USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 137
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Joseph O. Hoffman was born in Indiana on the 7th day of November, 1889. He attended the local schools of his home district, continued his studies at St. Mary's College, Kansas, and then took a course at Georgetown University, from the legal department of which he was graduated. Soon afterward he was admitted to the bar of Marion county and entered into the active practice of law in Indianapolis. In this work he has evinced conscientious zeal and loyalty to his clients. On the 14th day of June, 1914, he assumed the position of prosecutor for the juvenile court of Indianapolis.
Politically, Mr. Hoffman has been a stanch and loyal Democrat, rendering efficient service to the local organizations and in every possible way contributing to the success of the party.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
EDWARD GEORGE HOFFMAN
Edward George Hoffman, Democratic national committee- man for Indiana for several years from 1916, was born in this state, October 1, 1878. His early education was secured through the public schools and included a course in the Harlan high school. After his graduation there he took a course at Valparaiso College and then entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which insti- tution he was graduated with the class of 1903. Taking up his residence in Fort Wayne, he began the practice of his profes- sion and soon took a high rank at the bar, becoming a mem- ber of the well-known firm of Barrett, Morris and Hoffman. This firm was engaged in much of the most important litiga- tion of northeastern Indiana.
Interested from his earliest manhood in politics, Mr. Hoff- man became active in the organization work of the Democratic party at an early age and in 1906 served as county chairman in Allen county. Two years later he was made a member of the state committee for the twelfth congressional district, and such was the energy and ability he displayed in this connec- tion that he was re-elected in 1910, 1912 and 1914. From 1909 to 1914 he served the commonwealth as county attorney.
In the senatorial contest of 1909, when Senator Shively was the caucus nominee, Mr. Hoffman, then but thirty-one years of age, was presented as the candidate of the 12th district, and the dignified manner in which his candidacy was urged made a favorable impression on the state and served to fix his status in Indiana politics.
In 1916, on the retirement of Senator Thomas Taggart from the national committee, Mr. Hoff- man was unanimously elected as his successor, and he carried to his new position the zeal which characterized him in all the positions he ever held. In 1918 he was appointed by the national alien property custodian the attorney for Indiana, a position in which he served the government without compensation.
A 33rd degree Mason, an Elk, and a Knight of Pythias, Mr. Hoffman also is a member of the Fort Wayne University club, Country club and Chamber of Commerce and of the Indiana Demo- cratic club of Indianapolis. He is actively engaged in business enterprises and is vice-president of the Tri-State Trust Company and secretary-treasurer of the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette Company, also secretary and treasurer of the Deister Machine Company.
Mr. Hoffman's wife was Miss Emily R. Hoffman, of Fort Wayne, their marriage having been solemnized on the 7th of May, 1912, and in her he has found a worthy second in the various responsi- bilities and undertakings which came to him.
PETER HOLZER
In the hands of the newspaper editor lie great responsibilities to the community in which he lives and works, and the influence wielded by a man of sterling qualities in this position is great. Appre- ciating this fact, the subject of this article, Peter Holzer, has been a great force for good in Ripley county and vicinity.
Mr. Holzer is a true product of Ripley county, born in Shelby township on the 4th day of Sep- tember, 1870. He attended the public schools of his district and later pursued his studies at the Indi- ana State Normal School at Terre Haute.
On the 12th day of November, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Adda Adams, and their home was established in Batesville.
In the state general assembly of 1911 he held the position of journal clerk, and in this work formed many friendships with noted persons. Since the year 1905 Mr. Holzer has held the position of editor of the Democratic Herald of. Batesville, a paper whose principles are declared by its name. In February, 1908, a corporation was formed including Mr. Charles V. Hert and Mrs. Adda Holzer, and it is now being published under this management.
