History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 127

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1104

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Fraternally, he is allied with the Free and Accepted Masons, being an active member of the Catlin Lodge No. 402.

Mrs. Case, to whom he was married March 28, 1863, was formerly Miss Sarah E. Hartman.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

GEORGE LEO CASSIDY

George Leo Cassidy, a loyal worker in the cause of true Democracy and an active member of the legal profession in Indianapolis, is a native of the state of Rhode Island, his birth having oc- curred in that state on the 19th day of February, 1888. He attended the schools of Woonsocket, R. I., and was graduated from the high school of that place. He also took a commercial course in his na- tive state before he came to Indiana. In the year 1910 he entered the University of Valparaiso, Indiana, and after a course there entered the American Central Law School, where his legal studies were completed. He was admitted to the bar of the state in 1912.

In the short time devoted to the practice of his profession Mr. Cassidy has evinced keen insight into the various phases of questions before him, and has been diligent and loyal to the interests of his clients, characteristics which inevitably make for success.

In the year 1914 Mr. Cassidy was candidate in the primaries for the legislature, and, although defeated, made a splendid race.

Mr. Cassidy is a member of the Marion county and state bar associations and is taking a deep interest in municipal affairs.

WALTER SCOTT CHAMBERS

Walter Scott Chambers was born in Newcastle, Ind., in June, 1870, and has never strayed from the town of his nativity; was educated in the schools of that city and graduated in 1888. Later he attended Indiana University and Wisconsin University. Not having been born in a log cabin, nor reared on a farm, nor having taught school, he had none of the qualifications of greatness, so settled down to the life of a country editor, although educated for the law. His father was David W. Cham- bers, an attorney, a captain in the Civil war, twice a member of the Democratic state central commit- tee during the eighties and a candidate for Congress in 1876.

In 1895 the subject of this sketch bought the Newcastle Democrat and struggled along with it for several years. In 1909 he started the Daily Times and is still publishing these papers. Has been president of Democratic Editorial Association, was appointed by Governor Marshall as a trustee of Central Insane Hospital and served until 1914, when he was elected to the state senate. There he served four years, and at this time is a candidate for re-election. He was several times chairman of the Henry County Democratic committee and for the past six years has been the Sixth District mem- ber of the Democratic state committee.

He was married in 1903 to Adaline Beam, of Newcastle. Four children came to brighten the home -Harriett, Scott, Ruth and Mary-but Ruth died in 1911.

In addition to newspaper and political positions Mr. Chambers was one of the organizers and a director of the Central Trust and Savings Company of Newcastle in 1902, and remained with it until the first of 1918, when he resigned to take the presidency of the First National Bank of Newcastle.

ALBERT T. CHAPMAN

Has served as representative from Howard county in the general assembly of the State (elected November 5, 1912); enjoys the unique distinction of being the first Democrat ever elected to office in this county; and this gen- tleman received a plurality in the last election of 491, truly an enviable showing.

Albert T. Chapman is one of the young men who are forming so strong an element in the present success of the party; and his zeal and loyalty have placed him in the front rank of influential workers in Howard county. He was born near the town of West Middleton, his present home, on the 16th day of January, 1887; and attended the public schools of the township, grad- uating with the class of 1903. Later a course of study was taken at the Marion Normal College, from which he graduated in the year 1909. The ensuing years were spent in teaching in the county schools, and, though so young, he has for some time held the position of principal of the schools of Alton, the former home of Senator John W. Kern.

Mr. Chapman is of Scotch-Irish descent, and finds his greatest pleasure in the labors of the farm, the pursuit in which he is at present engaged. Fraternally, he is allied with the Order of Masons, and the Red Men, in both of which orders he is well known and highly esteemed.

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ALBERT A. CHARLES

Albert A. Charles, a well-known business man of Kokomo, belongs to that element of society which forms the bone and sinew of our society and our body politic, the sterling business man who is yet deeply interested in civic affairs and seeking the best for the community.

Mr. Charles was born in Brighton, New Jersey, December 3, 1852, and there his youth was spent and his schooling obtained. In the year 1887 he came to Indiana and located in Kokomo, where his interests have since centered.

