USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 140
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161
Mr. John B. Lawler was born on the 22nd day of March, 1864, at Kent, Jefferson county, Ind. He attended the common schools of Jefferson county and later continued his studies at the Independent Normal School at Lexington, Ind. On the 3rd day of October, 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Mershon, but eight years later death claimed her and she passed away on the 29th day of July, 1908.
Mr. Lawler has devoted much time to the service of the Democratic party, and from 1908 to 1914, inclusive, he filled the position of county chairman for Jefferson county. He was also a member of the city board of health for several years, and served as jury commissioner for the county for two or three years. In the year 1911 he assumed the duties of deputy state oil inspector, and in this field he was engaged until April 1, 1914, at which time he resigned to assume the duties of postmaster of the city of Madison, a position to which he was appointed by President Wilson, March 27, 1914. In addition to these political positions he has been engaged in the mattress and upholstering · business at Madison for a number of years.
B. W. LEADER
The position of county sheriff is one of great responsibility, requiring of its incumbent the com- bined qualities of firmness of character and humane attitude toward the unfortunate. In the person of B. W. Leader the citizens of Elkhart county have found a man eminently qualified to assume the responsibilities involved in this important position.
Mr. Leader was born in this state on the 25th day of August, 1869, and attended the public schools of Elkhart county. In the year 1896 he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Brindley, since which time their home has been established in the city of Elkhart, where they have a wide circle of friends.
In the fall of 1910 Mr. Leader was elected to the office of sheriff of Elkhart county, and on the first day of the following January he took up the duties of his position and labored zealously in the service of the people who had thus honored him.
Mr. Leader has, for many years, worked diligently for the success of the Jeffersonian party in his community, giving liberally of his time as well as his means to further the principles to which he has himself so strictly adhered.
ANDERSON B. LEE
During the past twenty years Anderson B. Lee has been one of the most active party workers in Madison county, serving as secretary of township and city organizations, precinct committeeman several times, chairman of township commit- tee and delegate to county, district and state conventions. He was born on a farm in Madison county, December 24, 1867, and there he was reared and received his early schooling. Later he pursued a course of study at Fairmount Academy. In 1894 he entered the livery business in Alexandria, and this he successfully conducted for thirteen years, later dealing extensively in live stock. Then he became the proprietor of a buggy and implement concern, and in this business remained until June 25, 1914, at which time he assumed the duties of postmaster of the city of Alexandria.
On November 12, 1891, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Jeanette Vinson of Alexandria. He is affiliated with the orders of Knights of Pythias and Elks, and is actively allied with Alexandria commercial organizations.
CHARLES C. LEISURE
Charles C. Leisure, a well-known citizen of Earl Park, Indiana, was born December 10, 1867, in the state of Indiana. He attended the public schools of Grant county, but later emigrated to Benton county, where his permanent home was established. On the 28th day of June, 1911, he was united in
( 944 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
marriage with Miss Mellie Flinn. For a number of years he was a successful dealer in hardware, but in June, 1913, he was appointed to the position of postmaster of Earl Park, assuming the duties of his office on the 18th day of the month. He has been an active worker for the success of the Democratic party, and is at present secretary of the township committee.
CHARLES LIEB
The old saying, "It is hard to keep a good man down," seems peculiarly applicable to the subject of this article, Mr. Charles Lieb, of Rockport, a gentleman whose career in Amer- ica began as a lonely immigrant of fourteen years, and con- tinued to the seat of a leader in the Congress of the United States and a highly honored guest of the President.
Mr. Lieb is a native of Germany, born in Flemingen on the 20th day of May, 1852. Here his childhood was spent and here the foundation of his education was laid. Hearing of the opportunities for advancement in the new world, how- ever, and seeing the rose-hued visions of enthusiastic youth, he started at the age of fourteen years for the shores of America and entered the United States alone. Coming di- rectly to the state of Indiana he found employment and continued his education. After completing the course in the public schools he entered Rockport Collegiate Institute and graduated from this institution in the year 1872.