The father of Mr. Holzer, now nearing the age of three score years and ten, is also a lifelong
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
Democrat. The son, Peter Holzer, has been a frequent attendant of county, district and state con- ventions and in 1914 was precinct committeeman. He is affiliated with the order of Masons at Bates- ville; also a member of the Eastern Star, Red Men and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
ISAAC HOLTON
Isaac Holton, a well known hotel proprietor of the city of Plainfield, Indiana, and prominently identified with the business interests of the town, was born in the state of Ohio on the 12th day of October, 1853-on a farm-and received his educa- tion in the public schools of that state, coming to his present home in his youth. On the 7th day of October, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Christiana Trichler of Bloomington, and she has since been his faithful companion. Following his re- moval to Plainfield he engaged in the hotel business, and in this field he has continued until the present time, being the proprietor of the Commercial Hotel. He also served as postmaster of the city during President Cleveland's last administration. He has been an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, serving many times as delegate to congressional and state conventions; and was also alternate delegate to the national con- vention at Denver in 1908.
THOMAS M. HONAN
Born in Seymour, Indiana. After graduating at Indiana University he entered into the prac- tice of law in his native city. Was appointed city attorney, elected three times to the office of prosecuting attorney in the judicial district comprising Jackson, Washington and Orange coun- ties. Afterwards he was three times the representative of Jackson county, serving as speaker of the 66th General Assembly of the State of Indiana. Attorney-general of the State of Indiana from 1911 to 1914 inclusive. Is now practicing law at Seymour, Indiana.
FRANK ASBURY HORNER
Frank Asbury Horner was born in Washington county, Indiana, in the town of Fredericksburg, April 18, 1849. He was the son of Dr. Jacob S. Horner. He gradu- ated from the University at Greencastle in the class of 1870, and began the practice of law at New Albany. He moved to Brazil in 1871 and made that his permanent home.
He was a member of the Democratic state central committee as chairman of the fifth congressional district from 1896 to 1900. From 1898 to 1902 he was a member of the State senate. In 1890 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Clay county, serving for four years, at the same time being county chairman in the party organization.
He was a candidate of his party for Congress and was defeated in the election. was Attorney Holliday, his law partner for eighteen years.
His opponent
WILLIAM O. HORTON
William O. Horton not only has always been one of the livest Democratie workers in Hamilton county, but when in public office he was both popular and efficient. He served many years as a member of different political committees and as a delegate to conventions, but was not a candidate for any office until 1912, when he was chosen auditor of the county. He was re-elected in recognition of his efficient service.
Mr. Horton was born and reared on the farm, receiving most of his education in the neighboring schools. and spent most of his successful life as a farmer and in buy- ing and selling live stock, doing the largest business in the county in this line. His farm is one of the models, not only of the county, but of the state. His success in both business and politics has been far above the average.
Mr. Horton was married to Miss Elizabeth Sumner on Scptember 14, 1881.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
JUDGE MILTON B. HOTTEL
Recognized throughout the state as an authority in the legal profession, now a resident of Indianapolis and one of her prominent citizens, Judge Milton B. Hottel is best known in Washing- ton county, where most of his life has been spent, and which locality, to him, is "home."
Judge Hottel was born in Harrison county, Indiana, May 1, 1860. During his boyhood he accompanied his parents to Washington county, where the family located. Following his graduation from the high school of Salem, he became engaged in educational work, teaching school for a year. Later he matriculated at Indiana University and in 1882 was graduated from that institution. He spent the following two years in a store with his father, in Salem, and then entered the law office of John A. Zearing for the purpose of reading law. A year later he was admitted to the bar of Washington county and formed a partnership with his preceptor, under the firm name of Zearing & Hottel, an association which continued until the death of the senior member of the firm in 1898. These years Judge Hottel has always regarded as valued years of growth and development in his profession. From this time forward his rise in the legal profession was rapid, and his abilities as an attorney were soon recognized beyond his home community.
In the year 1910 Judge Hottel was elected to the position of judge of the Appellate court of Indiana for a term of six years, and upon assuming the duties of this office he located in Indian- apolis, establishing his residence in Woodruff Place, a beautiful and exclusive residence district of the capital. Judge Hottel's administration of the affairs in his charge evidenced efficiency and con- scientious zeal, and his decisions from the bench were characterized by just discrimination and fair- ness to the various parties in litigation. Renominated by his party, he was elected for a further term of six years, and in this capacity is still serving.