Prior to her marriage, Mr. Charles' wife was Miss Lydia Reiley.

Mr. Charles is now president of the Kokomo Steel Wire Company, and is well known in the busi- ness life of the city. He is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a trustee of the Grace Methodist church.

JOHN C. CHENEY

John C. Cheney, rated as one of the most active and effective workers in the ranks of the Demo- cratic party in Shelby county, like many of the other leading Democrats of that section was born and always lived there. The date of his birth was November 29, 1867. He was the son of John C. Cheney, a Shelbyville merchant.

He completed his education, after the Shelbyville graded and high schools, at the Indiana Law School of the University of Indianapolis, and was admitted to practice in 1897, opening his office at Shelbyville, where he remained in continuous practice. He married Minnie B. Boyd of Shelby- ville, in 1894.

Mr. Cheney served for several years as secretary of the Democratic committee of Shelby county. He served as city attorney of Shelbyville from 1904 to 1908 and in the latter year was elected prose- cuting attorney of Shelby county, being re-elected in 1910 and 1912, retiring in 1914. In both offices he made a splendid record, as testified in the two return terms by popular vote.

As one of the leading spirits in the event, the people remember the part taken by Mr. Cheney in one of the historical political rallies in Shelby county, this being in 1896, when David B. Hill insisted on seeing one of the barbecues for which the Shelby Democracy had become famous. It is described as "one of the grandest affairs ever staged and one in which the whole county took part, eliminating political lines to hear David B. Hill speak."

CHARLES N. CHRISTEN

The name of Charles N. Christen is so well known to the Democracy of Indiana as to need little introduction. A native of Indiana, he was born on the 17th day of Febru- ary, 1872, and was married August 12, 1903, to Miss Amelia Smith. His education was received in the schools of Adams county, and later he became identified with the business life of the city of Decatur through his services as an architect and building contractor. He is also president of the plumbing firm of Christen & Smith, and in the year 1906 he was elected councilman of the city, which position he filled conscien- tiously and loyally until the fall of 1913, at which time he was called to fill the office of mayor of the city of Decatur, taking office January 1, 1914.

FRANK P. CHRISTOPH

Frank P. Christoph's name stands conspicuously forth as that of an official of St. Joseph county. Mr. Christoph was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1858, a son of Frank and Magdalena Christoph, both natives of Germany, who came to this country in their early life. Mr. Christoph received his early education in Erie, attending a Catholic school. At the age of seventeen he engaged in railroad work, and has since been in the employ of many of the big companies from New York to San Francisco. For two years he was with the Mishawaka Woolen Company. In 1906 he was elected clerk of St. Joseph county. He previously had served as marshal of Mishawaka. In 1884 he was married to Miss Minnie Smith of Mishawaka. They have two children, Hazel F. and Frank H.

Mr. Christoph has always been an active Democrat, laboring earnestly for the adoption of the principles which he believes will best advance good government. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Knights of the Maccabees, and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

GEORGE WASHINGTON CHOLER

Having achieved success in educational work and demonstrated his ability in the pursuit of agriculture, George Washington Choler has also proved his versatility by being a most efficient incumbent of the office of clerk of the circuit court of Lagrange county.

Mr. Choler was born in Lagrange county, Indiana, on the 24th day of June, 1870, and attended the common schools of his district. In the year 1890 he graduated from the Lagrange high school.

On the 2nd day of August, 1898, his marriage to Miss Maude May Long was solemnized, and the home then established in Lagrange county has extended hospital- ity to a host of friends.

For ten years after leaving high school he was engaged as instructor in the schools of his home county, later, however, devoting his energies exclusively to farming, in which profession he excelled. In the fall of 1912 he was elected to the position of clerk of the circuit court of Lagrange county, and assumed the duties of office on the first day of the following January.

Since attaining his majority he has been an active party worker and has served as delegate to several state conventions.