In the year 1877 his marriage to Miss Katherine Mohr was solemnized and their home was established in Rockport. Here they have since remained, gathering about them a wide circle of friends, and becoming substantial and influential members of the community. Mr. Lieb has one daughter, Mrs. Archibald C. Stevenson.
In his early youth, he became a firm adherent to the principles promulgated by Thomas Jefferson, and from the time when he attained his majority his vote was cast and his influence thrown for the furtherance of the cause of Democracy. For more than forty years he has been an influential fac- tor in the organization of Spencer county and the First Congressional District, giving freely of his time and energy during the various campaigns and working zealously and loyally for the cause.
In the fall of 1906 he was elected representative from Spencer county to the legislature of the state, and in the deliberations of the assembly of 1907 and of the special session of 1908 was an active participant. In 1910 also he was elected to this office, and in the legislature of 1911 held the position of Democratic caucus chairman. During this term of service, he was elected to the still higher responsibilities of congressman from the First District of Indiana. At the time of this election, in November, 1912, he received the largest plurality ever given a candidate for Congress in his dis- trict; and his services in the 63rd Congress were marked by such loyalty and zeal that he was re- turned to the 64th Congress with an increased vote. In both of these elections he carried every county in his district, and his labors in Washington have amply justified the confidence reposed in him by his constituents and fellow citizens. At the conclusion of his first term in Congress, he was called to the White House and personally thanked by President Wilson for his unfaltering support of the administration in its fundamental policies.
As a business man, also, he has evinced marked capabilities, and is the holder of extensive manu- facturing and farming interests in Spencer county. His interest in the pursuit of agriculture is intense, and in the various movements which have arisen for the development of the farming commun- ity he has been an active leader. He also holds the position of president of the Farmers' Bank of Rockport, a concern noted for its sound business policies and conservative methods. Other busi- ness enterprises in the community, also, have felt the impetus of his investment and influence. A 32nd Degree Mason, he is affiliated with the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Elks, and is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church.
( 945 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
JOHN A. LINKE
John A. Linke, federal agent for vocational agricultural education, was born March 6, 1871, in Bartholomew county, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University in 1903 and received his master degree in 1904. He taught school for a number of years and was superintendent of schools at North Salem, Brownstown and Seymour, afterwards entering Purdue University, receiving his B. S. A. in 1915. After his graduation he was employed in the agricultural extension service for two years in Indiana.
In October, 1917, he was appointed federal agent for vocational agricultural education for the states of Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota, these states comprising the greatest and richest agricultural area of the world. This position is one of the most important in the gift of the Federal Vocational Educational Board, and he was appointed for his special abili- ties more than for any political consideration, although he happened to be one of the livest Demo- crats in the state of Indiana, along with his unusual ability in business lines.
NEHEMIAH LITTLEFIELD
Mr. Littlefield has served as postmaster of the city of Rensselaer and has been since his infancy a resident of Jasper county, and is closely identified with the business and political life of the locality.
Nehemiah Littlefield was born in LaSalle county, Illinois, on the 23rd day of July, 1866, but at the age of two years accompanied his parents to Jasper county, Indiana, where he received his schooling, attending the public schools. On the 31st day of De- cember, 1894, his marriage to Miss Gertrude Erwin was solemnized, and their home established in Rensselaer.
For many years he has been engaged in the real estate business, and has taken a deep interest in the various movements for the progress and development of the com- munity. He has also been an active worker for the success of Democracy in Jasper county, and dur- ing the period from 1908 to 1914 served the party as county chairman. On the first day of Novem- ber, 1913, he assumed the duties of postmaster of the city, and to the administration of the affairs of this office all his energies have been devoted, giving to the public the same whole-hearted service which has been characteristic of his private undertakings.
FRED C. LOCKWOOD ·
In summing up the career of Fred C. Lockwood, his whole life-story is told when you state that he is a self-made young man. His education was perfected in the schools of Jennings county, supplemented with a special course in journalism.
