History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 147

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1104

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From 1916 to 1917 Charles J. Orbison served as special counsel of the state board of tax commissioners.

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Being a Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner and Knight Templar, serving also in the offices of the grand lodge of Masons, he also identified himself with the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Red Men and E'ks. With these he found time to serve as president of the Indiana Democratic club and under his direction successful membership drives were made over the state and many exten- sions and improvements were made in the club house.

EDWARD O'ROURKE

Judge Edward O'Rourke is one of the grand old men of the Democratic party in Indiana. In Allen county he is not only respected, but revered. He was born in New Jersey, October 13, 1841, but came to Indiana in his youth, and after receiving his literary education at the old Methodist College studied law with Worden & Morris. He was admitted to the bar in 1866, and has been actively associated with legal affairs in Allen county since that year. From 1867 to 1872 he was prosecuting attorney in Fort Wayne and in 1876 was elected to the bench as judge of the circuit court, a position which he filled for the long term of 36 years. Since retiring from the bench, he has been occupied in the practice of law. Judge O'Rourke has always been a Democrat, and if not as active as some it was because while he sat upon the bench he considered his judicial position incompatible with political activity.

In 1887 Edward O'Rourke married Ada L. Abrams, a native of Ohio, and they have four grown-up children.

MARTIN HOMER ORMSBY

The molding of the sentiment of a community lies largely in the hands of its press. Therefore in the hands of the journalist lies a responsibility which should be borne only by those of ster- ling worth and integrity.

In the county of Huntington this fact has been demonstrated by the Huntington Press, a paper published in the interest of true Democracy, which has been an important factor in every political battle and prior to 1914 won every political contest waged. Its editor, Martin Homer Ormsby, is a native of Indiana and was born on the 17th day of November, 1875. He attended the public schools of Bluffton and later continued his studies at Boston Latin School, Boston.

On the 17th day of November, 1899, Mr. Ormsby was united in marriage to Miss Erdine Bock, the ceremony being solemnized at her home in Argos, Indiana. Their home was established in the city of Huntington, where they have remained and gathered about them a wide circle of friends.

Mr. Ormsby has, throughout his career, labored zealously and loyally for the general upbuild- ing and progress of the community, forwarding the various movements which have arisen from time to time to this end and voicing through his paper those principles which make for clean citizenship and right thinking.

GEORGE R. OSBORN, M. D.

Few citizens of Laporte county are not familiar with the name of Dr. George R. Osborn, one of the most skillful physicians ard surgeons of that locality.

Although the parents of Dr. Osborn were natives of this state, he himself was born in Iowa on the 17th day of February, 1875. At the age of two years, however, he was brought by his parents to Laporte county, and here he was reared. He at- tended the public schools of his district and later continued his studies at Valpa- raiso University. Then followed a course in the science of medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of Illinois.

Following his graduation in the year 1906, he returned to the city of Laporte and entered into active practice.

During the year 1908 he served as secretary of the city board of health, but on the first day of the following January he assumed the duties of county coroner, a position to which he had been elected twice, serving four years. So efficient were his services in behalf of the public during these years that at the expiration of his two terms as coroner he was immediately appointed to the office of county health commissioner for a term of four years, this period to expire January 1, 1918.

Mrs. Osborn, to whom he was married December 24, 1895, was formerly Miss Adel Bunnell.

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JOHN E. OSBORN

John E. Osborn, a prominent attorney of Greensburg, is a product of Decatur county, his birth having occurred within its confines on the 25th day of August, 1872. There also his childhood and youth were spent, his education being obtained in the public schools of his district. Later he took a course in law and he was admitted to the bar in May, 1897. During the period from December, 1891, to March, 1896, he served as deputy county auditor of Decatur county; and throughout his career has been prominently identified with the various movements for the furtherance of the Dem- ocratic cause in his community. A man of unusual ability as an organizer and director, he was early recognized as such by the leaders of his party and was appointed a member of the state central committee, assuming his duties on the first of January, 1908, and serving until January, 1912, repre- senting the sixth congressional district. In the year 1910 he took a very active part in the campaign of Finley Gray as candidate for congressman from his district, visiting all the counties and building up the working organizations of the party.

