USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 131
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Mr. Dunham was married April 8, 1881, to Belle Allen, the daughter of Samuel and Harriette Allen, of Sabina, Ohio. Their union has been blessed with three children-Dr. W. F., Dr. G. C. and Bonnie, the wife of Vernon Peters.
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In his political faith Mr. Dunham has always been a stanch and unwavering supporter of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masons, K. of P., Odd Fellows (encampment and cantons). Mr. Dunham is a good example of the self-made man, and in everything he has undertaken he has applied all those qualities which characterize successful men. As a teacher, as a county official, as a salesman and as a member of the legislature he has been true to the best impulses within him, and the result is that he is highly respected and honored by all who know him. He is a man of pleasing personality, which, united with his other good qualities, renders him an influential factor in the social and business life of the community in which he lives.
WILLIAM BOYER DURBOROW
William Boyer Durborow, the son of Allen C. and Elizabeth Boyer Dur- borow, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on the first day of January, 1855, mov- ing with his parents to Williamsport, Indiana, in the year 1863, where he con- tinued to reside until his death, which occurred October 28, 1914.
He received his primary education at the schools.of Williamsport, later attending Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, and finishing his collegiate course at Indiana University, graduating in the class of 1876, and graduating from the law department of the university in the class of 1877. Mr. Dur- borow was admitted to the bar of the Warren Circuit Court, October 14, 1877, and at once entered actively upon the practice of his chosen profession. He continued to devote all his time and energy to his business until compelled by failing health to relinquish it a few weeks prior to his death.
He was a prominent and active member of the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the order of Maccabees.
Although a leader of the political party with which he affiliated, and taking an active and prominent part in local politics, and though he stood high in the counsel of the leaders of the party and in the confidence of the rank and file, yet he never sought or held a public office.
When Governor Hanly discovered evidences of malfeasance in the offices of certain state officers during his administration as governor he sought for men whose character and standing was well known and was such as to command the confidence of the public to make investigation and report upon the condition of affairs in the offices affected by the misconduct of the corrupt officers. At his earnest personal solicitation Mr. Durborow consented to serve upon this important commission. The work of this commission has gone into the history of the State. It was done so conscientiously as to be above criticism from any source and to meet with uniform approval. In the accomplishment of this result Mr. Durborow bore with the other members of the commission his full share of the responsi- bility and labor involved.
He was at the time of his death the vice-president and active head of the Warren County Bank, and had a very large clientage in his profession.
Mr. Durborow was married to Miss Mary Lawrence of Williamsport, April 21, 1881, and to them were born two children-H. L. Durborow, now of the faculty of Culver Military Academy, and Mrs. Fred Stevenson of Youngstown, Ohio, both of whom survive him.
ADAM R. EBERT
Adam R. Ebert needs no introduction to the citizens of Lake county. He is a native of Germany, born in Kurhessen, on the 21st of December, 1851. He attended the common schools in Germany, and in 1868 emigrated to America, locating in Chicago, where he remained until August, 1872. At this time he took up his residence in North township, Lake county. On the 29th day of August, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Brunswick, and she has ably seconded his efforts at all times.
In 1887 he became a member of the city council of Hammond, serving in that body until 1891. In 1890 he was elected representative from Lake county to the state legislature of 1891. January 1, 1894, he was appointed postmaster of Hammond for a term of four years, was elected justice of the peace in 1900 to 1914, and in May, 1908, was appointed chairman of the board of public works, serv- ing until 1912. Since 1907 he has been president of the Hammond Savings and Trust Company.
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CHARLES A. EDWARDS
Prominently identified with public affairs and with the mercantile life of Huntington county, Charles A. Edwards is familiarly known throughout that section of the state.
Mr. Edwards was born in northern Indiana on April 22, 1866, and received his schooling in the schools of Rochester. Miss Ella Rauch of Warren, Indiana, became his wife and Huntington county his permanent home.
