USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 144
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
DICK MILLER
There are those whose peculiar fitness, combined with an earnest inter- est in public affairs, naturally forces them into a conspicuous place in the political world, no matter to what particular party they belong. This fact is especially true when the individual has been successful to an unusual de- gree in the world of business, and when the business achievements have been the result of personal force after surmounting obstacles at which others have stopped.
All of this may be applied to Dick Miller, one of the Democrats of In- diana who was always ready to fight for the faith that was in him. He would meet the hard contest in politics just as he confronted and overcame business opposition of any sort. He never balked at what appeared a hard job, no matter what. He liked it.
His birthplace happened to be in Parke county, but he would have been the same sort of business and political pusher no matter where he started. His education was in the public schools, Bloomingdale Academy, Indiana Uni- versity and the Indiana Law School, for he started as a practicing lawyer and chose Terre Haute as his base of operation for four and a half years.
His entry into politics was as a candidate for member of the state legislature from Parke county in 1897, being the first Democrat to represent the county in sixty years. He did not win this success without showing the stuff that was in him, and the introduction which this gave him to men worth while in the State was an important element in his future successes as- a man of affairs. The acquaint- ances and friends formed during that term as a legislator were not only helpful, but he never lost one of these friends.
He removed from Terre Haute to Indianapolis in 1901, and engaged in the business of buying and
( 969 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
selling bonds, soon establishing one of the leading houses of the sort in the State. In this business espe- cially did the friendships over the whole State prove their worth. He had established a reputation that was most valuable. His word was accepted, and those with whom he did business were there for the next call.
In 1917, having been busy as a working Democrat ever since he had been living at the capital, he became the candidate of his party for mayor of Indianapolis. He entered the race at the solicitation of men worth while not only in the Democratic party, but in the Republican party as well. Conditions for Democratic success were not looked upon as promising, even with the most popular of candidates, but he consented to make the race. It was especially recognized that before the Democratic candidate could start he must face the handicap of several thousands of colored voters, who would support the Republican ticket with no question or thought of comparative values.
In the brief campaign which followed Dick Miller added most materially to his already excellent reputation and especially multiplied favorable acquaintances and friends, and after his defeat, for he was not elected, he was one of the most conspicuous workers in all the war activities during the war with Germany. He was at the head of the list of speakers on all occasions, especially in the numer- ous drives for funds in the many calls which came and were met by the people of Indianapolis.
Following his political campaign Dick Miller became president and head of the City Trust Com- pany, a new and immediately prosperous financial establishment, transferring his bond and securities business to that institution.
ANDREW S. MILLER
An active Democratic worker and leading citizen of Middletown, Henry county, is Andrew S. Miller. He is a native of the State of Virginia, born on the 18th day of December, 1856. He accom- panied his parents to Indiana in infancy, however, and his schooling was received largely in this State. After graduating from the public schools a course was taken in the Normal School of Lebanon, Ohio. In the year 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Moore, of Middletown, and their home has since been among the friends of her childhood. Mr. Miller has been for many years successfully engaged in the drug business and other interests, and has taken an active interest in municipal affairs. From 1882 to 1886 he served as township trustee, with much credit to himself and his constituents, and is now president of the town board. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and has represented this party in state convention and also at the national convention at Chicago in 1894.
HON. FRED C. MILLER
Hon. Fred C. Miller is perhaps known to every citizen of Laporte county, having for many years been a prominent member of the community and holding the unique distinction of having held political elective position in the county for fifteen years and four months, consecutively. Needless to add that his reputation as a citizen of sterling worth has long since been es- tablished.
Mr. Miller is a native of Germany, born on the 28th day of August, 1866. At the age of six he accompanied his parents to America, locating in Northern Indiana. His education was received in the public schools of Mich- igan City and the parochial schools of St. John's Lutheran church.
Early in life he took an active interest in political affairs, and in the year 1898 he was elected Democratic councilman of the third ward of Mich- igan City, and was re-elected for two more consecutive terms, serving as councilman up to the time that he assumed the duties as mayor of Michigan City, Indiana, being elected to this office with the highest majority ever received by any candidate.
