USA > Indiana > Tipton County > History of Tipton County Indiana > Part 52
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TIPTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
LLOYD L. COX.
Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguishing quali- ties and it can not be retained without effort. Those by whom great changes have been made in the political and industrial world began early in life to prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities and it was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they succeeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the goal of their ambition. Such lives are an inspiration to others who are less courageous and more prone to give up the fight before their ideal is reached of definite success in any chosen field. In the life history of the honorable gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article we find evidence of a peculiar characteristic that always makes for achievement-persistency coupled with fortitude and lofty traits, and, although yet but a young man, Mr. Cox stands today as one of the best-known and most highly respected men of Madison township, Tipton county, Indiana, where he is engaged in general farming and stock raising on eighty acres of some of the best land in the community.
L. L. Cox was born November 7, 1883, in Cicero township, Tipton county, and is the son of Isaac M. and Frances ( Vernon) Cox, the father having been born and reared in Brown county, this state, where he was a farmer and a man of standing in the community. To the subject's parents were born five children, namely: Etta married William Griffin; Lloyd L., the subject of this review; Ray, Odna and Churchill are students in the high school at Tipton.
A good education as far as the knowledge to be obtained from text- books is concerned was secured by L. L. Cox at the Union school in Cicero township, and this has been supplemented in later life by a wide course of reading and close observation, there being no better informed man in the community today than the subject of this review. He has not only kept abreast of the times in all that concerns his chosen vocation of agriculture and stock raising, but displays an intelligent interest in public affairs and is a prominent factor in the affairs of a public nature in his community, his mature judgment being often sought in matters of civic life. Essentially up to date and scientific in his operation of his farm, he has been very suc- cessful and is reaping a rich reward from his well directed labors.
On April 16, 1913. Mr. Cox was united in the holy bonds of matrimony · to Mary Ryan, a lady of the most estimable qualities, who presides over the
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home place with womanly grace and dignity and lends to it a happy touch which has made it the center of a charming group of friends and acquaint- ances, true hospitality and ideal home life existing to a marked degree. Mrs. Cox is a faithful and earnest communicant of St. John's Catholic church in Tipton and is quite active in the many worthy benevolences of that institu- tion. An active support is accorded by the subject to the principles and candidates of the Democratic party, although he has never sought office or political preferment on his own behalf, being content to exercise a wise counsel in the local branch of his party, insisting that only the best men be given a place on its tickets. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellow men, he has not only made his presence felt, but has also gained the good will and commendation of both his associates and the general public, ever retaining his reputation among men for integrity and high character, no matter how trying the circumstances, and never losing that dignity which is the birthright of a gentleman.
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CHARLES HALFIN.
The prosperity and substantial welfare of a community depend very largely upon the character and enterprise of its citizens. It is the progressive, wide-awake men of affairs that make the real history of a county or state and upon them also rests the responsibility of giving moral tone to the body politic. To this class of strong, virile men belongs the well known and enter- prising citizen whose name appears at the head of this review, an individual of sterling character and sturdy worth, whose influence has always been on the right side of every moral issue and whose name stands for all that is best in manhood and good citizenship. In the industrial world he made his mark as a workman of the best class and in agriculture he has demonstrated that he stands second to none as a progressive and up-to-date farmer.
Charles Halfin, the proprietor of the Cedar Lawn farm of eighty acres at Cedar Corners, was born January 23, 1875, in Grant county, Indiana, the son of Joseph and Mary ( Downs) Halfin. Joseph Halfin was born in Madi- son county, this state, and was a prominent and successful farmer. He was the son of Joseph and Mary Ellen Halfin, the latter a native of Scotland. Joseph Halfin was the father of four children, namely : Laura married a Mr. Braddock; Herman ; Charles; Josie became the wife of a Mr. Vandiver.
The old Canaday and Point Isabel school houses were the scenes of the
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subject's first educational ventures, he completing the common branches in these institutions. After acquiring such schooling as was afforded by these, he took employment in the tin mills at Elwood, which trade he followed for nineteen years, starting in as a screen boy at one dollar and fifty cents per day. After serving his apprenticeship in this department, the subject was advanced to the position of catcher, in which capacity he earned about sixty- five dollars per month. Eventually he became a heater, which paid the good wages of from forty to fifty dollars per week, and eventually he was a doubler, receiving eight dollars per day in this capacity. Being of an industrious and economical disposition, Mr. Halfin saved his earnings and about ten years ago was able to purchase his present fine farm, where he has since engaged in agricultural operations with great success. By reason of his early occupation. he is now an honorary member of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers and takes quite an interest in all that pertains to the progress of that great union of the iron and steel men, being a firm believer in the benefits of organization on the part of the workers and an advocate of the most conservative and intelligent action along these lines.