Mr. Edwards has been connected with a number of prominent business enterprises in the city of Huntington. He has always been deeply interested in the doings of the Democratic organization in his locality and was appointed president of the board of public works of the city, a position he occupied but sixty days, resigning to accept a position as member of the Indiana state public serv- ice commission, to the labors of which commission his time is still devoted. He was also a mem- ber of the Democratic county central committee for a period of ten years, serving his party with the same zeal which he has displayed in the conduct of his private affairs.
Mr. Edwards is a stockholder in a bank at Huntington and is an active member of the Commer- cial club. He is also connected with the Factory Fund association, and is closely identified with the various movements which have arisen from time to time in behalf of civic betterment and the gen- eral progress and improvement of the community with which he is so closely associated.
Fraternally, Mr. Edwards is allied with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of the Maccabees. Socially, he and Mrs. Edwards hold an enviable position and are esteemed by an ever-widening circle of friends.
LOUIS EITEL
A loyal worker in the ranks of the party in Jennings county is Louis Eitel, a prominent citizen of Vernon. Mr. Eitel is a native of this county, having been born in Vernon on the 21st day of February, 1862. He obtained a common school education in the Vernon High Schools. His calling has been that of a salesman and merchant the greater part of his life. He is at the present time a partner in the firm of Eitel Brothers, general merchants, in Vernon.
On the first Monday in March, 1911, he was elected town recorder of Vernon, and assumed the duties of this office the same week in which he was elected, he being the only Democrat elected on the ticket at that time.
Mr. Eitel has always given freely of his time and energy for the furtherance of the cause of Democracy, and during the campaign of 1912 was treasurer of the county central committee.
EDWARD P. ELSNER
Senator Edward P. Elsner of Jackson county bears a state-wide reputation as an able and zealous legislator and has long been known as a leading attorney and able public official of Seymour.
He was born February 7, 1879, in Jackson county, and attended the public schools of Seymour, graduating from the high school. His studies were continued at Indiana University, where he took two years in the liberal arts department and graduated in the law department in 1904. Immediately after, he was admitted to the bar of Jackson county and engaged in the practice of his profession. On the first day of January, 1910, he assumed the duties of city attorney, serving in this capacity for a term of four years. In the fall of 1912 he was elected state senator, and was recognized as one of the leaders in the assembly of 1913 and that of 1915.
Mrs. Elsner was formerly Miss Mayme McDonald of Seymour; and two daughters, Dolores Mae and Mentoria Mabel, have added greatly to his home inspiration.
FREDERICK A. EMERSON
The present postmaster of the city of Angola, Mr. Frederick A. Emerson, has been for many years an active worker in the ranks of the party in Steuben county.
He is a native Hoosier, born on the 20th day of December, 1865, in Steuben county. He attended the public schools of his district and later entered Tri-State College for a course of study in the higher
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branches. On the 9th day of May, 1894, he was married to Miss Ina L. Craig, and their home was established in Angola. Here they have drawn about them a wide circle of friends.
Mr. Emerson was, for seventeen years, employed as a traveling salesman; but on the 19th day of March, 1914, was appointed to the position of postmaster of the city, and to this work has since devoted his energies with conscientious zeal. He is well known among the active Democratic workers of the county and has rendered valued service to the local organization.
FRANKLIN A. EMRICK
Franklin A. Emrick was born in Pleasant township, Allen county, Indiana, and received his early education in the public schools. He then took a two-year literary course in Ann Arbor, followed that with a year's course in law, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1899. Immediately after his admission he came to Ft. Wayne to take the position of deputy prosecuting attorney under his brother, E. V. Emrick. That position he filled from October 22, 1899, to December 31, 1903. During the past fifteen years he has achieved a high reputation in his profession and has also made a host of friends. In 1907 he was selected as a member of the town- ship advisory board. At the Democratic primary, on April 3, 1914, he was nominated for prosecuting attorney for Allen county by a splendid majority and his election assured.