On January 17, 1888, Judge Hottel was united in marriage to Miss Cora H. Harris, who has been a worthy second in her husband's labors. Five children born to this union are living to add inspiration to their home life, and two have been called from the family circle by death.
Notwithstanding his success in the legal profession and in the social world, Judge Hottel has found time to engage in farming upon a large scale, and his large apple orchard and persimmon orchard of three thousand trees bear evidence, in their close and successful culture, that a master hand controls the estate near Salem, in Washington county.
During his years in college Judge Hottel became affiliated with the Greek letter fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta. He also is an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically, he has consistently adhered to the principles promulgated by Jefferson, and his influence and service have been highly valued in the counsels of the local and state organizations of the Democratic party.
E. M. HOWARD
The gentleman named above was the first white child born in the town of Oxford, Benton county, Indiana, this event occurring on the 24th of April, 1848. He attended the common schools of Benton county, but entered the army at the early age of sixteen years, enlisting in the 155th Indiana Volun- teers. For the past forty-seven years he has been in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad, hold- ing the position of claim agent on the Logansport Division for fourteen years. His father was a promi- nent Democrat of Benton county, serving as county clerk for three terms, also as auditor, treasurer and recorder. Mr. Howard is a member of the G. A. R. He has always been active in the counsels of the Democratic party, serving as chairman of the county committee for two years, and for many years a delegate to county and state conventions and a visitor to all Democratic national conventions.
WILLIAM F. HOWAT, M. D.
A native of Prince Edward Island, Canada, born in that province on the 2nd day of June, 1869, and educated in its schools, Dr. Howat is none the less a loyal Hoosier and a valued citizen of the city of Hammond.
Following his graduation from the Prince of Wales College, Canada, he entered upon the study of the medical profession at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating from this institution in the year 1892. The same year he located in Packerton, Kosciusko county, and for three years engaged in
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INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
the active practice of medicine. In this year, also, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice A. Webb, who has since been the presiding genius of his home.
In 1895 they came to Hammond, and here their social and business interests have since centered. In 1896 he was candidate for coroner. Later he became a member of the school board of Lake county and for more than six years devoted his efforts to the upbuilding of the school system. He has also been a member of the library board since its organization in 1904. During the years 1911-12 he served as president of the state medical society, marked evidence of his high standing in the medi- cal profession of the State. He was a candidate for mayor in the primaries of 1913.
Dr. Howat is affiliated with the Masonic order (32nd degree and Knights Templar) and is a member of the Mystic Shrine.
JAMES H. HUMPHREYS
James H. Humphreys was born in Greene county, Indiana, July 22, 1853, being a member of one of the oldest and best known families in the county. His father, Andrew Humphreys, settled in Greene county in 1842 and was one of the best known public men in Southern Indiana, having served more times, either as a representative or a senator in the general assembly, and voted for more United States senators, than perhaps any other man of his day. He served his first session in 1849 and his last session in 1897. In addition to his long service as a legislator, he was Indian agent for the territory of Utah under President Buchanan's administration and was elected and served as a member of Congress to fill the unexpired term of James D. Williams, who was elected as governor of Indiana before his term as congressman expired.
The subject of this sketch, James H. Humphreys, was twice married. His first wife was Miss Mattie Jackson, to whom he was married in 1877. Mrs. Humphreys died in the spring of 1879. His second wife was Miss Eva Schloot, to whom he was married in 1883. He has six children, four sons and two daughters.
Mr. Humphreys, like his father, has always been an old-time Jeffersonian Democrat, believing always in the principles of the Democratic party and in the perpetuity of the same. He was born and reared on a farm, taught school in his early days, was in the mercantile business for several years, and was cashier of the Linton bank for seventeen years.