In 1892 he was given a position on the North Vernon Republican in the capacity of "devil" and cub reporter. Later he was employed on the Vernon Journal under the supervision of James N. Culp. When that paper was merged with the North Vernon Sun in 1905 with Mr. Culp as its editor, he joined the editorial staff as a feature writer for the Sun, and has been continuously associated with that paper since 1905, with the exception of four years in the confectionery business at Vernon and one year on the Caruthersville Republican and the Caruthersville Argus, at Caruthersville, Missouri.
When James N. Culp was appointed postmaster at North Vernon, in June of 1913, Mr. Lockwood was recalled from Missouri to take charge of the editorial management of the North Vernon Sun, and he has edited the paper since that time.
Mr. Lockwood is twenty-four years of age and the youngest editor the Sun has ever had since it was launched, forty-three years ago.
( 946 )
HISTORY
INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
J. FRANCIS LOCHARD
J. Francis Lochard is a member of a prominent Democratic family, himself, his father and four brothers consistently voting the ticket and laboring for the further- ance of the cause.
He was born in Decatur county, eight miles south of Greensburg, and here at- tended the common schools. Later a course was pursued at the Ripley County Normal School and he finally entered the State Normal at Terre Haute.
On the 11th day of June, 1903, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Ida R. Spencer, who has proved a worthy helpmate in all his undertakings, and the presid- ing genius of their home in Versailles.
In the year 1910 he was elected auditor of Ripley county, and in the fall of 1914 was re-elected. He has been an attendant at county, congressional and state conventions, and is affili- ated with the fraternal orders of Masons and Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Bap- tist church.
HON. HIRAM M. LOGSDON
Hon. Hiram M. Logsdon, a native of Indiana, a descend- ant of one of that type of sturdy pioneer families which have placed this state in the front rank of the nation, was born in Spencer county about 60 years ago. He was the oldest of the several children of Samuel and Cyrene Osborn Logsdon.
He finished his education at the Indiana State University, graduating in the class of 1875, attaining a high standing in his class and in the University. He commenced the practice of law at Rockport, Indiana, in 1877; entering into partner- ship with the late Hon. Henry Kramer, he continued the prac- tice there until 1891. By reason of his earnest devotion to his profession, his recognized ability and integrity, his merit and power as an advocate, he, during that time, won a fine prac- tice and became one of the leading members of the profession in that part of the state. In 1885 he made an extended Euro- pean tour over the countries of the continent, and in Eng- land, Scotland and Ireland, interesting accounts of which were given in letters published in his home papers.
.
In May, 1891, he married Miss Kate Hyland, daughter of Wilmer Hyland, a leading merchant of Rockport, Ind., and they removed to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he practiced law for over two years. Returning to the state of his nativity, they located at Evansville, Ind., where he continued in the successful practice of his profession until January, 1913, when he was appointed judge of the probate court of Vanderburg county, Indiana, which office he still occupies, discharging his duties therein with great ability, painstaking, and marked success.
Politically, Mr. Logsdon has always been a Democrat, a firm believer in Democratic principles, and an enthusiastic supporter of his party. His father was an ardent and uncompromising Demo- crat, and during the Civil war, the time "that tried men's souls," who were of the Democratic faith, so outspoken was he in his espousal of his political creed that he was arrested, as were many other Democrats in Indiana, and was tried by court-martial at Indianapolis, an account of which was given in a book published soon afterwards, entitled "The Arbitrary Arrests of Indiana." The son has always been as ardent politically as his father, but it has never yet been charged against him as a crime. Attention was invited to him early in his professional career on account of his ability and good judgment of men and affairs; and by reason of his being gifted in speech and powers of persua- sive argument-so much so that he was called the silvery-tongued orator of his county, and his serv- ices on the rostrum and otherwise were soon in demand by his party; and he ever responded to its call, ready and willing for every emergency.