On March 15, 1902, Mr. Halfin was united in the holy bonds of matri- mony to Grace Richards, the daughter of William O. and Addie ( Smith) Richards. Mrs. Halfin's father came from Clermont county, Ohio, and set- tled in Madison township, Tipton county, Indiana, near Cedar Corners, where he engaged in farming until his death. He is buried at Elwood, his wife, who survives him, making her home here.
While Mr. Halfin has never found time in his busy life to seek public office, he displays an intelligent interest in political affairs, casting his ballot with the Democratic party. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the workings of which orders he displays an earnest interest, seeking in his daily life to put into practice the commendable and beautiful precepts taught by these orders.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS MYERLY.
To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy persistence, the unswerving perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterize the farming element of the Hoosier state. Among this class may be mentioned the subject of this life record, who, by years of indefatigable labor and honest
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effort, has not only acquired a well merited prosperity, but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he has associated.
Christopher Columbus Myerly, a progressive and respected farmer, who is the owner of eighty acres of splendid land about three miles west of Elwood, was born June 2, 1856, on the same farm which he now owns and cultivates. having lived on this place nearly sixty years. He was the son of George and Susannah (Clabaugh) Myerly, the subject's father hailing from Carroll county, Maryland, and his mother from the Keystone state. George Myerly came to this county when he was forty-five years old, driving all the way, and first locating in Wayne county, Indiana, afterward removing to the farm in Tipton county which the subject now owns. This fine tract of land cost George Myerly but one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. To the sub- ject's parents were born eight children, namely: Roxeyann (deceased ), George W., John H., Amanda E. (wife of F. M. Walker), Silas R., Thomas Jefferson, Christopher C., and Charlotte, who married B. F. Hinds.
The subject of this review secured what education was afforded by the district schools, attending about three months out of the year, the remainder of his time being engaged in assisting in the cultivation of his father's place, in which work he was occupied until he reached his twenty-first year, when he rented land and engaged in agriculture on his own account. On February 7, 1888, Mr. Myerly was united in marriage to Sarah E. Harbit, and to this · union have been born three children, as follows: Elizabeth S. married Will- iam Creagmile and is the mother of two children, Locia and Ruby ; Josephine is the wife of J. E. Decker ; Jessie E. married Blanch Legg, daughter of O. P. Legg.
While he has never chosen to become a candidate for public office, Mr. Myerly has, nevertheless, displayed an intelligent interest in political matters, his support having always been accorded to the principles of the Democratic party. He and his wife are earnest and loyal members of the Christian church, in the advancement of which they display a commendable interest. The fraternal relations of the subject are with the Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America, while Mr. Myerly and his wife are both members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Myerly has figured prominently in the growth and development of this favored locality and his interests have been identified with its progress, he having contributed in a definite measure to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Additional interest also attaches to his career from the fact that his entire life has been passed
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within the borders of this county. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, com- bined with mature judgment and everyday common sense, have been among his most prominnt characteristics and he has merited the respect and esteem which are accorded him by all who know him.
JOHN RENNER.
. In his special line of effort, probably no man in this section of the Hoosier state has achieved a more pronounced success nor a larger record than John Renner, one of the most noted stock breeders in the entire common- wealth. He has been a resident of this county for a quarter of a century and because of his eminent success in the raising of stock he has achieved a repu- tation which extends far beyond the borders of his own locality. Sound judgment, wise discrimination and good common sense have so entered into his makeup as to enable him to carry on his business along lines that have insured his success. Because of his splendid record and his high personal qualities he is eminently deserving of representation in the annals of his county.
John Renner was born December 12, 1859, in Brown county, Indiana, the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Stilgenbower) Renner. The father of the subject was a large land owner and a prosperous farmer and reared a large family of the following children : Henrietta, Laura, Anna, Rebecca, Emma. John, Edward, William, Frank, Charles and Valentine. John, the immediate subject of this review, received his education in the Bartholomew county schools, following farming during all of his youth. On reaching man's estate he secured forty acres of land and took up the task of making his own way in the world. In time he was able to purchase forty more acres, and then it was not long before he added still another tract of the same size. This fine land, aggregating one hundred and twenty acres, was disposed of by Mr. Renner in 1900, and on March 8th of that year he came to Tipton county and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Madison township. By a course of wise management and attention to details, the subject has increased his hold- ings and enhanced the value of his property until he is now rated as one of the most solid men in his part of the state, operating on his present fine tract of three hundred and forty-three acres one of the most noted stock farms in this commonwealth. While Mr. Renner engages in general farming to a slight extent, his main business is the breeding, feeding and marketing of
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standard bred stock. He keeps in touch with the best methods in his line, selecting only the best strains to breed for feeding, and an eager market is ever at his command, his stock bringing the highest prices.