He has never held but one political office, and that is the one he now holds, a member of the senate of Indiana, being elected for the counties of Greene, Owen and Monroe, on the third day of November, 1914.
LORENZO B. HUMPHRIES
Having been an active worker in the party ranks since his youth and for many years the incumbent of various positions of responsibility and trust in the public service, Lorenzo B. Humphries is well known to the citizens of Parke county.
Mr. Humphries was born in Virginia on October 6, 1853. He attended the county schools of his home district and at the age of nineteen years came to Indiana, an orphan seeking employment. The following year, on the 12th day of October, he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel E. Lam- bert, and she has been a faithful second in all his efforts for advancement.
Since he attained his majority Mr. Humphries has taken an active part in the activities of the Democratic party in Owen county and in 1892 was county chairman. During President Cleveland's administration he held the position of postmaster of the city of Rockville throughout the term of four years, and in 1908 was elected township trustee. During this campaign he was forced on the ticket to fill it up, the township being a Republican strong- hold, but he was elected by a majority of 78 and in this position remained until March 15, 1914. On this date he received his appointment from President Wilson to the postmastership of Rockville, and to this work his energies are now devoted.
Mr. Humphries has served the party as dele gate to many state and congressional conventions,
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
and was for four terms chairman of the county organization. Fraternally, he is allied with the or- der of Knights of Pythias, among the membership of which order he has a wide acquaintance and is held in high esteem.
CHARLES EDGAR HUDSON
The city of Connersville is the home of many citizens in whom it takes just pride, men of progressive ideas and methods who labor zealously for the public good. To this element belonged Charles Edgar Hudson.
This gentleman was a native of Franklin county, his birth having occurred at Fairfield on the 17th day of July, 1870. His education was received in the public schools of that county. His wife was Miss Lola Murray of Matamora.
Mr. Hudson, since his youth, had been an energetic worker for the success of the Democratic party, and in the fall of 1913 was nominated by that party for the posi- tion of city treasurer of Connersville, and. being elected, assumed the duties of office January 5, 1914.
Mr. Hudson died on July 13, 1918.
BURDGE H. HURD
Burdge H. Hurd has won distinction as a leading attorney of Huntington county and also in the educational field in Iowa and Indiana.
He was born in Coesse, Whitley county, Indiana, on the 26th day of August, 1864, and attended the schools of this locality until he completed the high school course, when he accompanied his parents to Iowa and entered Tilford Academy at Vinton. Following his graduation here in 1886 he studied at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and finally graduated from the law department of Ann Arbor Uni- versity in 1890. A period of ten years in South Dakota followed his graduation, and here he was married to Miss Alice Penney of Parker, on the 6th day of March, 1892. Here he engaged in the practice of law, and was for four years postmaster of the city of Parker.
In 1902 Mr. Hurd came to Huntington and continued his legal work; and in 1910 was appointed president of the board of education of Huntington for a term of three years. In 1914 he assumed the duties of county attorney, which position he still holds with great credit. He is affiliated with the I. O. O. F., the State A. O. U. W. and the National Union.
Mr. Hurd was county chairman of the Democratic county central committee in 1903, is a stanch and loyal Democratic worker, and is one of the leaders of that party in the county; has attended every state convention, as a delegate, since his location in Huntington county. No Democrat in the state is more loyal to the true principles of Democracy than he, and he is a tireless worker for their advancement.
OSCAR JAY
A true son of Elkhart county, born and reared within its confines and recognized throughout the community as a representative citizen and the incumbent of various positions of responsibility and trust in the service of the public, is the present prosecuting attorney, Oscar Jay, of Elkhart.
Mr. Jay was born on October 5, 1871, and his childhood was spent near the little town of Wakarusa. He received his early schooling in the public schools of his home district, later taking up the study of law, and was admitted to the bar of Elkhart county.
On July 16, 1902, Mr. Jay was united in marriage to Miss Viola R. Hess, who died on No- ! vember 24, 1908.
