USA > Indiana > Tipton County > History of Tipton County Indiana > Part 24
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TIPTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
FISHERIES.
It has not been many years since there was no fishing whatever in the county of Tipton. The streams are small, and about the only catches which can be made are shiners, chubs, silversides, red horse, suckers, sun fish and cat fish. Of recent years, however, the several empty gravel pits in the county have come to be excellent fishing grounds. Among these pits might be mentioned Pott's pit, Gunning pit, Carr, Owen, Ferguson and Garhart. The pits are beautiful little lakes and are very inviting during the summer months for the fisherman. The ponds have been liberally stocked with bass, pickerel, goggle eyes, etc., and some really big catches are made. The United States and Indiana boards of fish commissioners have come to recognize these pits, and have issued orders in regard to their maintenance. Carp was introduced into Tipton county by Caleb B. Shank in 1890. And so, consid- ering these facts, Tipton county may yet bear a reputation as a fishing ground.
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JUDGE JAMES M. PURVIS
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BIOGRAPHICAL
JUDGE JAMES M. PURVIS.
Holding eminent prestige among the successful business men of his community, the subject of this review has had much to do in advancing the material interests of Tipton, Tipton county, Indiana, and making it one of the important commercial centers of this section of the state. The study of such a life cannot fail of interest and incentive, for he has been not only distinctively representative in his spheres of endeavor, but has established a reputation for integrity and honor. Though not now actively identified with business pursuits, he is still numbered among the substantial and worthy citizens of his community and none more than he deserves representation in a work of the character of the one in hand.
Judge James M. Purvis is descended from sterling old pioneer stock, his paternal grandfather, Calvin Purvis, having been a great hunter and trapper in Kentucky and Indiana in the early frontier days. His death occurred in Tipton county in 1876, at the supposed age of over one hundred years. His wife died in Kentucky, their family history being unknown. They were the parents of nine children, Alfred, John, James, William, George. Lydia, Luther, Mary (familiarly known as Polly) and Andrew J. After the death of his first wife, Calvin Purvis again married, having two children by this union, Benjamin and a daughter whose name is unknown. The subject's maternal grandfather was Harrison Bess, while his wife's name was Town- send, and they became early pioneers of Tipton county, owning farms in ` Liberty and Prairie townships. They lived to an advanced age and reared a large family, their children being William, James, John, Orville, David, Margaret J., Phoebe, Perlina and Lavina. The subject's father, Andrew J. Purvis, who was born in Kentucky, was brought by his father to Decatur county, Indiana, in his infancy, his mother having died in Kentucky. He grew to manhood in Decatur county, and in 1853 moved to Tipton county, where he was married two years later and located in Liberty township, where he engaged in farming. He also lived at different times in Prairie, Jefferson and Cicero townships, and in 1888 he moved to Tipton, making his home
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with his son, James M., his death occurring on August 11, 1890, when past sixty-three years of age. His wife died in 1887 and was buried in the old Jackson cemetery in Liberty township. She was fifty-two years of age at the time of her death. Religiously, they were formerly members of the Newlight church, but later became identified with the Disciples church. They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom grew to maturity, namely: John W., who died in 1909; James M., the immediate subject of this sketch: Orville S., of Indianapolis: Angie, who died in Tipton unmarried in 1895, and who for some years was a successful school teacher ; Zena A., the wife of Glen Long, of Indianapolis ; the other children died in infancy and youth.
