History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 149

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

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"Cincinnati was next made happy, and there I worked at a number of things, until finally I went broke one winter and took a job to milk cows for Reuben Dailey, then owner of the Jeffersonville News, with whom I remained over twenty years. I turned the hand press in the afternoons and the rest of the time wrote the news of the town in verse and prose, and got subscribers. One day I woke up and found the Democrats had nominated me for sheriff, against my wishes, but was elected by the biggest majority cast in many years. They nominated and elected me again, this time the Repub- licans joining in the conspiracy to keep me working.

"It was funny, very funny. Instead of my treating the boys, they treated me and treated each other for me. I had no money in either campaign, so the boys spent theirs. I made my campaigns mostly on a bicycle, pitched hay for the farmers, told stories and talked very little politics, forget- ting very often to tell them my designs on the office. Then the Democrats in the legislature gave me an extra six months' term. Watchaknowaboutthat ?

"I quit politics to take a job firing a battery of boilers at Speers cement mills. Who ever heard of an officeholder doing a thing like that before? When I had got good and strong with a year of this the New Albany Ledger called me to handle some heavy editorials. Then I resigned and spent my time looking over some fool stocks that I bought with my salary when I was sheriff, because somebody who was a smart salesman told me how much money they would make for me. They all refused to rise by any ingredients I could ever inject into them; but why should I not always be happy with my pipe and arm chair, with no clock to order me around hy striking the hours ?"

JOHN M. RAWLEY

Few among the workers in the Democratic party in Indiana are more widely known or more highly honored by their constituents than Judge John M. Rawley of Brazil. Judge Rawley is essentially a Clay county man, having been born within its borders on the 6th day of April, 1862, attending its common schools, and eventually identifying himself closely with the political and business life of the community. He attended the Central Normal College of Danville, and on Christmas Day in the year 1901 was married to Miss Lenore Scofield. One child, a daughter, has come to their home, her birth occurring also on Christmas Day, 1903.

In the year 1896 he was elected prosecuting attorney on the Demo- cratic ticket and re-elected in 1898. The ensuing eight years were spent in the practice of law, and during this period his acquaintance widened and his influence grew in the community. In 1906 he was elected circuit judge from Clay and Putnam counties, and in 1912 was re-elected for a term of six years, at this time receiving the remarkable majority of 2,160 votes in his own county.

Judge Rawley is a self-made man, having earned his education largely by teaching in the winter, spending his summers for eight years in school, studying diligently to perfect himself in the knowl-

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edge of his profession. He has, throughout his career, labored for the success of his party, and in 1902 and 1904 was county chairman of the Democratic committee. During the last state convention he represented the 5th Congressional District on the resolutions committee.

OREN A. RAWLINS

So closely has Oren A. Rawlins been identified with the business and political affairs of Jay county for the past score or more of years that his name is familiar to the majority of the residents of that community. He was born in Randolph county, March 5, 1871, and received his schooling in the district schools of that county.

On October 19, 1893, Mr. Rawlins was united in marriage to Miss Sarah G. Winters. He es- tablished his home in Portland, which has since remained the center of his interests.

Mr. Rawlins for many years has been a successful contractor and builder. He has been an act- ive party worker since he attained his majority, has been a member of the county committee for nearly twenty years and served as county chairman in 1912. On July 1, 1914, he was appointed postmaster of Portland by President Wilson. He is an active member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks.

JAMES J. REEDER

James J. Reeder is a man of wide acquaintance throughout the county and has been closely identified with the development and growth of the com- munity.

Mr. Reeder was born in Howard county on the 29th day of July, 1856, but came to Carroll county when but fifteen years of age, and since this time has taken an active interest in the municipal and civic affairs of his home township and county. He attended the public schools of Howard county, and later the common schools of his district in Carroll county, resid- ing upon the farm of his parents in boyhood, and later engaging in the pur- suit of agriculture for himself.