Mr. Miller devoted his entire time to the office of mayor, and is considered today by the citizens, regardless of party politics, as one of the few men who successfully conducted the affairs of the city; and when Mr. Miller retired from office, January 5, 1914, he had served the people for seven years and four months as mayor, and had fulfilled his original promise to the people of Michigan City, that when he retired as mayor he would leave the city free from indebtedness.
( 970 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
GEORGE T. MILLER
George T. Miller is a native of Boone county, his birth having occurred on the 7th day of Novem- ber, 1872. His wife was formerly Miss Lydia Etchison, and to her helpful companionship much of his success is no doubt largely due.
Mr. Miller received his education in the common schools of the county, and has identified him- self closely with the growth and development of the community. Always a stanch Democrat, he has worked zealously at all times for the success of his party and the promulgation of its principles, but has not himself aspired to hold office within the gift of the public, politically or otherwise.
JAP MILLER
Jap Miller, the best known man in Morgan county and immortalized by James Whitcomb Riley in the well known poem "Jap Miller," was born on a farm in Shelby county, February 22, 1857. In the year 1876 he located in Martinsville, where he entered high school after but two winters of schooling in Shelby county. Though Mr. Miller has contributed valued service to the cause of Democracy he has not been an office seeker, devoting his energies rather to the furtherance of the cause of clean politics in his community. In 1890, however, he became a member of the city council, and in this work he rendered efficient service until 1892. After twenty years' residence in Martinsville he located in Brooklyn, where he has since conducted Jap Miller's Famous Store, dealing in hardware and general merchandise. He was also the proud possessor of the famous cat, "Mr. Tug," which once saved his store from burning and finally died of old age in May, 1914.
Mr. Miller's family consists of himself and his sister, Mrs. Eliza Dalton.
SAMUEL J. MILLER
An active member of the Marion county Democratic organization and favorably known through- out the state for the service he has rendered the cause, Samuel J. Miller is worthy of honorable men- tion.
Mr. Miller is essentially a product of Marion county, his birth having occurred within its confines on the 26th day of June, 1881. He attended the public schools of Indianapolis and was graduated from Shortridge High School. In the year 1904 he married Miss Katherine Light and established his home near the city of Indianapolis.
Mr. Miller is deeply interested in agricultural affairs and is one of an ever-increasing number of men who are raising this pursuit to the dignity of a profession by the practice of scientific and progressive methods.
In the fall of 1912 Mr. Miller was elected representative to the state assembly of 1913, and in this body took an active part. The following year he served as secretary of the Marion county Democratic committee and was the Democratic candidate for trustee of Wayne township. Frater- nally, he is allied with the Modern Woodmen of America and the order of Eagles. He also is a member of the Indiana Democratic Club. He attended the national convention in Baltimore in 1912 and is a stanch adherent of the present administration.
MARVIN M. MINNICK
Marvin M. Minnick, a native of Cass county, was born near Walton, December 21, 1867, the son of Elizabeth and Elias A. Minnick. His youth was spent on the farm and his education received at the public schools and the American Normal Col- lege. He later entered Hall's Business College at Logansport, and upon his gradu- ation taught school for a period of seventeen years. He became widely known in this profession, resigning to take position as cashier in a bank at Bunker Hill and later at Walton, which two positions he occupied for six years. In 1910, while a resident of Walton, he was Democratic candidate for county treasurer, and in the campaign which followed was elected. After an excellent administration of the affairs of this position he was again elected in 1912.
C
( 971 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
September 15, 1896, he was married to Miss Lavina H. Green of Walton, and they have three chil- dren-Dallas D., Dorothy L. and Dorris P.
Fraternally, Mr. Minnick is a Knight Templar, Knight of Pythias and.Odd Fellow.
OSCAR C. MINOR
Among the enthusiastic and loyal workers in the ranks of the Demo- cratic party in Indiana should be numbered Oscar C. Minor, a prominent at- torney at law of Cannelton.