Mr. Osborn in manner is sincere and direct, a convincing speaker and an able thinker. His wife was Miss Grace Gullifer, and they have won for themselves a wide circle of friends since their marriage. Fraternally, he is allied with the Elks Lodge of Greensburg, among whom he has a wide acquaintance and numerous friends.

CHARLES A. PADDOCK, M. D.

Dr. Charles A. Paddock, of Portland, was born in Randolph county on the 7th day of March, 1874, and attended the public schools of Winchester. After his graduation there, a two years' course was taken at the Ridgeville College. This was followed by a course at the Physio-Medical College of Indiana, from which he was graduated in the year 1901. Six years later he filled the chair of anatomy in the same college, teaching until 1908. Following his graduation from this institu- tion, Dr. Paddock engaged in the active practice of medicine, and is at the present time a successful physician of Portland, notwithstanding the various other duties which he has assumed.

In the year 1909 Dr. Paddock was elected mayor of the city of Portland, receiving a majority of 320, the largest ever received by any candidate of either party in this city. At this time, also, the poll of the city showed a Republican majority of 120. At the expiration of his four-year term of office, in 1913, he was again nominated, the election being bitterly fought and his opponent being a life- long Democrat who headed a citizens' ticket composed of all opposing factions, and at this time Dr. Paddock increased his majority by five votes, being elected for a further term of four years.

Dr. Paddock is a member of the Portland Commercial Club, a member of the Jay County Medi- cal Society, and in the year 1912 served as treasurer of the Physio-Medical Association. He is also affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of the Macca- bees and the Woodmen of the World. Mrs. Paddock, to whom he was married on December 21, 1894, was Miss Pearl M. Edwards.

JOHN R. PAINE

The present postmaster of the city of Clinton, John R. Paine, came to his position well qualified for the fulfillment of the duties involved, and has throughout his service maintained a high stand- ard of efficiency in his office.

Mr. Paine's life has been spent in this locality. He was born on October 15, 1869; attended the common schools of his home district, and later entered Clinton high school, from which he was graduated. His youth was spent upon the farm, until he attained the age of twenty-three years, but he was compelled to leave school before completing his education to assist in the support of his father's family. While but a boy he was appointed by Governor Claude Matthews to the position of messenger to the secretary of state.

In the year 1900 Mr. Paine assumed the duties of secretary and treasurer of the city of Clinton, serving in this capacity for a term of two years; and in the fall of 1909 was elected councilman-at- large, and for four years took an active part in the work of the city council. On March 10, 1914, he received the postmaster's commission from President Wilson, and his ability in the discharge of the duties pertaining to this office is well known.

For many years Mr. Paine was a retail hard ware merchant at Clinton and has been active in

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the business life of the place. He is a member of Clinton Commercial Club and is affiliated with the fraternal orders of Free and Accepted Masons, Jerusalem Lodge No. 99; Royal Arch Masons, Ver- milion Chapter No. 125; Clinton Commandery No. 148, Knights Templar, and the Independent Or- der of Eagles. On the 19th day of October, 1898, Mr. Paine was united in marriage to Miss Ella Scott.

JUDGE JOHN M. PARIS

To any citizen of Floyd county the name of John M. Paris is a familiar one, as he was actively in the service of the commonwealth, holding various positions of prominence for many years.

Judge Paris was born in the little town of Leavenworth, Indiana, on the 7th day of March, 1878, and his schooling was largely received in the public schools of this place. Following his graduation here he entered the law department of the University of Louisville, and completed the course in 1899, taking up the active practice of his profession and meeting with unusual success.

Six years after his admission to the bar he was elected city judge, serving in this capacity until the office was abolished by act of the legis- lature four years later. At the time of his election to this position the Democratic candidate for mayor and city clerk were defeated, but Judge Paris ran 1,050 votes ahead of his ticket and won the contest. In the year 1912 he was elected prosecuting attorney, and served for two years, being renominated in the fall of 1914 for the same position, but resigned in order that he might make the race for judge, his nomination to this position having taken place at a spe- cial primary held August 14, 1914.