JOHN H. CLAMME

John H. Clamme, of Hartford City, was born in Black- ford county, September 12, 1876, and was married to Miss Bessie E. Grooves, the only daughter of Aaron Grooves, Janu- ary 25, 1902. Mr. Clamme is of French origin, his father having emigrated from France to the United States in the year 1872. From early years Mr. Clamme has taken an ardent interest in the success of the Democratic party. In 1906 he was elected sheriff of Blackford county, being at that time the youngest sheriff in the State of Indiana. So general was the satisfaction which he gave to the people of Blackford county in his official capacity that in 1908 he was re-elected by the largest majority ever given in the county to any can- didate of either party for any county office. From 1909 to 1913 he served as secretary to the Democratic city central committee.

After his retirement from office he returned to the farm, where he engaged in the breeding of high-class Polled Dur- ham cattle and Poland China hogs, in which business he is widely known in northeastern Indiana.

CHARLES J. CLAMME

Charles J. Clamme of Hartford City was born in Blackford county, March 8, 1878. He was educated in the county schools of Blackford county, and on December 21, 1901, was married to Miss Arminda Emshwiller.

Mr. Clamme has taken an active interest in politics, and has been an ardent Democrat since attaining his majority. In fact, he was elected a member of the Democratic county committee of Blackford county before he became of voting age. He served faithfully as a member of this com- mittee for about eight years. He was elected a member of the county council in 1910, and was unanimously renominated for the same position in 1914.

The name of Clamme Bros. is well known among live stock breeders and farmers. Charles J. Clamme is the largest feeder and shipper of cattle and hogs in Blackford county. He is also general manager of the firm of Clamme Bros., who are general contractors in road and ditch building, and have the reputation of being the largest contractors in their line in north-

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ern Indiana. Mr. Clamme has been very successful in a financial way. He was one of the first or- ganizers of the Farmers' Co-operative Club, and was elected the first treasurer of that organization. He is an active member of the Lutheran church.

DAVID M. CLARK

David M. Clark was born on a farm near Bedford, Lawrence county, Indiana, on the 23rd day of March, 1867. Here his childhood and youth were spent, and his education was received in the public schools of his district. He was united in marriage to Miss Katie Armbruster, and in the year 1895 emigrated to Boone county, taking up his residence on a farm near James- town. In 1900 he entered the hardware business at Jamestown. Since that time he has been very closely identified with the business and political life of the place, working zealously for the success of the Democratic party, and winning many friends in the community. In the fall of the year 1910 he was elected to the responsible position of auditor of Boone county for a term of four years; and is now living in the city of Lebanon, devoting him- self diligently and conscientiously to the duties of this office.

Mr. Clark has taken a deep interest in fraternal affairs, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Encampment of Jamestown and Canton No. 2, Indianapolis; the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Red Men of Jamestown.

SALEM D. CLARK

To those who have taken an active interest in legislative affairs in Indi- ana the name of Salem D. Clark, state senator from Marion county in the assemblies of 1909 and 1911, needs no introduction, for his active participa- tion in the affairs of those bodies and the clean record then established are well known.

Senator Clark was born in the year 1872 on a farm in Washington town- ship, Hendricks county, and here, in the environment of God's out-of-doors, his boyhood was spent. He attended the schools of his district, graduating in the year 1889, and continuing his studies at the Central Normal College of Danville. Then followed a course of study at Valparaiso University, and, finally, his legal studies were taken up at the Indiana Law School, from which he graduated in the year 1898. While pursuing his studies in this latter institution, in the city of Indianapolis, he decided to locate in this city, and accordingly was admitted to the bar of Marion county and entered into active practice. Here he has since remained, building for himself a lucrative clientele and establishing an enviable reputation as a lawyer and legislator.

In the fall of 1908 he was elected senator for Marion county in the general assemblies of 1909 and 1911. During his attendance at the deliberations of these bodies Senator Clark was instrumental in passing the registration law, corrupt practices act, employer's liability law, child labor law, bi-monthly pay law, and many other measures of benefit to the public.

Senator Clark is a member of the Broadway Methodist church, Odd Fellows Lodge No. 465, the Independent Turnverein and the Indiana Democratic club. Mrs. Clark, to whom he was married in 1899, was formerly Miss Emma Pence.