Mr. Minor was born in Perry county on the 6th day of April, 1872, and in this locality his youth was spent. He attended the public schools of his district and, after receiving a common school education, entered Central Normal College of Danville, Indiana, taking a complete law course and graduating in the year 1892. The same year he was admitted to the bar of Perry county and entered into the duties of his chosen profession with zeal.
Immediately after he attained his majority he launched into the polit- ical field, working zealously for the cause of Democracy; and in the fall of 1898 he was elected joint senator from the counties of Perry, Spencer and Crawford, and in the state legislatures of 1899 and 1901 he was an active member. During these sessions he established a reputation for zealous work and loyalty to his constituency and demonstrated his ability as a legislator.
On the 25th day of September, 1901, his marriage to Miss Margaret Conway of Cannelton, Ind., was solemnized, and their home was established in Cannelton. Here they have remained, drawing about them an ever-widening circle of devoted friends, many of whom have accepted the hospitality of their home.
Mr. Minor is affiliated with the James Lodge No. 100, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, among the members of which he is highly esteemed.
JOHN F. MITCHELL
The gentleman whose name heads this article has for many years been a prominent figure in the field of journalism in eastern Indiana, and has been largely responsible for the molding of the political opinion of the citizens of Hancock county ..
John F. Mitchell, son of the late William Mitchell, a prominent journalist and worker in the ranks of Indiana Democracy, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 11th day of April, 1853. When but three years of age, however, he was brought by his father to the city of Greenfield, where he has since re- ยท mained. He attended the public schools in Greenfield and early in life became interested in the work of the Hancock Democrat, a paper established in 1859 by his father, and now enjoying the distinction of being the oldest Democratic newspaper in eastern Indiana and the property of the Mitchell family since its foundation. As Mr. Mitchell grew to manhood he gradually grew into the work of the news- paper office, and in the year 1899 assumed the editorship of the publication, a position which he has since held with credit. In this labor he has not lost sight of the great responsibility which lies in the hands of the editor, that of molding public opinion in large measure, and has conscientiously adhered to the principles which seemed to him just and right, those promulgated by Thomas Jefferson and car- ried out by the Democratic party.
The Democrat is owned by Mr. Mitchell, and in connection with it he has one of the largest print- ing and binding establishments in Indiana. His son, John F. Mitchell, Jr., is associate editor of the Democrat and also manager of this large printing plant. He attended the city schools, from which he graduated. He also graduated from Butler and Yale colleges, and will make newspaper work his life work. He has written several plays and has a number of them with some of the leading producers of the country now. When a small boy he had a full-page article appear in the Ladies' Home Journal.
Mrs. Mitchell, to whom he was married in the year 1879, was formerly Miss Minnie B. Alexander, a native of Mission Valley, Texas, now, however, a loyal Hoosier. She has a great literary taste and has written a number of short sketches, for which she has been complimented by some of the best lit- erary talent of, the country, James Whitcomb Riley being one of the many. Her stories are published in children's magazines.
( 972 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
CARL MISHLER
Carl Mishler, long a well-known citizen of Lagrange and at present holding a position of respon- sibility in the service of the commonwealth, was born in Indiana on the 23rd day of November, 1882. He attended the schools of Topeka and Shipshewana and completed a course in civil engineering.
On the 3rd day of July, 1910, Mr. Mishler was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Wolfe and established his home in Lagrange.
Mr. Mishler has taken a deep interest in the success of the Democratic party in his country and has given freely of his time for the furtherance of the cause.
On the first day of January, 1913, he assumed the duties of county surveyor.
EMMET C. MITCHELL
Though still a young man, Emmet C. Mitchell has won for himself a position of large influence throughout Washington and adjacent counties, being one of the best known attorneys in that section of the state, and had served the commonwealth with great credit as a public official.
Mr. Mitchell is a native Hoosier, born on the 4th day of April, 1883. He attended the public schools of his home district and was graduated from the Salem high school. His studies were continued at Indiana University and in the Indiana Law School at Indianapolis. In the year of his gradu- ation from the latter he was admitted to the bar of Washington county and entered into the active practice of his profession. He now is a mem- ber of the law firm of Mitchell & Mitchell, Salem, Ind., and enjoys a large and lucrative practice.
