USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 152
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BENJAMIN F. SHIVELY
Benjamin F. Shively, United States senator, was a na- tive of St. Joseph county, Indiana, where he resided all his life. His father was Rev. Joel Shively and both his father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania, settling in In- diana in 1854. Benjamin F. Shively was born March 20, 1857. His early experiences were those of the average farm lad. After completing his course in the common schools of his neighborhood, he attended the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, also graduating subsequently from the law department of the University of Michigan. He taught school from 1875 to 1880 after which he engaged in newspaper work.
In 1889 he married Miss Laura Jenks, daughter of the Hon. George A. Jenks of Brookville, Pa., who was solicitor- general of the United States under the first administration of Grover Cleveland.
In redistricting the state for congressional representa- tion, in 1881, the Republican majority in the general assembly formed the 13th Indiana District to be "reliably Republican." When, in 1884, Major William H. Calkins received the Re- publican nomination for governor and resigned his seat in the congress to make the race, Mr. Shively was nominated for the unexpired term in the congress and as the Democratic candidate carried the district by a majority of 2,275. He again carried his district in 1886 by 1,046, in 1888 by 355, and in 1890 by 2,705.
In each of these campaigns the district was considered safely Republican. In all his contests his opponents were strong men and some of them men of rare force and ability. In his memorable series of joint meetings with Gen. Jasper Packard Mr. Shively splendidly vindicated the record and policies of his party and inspired the rank and file with his courage and enthusiasm.
In 1892 he declined further congressional honors. However, the memory of his wise, capable and aggressive leadership was never dimmed. In 1896, in face of the overwhelming defeat of the Democratic party in Indiana two years before, confronted with widespread commercial panic and business depression, facing apparently hopeless division in his own party, Mr. Shively accepted the nomination for governor and conducted a canvass which for courage, dignity, ability and brilliant aggressiveness recalled the best traditions of the old party leaders.
He was defeated, but his party recovered four congressional districts, nearly tripled its repre- sentation in the legislature and recovered over twenty counties which had been lost two years before.
In 1904 the Thirteenth congressional district recorded a Republican majority of 7,000. In 1906 Mr. Shively was prevailed upon to again take the congressional nomination for what seemed a hope- less race, but he succeeded in reducing the district Republican majority from 7,000 to 216, carrying Kosciusko county for the first time in its history, and made possible the recovery of the district by the Democrats in the election which followed.
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In the first two terms in the congress he was the youngest member of that body. In the first week he addressed the house on an important measure of general legislation and at once commanded the respectful attention if that body. His capability, forceful and attractive manner in handling the subject enabled him to receive applause, breaking the precedent which demanded that "new mem- bers keep quiet." As evidence of the confidence and good will inspired from the beginning in his first term, he was elected secretary of the national congressional committee, a position which he held for succeeding terms.
He was selected to accompany Allan G. Thurman on his first speaking tour as candidate for Vice-President in 1888, and in all campaigns while in Washington he was called upon by different States to campaign for the Democratic party. Whether in the committee room, in the executive de- partments, in legislative work, on the floor of the house or in party council, he was always strong and effective.
He rose to membership on the committee on ways and means at a time when the tariff question was paramount, and at once became conspicuous in shaping the tariff policy of the 52d Congress. At the speaker's request, near the close of the first session of that congress, he prepared tariff argu- ments which were used during the campaign in all the States. Mr. Shively's addresses in congress on the tariff were of such a character as to challenge comparison with the best standard treatment of the subject within fifty years. The record itself justifies this statement.
In all his life Mr. Shively never conducted a defensive campaign. His campaigns were always aggressive. He never misstated the position of an opponent. His analysis of any subject treated was most complete and convincing. His knowledge of science and philosophy was profound. His advocacy was always dignified and vindicated and strengthened the cause of Democracy. He was never known in any speech to make a special appeal for votes for himself. He put his party and party principles first, and took his chances with the humblest man on his ticket.
When elected to the United States senate in the legislative session of January, 1909, the tariff and kindred questions were paramount. He proved to be a thorough student of these subjects and he was recognized upon his entrance into the senate as the best equipped man in that body to handle these questions from the Democratic standpoint. He had a vast fund of information. Immediately upon his entrance into the senate he was selected to lead in tariff debates. His speeches were circu- lated as the strongest Democratic doctrine obtainable.