Judge Paris was affiliated with the Jefferson Lodge No. 104, F. and A. M .; Chapter No. 7, Royal Arch Masons; New Albany Commandery No. 5, Knights Templar; the B. P. O. Elks; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Manzinetta Tribe No. 276, Red Men, and Friendship Lodge No. 10, Knights of Pythias.

He was a self-made man, paying his college expenses largely through his own efforts. His wife was Miss Lucile Denton, and their marriage took place May 31, 1908.

ISAAC KANE PARKS

Isaac Kane Parks, one of the most prominent attorneys of northern Indiana, was born September 10, 1879, on the old Santa Fe Trail in eastern Kansas. After com- pleting his studies in the common schools of his native state, Mr. Parks entered Kan- sas University, where he graduated from the law department in 1897. Coming to South Bend shortly after, he entered the law office of the late Senator B. F. Shively, where he remained for about three years. He then entered upon his journalistic career in the office of the Mishawaka Democrat. In April, 1907, he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney for St, Joseph county by Joseph E. Talbot, prosecuting attorney. Mr. Parks was admitted to the bar in Kansas, and after coming to Indiana, though under legal age, he was allowed, through courtesy of the court, to continue his practice here. His first case in Indiana, tried before his majority, was against three leading law- yers, now holding responsible positions, one being on the federal bench and one a past attorney- general of Indiana. The suit involved a question of technical practice. The lawyers settled for the loss of their client.

Mr. Parks is a member of the Masonic order. He has always stood high in the councils of his party and been an important factor in the development of his community. He recently served as city attorney of Mishawaka.

JUDGE WILLIAM H. PAYNTER

Among the leaders in the Democracy of Washington county the name of William H. Paynter holds high rank. A man of broad experience, deep culture and unquestioned integrity, his influ- ence in the councils of the party has been marked.

Judge Paynter is a native Hoosier. His childhood was passed and his schooling received in

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the public schools of Indiana. Following his graduation from the high school, he entered Indiana State University, matriculating in the law department, and graduating in 1880. In the same year he was admitted to the bar of Washington county and entered into the active practice of his pro- fession at Salem. Here his loyalty to his clients, keen perception in regard to intricate questions involved and patience in research won for him a rapidly growing and lucrative practice.

On the 1st day of May, 1884, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Maggie Hobbs, the daugh- ter of G. B. Hobbs, and their permanent home was established in Salem. Two children have been born to them, a daughter, now Mrs. Ora V. Leridan, and a son, La Rue; and they have drawn about them a wide circle of devoted friends, who have enjoyed their hospitality.

In the year 1880 he assumed the duties of prosecuting attorney and in this capacity served for four years. In 1895 he became county attorney, and this position was held until 1912, a remark- able record. Later he was elected to the position of judge of the 42d Judicial Circuit of Indiana, and the responsibilities of this position have been discharged with rare zeal.

Fraternally, he is allied with the Knights of Pythias.

WILLETT H. PARR

The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is a representa- tive citizen of Lebanon, Boone county. He is a native of the Hoosier State, born on the 24th day of December, 1878. His childhood was spent in Boone county, where he attended the public schools, later continuing his studies at the State Normal School at Terre Haute and the Marion Normal School of Marion, Ind. On the 16th day of July, 1899, he was married to Miss Carrie B. Billingsly. In the fall of 1908 he was elected to the responsible position of judge of the circuit court of Boone county for a term of six years, and this position he has filled conscientiously with credit to him- self and his constituents, who showed their faith in him by re-electing him to this office in November, 1914, for another term of six years.

WILLIAM T. PATTEN

William T. Patten was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, August 10, 1867. Fol- lowing the county graded and high schools he graduated with a bachelor of arts de- gree from Indiana University in 1893. Prior to his attending college he taught school in Sullivan county, in 1887 and 1888. He moved from Sullivan county to Indianapolis in 1895 and engaged in the real estate business until 1908, when he was appointed chief deputy auditor of Marion county, serving for four years under Auditor Albert Sahm.