Politically, Mr. Mitchell has been a stanch adherent of the Democratic party and an active worker for the furtherance of its principles in state and national affairs. In the fall of 1908 he was elected joint representative for the counties of Clark and Washington to the state legislature, and in the assembly of 1909 rendered such valued service to the party and his constituents that he was returned for the sessions of 1911 and 1913.
On November 26, 1914, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Edith B. Lewis. They have a son, Samuel Lewis Mitchell.
HENRY W. MOCK
The town of English has, perhaps, no citizen of wider experience and greater intelligence than the gentleman commemorated in this article. A native of the Hoosier state, Mr. Henry W. Mock was born in Crawford county on the 7th day of September, 1877. After completing his studies in the public schools of the county, he acquired a knowledge of business af- fairs and practical commercial work in the New Albany Business College. Then followed a course of study in the State Normal School at Terre Haute, from which he graduated in 1902, and finally a course in Indiana University at Bloomington. He was reared upon the farm, but left it in his youth to take up the work of a school teacher. In this manner he was employed for eleven years, continually advancing in his chosen profession. He was appointed superintendent of schools of Alton, Indiana, which position he held for two years, and later served the town of English in the same capacity for a period of six years. In 1910 he was elected county clerk of Crawford county for a term of four years; and before the expiration of the term was renominated for the same office without opposition and elected, the first clerk who had succeeded him- self since 1887. December 31, 1903, he was married to Miss Emma Robertson.
He is affiliated with the Crawford Lodge No. 470, F. and A. M .; New Albany Chapter No. 17, Royal Arch Masons; Indiana Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masons; New Albany Commandery No. 5, Knights Templar; Indianapolis Consistory, 32d Degree, Scottish Rite, and English Chapter No. 387, Order of Eastern Star.
( 973 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
JUSTIN J. MOLONY
The Democracy of Indiana numbers in its ranks a legion of young men, bright, active and alert, who are as loyal to the principles promulgated by Jefferson and as energetic in the support of the party as were their fore- fathers; and to this element belongs Justin J. Molony, a well known at- torney of Crawfordsville.
Mr. Molony is a native Hoosier. born in Montgomery county on the third day of October, 1886. He attended the public schools of Crawfordsville and graduated from the high school of this city with the class of 1907. Later his studies were continued at the University of Notre Dame, from the law department of which he graduated in June, 1911. In the following Septem- ber, he was admitted to the bar of Montgomery county and entered upon the active practice of the legal profession at Crawfordsville. Here he has con- tinued in his work, bringing to the service of his clients youthful enthusiasm, untiring diligence in research and a keen intelligence which reaches to the foundation and solution of intricate questions. These characteristics, com- bined with conscientious loyalty, have brought him the reward of success in his work and placed him in the forefront of the ranks of his profession in this locality.
Politically, he has, since attaining, his majority, been a faithful adherent to the tenets of true Democracy, and has worked with zeal for the success of the party during the various campaigns through which he has passed.
JUDGE JAMES J. MORAN
Judge Moran was born in Adams county, Indiana, November 12, 1873. His common school educa- tion was supplemented by a course of training in Portland Normal College, Tri-State Normal, Angola, Ind., and University of Ada, Ohio. In May, 1896, he graduated from the Indiana Law School of Indianapolis, Ind. On June 28, 1898, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Somers of Pennville, Ind.
After graduating from law school he was admitted to the bar of Jay county. In November, 1910, he was elected judge of the Jay circuit court, serving in this capacity until appointed to the appellate bench. His decisions were characterized by the same breadth of vision and fair-minded policies he had evinced as a jurist. On February 11, 1914, he was appointed judge of the appellate court by Gov- ernor Ralston, and in this capacity still serves. He is known as a forceful speaker, both politically and legally, conservative in thought, but powerful in the expression of his convictions.
