History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 129

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

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He immediately began the practice of law at Jasper, the county seat of DuBois county, this being his native county. He was elected prosecuting attorney in 1892 and re-elected again in 1894 and 1896. He was elected district chairman of the third congressional district in 1898 and 1900, serving through these four years as a member of the State Central Committee. He was first elected to Congress in 1906, en- tered the sixtieth congress and was re-elected for five successive terms thereafter, serving full six terms or 12 years from the third congressional district of Indiana.

As prosecuting attorney many important cases which were of far more than local interest were handled by him, and handled successfully. The most noted cases which he conducted were against what were known as the "White Caps," who predominated in that part of the state. He succeeded in securing the conviction of the first "White Caps" who were prosecuted and found guilty in Indi-

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ana, and broke up the organization by sending a large number of them to the penitentiary. During his public life he was very prominent in the councils of his party in the state and nation and became a leader of much strength in his party councils, on congressional committees and in other activities connected with his position as congressman. Throughout the state he was generally known as "Lige" Cox.

HON. MILLARD FILLMORE COX

A history of the Democracy of Indiana would be incomplete were honorable mention not made of Judge Millard Fillmore Cox, a man of remarkable brilliance of intellect, unusual attainments and loyal service to the state.

Judge Cox was born on a farm in Hamilton county, Indiana, and attended the common and high schools of Hamilton and Tipton counties. Having completed his school work he came to Indianap- olis and entered the law offices of Buel & Bartholomew, and here, under their tutelage, he studied for the legal profession; later was admitted to the bar of Marion county and entered into practice. From 1885 to 1889 he served as deputy reporter of the supreme court of Indiana under Hon. John W. Kern, and the following year was elected judge of the criminal court of Marion county for a four-year term. He was secretary and legal adviser of the state board of accounts from its crea- tion until his death, on the 16th day of March, 1914. He was also for some time chief editorial writer for the Indianapolis Sentinel and was director of the press bureau of the Democratic state committee. He was also widely known as the author of "The Legionaries," a romance of Morgan's raid. He was an active member of the Fourth Presbyterian church.

OTTO LORENZO COYLE

Otto Lorenzo Coyle, son of Thomas J. and Jessie (Green) Coyle, was born in Shelby county, November 11, 1878, his parents having been born in the same county and having always lived there. He was reared on the farm and was educated in the common schools and the township high school, from which he graduated in 1896. He attended the Central Normal College at Danville, where he graduated as a bachelor of science in 1889. Later he took a post-graduate course at the Northern Indiana Normal Uni- versity at Valparaiso, completing this course in 1900.

He taught school and for six years was principal of the high schools. He quit teaching to become deputy clerk of the Shelby county court, in which place he served four years, from 1906 to 1911. In the latter year he became clerk and served in that office until 1915. While serving as clerk he was also Democratic county chairman, and one of the most efficient who ever headed the organization.

He was always most active in all farmers' organizations and served as both secretary and chairman of the Farmers' Agricultural Institute of Shelby county, as well as general superintendent of the Shelby County Fair Association for three years.

He always kept a lively interest in educational affairs and served as a member of the township board of education after retiring as a teacher and as principal. After retiring from the office of county clerk he devoted his attention to his extensive farming interests and attending to his city properties, owning one of the finest farms in Shelby county, located at the edge of the city of Shelbyville.

CHAS. C. CRAMPTON, M. D.

Dr. Charles C. Crampton, son of A. B. Crampton, was born in Logansport on the 15th of June, 1872, and accompanied his parents to Delphi in 1879. He attended the public schools of Logansport and Delphi, and spent one year at Notre Dame. In 1891 he graduated from the pharmacy depart- ment of Purdue University, following which he took a two years' course in the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, Chicago, and received a diploma from the Kentucky School of Medicine in Louisville in 1893. At the age of twenty-one he was appointed pension examiner under Cleveland, the youngest person on record to hold this position, and honored by receiving the appointment di-

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rect from the President. He is now president of the C. I. & L. Railway Surgeons' Association and is their local surgeon; president of the county medical society, president city board of health, member various other societies and Masonic and K. of P. lodges.