In 1910 he was elected auditor of Marion county, taking office in 1912 and serving until 1916. He was one of the most efficient officers who ever held the position in Marion county.

EDGAR ALMON PERKINS

From 1890 and for a good many years following, Edgar Almon Perkins was one of the leading Democratic workers of the State. For these same years he was also most conspicuous among organ- ized laboring forces, serving from 1893 to 1913 as president of the state federation of labor for In- diana. He resigned in the latter year.

Two of his sons were in the war with Germany, Harry B. Perkins being commissioned a lieuten- ant of infantry at twenty-four, and Edgar A. Perkins, Jr., enlisting as a private at twenty-two. A third son who wished to go with his brothers, although married and the head of a family, was re- fused because of defective sight, having shot himself in one eye when a youngster.

Edgar Almon Perkins was born in Indianapolis in 1866. He began work as a printer in 1879, when but thirteen years of age, and this remained his business all his life, working steadily at the trade until 1913, when he was named to his first political office by Governor Samuel M. Ralston.

He was named the chairman of the legislative committee of the state federation of labor in 1893. and two years later was elected president of the same organization. From 1893 to 1913, at which time he retired as a federation official, all labor legislation that was proposed was either drafted by

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him or passed through his hands. Even after 1913, while in public office, he was consulted on all such matters though not in active charge. It was during these years that important labor legislation was enacted, Indiana taking the lead of the states in all such matters.

In 1913 he was named chief of the bureau of inspection of Indiana by Governor Ralston, having drawn the bill under which the bureau was formed. Two years later, in 1915, he was named a member ard president of the state industrial board for one year, and at the end of the year was named for four years to the same position. He had also had an active part in the framing of the bill creating this department, and in drafting the rules under which the board worked, the Indiana board was recognized throughout the Union as a model, a large number of the states sending their members and working forces to Indianapolis to copy the rules and methods.

Mr. Perkins was a'so president for eight consecutive terms of the Indianapolis Typographical Union.

CHARLES HAMILTON PETERS

A resident of Starke county since his early childhood and for many years a prominent attorney at law in the town of Knox, Charles Hamilton Peters needs no introduction to the citizens of that locality.

Mr. Peters is a native of the state of Virginia, born in Harrisonburg, Rocking- ham county, October 8, 1861. In infancy, however, he was brought by his parents to Indiana. They located in Starke county, where his boyhood was spent and where his schooling was received. After a comprehensive course of study of the law, he was admitted to the bar of Starke county and entered into the active practice of this profession.

On April 9, 1882, Mr. Peters was united in marriage to Miss Ada Bell Dukes, of Winamac, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have a son, Glenn D. Peters, now also a practicing attorney, located at Hammond, Ind.

Mr. Peters has ever been a stanch supporter of the principles of Democracy, and has always ex- erted the weight of his influence in behalf of the cause.

HAL C. PHELPS

Hal C. Phelps, a valued worker in the Democratic party, was born at Bennett's Switch, Miami county, on the 24th day of December, 1876. His schooling was received in the public schools of his district, and later, in 1895, a year's course of work was taken at the Marion Normal College, of Marion. Then followed continued work at the Tri-State Normal College of Angola, and later a course of study at Hull's School of Manatan, Ohio. In the year 1900 he entered Vories' Business College at Indianapolis; and in 1907 he graduated from the law department of the University of Valparaiso. In the same year he was admitted to practice in the supreme court, and his work since as an attorney has evidenced marked ability in the profession.

During the period from 1908 to 1911 he served as acting deputy prosecuting attorney, and on the 2nd day of May, 1912, was appointed by Governor Marshall to fill the unexpired term of prose- cuting attorney of the 51st judicial district of Indiana, comprised of Miami county. In the fall of this year he was elected to this position, and in this capacity has since served, having been again elected to the same office on November 3, 1914.