James M. Purvis was born in the southwestern corner of Liberty town- ship, Tipton county, Indiana, on July 4, 1863, and was reared to maturity on his father's farm, attending the district schools of that neighborhood during his early youth. Later he became a student in the Central Normal College at Danville, and upon the completion of his education engaged in teaching, which he followed during eight terms. He lived in the city of Tipton during the last six terms, and during this period gave considerable attention to the study of law, having decided to make the practice his life work, and in 1888 was admitted to the bar. In 1893 Mr. Purvis began practicing his profession at .Tipton, in partnership with James M. Fippen, under whom he had previously studied law. They were together from June, 1893, until May, 1902, after which time the subject practiced alone until August, 1912, when he was appointed judge of the thirty-sixth judicial circuit by Governor Thomas R. Marshall to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Judge L. B. Nash, and in the following fall he was elected to that position for the full term of six years, having a majority of one hundred and fifty-six over both Republican and Progressive candidates and being the only county candidate that had a majority over all opposition. There thus falls to him the distinc- tion of being the only judge who has ever succeeded himself in this circuit. In the primary election at which he was nominated for judge he carried every township in the county against a field of four candidates. In the active practice Judge Purvis stood admittedly in the front rank of his profession in this county, being one of the most successful lawyers at the local bar. In his present exalted position his career has been all that his previous record promised. His qualifications for the office of judge are unquestionable. First of all he has the integrity of character, and then he possesses the natural ability and essential requirements, the acumen of the judicial temperament. He is able to divest himself of prejudice or favoritism, and consider only the legal aspects of the question submitted. No labor is too great, however arduous, no appli-
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cation too exacting, however severe, if necessary to the complete understand- ing and correct determination of the question. These are indeed words of high praise, but the encomium is justified in every particular, for the Judge has proved himself a distinct man in all the term implies, and its implica- tion is wide. His career on the bench and at the bar is certainly a noble example and inspiration, for he has never been known to fail in that strict courtesy and regard. for professional ethics which should ever characterize the members of the bar, his career reflecting credit on the judiciary and dignifying the profession to which he belongs.
Politically, Judge Purvis is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party and has for many years been active in its ranks. In 1890 he was candidate for prosecuting attorney for the thirty-sixth judicial circuit, but was defeated. In 1896 he was elected a member of the state Legislature and served in the sessions of the following year. He also served efficiently as city and county attorney. Fraternally, he is a member of Tipton Lodge No. 220, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while, religiously, he and his wife are earnest mem- bers of the Episcopal church at Indianapolis.
On April 14, 1897, Judge Purvis was united in marriage with Adonis B. Clarke, who was born on January 1, 1877, within one block of where she now lives, the daughter of William H. and Ophelia P. (Jesse) Clarke. Her father died in 1886. Her mother, who was a native of Kentucky, died in Clinton county, Indiana, in June, 1910, and was buried in the Tipton ceme- tery by the side of her husband. These parents had four children, two of whom, Adonis and Beatrice, grew to maturity. To Judge and Mrs. Purvis have been born four children, Ralph C., Boyd J., Noel A. and Frank M. Judge and Mrs. Purvis move in the best social circles of Tipton, and are popular members of the society dignified by their presence. Genial and un- assuming, the Judge enjoys a wide-spread popularity and has a large circle of warm and loyal personal friends.
LEROY B. NASH.
In no profession is a career more open to talent than is that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, of the underlying principles which form the basis of human life and its privileges. Unflagging application, intuitive wisdom and determination fully to utilize the means
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at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success in this great pro- fession. It stands as a conservator of justice, and it is only by the legal prin- ciples which date back to our Anglo-Saxon forefathers that it is possible for men of today to get exact justice. Success does not perch on the banner of every person who enters the competitive race, but comes only as the result of capability. It is not too much to say that the sketch which is here presented of the late deceased Judge Nash, presents a man who possessed all the requisites of the able lawyer.
Leroy B. Nash, the oldest in a family of eight children, was born Feb- ruary 27, 1868, on the Nash farm, three and one-half miles west of Tipton, and died in the court house in Tipton, Indiana, on Monday, August 5. 1912. in the midst of honors graciously and deservedly won and successes meritori- ously achieved. The parents of Judge Nash were William G. and Rebecca E. (Galloway) Nash, his paternal grandparents being Richard and Margaret (Moffett) Nash, both natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent and pioneers of Indiana, settling in Fayette county, near Connersville. His ma- ternal grandparents were John and Isabel (Buick) Galloway, who came from Ohio to Indiana and located in Cicero township, Tipton county, and both of whom died in this county.