In the year of 1900 he was elected township trustee of Carrollton town- ship, his term of office expiring in 1905. In December, 1909, he left the farm and moved to Camden, where he sold automobiles until June, 1910. At this time he assumed the duties of cashier of the Farmers' State Bank, and later became manager of the Farmers' Elevator. In 1912, however, he was elected clerk of Carroll county, a position which required his undivided attention. His term of office. in this position will expire at the close of 1916.

Mr. Reeder is prominent in fraternal circles in Delphi and vicinity, having taken the degrees of Masonry up to the thirty-second, both ways; all degrees save the canton in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the subordinate and uniform rank of Knights of Pythias.

In January, 1885, he was married to Miss Lilly C. Cornell, of Carroll county; and at the age of twenty-one became a member of the Presbyterian church. Five years later, however, his member- ship was changed to the Lutheran church where he is now an elder.

NORMAN W. C. REEVES

Many of our leading citizens have laid the foundation of a vigorous manhood in the life and labor of the agriculturist, and the subject of this article, Norman W. C. Reeves, is a representative of this class. He was born on the 16th day of June, 1855, on a farm in Rush county, this State, and in this environment he remained until he reached the age of thirty years. Here he received his schooling in the common schools and later attended the high school of Knightstown, Ind.

In the year 1885 he entered the drug business at Knightstown, and here his in- terests have since centered. Mr. Reeves is a lifelong Democrat and is descended from a line of Democratic ancestors. Although an active party worker, he never aspired to any office; but in the year 1912 he was elected representative to the legislature of

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the state from Henry county. He is a charter member of the Knightstown lodge of Knights of Pythias, and has held the position of master of exchequer since the organization was founded, in the year 1889; truly a remarkable record. He is also a charter member and treasurer of the uniform rank, Knights of Pythias.

JAMES REID

Judge James Reid needs no introduction to most of our readers, being a promi- nent citizen of Logansport, and for sixteen years a justice of the peace, and re-elected November 3, 1914, receiving the largest majority on his ticket. In his official ca- pacity he has performed, in that time, many marriage ceremonies, five hundred and twenty-five prior to November 1, 1914; and has for this reason become known through- out the community as "the marrying 'squire." And the majority of lawsuits are filed in his court, more than seven hundred having been filed in the year 1914. Judge Reid was born and reared in White county, Indiana, moving to Logansport in the year 1882, since which time he has made this place his home. His birth occurred on the 27th day of July, 1856, and he has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Sarah J. Smith, to whom he was united on the 20th of February, 1879; and the second Miss Mary L. Keis, whom he married October 19, 1903. He has for many years been actively engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business, and at the present time is very actively engaged in colonizing and selling land in the fruit belt of Western Central Michigan.

JOHN G. REIDELBACH

An educator for fifteen years, an attorney at law for a decade, a practical agri- culturist since his youth and a lifelong Democrat, is the record held by John G. Reidelbach, joint senator from Cass and Pulaski counties.

Senator Reidelbach is a native of Ohio, born on the 19th of August, 1872. He attended the public schools of this State until he reached the age of thirteen years, at which time he accompanied his parents to Pulaski county. Following his gradua- tion from the public schools of Pulaski county he entered the State Normal at Terre Haute, and here laid the foundation of his work as an educator. Returning to his home county, he entered the educational field and taught in the county schools until the year 1904, at which time he was admitted to the bar and entered the active prac- tice of law, having studied this profession at Valparaiso, Ind.

Born and reared on a farm, he has never lost his interest in agricultural affairs, and takes great pride in superintending the cultivation of three hundred acres of land in Pulaski county.

At the Democratic convention held by Cass and Pulaski counties at Logansport in April, 1914, he was nominated for joint senator by acclamation.

Mrs. Reidelbach, to whom he was married August 28, 1894, was formerly Miss Anna Higgins, and she has proven a worthy second in his various undertakings.

CHARLES G. REIFEL

The list of zealous Democratic adherents and prominent people of Franklin county would be incomplete were mention not made of Charles G. Reifel, a lifelong resident of this section and present auditor of the county.