In January, 1911, Mr. Jay assumed the duties of deputy prosecuting attorney for the 34th judicial circuit, and devoted a year zealously to this work. Retiring to private practice for a sea- son, he again entered the public service as prosecuting attorney for the same district, assuming the duties of this office on January 1, 1914.
Politically, Mr. Jay has been a consistent adherent to the principles of Democracy, giving free- ly of his time during the various campaigns through which he has passed for the furtherance of the cause.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
URIAH STOKES JACKSON
Uriah Stokes Jackson was born in Vernon township, Han- cock county, Indiana, July 6, 1846. He was educated in the public schools of his native county and resided in the county continuously until his death, June 22, 1912.
On March 8, 1864, he was married to Mary J. Thomas, who died in 1910. To them were born seven children, four of whom survive him: Earl and Omer S. Jackson, and Mrs. Horace Boyd and Mrs. Ora Myers, all of Greenfield, Indiana.
In 1911 Mr. Jackson was united in marriage with Grace Gardner.
In early life Mr. Jackson engaged in farming and the buying and selling of live stock. In 1889 he began the prac- tice of law in Greenfield, in partnership with Edward W. Felt, at present one of the judges of the appellate court.
He continued in the practice of his profession and was for many years in partnership with Robert L. Mason, until the latter became circuit judge in 1906. He then formed a partnership with Earl Sample (now the judge of said court) which continued until 1911.
In 1876, Mr. Jackson was elected township trustee of his native township and was re-elected in 1878 and served two terms.
. He was elected sheriff of Hancock county in 1884, and re-elected in 1886, when the rest of the Democratic ticket was defeated. In 1888 he was elected county chairman of the Democratic organiza- tion and was continued through three successful campaigns.
He was elected chairman of the Sixth congressional district and served as a member of the Demo- cratic state committee through three campaigns.
In 1908 he was chosen chairman of the Democratic state central committee and was re-elected in 1910. He was also the nominee of his party for congress in 1904 and made a good race in the days when no Democrat could win in the Sixth District.
On January 8, 1911, he was elected to the office of sergeant-at-arms of the National House of Representatives, Washington, D. C., which position he continued to hold to the time of his death.
Mr. Jackson was from his early manhood a leader of men. He had a passion for politics and whether in defeat or success never suffered his zeal for the cause of Democracy to abate. He worked incessantly, and in the campaigns of 1908 and 1910 led his party to victory in the State after many years of defeat.
Mr. Jackson was a strong personality and a lovable character. He had an intuitive knowledge of men which served him well in both politics and business. He was a hard fighter and a worthy antago- nist. He kept his face turned toward the future and cherished no ill will toward his fellow men on account of things said or done in the many contests in which he was a leading figure.
When he could not trust a man he quietly let him alone, but he clung tenaciously to his many tried and true friends and associates.
He never gave up. To him a defeat only marked the beginning of another contest.
He had a host of friends in his native county and was one of the best and most favorably known Democrats in Indiana. He was a delegate to several national Democratic conventions and had the confidence and esteem of many of the most prominent men in national affairs. For many years he never missed a district, state or national convention. He believed in the principles of Democracy and strove earnestly all his life to place Democrats in public office to carry those principles into effect.
He richly earned all the honors that came to him, and his many friends in his own and other par- ties rejoiced in the recognition of his loyalty and ability when the National House of Representatives honored him with the position he held at the time of his death.
His untimely death was mourned by many loyal friends, who sincerely regretted that he could not continue to live in the enjoyment of the high office to which he had so worthily attained.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
WM. B. JENNINGS
The name of William B. Jennings is a familiar one to the citizens of Johnson county, as he has for a number of years been the holder of positions of responsibility in administering the affairs of the commonwealth.
Mr. Jennings is a native of Johnson county, his birth having occurred in White River township on the fourth day of January, 1852. He attended the public schools and later continued his studies at Hanover College. In the year 1895 his marriage to Miss Claudia B. Cutsinger was solemnized and their home established in Franklin.
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