JOHN WILLIAM CRAVENS

John William Cravens, of Bloomington, Indiana, is a son of William Reece and Sarah Ruth (Bray) Cravens, and was born on a farm in the south- ern part of Hendricks county, Indiana, October 1, 1864. He was married October 1, 1891, to Miss Emma Lucille Krueger, who died February 12, 1898. To this union was born a daughter, Miss Ruth Ralston Cravens.

Mr. Cravens was educated in the country schools, Danville High School, Central Normal College (B. S. 1884), and Indiana University (A. B. 1897). While attending the country school he worked on the farm; while attending the high school he clerked in his father's store; while attending normal col- lege he was bookkeeper for the First National Bank; and while attending Indiana University he was registrar of that institution.

Mr. Cravens was editor of the Danville Gazette, 1884-85; superintendent Monroe county schools, 1887-90; secretary Monroe county Democratic cen- tral committee, 1886-90; chairman, 1890-94; clerk Monroe county court, 1890-94; editor Bloomington World, 1894-1906; registrar, Indiana University, 1895-1914; secretary of Indiana University, 1914; member of Indiana legislature, 1899-1903; presi- dential elector on state Democratic ticket, 1912; vice-president National Association of Collegiate Reg- istrars, 1912; president, 1913; member of First Presbyterian church and for ten years superintendent of the Sabbath-school and president of the board of deacons; member of Phi Gamma Delta, Masons, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows and Elks.

JOSEPH MARSHALL CRAVENS

Among the loyal workers for the success of the Democratic party in Indiana, perhaps none have worked more faithfully than has Joseph Marshall Cravens, of Madison, and to his efforts the success of the organization in Jefferson county is largely due.

Mr. Cravens was born in this state on the 9th day of February, 1859, and attended the public schools of his district, later continuing his studies at Wabash College, from which he graduated with the class of 1882. Returning from college, Mr. Cravens engaged in the pursuit of agriculture and he has since continued in this, his chosen vocation. He has taken an active interest in political affairs and also in all movements for the development and progress of the community in which he resides. In the fall of 1902 he was elected to represent Jefferson county in the state legislature, and with such zeal and intelligence did he discharge the duties entrusted to him that he was returned to the assemblies of 1905, 1907, 1911 and 1913.

J. N. CULP

James N. Culp, postmaster at North Vernon, was born in Bartholomew county, October 28, 1877. At an early age he entered the field of journalism and in 1901 purchased the Vernon Jour- nal. After conducting this paper successfully for several years during which time the politics of the paper was changed to the Democratic faith, Mr. Culp purchased the North Vernon Sun and for eight years was its editor. In July, 1913, however, he relinquished his newspaper business to be- come postmaster of North Vernon and to this work he has since devoted his energies with con- scientious zeal. He is also chairman of the county library board and the secretary of the Jennings county chapter of the American Red Cross.

Mrs. Culp was formerly Miss Myra A. Hinchman, the daughter of Henry Hinchman, one of the best known citizens in Jennings county.

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J. C. CUMMINS

Well known to the traveling public of eastern Indiana for many years, and later a familiar fig- ure in political and municipal affairs of his home community, J. C. Cummins of Middletown needs no introduction to those of our readers living in that section of the state.

Mr. Cummins was born on March 4, 1878, and received his schooling in the public schools of Middletown. On the 4th day of July, 1910, he was united in marriage to Miss Ethel May Critten- berger and established his home in this city.

For seventeen years Mr. Cummins was local freight and ticket agent for the Pennsylvania Rail- way Company, working at various points on the Richmond division of the line. In the year 1912 he became a member of the city council. For a time he also was connected with the township advisory board. In the year 1914 he was nominated for the position of township trustee. In the years 1911 and 1914 he was delegate to the state Democratic convention.