WILLIAM F. CLEVELAND, M. D.

The name of Dr. William F. Cleveland is widely known throughout Vanderburg county and vicinity as that of a prominent physician, a public-spirited citizen and a legislator of note.

He was born in Gibson county, Indiana, on the 23rd day of November, 1855. He attended the schools of his district and graduated from the Ft. Branch High School in the year 1874. In the same year he entered the educational field, and taught in the schools of the county for fifteen years, spending the summer months in the pursuit of agriculture. In the year 1889 he entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, and graduated from this institution with the class of 1892. Locating in the city of Evansville he entered into the active practice of medicine,

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

and in this field has proved himself a master, soon establishing himself in the front rank of his pro- fession.

Dr. Cleveland takes an active interest in political and municipal affairs and was a member of the city council of Evansville for ten years. He served in the 1913 and 1915 general assembly as senator for Vanderburg county.

He is an active member of the Hendricks club, the Ohio Valley Medical Association and the Vanderburg County Medical Society, and is allied with the fraternal orders of Red Men, Knights and Ladies of Honor and Modern Woodmen of the World.

Mrs. Cleveland, to whom he was married November 21, 1882, was formerly Miss Mary E. Prichett.

JOHN J. CLEARY

An active member of Vigo county Democracy since his boyhood and a member of various committees in almost every campaign since before he attained his majority, also closely identified with the business life of Terre Haute for many years, the present postmaster, John J. Cleary, is well known.

He was born in Terre Haute, March 23, 1874, and here he received his schooling, graduating from Wiley High School in June, 1893. Three years later, on the 12th day of August, 1896, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Margaret Louise Hammerstein.

At the age of less than twenty years, in 1893, he assumed the duties of deputy county clerk, and in this capacity served four years. In 1899 he became a member of the firm of Hoermann & Cleary, in the seed business, and afterward organized the Cleary Coal & Supply Co. In June, 1904, he disposed of his holdings in this company and became proprietor of the St. Nicholas Hotel, where he continued until appointed postmaster by President Wilson, March 23, 1914.

He is affiliated with the fraternal orders of Elks, Knights of Columbus, Young Men's Institute and Travelers' Protective Association, and is an active member of the Terre Haute Chamber of Com- merce.

JOHN CLEARY

John Cleary, for many years a prominent Democratic worker of Vigo county, was born in Ireland near the town of Limerick, March 27, 1844. Here he attended school, and later served an apprenticeship in the butcher business in the town. At the age of twenty-two years he emigrated to America, locating in Terre Haute, and here the remainder of his life was spent. After a brief interval in the meat business, he became a member of the police force of the city, and later served as deputy sheriff under George Carrico and Lewis Hay, demonstrating in marked manner his efficiency and zeal in this capacity. In 1882 he was elected sheriff by a handsome majority in a Republican county, and two years later was re-elected with a large majority.

He was an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians; and in the local Democratic organization was a valuable worker for many years, serving through many campaigns and nearly always a delegate to the state conventions.

On the 9th day of April, 1892, death claimed him, and his loss was mourned by many friends.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY -1816 - 19 16

JOHN CLERKIN

John Clerkin is a man of unusual attainments, having won a position of distinction in the educational field before entering the legal profession. He was born on a farm in Jen- nings county, one mile east of Butlerville, January 22, 1873. He attended the public schools and graduated from Butler- ville High School in 1893. He continued his studies in Frank- lin College, Danville Normal School, Valparaiso College and Indiana University at Bloomington.

In June, 1903, while a student at Bloomington, he was elected county superintendent of Jennings county schools, be- ing the first Democrat elected to this office in Jennings county. His first term was highly successful, and in June, 1907, he was re-elected for a second term of four years, although a majority of the trustees were Republicans. In 1911 he was offered the unanimous vote of the board, but declined a third term for the purpose of entering the practice of law, his am- bition since boyhood.