Mr. Reifel was born on the 24th day of April, 1865, at Peppertown, Ind., and spent his child- hood in this town, attending the schools of the place until he reached the period when a university course should be decided upon. At this time he entered the State Normal School at Terre Haute, taking a teacher's course of study.

On the 24th day of October, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Strasburger, and their home has since extended its hospitality to numerous friends.

In the fall of 1910 Mr. Reifel was elected to the position of auditor of Franklin county, his ten- ure of office to expire in 1914. At this time he was again nominated for this important service and again elected. During this period he has served with conscientious zeal, showing a progressive spirit in the administration of the affairs of his office.

He has, throughout his career, been a stanch Democrat, consistently voting the ticket and la-

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boring for the furtherance of the cause at all times. He is secretary of the Democratic club of But- ler township, and is also a member of the Indiana Democratic Club.

PATRICK REILLY

Patrick Reilly, one of the veteran business men of Hammond, was born in Verplanck's Point, N. Y., January 1, 1848, the son of James and Bridget Reilly, who were born in the old country.

Mr. Reilly received his early education in New York State. On October 23, 1863, at the age of fifteen, he enlisted in the United States marine corps and saw service for over five years as a drummer. He then re-enlisted and served four years, during which time he went to Europe on the Guerriere. On returning he continued in service as an employe in the Brooklyn navy yard.

In 1884 he came to Hammond to take a position as a superintendent in the Hammond Packing Company. Twelve years later he started in business for himself as a plumber, and was also con- nected with his sons, James and Edward, in the grocery business.

Mr. Reilly has been prominent in politics, representing the Democrats as councilman from the third ward for eight years, served as acting mayor for eighteen months, and was elected mayor of Hammond, which office he held for four years.

He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Independent Order of Foresters of Indiana, A. O. United Workmen and the Elks.

He married Miss Mary A. McSweeney, and to this marriage have been born thirteen children, eight of whom are living.

JUDGE CHARLES REMSTER

To the citizens of Marion county and throughout the State the name of Judge Charles Rem- ster is a familiar one. He served the people of Indianapolis and Marion county for a number of years as an honored public official.

Charles Remster was born on a farm near Veedersburg, Ind., on the 28th day of July, 1862. His boyhood and youth were spent on this farm, attending the common and high schools. Following this he took a course at Purdue University, remaining there for three years and three months.

After a course in the law, in 1889, he was admitted to the bar of Fountain county and engaged in the active practice of his profession. He demonstrated his abilities as a jurist and his name became known among attorneys beyond the limits of his county. So in 1895, six years after he began practicing, he removed to Indianapolis, and here, with greater opportunities, he soon ac- quired a very lucrative practice.

On the 1st day of April, 1907, he was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney for Marion county and for eighteen months served in that capacity. He brought to his work a clear insight into legal problems and an abounding energy which has always characterized his work and which established for him an enviable record.

At the expiration of his service as deputy prosecuting attorney Mr. Remster was elected judge of the Marion circuit court, where he remained for a term of six years. He discharged the duties of this position with conscientious loyalty to the public interests, administering justice as he saw it with no consideration other than impartiality and absolute fairness under the law. While it is sometimes a custom among writers to laud men extravagantly who have served in public office, and to incline to exaggeration of the good qualities, the service of Judge Charles Remster could hardly be spoken of too highly.

Few men have served in so important a capacity and gained in the years of service a reputation for ability, an unswerving effort to administer justice tempered with real human knowledge and sym- pathy, and left behind a cleaner page than did Judge Remster. His political opponents were most outspoken in their regrets when he retired from the bench in 1914 to engage in private practice. He left a record that makes it no easy task for others to maintain the same standard of efficiency, he having let it be known early in service that, while he was one of the most earnest of all the follow- ers of Jefferson in his political beliefs, this should in no wise enter into the consideration of perform- ance of duty as a public official.

In private practice he is a member of the legal firm of Smith, Remster, Hornbrook and Smith. He is an active and enthusiastic member of the Indiana Democratic Club and of the Masonic fraternity.

Mrs. Remster was Miss Isabelle McDaniel. The marriage was in 1894.