GEORGE F. R. CUMMEROW

An active party worker and for many years a leading attorney at law, practicing in Ft. Wayne, Hammond and Gary, is George F. R. Cummerow.

He was born in the State of Ohio on the 3d day of May, 1877. At the age of six months "he suggested to his people" that they move to Indiana. They located in Ft. Wayne and for many years his father, Otto Cummerow, published a daily Democratic paper there. The son attended the schools of Ft. Wayne, later attending the Kent College of Law at Chicago, graduating in the year 1898. He was at once admitted to the bar and entered into the active practice of his profession at Ft. Wayne. In 1900 he came to Hammond and, finally, in 1913, located in Gary. Here he has been an active worker in the Democratic ranks and is at present secretary of the Democratic central committee of this city.

JOSEPH S. DAILEY

An enumeration of those men who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time honored their native state, must of necessity place at the head of the list such men as Joseph S. Dailey. He held distinctive precedence as an able lawyer and judge, having served with sig- nal ability as associate justice of the supreme court of the state of Indiana, and as a judge in other courts. A man of affairs, who wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invincible cour- age, a determined individuality-these have so entered into his make-up as to render him a natural leader of men and opinion. A native son of Wells county, and this the scene of the greater part of his life's labors, his home being in the city of Bluffton, where, excepting while sitting as judge, he was actively engaged in the practice of the law.

Joseph S. Dailey was born on a farm in Lancaster township, Wells county, Indiana, on the 21st of May, 1844, a representative of one of the worthy pioneer families of the state. He was the fifth in order of birth of the nine children of James and Lydia (Garton) Dailey, and of these children four died in infancy. His brother, Lewis W., died at the age of nineteen, while in command of a company of the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war. His sister, Mary A., died at the age of eighteen, the other sister being Mrs. Rachel L. Sowards.

As has been said in a previous published article referring to Judge Dailey: "His paternal ances- tors were plain, unpretentious men who performed their several duties modestly and without osten- tation. They were content to earn an honest living on the farm or in the shop, without seeking official honors or public favor. He is of the fifth generation by direct lineage from Dennis Dailey, who was a native of county Sligo, Ireland, and who emigrated to America before the middle of the eighteenth century, settling in New Jersey. Both of Judge Dailey's grandfathers attested their courage and patriotism by honorable service in the war of 1812. Both of them were natives of New Jersey; both removed to Indiana and became early settlers of Franklin county. Here his father and mother were married and lived until their first three children were born; they then removed to Allen county, where the fourth was born; thence to Wells county, which became their permanent home."

Joseph S. Dailey secured his early education in the public schools of Bluffton and then began his technical preparation for his chosen profession by entering the law office of Newton Burwell, of this place, under whose direction he continued his studies for two years. In order to secure the funds neces- sary to defray his course in the law department of the state university, he devoted a portion of his time to teaching in the district schools of Wells county and also in the public schools of Bluffton. In 1865 he matriculated in the law department of the university, where he was graduated in 1866, being

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admitted to the bar of Indiana in that year. He entered into a professional partnership with George S. Brown, who later removed to the state of Kansas, his death occurring in its capital city a number of years later.

In October, 1866, within the first year of his active practice in Bluffton, Judge Dailey was elected district attorney for the court of common pleas, and in 1868 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the district in which Judge Lowry, of Fort Wayne, presided. He was re-elected in 1870, 1872 and 1874, serving four consecutive terms. As a public official he acquired a reputation in the legal profession that brought him a splendid practice when he again retired from public office.

Mr. Dailey was not without ambition. In 1878 he was nominated and elected a member of the state legislature. His record in that body was that of a conservative working member-always per- sistent, always moderate, yet courageous in the expression of his views. As a member of important committees and in support of measures on the floor he was influential in formulating and securing the passage of much legislation. His uniform courtesy and firmness won for him the esteem of po- litical opponents. His conscientious regard for public duty secured to him the confidence of all his colleagues and associates. Once afterward he yielded to the importunities of partisan friends and became a candidate for political office. In 1882 he accepted the Democratic nomination for Congress and made a race that was hopeless, because of the adverse partisan majority, though his canvass was highly creditable and entirely honorable. Settling down again to the practice of law, he secured a valuable clientage, extending over a large district.