Mr. Emrick has always been a Democrat and a stanch one, as was his father before him, and is always ready to do his best for party success. His recent nomination is a clear expression of the high regard in which he is held by his fellow Democrats. He is affiliated with many social and fraternal organizations, among them being the Elks, Eagles, Buffalos, Moose, Knights of Pythias, and the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the 32nd degree, Scottish Rite, and is also a member of the Shrine. His clubs are the Jefferson Club, the Commercial Club and the German Athletic Club.
Franklin A. Emrick married Mary E. Hill, also a native of Indiana, and they have two children.
MARION A. EMSHWILLER, M. D.
Dr. Marion A. Emshwiller is a native Indianian and may likewise be called a native in the cause of Democracy. Dr. Emshwiller was born on October 25, 1869. After a course in the Mont- pelier high school he attended DePauw University in 1885 and 1886. He then took up the study of medicine, attending the Medical College of Indiana, now a part of the University of Indiana, and received his diploma. This training for his chosen profession he followed in 1911 with a post- graduate course at the Chicago Polyclinic, an institution known for its thoroughness.
Dr. Emshwiller is a member of the Blackford county medical society and of the Indiana state medical society. In 1892 he was elected coroner of Blackford county, being the first Democrat ever elected to that office. For the past three years he has been physician for Harrison township.
On October 8, 1891, Dr. Emshwiller was married to Miss Maggie E. Patterson, who passed away on April 1, 1895. In September, 1896, he married Miss Leota E. Adams.
Dr. Emshwiller has ever taken a deep interest in furthering the principles of Democracy. A8 an active worker for the party he is a familiar figure in the councils of party workers, is always a delegate to the county convention, and was a delegate to the last state convention.
WILLIAM ESPENSCHIED
The gentleman whose name appears above is well known to the citizens of Mt. Vernon and vicinity, he having been a resident of that locality for many years and the holder of various posi- tions of responsibility and trust in the service of the commonwealth.
William Espenschied was born in the state of Kansas on the 27th day of April, 1876, but at the age of two years came with his parents to Indiana, the family locating at Mt. Vernon, where he re- ceived his early schooling, graduating from the high school. Later he pursued a course of study at
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Indiana University, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of bachelor of laws. In the same year he was admitted to the bar of Posey county and entered into the active practice of his profession at Mt. Vernon.
In the year 1899, Mr. Espenschied was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney for the 11th Judicial District, and in that capacity served until 1901, when he was elected to the position of prosecuting attorney of the same district for a two-year term. At the expiration of this period he was re-elected to the position of prosecutor, serving until 1905 with much credit to himself and his constituents. He later served as city attorney of Mt. Vernon, displaying in this capacity his characteristic energy and intelligence.
On the 30th day of October, 1901, Mr. Espens chied was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Gounerman. Fraternally, he is an active member of Beulah Lodge No. 578, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, and of Mt. Vernon Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of .Elks.
MOSES EPSTEIN
The name of Moses Epstein is widely known among the citizens of Frankfort and of Clinton county, for he has been a substantial member of the community for thirty-eight years, closely identified with the business and civil life of the place, and belonging to the class of men who, by their stability and conservative methods add dignity and weight to the various interests with which they are identified.
Mr. Epstein was born on the 5th day of July, 1852, in Dearborn county, Indiana, and received his education in the public schools of Louisville, Ken- tucky. Miss Henrietta Gradwohl became his wife and the mother of his two children, a son and daughter. In the year 1876 he established his home in Frankfort, and since that time has shown an unusually keen interest in civil affairs, particularly those movements which tend to alleviate the suf- ferings of the unfortunate. He is at this time a trustee of the Northern Indiana Hospital for the Insane, having been appointed in 1911 for a term of four years. He is also a member of the Board of Charities and the Board of Children's Guardians, and is affiliated with the fraternal orders of Elks and Knights of Pythias. In all these various relations he has proven himself a man of sterling worth and unquestioned integrity.
Politically he is a stanch Democrat and an active worker for the success of the party, giving lib- erally of his time, as well as his means, to promote the principles of true democracy.