In 1886 he was elected to the legislature of Indiana as state senator from Spencer and Warrick counties, on the Democratic ticket, and in this his popularity was evidenced, as he was thus elected
( 947 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
over Dr. Samuel F. Johnson of Spencer county, a former captain in the Union army, an experienced Republican, politician, and a strong and popular candidate, although the remainder of the Demo- cratic ticket in both counties went down in defca :. It is interesting to note here the great results that sometimes may flow from apparently small causes. It was during Mr. Logsdon's first session that almost the entire session of the legislature was occupied in the fierce contest for the United States Senate between the cohorts of Benjamin Harrison and David Turpie, those intellectual giants of their day, and favorite gladiators of their respective parties, in which finally Senator Turpie was elected by only a bare majority. Had Dr. Johnson defeated Mr. Logsdon in their race, it is probable that General Harrison would have been elected to succeed himself in the United States Senate, of which he was then a member, and in that event his party would hardly have nominated him for President, as Isaac P. Gray, a Democrat, was then the Governor of Indiana, and in case of a vacancy in the U. S. Senatorship he would have appointed a Democrat in Senator Harrison's place. So it would seem that except for the election of Mr. Logsdon to the state senate Benjamin Harrison would not have become President of the United States.
By reason of his first experience in the legislature in this protracted election of United States Senator, Mr. Logsdon, being progressive and alert, and recognizing the necessity of such reform, in- troduced during that session, and procured its passage by the Indiana senate, a concurrent resolu- tion favoring an amendment to the constitution of the United States providing for the election of United States Senators by the direct vote of the people. This is said to be the first time such reso- lution ever passed a legislative body. His foresight and wisdom in this has been since vindicated . by such an amendment of the constitution, and this wholesome provision is now the law of the land, and legislatures may now devote themselves to the business for which they are designed.
Mr. Logsdon also participated actively in other important legislation during his term of office, among which might be mentioned the bill to repeal the so-called intimidation act, the school book law, the Australian ballot law, etc.
Both before and since his occupancy of the bench, Mr. Logsdon has on numerous occasions been called upon to serve as special judge and judge pro tem in both the circuit and superior courts of Vanderburg county, and in other courts, where his courteous bearing, his legal learning, his judi- cial temperament, his fair and impartial disposition, his cool head and warm heart have made him signally successful, and won the praise of the observing, and a high place among the judiciary of the state.
He is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and also of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and Elks.
Though now in the prime of his life, Mr. Logsdon is still young, and his life gives promise of yet rendering valuable services to his party and state, and of his being still useful to his fellow- men.
GEORGE W. LONG
George W. Long, a prominent attorney of Brown county, was born on November 20, 1877, at Edinburg, Johnson county, Indiana. In the year 1880 his parents moved to Brown county, and settled upon a farm four miles west of Nashville. George received his elementary education in the schools of the latter county and remained on the farm until he reached the age of eighteen years. In 1901 he was graduated from the law department of Indiana University. He served as deputy prosecuting attorney from August 23, 1902, to January 1, 1907; and was elected state senator for the term 1909 to 1911. He was Democratic county chairman for Brown county from 1906 to 1914, and was many times elected as delegate to various Democratic conventions.
Mr. and Mrs. Long are both members of old-line Democratic families, and were married on June 14, 1903. Two sons and a daughter have come to them. Mr. Long is a member of the Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen. He has always been an active Demo- cratic worker.
GROVER C. LONG
The present surveyor of Carroll county was born and reared in that county, his birth having occurred on the 9th day of June, 1885, in the town of Cutler, where his boyhood was spent, and in the schools of which place his education was largely received. After graduating from the high school in 1902, he attended Purdue University for two and a half terms. While but a boy he learned the
( 948 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
carpenter's trade, and later engaged in the contracting and building business. His wife was for- merly Miss Olga Trobaugh, and they have drawn about them a wide circle of friends.
Fraternally, Mr. Long is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having gone through all the chairs; belongs to the Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias and is a Royal Arch Mason.
RALPH H. LONGFIELD
Ralph H. Longfield, superintendent of schools for St. Joseph county, is a stanch Democrat, but is much better known as an educator than as a politician.