The wife of Judge Nash was the daughter of William L. and Catherine (Diller) Berryman. They were married December 11, 1871. Her father and mother were natives of Indiana, coming to Tipton county in 1872, the mother dying here in 1881, at the age of thirty-two. The father married for his sec- ond wife Anna Rothgery. To the first union were born two children, Samp- son, who died at the age of eight, and Winona Margaret. Mrs. Nash was reared in Tipton, graduating from the Tipton high school. Her paternal grandparents were Sampson and Virginia (Royster) Berryman.
The years and energy of Judge Nash's minority were devoted to working on a farm. He attended the neighboring common school at Independence and there received a good practical education, which, supplemented with additional individual study, enabled him to qualify as a teacher, which vocation he fol- lowed for a time after attaining his majority, and in 1890, when twenty-two years of age, he embarked on a legal career which he successfully followed to the end of his life. At that time he entered the law offices of Messrs. Beau- champ & Mount, and under their tutelage prosecuted his legal studies for some two years more, and in the year 1892, having been found qualified, was admitted to membership at the bar. He immediately opened an office and be- gan the practice of his chosen profession. As a lawyer he was always true
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to his clients, untiring in his efforts in their behalf, able and formidable in advocating their causes, yet deferential and kindly to his opponents and re- spectful and gentlemanly to the courts. Such abilities and demeanor soon brought him a large and profitable clientage. Later he became a member of the legal firm of Gifford & Nash, and latterly that of Nash & Teter, each of which had a lucrative clientage. In 1894 he was elected mayor of the city of Tipton and served his constituency honorably and well for four years, using his influence and power for the permanent improvement and upbuilding of his adopted city. In politics he was always a Republican. He was twice a candi- date for the nomination of reporter for the supreme and appellate courts of Indiana, and was always an active and wise counsellor of his party, being present at its councils even on the day of his death. In 1908 he was elected judge of the thirty-sixth judicial circuit, then composed of Tipton and How- ard counties, and was an honored incumbent of that high office at the time of his death, his term yet having some two years and three months to run.
On June 25, 1895, Judge Nash was united in marriage to Winona Berry- man, of this city, who, by her loving ministrations and able helpfulness, contributed in no small way in the achievements and preferments of her hus- band, and who is now left to mourn his early departure.
Fraternally, Judge Nash was a member of Austin Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Sons of Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also belonged to the Tipton Commercial Club and State Bar Association, as well as other organizations. Though not a college man, he had by his own efforts become well versed in the law, in history, both ancient and modern, in literature, in statecraft, in horticulture, in the current events of the world, as well as other lines of human endeavor. As a teacher, he was an uplift to the young; as a lawyer, he was an ornament to his profession, an advocate of equality and justice among men, the majesty and importance of the law and its proper enforce- ment ; as a mayor, he was noted for his wise discrimination and aggressive course in the upbuilding of his adopted city ; as a judge, he was noted for his unfailing impartiality and considerate and kindly demeanor to the members of the bar and litigants who appeared before him, for his fairness, for his mercy to those brought before him charged with wrong, for his knowledge of the law and human nature, and for the justness of his judgments; as a dutiful son, for the unfailing honor, respect and love which he always exhibited for his parents; as a husband, for the uninterrupted and bounteous devotion be- stowed upon his wife and helpmeet; as a friend, for his unbounded gener-
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osity, his never failing assistance under any and all conditions, and for the opportunities he would create so that he might be of help to his friends; and as a citizen and neighbor, for his untiring and helpful labors for all those things that he believed go to make the life of those yet remaining for a little while, better, happier, easier and more desirable. The term of the years and of the days of his life have run by, to return no more, but the influence of his life remains and will continue with us for our good.
ELBERT HAMILTON SHIRK.