Unfortunately, Senator Shively's health failed while he was serving as senator and he was unable to participate in many debates. Had his health not failed and his death followed, while he was yet senator, his political career appeared by no means ended. He was freely spoken of by members of the senate as presidential timber, his mental ability being sustained and enforced. by a splendid presence before the people. His death, occurring shortly after taking his seat at the opening of his second term, to which he was elected by popular vote, was a serious loss to the State and to the nation as well.
WISE W. SHOWALTER
To the agricultural element of a community it must look largely for its wealth; and likewise the foundation of its manhood lies in the free, out-of- door life given its youth upon the farm.
Mr. Wise W. Showalter is an example of the type of man produced under the ideal conditions of an agricultural life-clean minded, conscien- tious and zealous in the performance of works which tend toward the best interests of the community at large.
He was born on the 8th day of March, 1856, a native of Indiana, and received his education in the common schools of Lagrange county. On the 23rd day of March, 1883, his marriage to Miss Ellen E. Schmidt was solem- nized, and she was ever his helpful companion until death claimed her on the 29th day of June, 1910.
Most of the years of his life were spent in the pursuit of agriculture; but in the fall of 1904 he was elected to the position of township trustee of Jefferson township, Elkhart county, assuming the duties of that office on the 1st of the following January, serving in this capacity until January 1, 1908. In the fall of 1910 he was elected to the still greater responsibilities of county commissioner, his term of office to expire on the 1st of January, 1917.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
ATWELL J. SHRINER
Atwell J. Shriner has spent many years of his life in the service of the public, and in each official position to which he has been selected he has served with loyalty and zeal. He was born at Andersonville, Franklin county, Indiana, on the 15th day of November, 1858, and attended the schools of Franklin county. On the 15th day of May, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie W. Spilman, and they have since abode in the county of his birth.
Under Cleveland's administration he held the position of postmaster at Ander- sonville, and was superintendent of the Franklin county infirmary from September 1, 1901, to January 1, 1909. At the expiration of this period he assumed the duties of recorder of Franklin county, which position he held for four years.
In the spring of 1913 he received from President Wilson the appointment to the position of post- master of Brookville, and on the 16th day of June of that year began his work in the postal service. He has for many years been an active Democratic worker, serving as precinct committeeman in Posey township and in Brookville, in all, sixteen years; and as county chairman from 1906 to 1913. He is affiliated with the orders of Masons, Knights of Pythias and Red Men.
EDWARD SIMON
A well-known party worker and prominent public official of Lake county is Edward Simon of Hammond.
Mr. Simon is a native of the State of New York, born on the 16th day of March, 1873. He attended the public schools of Buffalo and later entered the preparatory school of St. Joseph's College of that city. In the year 1892 he emigrated to Indiana, locating in Lake county, and later entered into the work of the Democratic local organization, giving freely of his time and energy for the furtherance of the cause. Four years later he was selected Democratic county chairman of Lake county, and in this capacity served throughout the cam- paigns of 1904, 1906 and 1908. In the year 1907 he was the representative from this county to the legislature of Indiana and served with distinction in the following assembly.
In the year 1912 he was elected to the position of auditor of Lake county, and in this capacity has demonstrated marked efficiency, progressive methods and conscientious zeal for the interests of the public. He has also taken a deep interest in the business affairs of Hammond, his home, where he is well known also as the manufacturer of La Vendor cigars.
Mrs. Simon, to whom he was married April 24, 1894, was formerly Miss Jessie E. Flaherty of Liverpool, Lake county, and as the presiding genius of their family, she has dispensed its hospitality to a host of friends.
Mr. Simon is a member of the progressive element of the community, deeply interested in the various movements for the betterment of the physical conditions of the locality as well as its moral uplift.
JAMES P. SIMONS
The gentleman whose name heads this article is well known throughout the county, having been for many years closely identified with the business life of the community, and having also been the incumbent of various positions in the service of the commonwealth.
