who can be relied upon to support beneficial measures.
On April 21, 1897, Mr. Mellwraith was married to Miss Martha Chit- tenden, who was born at Anderson, Indiana, daughter of Dr. G. F. . and Amanda Chittenden. Dr. Chittenden was long prominent with Madison county's history, especially during the Civil War, after which he was engaged in the practice of medicine. He still resides in Ander- son, although now somewhat retired, while his wife has passed away. They had three children: Carrie, Edgar and Martha. To Mr. and Mrs. McIlwraith there have come three children: Mary Park, Helen Adair and Worden. Mr. and Mrs. McIlwraith are members of the Presbyterian Church. He was a Democrat until the national campaign of 1896, when he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party. which has since received his support.
OLIVER H. BURDETT. The owner of a fine country estate of one hundred and eighty acres in section nineteen in Fall Creek township. Mr. Burdett was born in the township of his present residence and near the
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farm which he now occupies and cultivates. He represents one of the old families of Madison county, and in his generation has given a faith- ful account of his life as a stewart in the administration of an inherit- ance which the pioneer members of the family established, and created.
. Oliver H. Burdett was born on a farm near his present residence in Fall Creek township on August 18, 1850, and was a son of Christopher and Mary (Shaul) Burdett. Christopher Burdett was born in Green- brier county, West Virginia, in 1813, and died March 22, 1855. His wife was born in Ohio and came to Madison county with her parents among the very first pioneers of this section of Indiana. Her parents located on section thirty in Fall Creek township, entering the land from the Government and established their first home in the environ- ment of Green Woods. Isolated from other settlers and with practically no communication with the outside world except by the blazed trails through the woods. Christopher Burdett was also an early settler of this county, and became a large land owner and a prosperous and influential citizen. Mr. Burdett's mother died many years ago and she was the mother of six children, three of whom are living in 1913. Eliza is the wife of Stephen Ward, and a resident at Thorntown, Indiana: Alexander Burdett is the other son now living. Two of the sons. JJohn and Leonidas, were soldiers of the Union army during the Civil war. Oliver H. Burdett was reared on the old farm, and as soon as old enough was sent to the district schools, which he attended during the winter seasons, alternating his schooling with work on the home place. When he was about eighteen years of age he took up farm work in earnest, but remained at home helping cultivate the acres of the old estate until he was twenty-three years of age. He and his brother Alexander now own the old homestead which is a splendid estate and shows the thrift and excellent management of two generations of fari- ers since it was first cleared up from the native wilderness. Mr. Bur. dett was married November 13, 1873, to Miss Margaret Alfont. who was born in Green township, Madison county, April 10, 1851. She received her education in the public schools of her native township. and was a daughter of Robert Alfont. Seven children have been born into the Burdett home, and five are living in the present year, 1913, namely : Edward C., who graduated from the common schools and spent two years in the high school and during the last American war was a met ber of Company E in the Thirty-first Indiana Regiment during ti ... Philippine war, spending about two years altogether in those islan is. Mintie, a graduate of the common schools and the wife of Jautes Tur- man of Ohio; Howard D., a graduate of the common schools and a prac- tical farmer; Eva, who was also a student in the local schools, and is the wife of Albert Russell of Lapel, this county; Raymond who com- pleted his education in the Pendleton high schools. The family are members of the Christian church at Pendleton, and Mr. Burdett is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red Men at the same place. In politics he is a Progressive. As a general farmer and stock raiser h- has prospered beyond the ordinary and the superficial appearance of his estate indicates thrift and good management in every detail. HI .. enjoys the thorough respect and esteem of his entire community, and has taken considerable interest in local politics, having served on the county central committee.
JAMES A. FOWLER. Creditable to both the community and the indi- vidual is the career of a man who began life without advantages, with-
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out influences, with nothing but the resources of his hand and the judgment of his mind, and who against heavy odds acquired position and a satisfying degree of material prosperity. Probably few men in the Madison county citizenship of today are better examples of such a self-made career than Mr. James A. Fowler, of Fall Creek township. When he came to Madison county, Indiana, he had nothing but the few clothes on his back. He was willing to work, and so well did he use his physical energy and with such faithfulness to his employers that it has always remained a matter of pride that he could have stayed as long as he wished in any position which he ever held. He has reared an interesting family, and is a man of high standing, and is thoroughly posted on the affairs of the state and nation. He is at the present time the efficient town assessor of Fall Creek township, and enjoys every- where the esteem and admiration paid to a man of such achievements.
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 aeres 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 many 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 polities, 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 Iteln- 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."
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