Mr. Clerkin's general education, his experience as super- intendent of schools, and extensive acquaintance have been most valuable to him in building up a legal practice. In 1913 he was appointed county attorney of Jennings county, and was reappointed in 1914 and 1915.

Mr. Clerkin comes from a family of old-time Democrats and takes an active interest in politics. In October, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Grace Gant, and they now live in their home on State street in North Vernon.

WILLIAM HENRY COBLE

A well-known and loyal worker in the ranks of Wabash county Democracy is William Henry Coble, a representative citizen, successful farmer and the incumbent of various positions of trust in the public service.

Mr. Coble is a native of this county, born on the 5th day of April, 1869. He attended the com- mon schools of his district, and from his youth engaged in farming. Descended from a long line of Democratic ancestors, however, he has been true to the traditions of the family and has worked at all times zealously for the furtherance of the cause in his community. For several years he served as township and precinct committeeman, and in the year 1912 was elected to the position of sheriff of the county. At the expiration of his term of two years he was again nominated for this position.

Mrs. Coble, to whom he was married September 22, 1892, was formerly Miss Emma R. Crumrine.

JOHN A. CODY

A roster of the loyal Democratic workers of New Albany would be incomplete were mention not made of John A. Cody, one of the most zealous citizens of that place in his efforts in behalf of the party.

Mr. Cody is a native of the city of New Albany, born in that city on March 4, 1872. He at- tended Holy Trinity parochial school in his youth and after his graduation became connected with the office force of the Louisville, Henderson and St. Louis Railroad. At the present time he holds the position of chief clerk in the auditor's office of that company.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Cody has worked unceasingly for the success of the Demo- cratic party, was for eighteen years a member of the city committee, and for twelve years acted as chairman of that organization. For ten years he served upon the county central executive com- mittee, and in 1908 was elected president of the Floyd County Democratic Club. In all of these po- sitions of responsibility his conscientious zeal and capacity for organization have stood him in good stead, and he has uniformly served with credit to himself and his constituents. In the year 1914 he was recommended by Congressman W. E. Cox for the position of postmaster of the city of New Albany.

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On October 28, 1903, Mr. Cody was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Arnold and their home in the years since has extended its hospitality to a host of friends.

Mr. Cody is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and a deputy in that order.

WILLIAM L. COFFEY

William L. Coffey was born in Nashville, Ind., September 17, 1866. His father, Judge Richard L. Coffey, was born and reared in Monroe county, this State; educated at Franklin College and Indiana University, graduating from the law department of the latter March 1, 1859. He came to Brown county during the Civil war, soon won a commanding posi- tion at the Nashville bar and continued to practice his profession until his death, May 1, 1901. Julia M. Mason, his wife, was a native of Bedford, Ind., and bore her husband five children, the subject of this review being the eldest.

William L. Coffey's youth was spent in Nashville, where he enjoyed the best educational advantages the town afforded. After completing the public school course he was assisted and tutored by his father in special subjects. In 1882 he took up the study of medicine, to which he devoted five years. Returning from college in 1888, he was elected county coroner, serving two years. In 1893 he was induced to take charge of the Nashville schools, and, finding enjoyment in the profession of teaching, abandoned the pursuit of medicine and began preparation for his new work.

Mr. Coffey was at the head of the Nashville schools ten years. His success here won him high honors, and in 1903 he was elected county superintendent.

In 1905 he made a campaign in every school district in the county, demanding that the people give attention to the matter of providing high school training for their children. This effort bore fruit. In 1906 a convention of teachers was called which decided to petition the trustee of Wash- ington township asking for a joint high school at Nashville; and in the spring of 1907 a beautiful building with full equipment for high school work adorned the town. This building stands as a monu- ment to Mr. Coffey's fidelity to the educational interests of his county, and it is fitting that he bear the title of "Father of Nashville High School."

In 1907 Mr. Coffey was unanimously re-elected county superintendent. It is said that he dismissed more inefficient teachers and revoked more licenses than all his predecessors together. A state super- intendent said, "No county in the State has shown such marked progress in its schools as has Brown county under Mr. Coffey's supervision."

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History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 127

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926 Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1104