USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 133
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Mr. Foster became the mayor of Anderson in 1910 by the preference of a large majority of the voters. The record of his administration as such for economy, progress and high devotion to civic morals and advancement has never been surpassed in his home city or in any municipality. The mer- its of his work in this field grow as time leaves it behind us, and to which the citizens of Anderson without distinction of party bear witness.
INMAN HENRY FOWLER
Inman Henry Fowler was born June 7, 1834, at Lewisburg, Ohio, eighteen miles from Richmond, Ind., the son of John and Sarah (Kesler) Fowler. His great- grandfather, Jacob Fowler, came from Germany to this country about 1750. Jacob Fowler married an English lady by the name of Sarah Inman, whose maiden name the subject of this sketch bears. January 1, 1831, John Fowler married Sarah Kesler, daughter of George and Catherine Kesler of Lewisburg. George Kesler, the grand- father of Inman H., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was with Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. John and Sarah had born to them five children, four sons and one daughter. Inman H. was the third son. In 1836 John Fowler with his family moved from Lewisburg to Tippecanoe county, Indiana. August 25, 1839, the father of Inman H. died, and on September 19th, following, an older brother died. After this the mother
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
with the remainder of the family returned to Tippecanoe county, settling on a farm near Lafayette, from there moving to Clinton county, where she died December 3, 1887.
Inman H., having been thrown upon his own resources early in life, had to struggle with many adverse fortunes; yet he availed himself of every opportunity to acquire an education, which he did by alternately attending and teaching school. He entered Wabash College in 1852, remaining for three years. In 1858 he located in Owen county at Spencer, teaching school in that town the first year. In 1859 he entered the clerk's office of the Owen circuit court as deputy under Basil Meek, where he remained for two years, until the expiration of Mr. Meek's term. On July 4, 1861, Inman H. was nominated by the Democratic convention of Owen county for clerk of the circuit court to succeed Mr. Meek. His opponents were Philip Buck of Quincy and William S. Bullet of Cataract. On the first ballot Inman H. was nominated, receiving all the votes but five. His opponent before the peo- ple was John J. Cooper. Mr. Cooper had just finished an eight-year term as county auditor and had made a very efficient officer, was very popular with his party, was conservative and had a host of warm personal friends among the Democrats. The Civil war had just broken out. Lifelong friends engaged in personal abuse of each other, and in bitter denunciation and arraignment. The election came off, the Democrats were successful, the entire ticket being elected. In 1865 Inman H. was re- nominated by his party for a second term without opposition. The republican candidate for clerk was Major Harry Woodsmall. Again the Democratic party was successful, and Mr. Fowler was elected to a second term. Those who remember the canvass of 1861, as the Civil war opened, and that of 1865, as it closed, remember them as the most remarkable political contests in the history of Owen county politics. Excitement and party zeal were such as had never been witnessed in Owen county in any political contest before or since.
Inman H. served as clerk until October 28, 1870, holding the office for one year longer than the term for which he was elected. This was because the general assembly in 1869 changed the election law from annual to biennial. Mr. Fowler's term would have expired the fall of 1869 had there been an election; there being no election until the next fall, he held over until his successor was elected in October, 1870. Meantime, he prepared himself for the practice of law, having determined to make that his profession and to make every other interest subservient to that one purpose. After retiring from the clerk's office he immediately entered the law department of the Indiana University, graduat- ing in 1871 in a class of thirty-two, the largest law class that had ever graduated from the institu- tion. He returned to Spencer, entering upon the practice of the law with the Hon. John C. Robin- son. This partnership continued until the fall of 1876, when Mr. Robinson was elected judge of the Fif- teenth Judicial Circuit, and at the same election Mr. Fowler was elected state senator for the district of Owen and Clay. His opponent in this contest was Dr. David M. McDonald, of Quincy, Owen county. Mr. Fowler's majority in the two counties was over 700.