In 1888 he was elected judge of the Twenty-eighth Circuit, comprising the counties of Hunting- ton and Wells, for a term of six years. His service on the bench was alike acceptable to the bar and the populace. He exercised wise discretion and commendable humanity in dealing with youths con- victed of violating penal statutes. In most instances of first offense, if the accused had previously borne a good reputation, sentence was withheld and he was allowed to enjoy liberty, after timely advice and warning by the court, so long as good deportment was maintained. In this way boys were reclaimed and saved for good citizenship instead of a life of crime.

Before the expiration of his term in the circuit, Judge Dailey was appointed judge of the supreme court of the state, by Governor Matthews, receiving his commission to this office July 25, 1893. His qualifications for the office of judge, whether in the trial of causes or in the court of last resort, were unquestionable. First of all, he had the integrity of character. He possessed the natural ability and essential acquirements, the acumen of the judicial temperament. He was able to divest himself of prej- udice or favoritism and consider only the legal aspects of a question submitted. No labor was too great, however onerous; no application too exacting, however severe, if necessary to the complete under- standing and correct determination of a question.

His career on the bench and at the bar offer a noble example and an inspiration, while he never was known to fail in that strict courtesy and regard for professional ethics which should ever charac- terize the members of the bar. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, his career reflects credit upon the judiciary and bar of one of the sovereign commonwealths of the Union. Following his retirement from the bench Judge Dailey actively engaged in the practice of his profession in Bluffton, though his range of professional labor far transcends local limitations, as a matter of course. He has as associates in practice his eldest son, Frank C. Dailey, and Abram Simmons, the large and important business being conducted under the firm name of Dailey, Simmons & Dailey. The writer from whose signally able and appreciative estimate we have hitherto liberally quoted continues further, as follows: "The judge is favored in the possession of a healthful, vigorous constitution, ro- bust energy and marked vitality. He is in the prime of middle life, which is conducive to the most effectual utilization of all the mental resources. Candid, earnest and sincere, he is a reliable coun- selor. His popularity as a citizen is the natural outgrowth of confidence in his ability, integrity and sound judgment."

The domestic chapter in the history of Judge Dailey has been one of ideal character. On the 15th day of March, 1870, Judge Dailey was united in marriage to Miss Emma Gutelius, of Bluffton, who is of French extraction, tracing back to a distinguished surgeon in the French army. She was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, being a daughter of John P. and Henrietta Gutelius. Judge and Mrs. Dailey were the parents of four children-Frank C., who was admitted to the bar and is associated with his father in practice; Lewis W., who was graduated in the Indianapolis Dental College in 1884, and who established an excellent practice in Bluffton; Charles Gutelius, who became principal of the Bluffton high school, and Blanche.

Frank C. Dailey, the eldest son, gained more than a state reputation during his term as district attorney for the federal district of Indiana. He had many cases of unusual importance that attracted

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even national repute; and he justified all that the best of his friends might have wished for him. While always consistent in his Democracy, as district attorney he knew only his duty under the law and followed it, but always willing in his practice to temper justice with mercy to the full limit justi- fied by the facts.

When Frank C. Dailey decided to retire from public office, he stepped into an unusually fine legal practice, the result of public confidence in his integrity and ability. He was one of the most active and effective workers and speakers participating in the drives for contributions and loans for the carrying on of the war with Germany. More than this he gave two sons who volunteered and went to France in the active fighting classes and saw service in the thickest of the great battles.

JUDGE WILLIAM DARROCH

Known throughout Newton county as one of the most substantial citizens, and a leading attorney, is Judge William Darroch, of Kentland.

He was born in Indiana on the 31st day of December, 1848, and attended the public schools. Later the regular course in law was taken at Asbury University, Greencastle, from which he graduated, and in the same year was admitted to the bar of Newton county and entered into the active practice of this profession.