WILLIAM PICKETT

William Pickett has proven himself an active, aggressive citizen, a capable offi- cial and always a loyal Democratic worker. He was born in Logansport on the 30th day of June, 1873; and here his education was received in the public and parochial schools of the place. In his youth he was engaged in the clothing business, continu- ing until January, 1910, when he assumed the duties of city clerk. So ably did he administer the affairs of this office that he was re-elected in the fall of 1913, his ten- ure of office to expire January 1, 1918.

Mr. Pickett is unmarried, the son of Patrick and Mary Pickett, the former de- ceased. He is affiliated with the fraternal orders of Elks, Knights of Columbus and Eagles.

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BERTRAM W. PICKHARDT

The name of Pickhardt is a familiar one to the residents of Huntingburg and vicinity, the family being a prominent one. Ernest W. Pickhardt, the father of the subject of this article, is the popular editor of the Huntingburg Signal; and in the literary atmosphere of a refined home the young man laid the foundation for a life of culture and usefulness.

Bertram W. Pickhardt was born on the 30th day of July, 1889, in the city of Huntingburg. Here his childhood was spent, and here he received his first schooling, attending the common and later the high school of the town, his graduation here being followed by a course in law at the Indiana Univer- sity at Bloomington. In the winter of 1913, when but twenty- four years of age, he received the honor of being appointed enrolling clerk for the legislature; and the following June received from President Wilson the appointment of postmas- ter of the city of Huntingburg, he being at that time the youngest man ever appointed to a third-class office. Mr. Pick- hardt, like his father, has, since attaining his majority, striven for the success of the Democratic party, being much in de- mand during the campaign as a speaker, and considered throughout this congressional district as a great orator. He is also an active member of the order of Woodmen of the World, among whom he is widely known and highly esteemed. The legal profession of the district has gained, in this young man, a brilliant recruit, and in his chosen work he will in all probability con- tinue to bring credit upon himself and his constituents.

ERNEST W. PICKHARDT

Few residents of Dubois county and its vicinity are not familiar with the name and the work of Ernest W. Pickhardt, the present editor of the Huntingburg Signal, and deputy oil inspector.

He was born at Huntingburg on the 24th day of May, 1861, and his entire life has been spent as a citizen of this commonwealth. His education was received in its schools, and here his work has been accomplished. On the 11th day of December, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Moenkhaus, and to their home have come a daughter and three sons, completing a family circle which has stood for the best and noblest in life, true culture and refinement.

During the year 1885 he served as town clerk of Hunting- burg; and in the fall of 1888 was elected as representative to the legislature of Indiana from Dubois and Martin counties. In 1890 he was re-elected to this position from a district com- posed of Dubois, Orange and Lawrence counties. In the year 1893 he was appointed a director of the southern prison at Jeffersonville by Governor Claude Matthews, serving for a term of two years, and has for four terms served as a member of the school board.

He is perhaps best known, however, by his work as editor of the Signal, which he published in German from the year 1889 to May 1, 1914, at which time the E. W. Pickhardt Printing Co. was formed and the publication of the paper in English was established. During the period between 1890 and 1905 Mr. Pickhardt was also the publisher of the Huntingburg News, this being issued in English.

He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church and is affiliated with the order of Woodmen of the World.

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WILL H. PIGG

Having attained success in the educational field and later distinguished himself as an attorney at law, the name of Will H. Pigg of Martinsville needs no introduction to the citizens of Morgan county.

He was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, on the 20th day of November, 1871, and attended the public schools of his district. At the age of fourteen years he en- tered the business world, and earned his way through the higher departments of school. A course was later pursued at the Central Normal College of Danville, and his work in the educational field covered a period of nine years. A two-year law course was completed by him in seven and one-half months, and he was admitted to the bar of Morgan county in 1896. On the 1st of January, 1910, he assumed the duties of county attorney, a position which he held until 1915, with great credit and satisfaction to his constituents and the community at large.

His grandfather was born and reared in Tennessee.

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History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 147

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926 Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1104