He was a member of the senate during the regular and special sessions of 1877 and 1879. Dur- ing his senatorial term he was an active, energetic working member. Placed on some of the most important committees, he always had an eye single to the interests of his constituents. Some of the most important bills introduced at these sessions were framed by him, and are now upon the statute books of the State. Among the bills which became laws, which originated in the house of representa- tives, one was to compel coal operators to ventilate their coal mines. This bill for four or five pre- vious sessions had passed the house without opposition, but always met with bitter opposition and defeat in the senate. At the regular session of 1879, after the bill had passed the house, it came to the senate and was taken in charge by Senator Fowler. Although there was an organized opposition of the operators, after a heated and bitter contest, it passed the senate, was approved by the governor, became a law and yet remains upon the statute books.
In 1875 Mr. Fowler, with other stockholders, organized the Exchange Bank of Spencer, and was elected president and attorney for the bank, which position he has ever since held; and the success, standing and confidence enjoyed by the bank are largely due to his management of the finances of the institution.
In 1884 Mr. Fowler was again nominated for state senator in the old district of Owen and Clay. Mr. Barty Cusick, a coal miner in Clay county, was his opponent. Mr. Cusick had made a special study of the tariff question and was well informed on the subject. He was a protectionist of the strictest sort; an extremist-so much so that some of his party friends refused to support him. The tariff question was the main issue in the canvass. There was the election of a United States senator involved and Mr. Cusick went down in defeat. Senator Fowler served in the sessions of 1885 and 1887, and no senator in the body stood higher nor one whose opinions were more respected by his fellow senators.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
Senator Fowler has passed the meridian of life; though past eighty-one he does not look to be over sixty, if that; is in perfect health and as active as at any time in his life. He is actively engaged in the practice of the law. He has large farming interests which he superintends, as well as super- intending other business and financial interests. He is a Mason, Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias, a member of the association of Sons of the American Revolution and a member of the Greek fraternity of Phi Kappa Psi. September 20, 1866, he was married to Miss Lovina Hollembeak, daughter of A. A. and Emily Hollembeak, of Springboro, Pa. By this union there have been four children, only one of whom is living, Mrs. John H. Smith, of Spencer.
WALTER J. FRANK
Walter J. Frank is descended from a line of stanch Democratic ancestors, and in his political faith he has lived true to the traditions of his family. His father was a lifelong worker for the principles of the Jeffersonian party, and the cause of Democracy has no stronger adherent than the son to whom we refer. Since he attained his majority he has labored zealously in each campaign, giving freely of his time and means, serving at times as precinct committeeman and as delegate to the various county and state conventions. He is a native of Dearborn county, having been born in the city of Aurora on the twenty-first day of December, 1885, and receiving his education in the schools there, attending the common and high schools. In March, 1899, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Anna Cox, and they have since resided in his home city, gathering around them a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Twenty-six years ago his father established himself in the bakery business, and the son, Walter, has proven first a faithful assistant and later a successful proprietor of this concern.
In the fall of the year 1913 he was elected city councilman, his tenure of office to expire Janu- ary 1, 1918; and in this capacity he has shown a clear understanding of municipal affairs, progres- sive in his ideas, yet conservative in his actions on questions of large moment to the commonwealth. In whatever capacity we find him he is diligent in the performance of the duties in his charge, a true servant of the people, as well as a successful business man.
Fraternally, he is allied with the order of Eagles, among whom he is widely acquainted and highly esteemed.
ALVA OTIS FULKERSON
The position of county superintendent of schools is one which requires peculiar abilities in its incumbent; and in the person of Alva Otis Fulkerson Daviess county has happily solved this problem. A man of broad education, high character and rare tact, he has placed the schools of this county upon a high plane of scholarship.
Mr. Fulkerson was born in Daviess county, Indiana, on the 18th day of March, 1868. Here he received his schooling in the public schools of his district, and later continued his studies at the Indiana State Normal School of Terre Haute, graduating from this institution. Later he graduated from Indiana University. Following his graduation he entered .the edu- cational field, and as an instructor in the schools was very successful, be- ing progressive in his methods and diligent in his work. On the 7th day of January, 1911, he was elected to the position of county superintendent for the unexpired term, and in June of that year was elected for the fol- lowing term, receiving the unanimous vote of the trustees. In this position he continued until August, 1917, constantly increasing the efficiency of the school system under his control. He is now principal of the Washington high school.