WILLIAM H. EVERROAD
William H. Everroad, a prominent attorney of the city of Columbus, Indiana, senior member of the firm of Everroad & Cooper, was born in the state of Illinois on the 27th day of June, 1858. In childhood he came with his parents to Bartholomew county, Indiana, and here his schooling was received until he entered Hartsville University. On the 25th day of December, 1883, he was mar- ried to Miss Mary B. Sweeney, whose birth occurred in Greencastle, Indiana, on the 2nd day of February, 1864. Six years later he was elected prosecuting attorney of the 9th Judicial Circuit of Indiana, which position he held until the expiration of his term in 1891. In the year 1908 he was elected as delegate to the national Democratic convention at Denver for the 4th Congressional Dis- trict.
WALTER J. FABING
Though still a member of the younger element in the party, Walter J. Fabing of Valparaiso has been, for a number of years, a valued worker in the ranks and has established an enviable reputation among the legal fraternity of this section.
Mr. Fabing was born March 15, 1890, in Porter county, and attended the schools of Valparaiso. Following his graduation from the high school he entered Valparaiso University, and completed a course in law. After graduation he was admitted to the bar of Porter county and entered into the active practice of this profession. In this work he has evinced marked ability and unflagging energy and on the 6th day of March, 1913, was honored by receiving the appointment to the position of prose- cuting attorney for the county. Prior to this period he was a law partner of D. E. Kelly.
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Since attaining his majority he has been an active party worker, and in the campaign of 1912 was president of the Woodrow Wilson Club of Val paraiso.
Mrs. Fabing, to whom he was married June 3rd, 1913, was formerly Miss Kathryn Reagan; and she has proved a worthy second in his career and a charming hostess to the friends whom they have drawn about them.
JAMES W. FALCONBURY
The gentleman whose name appears at the heading of this article has for many years been a prominent member of the community and an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party.
James W. Falconbury is a native of Indiana, born on the 18th day of April, 1852. His life has been spent near the site of his present home, and his education was received in the common schools of Marshall county. He has been thrice married and is the father of eighteen children, sixteen of whom are now living, nine sons and seven daughters. His first marriage, to Miss Nancy A. Moffitt, occurred September 17, 1871; his second, to Miss Hattie Rowan, was solemnized November 29, 1875; and on the 7th of May, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Badgley.
In the year 1884 he was appointed postmaster of Rutland, serving for a term of four years, and again, during the period from 1892 to 1896, he discharged the duties of this office. Twice, also, has he been elected to the position of sheriff of Marshall county, his first term beginning January 1, 1911, and his second two years later, when he was re-elected and served until the close of the year 1914.
Mr. Falconbury has, throughout most of his life, found his pleasure as well as his profit in tilling the soil, and his sons have been taught the independence of the life of the agriculturist.
JOSEPH A. FAUST
Joseph A. Faust is a native of the State of Indiana, born at Lafayette, June 15, 1851, the eldest son of Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Buffert) Faust, both natives of Germany.
Mr. Faust was educated in the Catholic and public schools of Peru and was one of the seven members of the first graduating class of the Peru High School, that event occurring in 1870.
After his graduation, Mr. Faust taught German in the school he had just left, also teaching the philosophy and astronomy classes, but, not caring to continue in educational work, he became a dry goods salesman, then a book agent, and afterwards worked at his trade, that of cooper, which he had learned while working with his father. At this time he took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar in April, 1877. With the exception of a brief time when he was located in Cincinnati, Mr. Faust has been a continuous resident of the city of Peru, practicing his profession, and by his integrity, accomplishments and good citizenship, has taken a prominent place in the community. At the present time but two members of the Miami county bar antedate the admission of Mr. Faust to the bar.
Mr. Faust was twice a member of the school board, serving each time as secretary, being elected each time without his knowledge or consent, and resigning each time to accept the city attorneyship, which office he held for three terms, aggregating a period of eight years and three months.