CHARLES R. MORRIS
Charles R. Morris needs no introduction to the people of Washington county, having been for many years a representative citizen of Salem and closely identified with the business, civil, political and fraternal life of this locality.
Mr. Morris was born in Washington county on the 8th day of July, 1874, and here he received his early schooling in the public schools of his home district. Fol- lowing his graduation from the common schools he attended the Southern Indiana Normal College at Mitchell and later continued his studies at the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana. A commercial course was then taken at the New Albany Business College, from which he was graduated in the year 1896.
On August 15, 1900, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Doyle and established his home in Salem.
In the year 1903 Mr. Morris assumed the duties of deputy auditor of Washington county and in that position continued until 1907. On April 6, 1914, he received from President Wilson the com- mission which appointed him postmaster of Salem, and on the 1st day of May following he assumed the duties of this office. He was re-commissioned September 5, 1918, for another term of four years. In this work he has demonstrated his efficiency in the public service.
Politically, Mr. Morris has been a zealous worker for the furtherance of the cause of Democ- racy, and as the editor of the Salem Democrat has performed valuable service in molding public
( 974 )
HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
opinion throughout the community. Mr. Morris was for four years vice-president and director of the Salem Building Loan Fund and Savings Association, and for the past ten years has served as secretary of the Salem Fair Association. He also is a member of the Salem Booster Club. Fra- ternally, he is allied with Salem Lodge No. 21, F. and A. M .; Chapter No. 38, Royal Arch Masons; Council No. 61, R. & S. M., and Salem Lodge No. 67, I. O. O. F.
WILLIAM Z. MORGAN
Descended from a line of Democratic ancestors extending back for many generations. it is small wonder that William Z. Morgan has, since attaining his majority, been closely allied with the doings of this party in Howard county and is an active factor in its councils.
Mr. Morgan was born on the 11th day of November, 1876, in Howard county, Indiana. He at- tended the public schools of his district, graduating from the high school in the year 1895, after which a course of study at Franklin College was taken.
In the year 1903 his marriage to Miss Estella B. Wright was solemnized and their permanent residence established in Kokomo. Mr. Morgan has for a number of years taken a prominent part in political affairs, acting as chairman of his home precinct, also as chairman of the Center township committee, and served as police commissioner during the years 1912 and 1913. For several years he acted as delegate to the various conventions of the party. His father, William B. Morgan, was a prominent Democratic worker also; and his great-grandfather was a cousin of Vice-President Hen- dricks, and, like him, a stanch adherent to the tenets of the Jeffersonian party. Mr. Morgan enjoys an extended acquaintance throughout the county, and is held in high esteem by a host of friends in and out of the Democratic party.
JUDGE DOUGLAS MORRIS
Judge Douglas Morris, a representative citizen and lead- ing lawyer of Rush county, was born on a farm in Henry county, Indiana, on the 5th day of January, 1861. He is a son of John and Hannah Scovell Morris. His ancestors were of Revolutionary stock, and his grandfather Morris was one of the early Indiana pioneers who came to the unbroken forest and opened the way for the present civilization and culture of the state. The land then entered by him from the Gov- ernment in 1833-and where the Judge was born-is still in the possession of Judge Morris, now a beautiful, productive farm in Henry county; and the high ideals and sterling qual- ities of the sturdy pioneer have descended in like manner to the grandson. His grandfather Scovell was a Rush county pioneer, and was active in its early industrial and political life
Judge Morris attended the schools of his district, and graduated from the high school of Knightstown with the class of 1878. The following year he entered Asbury College, now DePauw University, in the sophomore class, and completed a three-year course in this institution, graduating in 1882. In the summer of the same year he entered the law office of Harrison, Hines & Miller of Indianapolis, and under their guidance completed a course in law. In 1883 he located in Knoxville, Tenn., engaging in the practice of his profession, but two years later decided to return to the Hoosier State, where, in the city of Rush- ville, he has since remained, building for himself a lucrative practice, won by the application of un- bounded energy, conscientious zeal in the interests of his clients and an active intelligence and keen insight into intricate problems brought to him for solution.
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.