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FRANK J. RETTERATH

The present postmaster of the town of Goodland has been a resident of Newton county for more than half a century, and during this period has won the esteem of the community in which he re- sides.

Frank J. Retterath was born in the state of Ohio on the 10th day of March, 1860, and the fol- lowing year was brought by his parents to Newton county for residence. Here he attended the pub- lic schools, enjoying meanwhile the wholesome environment of farm life and early learning the prin- ciples of the science of agriculture.

On the 18th day of February, 1885, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Margaret E. Lewis; and their home was established on a farm, and she has since been his faithful helpmate.

Throughout his life he has been a stanch adherent to the principles of Democracy and has ren- dered valued service to the party. On the first day of April, 1914, he assumed the duties of post- master.

GEORGE J. RICHMAN

Hancock county has been singularly fortunate in her choice of superin- dent of schools, for the incumbent of this high office possesses in a marked degree those qualities of learning, culture and aggressive policies which are requisite for the successful administration of its affairs.

George J. Richman was born in Hancock county on the 1st day of March, 1875, and attended the public schools of his district. Following his gradua- tion from the public schools of Hancock county, in the year 1891, he entered the State Normal School at Terre Haute, and continued his studies at Butler College. Finally a course was taken in the Indiana Law School, from which he graduated in 1908, and was admitted to the bar of Hancock county. He was then engaged in the active practice of the law in partnership with Sam- uel J. Offutt of the Hancock bar until his re-election as county superintend- ent of schools in June, 1911.

Since his youth Mr. Richman has taken an interest in educational affairs, and in the year 1903 was appointed superintendent of the schools of Hancock county, serving in this capacity for a term of four years. In 1911, after a retirement of four years, he again assumed control of the school system of this community, and his success is evidenced by the high plane upon which the schools are conducted.

In the year 1900, on the 25th day of June, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Meek, and their home in Greenfield has extended hospitality to a host of friends.

Mr. Richman is also interested in fraternal affairs in his community and is an active member of the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.

JAMES REED RIGGS

Prominently identified with the agricultural and commercial life of Sul- livan county and vitally interested in municipal and political affairs of the community, the name of James Reed Riggs is well known throughout the district.

He is a native Hoosier, born on the 17th day of February, 1865, and educated in the schools of Sullivan county, having graduated from the Sulli- van high school in May, 1882.

On the 11th day of September, 1895, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Bessie L. Lewman, and she has since been the presiding genius of his home and the able assistant in his various undertakings. To this union four daughters were born.

In March, 1896, he assumed the duties of auditor of Sullivan county, continuing in this position for a term of four years, and establishing an enviable record for business judgment and efficient administration.

Since his youth he has taken a deep interest in agricultural affairs, and is known as a progressive and successful farmer and a judge of live stock.

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He is also a stockholder in a bank of Sullivan, a member of its directorate, and is the owner and manager of a modern clay products factory.

Fraternally Mr. Riggs is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Indianapolis Consistory and also of the Terre Haute Commandery No. 16. He is also allied with the orders of Elks, Modern Woodmen of America and Red Men, and is highly esteemed by the many friends he has won in these organizations.

Throughout his career he has been known as a stanch adherent to Democratic principles and a loyal worker for the cause.

HON. JOHN WESLEY RINEAR

For more than three-score years the name of Rinear has been closely interwoven with the history of Wells county, and many members of the fam- ily have held positions of influence in various departments of the common- wealth. Charles Rinear, the founder of the family in Indiana, was a man well grounded in the attributes of true manhood; being a man of deep reli- gious convictions, his word was as good as his bond. He leaves a record of which few can boast, of having had two sons in the state senate.

Hon. John Wesley Rinear, the oldest of these brothers, who is now an influential citizen of Wells county, was born March 4, 1842, near Cleveland, Ohio. In 1847 he moved with his parents to Huntington county, Indiana, re- moving to Wells county in 1854, where he was reared on the old home farm, attending school in the district schools of the neighborhood.