While serving his second term on the school board the question of erecting a new high school was before the board, one of the trustees being for and the other against razing the old building. Mr. Faust's vote caused the razing of the school from which he had graduated, and which is replaced by the present magnificent structure, the pride of Peru, equipped with all the improvements applicable to modern schools. Mr. Faust devoted a great deal of his time to this end, being retained by the school board as clerk after his resignation until the building was completed.
Mr. Faust has always been a Democrat. He served as secretary of the central committee in 1884, chairman of the same in 1886 and vice-chairman a number of times since. On all occasions he has devoted his time and energy to further the interests of his party.
Mr. Faust was married May 13, 1879, to Mary Jane Comerford, and to them have been born seven children-Mary Elizabeth, wife of Charles A. Gosselin, of Kansas City, Mo .; Mary Agnes; Anna Louisa, deceased; Mary Josephine; Clara Gladys; Joseph Anton, and Rose, deceased.
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EDWARD WEBSTER FELT
Judge Edward Webster Felt, for many years a representative citizen of Hancock county, is a man of wide acquaintance, deep experience and unusual attainments; noted among his constituents for his broad-minded policies, progressive ideas and just decisions. In the discharge of his official duties he has shown a loyalty to the interests of the public combined with the utmost fairness in rendering decisions from the bench, and his position in the legal profession of the State is an enviable one.
Judge Felt is a native of the State of Virginia, his birth having occurred on the 7th day of No- vember, 1859. When less than one year of age, however, his parents came to Indiana, and it was in the schools of the Hoosier State that his education was received. After graduating from the public schools of Hancock county he entered the educational field, teaching school in the winter from the years 1880 to 1886, except the school year of 1883-84. In the meantime, when not teaching he pur- sued his studies at the Central Normal College of Danville, Ind., from which he graduated with the class of 1884. The following year, on the 17th day of April, his marriage to Miss Mattie L. Thomas was solemnized and their home established in the city of Greenfield, where he continued to teach and study, reading law with James A. New of that place, and being admitted to the bar in the year 1887.
Henceforth Judge Felt entered with characteristic energy and zeal into the active practice of law, and so well did he succeed that but three years elapsed before he held the responsible position of pros- ecuting attorney of Hancock county, his term of office extending over two terms, from 1890 to 1894. Two years later he assumed the duties of county attorney, serving in this capacity for three years. In the fall of 1900 he was elected to assume the still greater responsibilities of circuit judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit, and in this position he remained for the ensuing six years. In the year 1910 he was elected to the position of judge of the appellate court of Indiana, First District, and in 1914 was re- nominated without opposition and re-elected.
Throughout his career Judge Felt has administered the affairs of the various positions of re- sponsibility with conscientious zeal and loyalty, and richly deserves the trust reposed in him by the entire community of Hancock county and the State of Indiana.
Politically, he has consistently adhered to the tenets of the Jeffersonian party, taking an active part in the counsels of the county organization and acting as county chairman during the years of 1894, 1896 and 1898. He has also evinced a deep interest in the various movements which have arisen from time to time for the betterment and development of the community at large, and has been an active member of all "booster" organizations in his section of the State. He is also a communicant of the Methodist church, and for many years has taught a men's bible class.
In fraternal circles he is also widely known, being an active member of the leading orders of Greenfield and Indianapolis, including the Irvington Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Greenfield Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Greenfield Commandery of Knights Templar; Eastern Star, Indianapo- lis Consistory, 32d degree; Murat Temple Chapter, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Indianapolis; Greenfield Lodge No. 135, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Eureka Lodge No. 20, Knights of Pyth- ias of Greenfield; Order of Red Men; Woodmen of the World, and Maccabees.
Five children have come to the home of Judge and Mrs. Felt, three of whom are now living.
HULBERT M. FERGUSON
To the miners of the state of Indiana the name of Hulbert M. Ferguson is a household word, his activities as an operator and a man who at all times seeks to promote the best interests of the men employed in this work being known to all. As a citizen of Vermilion county he is equally well known, having served the commonwealth as an honored official and having been closely identified with business, political and fraternal affairs in this community for many years.
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