On the 23rd day of June, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma V. Sammons, of Donovan, Ill., and their home was established at Morocco. In the same year he was elected township trustee and in this capacity served for a term of four years. In 1890 he was appointed by Governor Matthews to the position of judge of the 30th Judicial Circuit. He is an active party worker, and one of the best informed men in the county.

JAMES POWHATAN DAVIS

In business, political and religious circles of the city of Kokomo the name of James P. Davis is well known and highly esteemed, his activity in these varied walks of life having placed him in a posi- tion of prominence.

Mr. Davis was born in Henry county, Virginia, and here his education was received in the public schools of the county. Here also, on the 20th day of December, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Finney and their first home was established. In the year 1892, however, the health of Mr. Davis failed, and he sought the benefit of a change of climate and came to Indiana on the third of December, locating in Howard county. The last two years of his residence in Virginia were spent in discharging the duties of justice of the peace; and in the years 1908 and 1912 he was elected joint representative from the counties of Miami, Howard and Carroll to the 66th and 68th General Assemblies of the state of Indiana, taking an active part in the deliberations of that body.

Since his residence in Kokomo, Mr. Davis has built up a lucrative business as general contractor and builder, and is at this time devoting his energies to this profession. He is a member of the Primi- tive Baptist church; is not interested in fraternal affairs.

PEARLE A. DAVIS

Since the Spanish-American war the name of Pearle A. Davis has been a familiar one to those interested in military affairs in Indiana; and when, on the first day of the year, 1914, he received from Governor Ralston the ap- pointment to the position of quartermaster-general of the state militia it seemed but a fitting reward for his years of zealous service.

Mr. Davis was born in Clinton county, Indiana, on the 8th day of May, 1880, and attended the common schools of his district. His studies were later continued in the high schools of Frankfort and Kokomo; but when the call came for volunteers in the war against Spain, he left school to enlist in 158th Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was accepted on the 9th day of May, 1898. In August, 1900, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, and for three years he served in Troops F and K, 2nd Cavalry. On the 23rd of August, 1903, he received his discharge from Troop F, with the rank of corporal. On the 30th day of December, 1907, he enlisted in Battery A, Indiana National Guard, and here he served until August 5, 1908, when he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant of Infantry. On April 29, 1909, he was commissioned Captain of Infantry, and served until appointed quartermaster-general.

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Fraternally, Mr. Davis is allied with the North Park Lodge, Free and Accepted ,Masons, Keystone Chapter No. 6, Raper Commandery No. 1, and Murat Temple, Mystic Shrine. He was a member of the prize-winning team of Raper Commandery in the conclave held in Denver in 1913 and is at present sec- ond lieutenant of this team.

Politically, he was reared in the faith of the Jeffersonian party and has consistently adhered to these principles. For four years he has been an active member of the Indiana Democratic Club; and is at all times a loyal worker in the ranks of the party.

Mrs. Davis, to whom he was married March 7, 1905, was formerly Miss Portia V. Schwartz; and her abilities as a hostess have drawn to their home a host of cultured friends.

JOSIAH P. DAY

Josiah P. Day, an active party worker at Versailles, for many years a precinct committeeman and attendant at state and congressional conventions, is also widely known as the incumbent of va- rious positions of trust in the public service.

Mr. Day was born in Miami county, Indiana, July 29, 1861. He attended the schools of Marion and Ripley counties and later entered Moores Hill College for further study. On January 31, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Rudie Livingston and established his home in Versailles.

For eighteen years Mr. Day served as deputy clerk of Ripley county, and in the fall of 1912 was elected county clerk, leading his ticket. Later he assumed the responsibilities of clerk of the circuit court, and in this capacity still serves.

He is affiliated with the order of Free and Accepted Masons and is an active member of the Baptist church.

W. A. DEHORITY

Closely identified with the business and political life of Elwood for many years, and bearing the distinction of being that progressive city's first mayor, W. A. Dehority is well known not only in Madison county, but throughout the state.

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History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 129

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