In 1886 Mr. Renner was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Lydia M. Ott, the daughter of William and Anna (Duschay) Ott, natives of Mary- land, and two children have been born to this union: Margaret became the wife of Lee Hobbs and they have two children, Lee R. and Vivian: John R. Mr. Renner is a member of the Lutheran church, to which he contributes liber- ally of his means, while his preference in political matters is the Democratic party. Because of his many excellent qualities and the splendid influence which his life has shed over the entire locality he has gained the undivided respect and esteem of his fellow men. A man of high moral character, un- impeachable integrity, persistent industry and excellent business judgment, he stands "four square to every wind that blows," and throughout the locality where he has long made his residence he occupies an enviable position among his fellow men, among whom he is universally esteemed.
SHIRLEY O. DUNN.
Prominent in the affairs of his community and distinguished as a citizen whose influence is far extended beyond the limits of the community hon- ored by his residence, Shirley O. Dunn stands out a conspicuous figure among the successful farmers of the locality of which this volume treats. All of his undertakings have been actuated by noble motives and high resolves and characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality and his success and achievements but represent the result of fit utilization of innate talent in directing efforts along those lines where mature judgment and true discrim- ination lead the way.
Shirley O. Dunn was born February 11, 1888, in Madison township, on his grandfather's farm, the son of W. W. and Mary ( Miller) Dunn. The subject's father was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, where he lived until he took up his residence on a farm in Delaware county, this state. He had a family of eight children, namely: Charles is deceased; Shirley O .; Leroy is deceased; William; Walter is deceased; Floyd; Flossie; Harley is deceased.
The subject of this biographical sketch secured a good education in his youth, first attending the Oakland school, then the Prairie Grove school, then pursuing his studies at Fairy Glade in Hamilton county, and then finishing
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at Fairview, in Cicero township, this county. Until he reached the age of fifteen years he performed the farm labor that usually fell to the lot of the boys of his age, and at the early age of fifteen started out working for himself by the month on the farm. By industry and frugality and also a thorough knowledge of agriculture, he prospered, and is now renting and operating a fine farm of eighty acres, one and a half miles southwest of New Lancaster. This land is of the best and by a careful and scientific method of cultivating it, Mr. Dunn has preserved the richness of the soil and receives splendid re- turns on his investment and labor. Completely equipped with the best of faming machinery and improved with adequate buildings, it stands a model agricultural plant in the community.
On February 5, 1910, the subject of this review was united in marriage to Lela Juday, the daughter of Henry and Mary ( Vaness) Juday. Mrs. Dunn's father is now retired from the active duties of life and is residing in Elwood. To Mr. Dunn and wife has been born one child, Garnett.
Both the subject and Mrs. Dunn are loyal members of the Christian church, in the activities of which they take quite a prominent part. standing high not only in religious but in the social circles of their community. Fra- ternally. Mr. Dunn is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. and he also belongs to the Horse Thief Detective Association. Although having formerly been allied with the Republican party, the subject has now affiliated himself with the Progressive party. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellow men, he has not only made his presence felt, but has also gained the good will and commendation of both his associates and the general public. ever retaining his reputation among men for integrity and high character. consequently his influence for good in the general life of his community is most potent and he has, without a craving for exaltation and popularity. won a high place in the hearts of his friends and neighbors.
JAMES HENRY MITCHELL.
This gentleman is widely known as one of the honored citizens of Tipton county, where for many years he has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of the community. His well-directed efforts in the prac- tical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition. Mr. Mitchell
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is one of the leading stock men of the community, a successful general farmer and a good business man, having won the respect of his neighbors by his straightforward and honest course in all the relations of life.