It is the dictate of our nature, no less than of enlightened social policy. to honor those whose lives have contributed in any way to the good of their community and their associates; to bedew with affectionate tears the silent urn of departed worth and virtue; to unburden the fullness of the surcharged heart in eulogium upon deceased benefactors, and to rehearse their noble deeds for the benefit of those who may come after us. It has been the commend- able custom of all ages and all nations. Hence the following feeble tribute to one of nature's noblemen. In contemplating the many estimable qualities of . the late Elbert Hamilton Shirk, integrity and industry appear as prominent characteristics-an integrity that no personal or other consideration could swerve, and an industry that knew no rest while anything remained undone. When a given task was accomplished, he would throw off all care, retire to his home and devote himself to domestic and social enjoyments, for which he had the keenest zest and relish. His temper was calm and equable, and his man- ners were emphatically those of a gentleman-plain, simple, dignified, despis- ing sham and pretense of all kinds. His devotion to every duty was intense, while his perception of truth and worth was almost intuitive. Although his life was a busy one, his private affairs and his home making heavy demands upon his time, he never allowed it to interfere with his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his church duties. Always calm and straight- forward, never demonstrative, his life was a steady effort for the worth of Christian doctrine, the purity and grandeur of Christian principles and the beauty and elevation of Christian character. He had the greatest sympathy for his fellowmen and was always ready to aid and encourage those who were struggling to aid themselves: yet in this, as in everything, he was entirely unassuming. When he believed he was on the right path, nothing could swerve him from it; home life was a sacred trust and friendships were in-
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violable. He commanded the respect of all classes by his exemplary life, and his memory will long be revered by his many friends and acquaintances.
Elbert Hamilton Shirk was born at Whitcomb, Franklin county, Indiana, on November 24, 1846, and died at Tipton on April 12, 1901. He was a son of Andrew and Sarah (Wright) Shirk, and was one of nine children, seven of whom lived to maturity : Elbert H., Mary, wife of Dr. Williams, of Pe- toskey, Michigan; William, who died in Muncie in 1912: Martha, wife of Charles Goodwin, of Brookville, Indiana; James A., of Delphi, Indiana ; John C., of Brookville: George, of Chicago, and two who died young, Eliza- beth and Samuel. The senior Shirk was a merchant and a farmer at Spring- field, Indiana, and died there in 1883 at sixty-six years of age. His wife died in 1898, when she was over seventy-five years of age. Both these par- ents were life-long members of the Baptist church. The paternal grand- parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Shirk, were pioneers in Franklin county. In- diana. He came from Switzerland, while she was a native-born American. Samuel Shirk followed the occupation of a farmer all his life, and both he and his wife died in Franklin county well advanced in years. They were the parents of several children, Harvey, Elbert, Isaac, Samuel. Elizabeth, David and Rebecca. The maternal grandparents were also early settlers in Franklin county and natives of England, and died in that county. Their children were as follows: James, William, John, Hiram, Sarah, Elizabeth, Hannah and Mary.
Elbert H. Shirk, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Franklin county. Indiana, on his father's farm. He attended the district schools of the county and finished his education by taking a course in the Brookville College. He taught several terms of school after graduating, and later took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar, but on account of ill health he did not follow the profession long. He came to Tipton in 1877 and be- came cashier of the First National Bank and held that position until his death. In addition to his banking business, he handled much real estate and operated several farms at the same time. He had much interest in the public affairs of his community, especially educational affairs, and was for several years a member of the school board of Tipton. He spent all of his spare time in reading, and at his death possessed probably the largest library in the county.
On November 25, 1878, Mr. Shirk was married to Nannie Roberts, the daughter of John and Mary M. (Templeton) Roberts, and to this union were born two children. Helen and John. Helen married George Shortle, a mer-
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chant in Tipton, and they have one son, George Elbert; John is in the can- nery business at Windfall, but lives in Tipton. He married Juliet Robinson Swayne, of Richmond, Indiana. Mrs. Shortle is a graduate of Indiana Uni- versity and John is a graduate of Yale University.