On the 5th day of September, 1900, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Minnie E. Casey, and her interest and assistance have perhaps been a large factor in his success. Their home is well known throughout the community and its hospitality has been extended to a wide circle of friends.
Mr. Fulkerson has been actively interested in the local Democratic organization, and has repre- sented his district in several state conventions.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
CHARLES E. FULLER
Charles E. Fuller is a man who has truly "risen from the ranks" by virtue of his own unflagging energy and innate ability.
Mr. Fuller was born on the 27th day of August, 1867, on a farm three and one- half miles southwest of Worthington, Indiana. He attended the district schools of the county, and after his graduation from the grammar grades attended the Worth- ington High School, and later graduated from commercial college at Terre Haute.
For three years thereafter Mr. Fuller held a position in a mine, where he labored digging coal, and here he learned the practical side of the mining industry. At the expiration of this period, however, he became employed as weighmaster for the Shirley Hill Coal Company, holding this position also for a period of three years. He was then promoted to the office as bookkeeper and paymaster, and served in this capacity until the fall of 1910, when he made the race for county recorder and was elected to this position, assuming the duties of office on the 1st day of January, 1912, and being re-elected in 1914 for the second term.
On the 15th day of April, 1890, his marriage to Miss Nellie Spainhower was solemnized, and their home has been the meeting place of many friends during the years which have since elapsed.
JOHN LEWIS FULLING
Known throughout the state as an educator of ability and a public official of un- usual attainments, John Lewis Fulling is deserving the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens of Gibson county.
Mr. Fulling was born in Indiana on the ninth day of August, 1876, and attended the public schools of Gibson county, graduating from the Snake Run graded school and normal school of Princeton. This was followed by a commercial course, and in this latter branch he has developed unusual ability. For nine years Mr. Fulling taught in the schools of Gibson county, and for eight years he held the responsible position of county superintendent of schools, an office demanding unusual qualifica- tions.
On the 29th of May, 1911, he was appointed field examiner of the state board of accounts, and this position he held until July 29, 1913, at which time he assumed the duties of accountant for the Pub- lic Service Commission of Indiana, with headquarters at the Capitol in Indianapolis.
Since attaining his majority he has been actively interested in the success of the Democratic party, and for six years served as secretary of the county central committee.
Mrs. Fulling, to whom he was married March 6, 1901, was formerly Miss Mabel D. Shanner.
CHARLES N. FULTZ
One of the well-known leaders in the Democratic organization of Ver- milion county, and a prominent attorney of Newport, is the gentleman whose portrait appears herewith, Chas. N. Fultz.
Mr. Fultz is a true son of Vermilion county, born on the 21st day of December, 1879, near Eugene, where his ancestors settled about 1827 and have ever since lived. He attended the common and high schools of Eugene, the academic and the law departments of Indiana University and was ad- mitted to the Vermilion county bar in 1903. He was united in marriage April 9, 1902, to Goldie Smith of Georgetown, Illinois, who came from a good Kentucky Democratic parentage.
Upon his admission to the bar he located in Newport, where he has become identified with the business and political life of the community, giv- ing freely of his time and energies for the furtherance of the cause of De- mocracy, and the promotion of the various movements instituted from time to time for the general progress of the community. In 1908 he served the party as vice-county chairman, and is the present Democratic county chairman.
Fraternally, Mr. Fultz is allied with the orders of Free and Accepted Masons. Newport Lodge No. 209; Royal Arch Masons, Vermilion Chapter No. 125, and Riverside Lodge No. 242, Knights of Pythias of Newport.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
JUDGE JAMES F. GALLAHER
The name of Judge James F. Gallaher is familiar to the citizens of Laporte county and particu- larly to the residents of Michigan City, where he has long been an honored citizen.