On September 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 47th Indiana Volun- teer Infantry. He was in the battles of New Madrid and Riddles Point, Mo., and Fort Pillow, Tenn., being severely wounded at the mouth of White river. He was discharged from the army soon after being wounded.

On the 2nd day of April, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. First, and in 1913 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. They have one daughter, Hattie, the wife of J. B. Funt.

Mr. Rinear laid out the village of Liberty Center, in which he lives, in November, 1878. He served twelve years as justice of the peace of his township, and from May 2, 1877, until January 1, 1880, acted as postmaster of Liberty Center. In the year 1894 he was elected joint senator from Huntington and Wells counties, serving in the assemblies of 1895 and '97. He also served twelve years as a member of the county council, of which body he was president. In 1906 he was appointed trustee of the State Soldiers' Home at Lafayette, which position he still holds, having acted as treasurer of this institution during these years. He has for many years been a member of the Bap- tist church, I. O. O. F. and Grand Army of the Republic.

HON. ELIAS MONTGOMERY RINEAR

Prominently identified with the business and political life of the county of Wells is the second brother, Hon. Elias Montgomery Rinear.

He was born near Cleveland, Ohio, on the 9th day of March, 1844, com- ing with his parents to Indiana in 1847. His education was received in the common schools of Wells county.

On August 20, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, 101st Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war.

On the 28th day of September, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Hupp. In February, 1901, death claimed her. On September 15, 1904, he was married to Mrs. Laura E. Mentzer Campbell. He had two chil- dren, one daughter, Nettie, deceased, and one son, Dr. Edwin Rinear, of Mt. Vernon, Ind.

Mr. Rinear was twice elected commissioner of his county, and in the fall of 1914 he was elected joint senator from the counties of Blackford, Grant and Wells. On the opening of the legislature in 1915 Mr. Rinear immedi- ately took a leading part in all the affairs of the senate. He was the author of the Rinear state- wide primary election bill. He also led in opposition to the adoption of the Strenberg amend-

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ments to the constitution. On June 6, 1915, Mr. Rinear died at the age of 71, death being caused by a breakdown from his work in the session of the 1915 state senate.

Mr. Rinear was for many years a successful druggist in the towns of Liberty Center and War- ren, Indiana, but finally retired from active business life, except as a director of the Wells County Bank, of which he was a stockholder.

He was a past commander of Grand Army Post No. 33 of Bluffton, Indiana, and was affiliated with the Masonic Blue Lodge.

GEORGE FRANKLIN RINEAR

George F. Rinear, another member of this interesting family, is a native of Wells county, his birth having occurred on the 27th day of May, 1859. During his boyhood he attended the schools of Liberty Center, and here his youth also was spent. On the 23d day of February, 1883, his marriage to Miss Nannie Daugherty was solemnized, and their home was later estab- lished in the city of Bluffton, where Mr. Rinear has been prominently identi- fied with the business and political life and growth of the place.

In the year 1902 he became a member of the city council, and this chair he has held continuously until the present time, being re-elected twice. For twelve years, also, he served upon the county central committee for the Dem- ocratic party, having been always a consistent adherent of true Democracy.

At the present time Mr. Rinear is active in the management of one de- partment of the Red Cross Manufacturing Company, a stockholder in the Studebaker Bank, the Evening Banner and the interurban railroad, and is also an investor in the moving picture business. He has for many years been an active member of the Baptist church, and is affiliated with the Bluffton Lodge F. and A. M., I. O. O. F. and the Royal Order of Moose.

EMSLEY ROBERTS

Emsley Roberts, the present postmaster of the city of Mooresville, is a native of Morgan county, born in Eminence, on the 19th day of December, 1881. His schooling was received, however, in Owen county, where he attended the public schools and later entered the Spencer Normal College. Following his graduation from this in- stitution he returned to Morgan county and became identified with the political and business life of Mooresville. In the years which have since elapsed he has been em- ployed variously-in the hardware and grocery business, by the D. M. Parry Buggy Company of Indianapolis and as a railroad brakeman. On the 4th day of March, 1914, he assumed the duties of postmaster of the city, and his energies have since been devoted to this work.

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History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 149

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