James Henry Mitchell, the owner of two hundred and fifty-nine acres of good land in Jefferson township. Tipton county, Indiana, first saw the light of day in Johnson county, this state, on August 14, 1858, the son of John G. and Margaret ( Rutherford) Mitchell. John G. was also a native of Johnson county and followed agriculture all his life, being very successful in that vocation and becoming a large land owner and a man of prominence in his community. To him and his wife were born four children, namely. James H., William. Elizabeth and Newton. In 1866 James Henry Mitchell, the subject of this review. entered the Normanda school, his parents residing there at that time, later finishing his education in the Deal school. During all of his youth he found plenty to do on the place of his father, and he and his brother William had practical charge of the operations on the home place after their schooling period up to the time of the father's death, when the estate was divided and they both began farming independently. their early experience on the home place having grounded them in the funda- mentals of the basic art of agriculture and giving them an excellent equip- ment for the pursuit of their life work. James Henry Mitchell, in addition to general farming, has specialized in stock raising and is one of the most prominent in that line in the county. He is the owner of two hundred and fifty-nine acres of as good land as can be found in the neighborhood, upon which he raises the various crops indigenous to this climate, a careful study of conservation of the soil and scientific planting having brought to him large returns. His buildings and farm machinery are the very best and his methods thoroughly modern, and Mr. Mitchell has won a place in the locality as a leading agriculturist and a man of affairs. His dealings with his fellow men have always been open and above board and in both the business and social world the subject occupies a place second to none.
In 1890 the subject of this review was united in marriage to Mary E. Campbell, the daughter of John A. Campbell, who is treated of elsewhere in this volume, and this union has been blessed by the birth of three children : Margaret; David R. married Opal Brown; Howard. Of these children, Margaret is deceased.
Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Presbyterian church and takes a lead- ing part in the affairs of that worthy institution, giving liberally to the benev- olence of the church and by his faithful attendance on the services of the same displaying a deep interest in its progress and welfare. In political
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matters, he is a loyal member of the Republican party and, although never having cared for public office, he is recognized as an influence for the best in the councils of the party.
W. L. COOK.
Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Tipton county within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he whose name appears above, he having spent his entire life in this county and having always taken a deep interest in every movement for the good of his fellow men.
W. L. Cook, a leading contractor of New Lancaster, Tipton county, Indiana, was born April 1, 1867, the son of Thomas B. and Elmira ( Hobbs) Cook. Thomas B. Cook was born near Indianapolis, in Marion county, In- diana, and he was the son of Solomon and Hannah ( Ragon) Cook. Solomon Cook came originally from the East to Harveysburg, Ohio, subsequently, in 1820, removing to the Hoosier state and locating in Marion county, being one of the earliest settlers in that part of Indiana. He was a carpenter by trade. His father-in-law, named Ragon, was quite a prominent man. Thomas B. Cook, the father of the subject, was a soldier during the Civil war. being a member of the Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company B, and also serving in the Eighth Indiana Cavalry. To the subject's parents were born six children, namely : One died in infancy : Edna is deceased; W. L .. Rufus, John and Mary.
WV. L. Cook secured his first schooling at Antioch and then attended the school at New Lancaster, working on a farm in the long intervals between terms and also doing some carpentering. At the age of nineteen years he started in the contracting business, at first taking small jobs in the country. and so skilful was he at this craft that his services were widely demanded and the scale of his operations steadily increased until he is now the leading contractor in the township, his businss dealings having always been charac- terized by an honesty and evidence of superior workmanship that have gained for him a reputation second to that of none in his community.
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Mr. Cook has been twice married. His first wife was Anna Stremmel, and to this union was born one child, Rolla, who is a school teacher at Hobbs, Indiana. The subject's second marriage was to Ora A. Judy, the daughter of David and Mary (Hansen ) Judy.
In the principles of the Republican party the subject has ever taken an abiding interest and he has for the last fifteen years faithfully served that party as precinct committeeman. In all the relations of life Mr. Cook has shown himself to be genuinely open and above board in all that he does, never stopping to count the results from a personal or pecuniary standpoint when deciding on the right or wrong of any public enterprise for the advance- ment of the interests of his friends or the community.
JAMES WILLIAM ADAMS.
The history of the loyal sons and representative citizens of Tipton county would not be complete should the name that heads this review be omitted. When the fierce fire of rebellion was raging throughout the Southland, threatening to destroy the Union, he responded with patriotic fevor to the call for volunteers and in that great war proved his loyalty to the government he loved so well. During a useful life in this community he labored earnestly to promote the interests of his fellow men, working diligently and with little regard for his personal advancement and ease. He was a public-spirited man in all that term implies and his death was a loss to the community not easily borne, as he filled a large place in its affairs, his clean and exemplary life being an inspiration to those who knew him.
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