Judge Gallaher is a native of the State of Missouri, his birth having occurred on the 22d day of October, 1860. He attended the public schools of his district, and later entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor for the purpose of studying law. Graduating from this institution in the year 1885, he was admitted to the bar of Michigan, but later came to Laporte county and engaged in the active practice of his chosen profession. In this he has demonstrated marked ability and con- scientious zeal for the interest of his clients.
In the year 1910 he was elected judge of the Laporte circuit court, his term of office to expire in 1916.
HARRY M. GARDNER
Harry M. Gardner, Logansport, Ind., was born in Dunkirk, N. Y., September 15, 1880. He came to Indiana February 19, 1905, to work as reporter on the Logansport Reporter, independent daily newspaper. He became city editor and continued as such until the fall of 1912, when the paper be- came the Bull Moose organ of Cass county, so he resigned.
When the Reporter and Logansport Pharos (Democratic organ) consolidated in 1913 he became city editor of the Democratic organ.
Mr. Gardner was elected to the 1913 General Assembly, representing Cass and Fulton counties. Was not a candidate for renomination in 1914, but instead was candidate for county auditor, being defeated by a small vote in the convention. He was candidate for assistant clerk of the 1915 House of Representatives.
Mr. Gardner is at present employed on the Logansport Chronicle; is a member of the Elks No. 66 of Logansport; has always taken an active interest in Democratic politics; prior to coming to Logansport was on newspapers in Denver, Los Angeles, Buffalo and other cities; is a contributor to the magazines.
ANDREW A. GAST
One of the most active party workers of Fulton county, as well as one of the most aggressive and prominent business men of the community, is Andrew A. Gast, a citizen of Akron.
Mr. Gast was born on September 14, 1855, and received his education in the public schools of his home district. In the year 1879 he was married to Miss Laura A. Ball, but death deprived him of her companionship five years later. In the year 1886 his marriage to Miss Flora E. Bitters was solemnized, and she has since been his helpmate and the mistress of his home.
In the year 1885 Mr. Gast received the appointment of postmaster of the town of Akron, serv- ing in that capacity until 1888, in which year he was elected sheriff of Fulton county for a term of four years. He also served his party at one time as county chairman.
Mr. Gast has engaged in numerous business enterprises, showing remarkable ability in this direc- tion, and is now the owner of the Akron Light, Heat and Power Company, a manufacturer of drain tile and brick, a successful farmer, and general contractor.
LOUIS J. GAST
Louis J. Gast is a native of this state, born in Porter county on the 2nd day of March, 1875. He attended the common schools of his district, and in March, 1895, came to Valparaiso without a dollar and began working for J. W. Wood & Son in a grocery store at $5 per week. Here he remained a year, leaving to go with Fred Beyer in a general store, where he stayed fifteen years, after which he went into business for himself in a general store and grocery, also dealing in real estate, ac- cumulating a fortune of about forty thousand dollars and owning besides his business block, a flat building, his residence and two fine farms west of Valparaiso.
Politically, Mr. Gast has always been a Democrat, and has labored zealously for the cause in this section. In 1910 he was elected city councilman for four years, and re-elected in 1914, his term to expire in 1918. Mrs. Gast, to whom he was married June 1, 1897, was formerly Miss Anna Henderlong.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816 -1916
JOHN GAUCK
An active party worker of Ripley county and closely identified with the business life of the community is John Gauck of Batesville. He is a native of Ripley county, born in Adams township on the 2nd day of March, 1856. He attended the common schools of his district, and in the year 1881 was united in marriage to Miss Clara Holtel, and has a family of six children, four girls and two boys.
Early in life he entered into commercial life, and later established the Western Furniture Co. He also held the position of assistant postmaster of Batesville during President Cleveland's second administration. He was city treasurer for a term of four years, and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Batesville. He is now the proprietor of a thriving general merchandise store and actively interested in civic affairs. He has been an active party worker and attended county, district and state conven- tions. He is affiliated with the Catholic church and an active member of the Knights of Co- lumbus; was nine years treasurer of the board of education and is now secretary and treasurer of the St. Louis cemetery committee.