Mrs. Shirk was born in Brookville, Indiana, on July 21, 1845. Her father was a native of Kentucky, and her mother was born in Franklin county, Indiana. He was engaged in the milling and pork packing business and was the owner of several farms. His death occurred in Indianapolis on January 14, 1891, at the age of seventy-seven, while his wife's death occurred on December 17, 1900, at the age of eighty-six. They were the parents of ten children, four of whom grew to maturity : Mrs. Caroline Peck, of Indianapo- lis; Mrs. Helen M. Heron, of Indianapolis: James E. Roberts, of Indianapo- lis, and Mrs. Nannie Shirk, of Tipton.
The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Shirk were Billingsley and Nancy (Jewell) Roberts, both natives of Kentucky. He was a farmer by occupation and died in Kentucky while on a return visit there in regard to his business affairs in that state. Mrs. Roberts died in Franklin county, Indiana. They were the parents of a large family : William, Sarah, Ellen, Billingsley, Lafay- ette, Winfield Scott, Julia and Andrew Jackson. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Shirk were Robert and Mary (Adams) Templeton, natives respect- ively of South and North Carolina. They were early settlers of Franklin county, where they died at an advanced age. They reared a large family : William, James, Robert, Lovice, Mary, George, Sarah Jane, Nancy and others who died in infancy.
E. H. Shirk was afflicted with poor health for many years, but the things which he did showed an energy that would have been a credit to any man possessing the best of health. Endowed by nature with a fine mind, a good heart, and lofty aims in life, he let his light shine in such a manter at all times as to prove his manly qualities in following high ideals, and thus set an example before the world that is worthy of emulation. The good wife who is left to mourn her loss in his death is well known for her many gener- ous, kindly and charitable deeds. It was through Mr. Shirk that the Tipton public library got its inspiration, and it was Mrs. Shirk who gave five thou- sand dollars unsolicited for the endowment of the library. This has proven to be a wise provision and aided largely in the erection and furnishings of the library. In ways innumerable these exemplary people have shown their generous friendship and love for the welfare of Tipton and the community. The world is made better by having such people in it. Since Mr. Shirk's
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death Mrs. Shirk has continued in her ministrations to all charitable and benevolent institutions. She is a lady of culture and refinement, quiet and unostentatious in her demeanor and her life is a benediction to all who know her.
JUDGE WALTER W. MOUNT.
It is not an easy task to adequately describe the character of a man who has led an eminently active and busy life in connection with the great legal profession, and who has stamped his individuality on the plane of definite accomplishment in one of the most exacting fields of human endeavor. Yet there is always a full measure of satisfaction in adverting, even in a casual way, to the career of an able and conscientious worker in any line of activity. Among the truly self-made and representative men of Tipton county none ranks higher than the honorable gentleman whose name heads this sketch, who is a conspicuous figure in the civic life of the community. A man of tireless energy and indomitable courage, he has won and held the unqualified esteem of his fellow citizens. With the law as his profession from young man- · hood, he has won a brilliant reputation at the bar and during the time he was a judge he was truly an ornament to the bench, his decisions bearing the stamp of clear reasoning and sound principles.
Judge Walter W. Mount was born in Rush county, Indiana, February 15, 1857, the son of John and Elizabeth (Stewart) Mount, natives, re- spectively, of Ohio and Indiana. To Judge Mount's parents were born eight children, namely : Anna is the wife of A. G. Burkhart, a stock man, and they live near Tipton; Walter W .; Volen is the wife of Pernial Blazer and they live four and one-half miles west of Tipton; Vessie is the wife of Frank Par- son and they live in Walla Walla, Washington; Alta died in her seventeenth year; the others died in infancy.
John Mount, the Judge's father, was reared in Rush county, Indiana, and was a farmer. In 1870 he sold his farm there and removed to Tipton county, engaging in merchandising in Milroy for three years, then returning to agri- cultural pursuits in Cicero township, west of Tipton, where he farmed until within fifteen years of his death, his 'demise occurring in the month of June, 1906, in his seventy-third year, his wife surviving until March 11, 1913, she dying within eight days of her eightieth birthday anniversary. Judge Mount's parents were members of the Christian church.
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