Mr. Longfield was born in Madison township, St. Joseph county, Indiana, March 18, 1886, and was educated in the common schools, the high school at Bremen, Indiana, and the state normal school at Terre Haute. He taught in both common and high schools, and was teaching a district school when the office of superintendent of schools for St. Joseph county became vacant, in 1909. Young as he was, he had already taken out a superintendent's license, and his record as a teacher was so high that the board elected him to fill the vacancy. His ability and energy in the manage- ment of the schools of the county and the affairs of his office speedily became the best endorsement of the board's action, and in 1911 he was re-elected by unanimous vote.
Mr. Longfield is an ardent, though not obtrusive Democrat, and is highly popular, not only be- cause of his splendid success as school superintendent, but because of his character and fine person- ality. He married Anna Rush, a member of one of the oldest families in America, a family that traces its ancestry direct to Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
WILLIAM EDWARD LONGLEY
William Edward Longley was the first man to fill the position of fire marshal of the state of Indiana, being named for the place by Governor Samuel M. Ralston in March, 1913, when the law first went into effect. This is one of the most useful and beneficial positions in the state govern- ment, having been created by a Democratic legislature in response to the demand of the insurance companies as well as the people who are insured, but, far ahead of any of these considerations, for the people generally. It extends protection to lives and property by insuring preventive measures that are effective.
Under Marshal Longley the department was organized in a first-class business manner that at once accomplished efficiency. In connection with the actual workings of the department he estab- lished a department of information and publicity, which kept the people informed through all the newspapers of the state on the things required and the things that were being accomplished. In the working out of the legal provisions, safety appliances were provided to cover cases where large numbers of people were employed and where any considerable number of people were housed to- gether. The efficiency of the department was on a par with the efficiency and thoroughness with which Mr. Longley had always conducted his own successful business affairs.
William Edward Longley was born in Noblesville, Indiana, September 26, 1854. He was reared and educated at the same place, later attending Ladoga Academy and entering the office of the Ham- ilton County Register as an apprentice, with a view of remaining in the newspaper field. At the end of three years he retired, however, to accept a place as clerk in a furniture store, but in 1875 went to Indianapolis, where he remained for three years. It was while in Indianapolis he married Miss Clara V. Wright of that city, and one of their sons, William R. Longley, after graduation, accepted the position of professor of mathematics at Yale.
After his marriage Mr. Longley returned to Noblesville and opened a hardware store of his own, remaining in the business for thirty years and building up one of the most substantial business houses in Hamilton county. Mr. Longley was also a director in the Indiana Loan Association and for many years president of the American National Bank of Noblesville.
He was always prominent in Democratic politics in his county and in the state. For a number of years he was chairman of the ninth congressional district Democratic committee, was vice-chair- man of the Democratic state central committee and was delegate to the Democratic national conven- tion in 1904. In 1912 he was the personal representative of Samuel M. Ralston as his campaign manager, and it was after the election of Governor Ralston that he was made state fire marshal.
Fraternally, Mr. Longley is a member of the Odd Fellows, being the treasurer of the state Odd Fellows' home at Greencastle for several years. He also is a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias and Red Men.
( 949 )
HISTORY
INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
CLYDE R. LOTTICK
The gentleman whose photo appears herewith is a prominent member of the bar of Harrison county and has for many years been closely and prom- inently identified with legal affairs of that section of the state.
Clyde R. Lottick was born in this state on the 20th day of March, 1880; and, after graduating from the public schools of his district, attended the Central Normal College of Danville, taking the scientific and law courses of that institution. After his graduation he entered the active practice of law, and has distinguished himself by energetic work and clear-sighted understanding of legal problems involved in his work. In the year 1908 he was elected to the position of prosecuting attorney for the Third Judicial District of Indiana, composed of the counties of Harrison, Crawford and Perry, and he assumed the duties of this office on the first day of the follow- ing January, serving for the ensuing four years.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.