JAMES W. GENTRY
Mr. James W. Gentry needs no introduction to the people of Hendricks county, for he is a native of this locality and has for many years held a position of influence in the community. He was born in Center township, November 4, 1866, and received his education in the common schools of the county. In January, 1890, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Nettie M. Neaville.
For four years he served as deputy sheriff of Hendricks county under John W. Ador, and in the fall of 1912 was elected to the position of sheriff and re-elected in 1914.
Mr. Gentry has, since his first vote was cast for Cleveland in 1888, been an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and has been in close touch with affairs of the county organization, attending many conventions as delegate. He is a member of the Indiana Democratic Club and is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red Men.
GEORGE WALLACE GILL
George Wallace Gill is descended from a long line of Democratic an- cestors, and has since boyhood been an enthusiastic worker in the cause of Democracy.
He was born in Huntington county, on February 11, 1857. His grand- father Gill emigrated from Virginia in the early days, and his mother came from Tennessee in 1838, being one of five families to settle in Huntington county at that time. The son attended the country schools of the locality, and at an early age engaged in the mercantile business, which he conducted for a period of twenty-two years.
On the 11th day of February, 1882, his marriage to Miss Ella Dow- ney was solemnized, and to her faithful companionship much of his success in material things and religious work is doubtless due. Mr. and Mrs. Gill are the parents of two sons, Harmon W. Gill, assistant cashier of the First National Bank, and Earl E. Gill, secretary-treasurer of the Thermos Silo Company at Huntington ..
In the year 1878 he was nominated for justice of the peace of Lancaster township, being de- feated by 14 votes, reducing the normal Republican majority of 85 to this figure. In later years he was nominated for county treasurer, and was again defeated by only 92 votes, at a time when the county went Republican by 500 majority. In 1910 he was again nominated for county treas- urer, this time being elected by a majority of 67; and in 1912 was re-elected by a majority of 466- truly a remarkable record in a Republican stronghold. He has also been a delegate to several state conventions, and was chairman of the Democratic county committee in 1914, serving faithfully in the campaign of that year.
Mr. Gill is an active member of the First Christian church and the Y. M. C. A. of Huntington.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
COURTLAND C. GILLEN
The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is a true product of this locality, his birth having occurred in Putnam county, Indiana, on the 3rd day of July, 1880. He received his schooling also in the common and high schools of the county, and following his graduation from the latter in the year 1897, he entered DePauw University for a year's addi- tional study. Later he attended the Indiana Law School at Indianapolis, graduating in the year 1905.
In the same year he was admitted to the bar of Putnam county and located in Greencastle, entering at once into the active practice of the law. In this profession he demonstrated unusual capability, evincing a keen in- sight into complicated questions and working with unflagging energy for the interests of his clients; and soon a lucrative and steadily increasing prac- tice came to him.
In the year 1909 he assumed the duties of county attorney for his dis- trict, and, save for one year and six months, has held this position until the present time, devoting himself conscientiously and zealously to the service of the commonwealth.
In the month of August, 1914, he became a member of the school board of the city of Green- castle, his term of three years to expire in August, 1917.
He has, since attaining his majority, been an enthusiastic worker for the cause of true Democ- racy, and during the campaign of 1914 held the position of secretary of the Putnam county Demo- cratic central committee.
Mrs. Gillen, to whom he was married November 28, 1900, was formerly Miss Nellie B. Gough, who, as the presiding genius of his home and hostess to their many friends, has proved an able help- mate.
AMIEL C. GLADIEUX
Among the many Democrats of the state of Indiana who have given unselfishly of their time and service for the furth- erance, growth and strength of their party, the name of Amiel Gladieux is a familiar one, this gentleman having taken an active part in politics since he cast his first vote, working loyally and conscientiously at the various elections and adher- ing stanchly at all times to the principles of true Democracy. In fact, the truths promulgated by Thomas Jefferson were in- stilled into his mind in childhood, as his father was a life- long Democrat, an active worker in the party ranks, and at one time held the office of county commissioner for nine years.
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