James P. Simons, of Monticello, is a true son of White county, born there on November 9, 1856. He attended the public schools and completed his studies at the Burnettville high school.
For two years Mr. Simons served as township assessor, the duties of that posi- tion being discharged with conscientious zeal. He then was elected to the larger responsibilities of county recorder, and in this latter capacity served for two terms
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of four years each, establishing an enviable record for ability and fidelity in the conduct of the af- fairs of his office. In February, 1916, on the recommendation of United States Senators Kern and Shively, President Wilson appointed him postmaster at Monticello. He also is widely known through his connection for twenty years with the White County Democrat, published at Monticello.
While serving as a member of the executive committee of the Indiana Democratic Editorial As- sociation Mr. Simons prepared and presented to the association at its mid-winter meeting in Febru- ary, 1908, the following resolution:
"With a firm belief in the righteousness of the Democratic principle of the rule of the majority, as expressed in a free and untrammeled ballot, we would add to the present laws regulating the liquor traffic a local option law giving to the people of each community opportunity to express their sentiments regarding the sale of liquor in their midst, freed from the turmoil, annoyances and busi- ness disturbances in many instances attending the operations of the present remonstrance law."
This was the first local option resolution presented in Indiana, and the law here suggested was intended to be supplementary to the remonstrance law then in force. The resolution was adopted by the Democratic Editorial Association and the principle was incorporated in the Democratic state plat- form a few weeks later. It created much discussion all over the State, led to the calling of the spe- cial session of the legislature in the summer of 1908, forced the Republicans to take a more radical position and resulted in the election of Thomas R. Marshall as governor in November.
Mr. Simons is affiliated with the fraternal orders of Masons and Knights of Pythias, and in the former has attained the Chapter and Council degrees.
Mrs. Simons was formerly Miss Sallie E. Johnson, daughter of Jeremiah B. Johnson, who was killed at the battle of Jackson, Miss., during the Civil war. They had two sons, Walter A. and George B., soldiers in the great world war, both sergeants in Battery C, 137th field artillery, in the famous "Cyclone Division."
HOMER J. SKEETERS
The present incumbent of the office of county superintendent of schools of Parke county, Ho- mer J. Skeeters, is well qualified by nature and by education for the position which he holds. A man of good education, rare tact in his dealings with young and old, a thorough understanding of the various needs of the youthful mind, combined with an earnest desire for the best in methods of imparting knowledge-truly Parke county is to be congratulated in her choice of this official.
Mr. Skeeters was born in Indiana, on the 28th day of April, 1884. He attended the public schools of his home district, was graduated from the high school at Marshall and from Bloomingdale Academy, after which he entered the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute. Following his graduation from this latter institution he entered the educational field, teaching school with marked success.
In February, 1911, Mr. Skeeters was appointed to the position of superintendent of the schools of Parke county-and in June of the same year was elected for a further term of four years. Dur- ing his incumbency of this office the schools in his charge have been maintained upon a high plane of scholarship and progressive methods have been adopted.
During his years in the State Normal School Mr. Skeeters became a member of the Forum Liter- ary Society of that institution. He is also affiliated with the fraternal orders of Free and Accepted Masons, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. On November 9, 1901, Mr. Skeeters was united in marriage to Miss Madge K. Harrison.
SAMUEL SKEETERS
Samuel Skeeters of Montezuma is one of the early settlers of Parke county and is largely inter- ested in its growth and development. He was born in Mercer county, Missouri, on the 30th day of August, 1851. When he was six months of age, however, his parents came to Indiana, locating in Parke county, where he was reared, attending the common schools of the county. At an early age he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, and has labored with such success that he is now the owner of several hundred acres of choice land. He was, for a number of years, president of the First Na- tional Bank of Montezuma, but sold his stock on account of other interests.
In the year 1894 Mr. Skeeters was elected township trustee, and in this capacity served for a term of six years. In 1914 he was nominated for county commissioner for the Second district, Parke county.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
DE FOREST L. SKINNER
De Forest L. Skinner, a pioneer in the ranks of Indiana Democracy and for more than seventy years an honored resident of Porter county, has con- tributed in no small measure, in the many years that have passed, to the success of the party in his district and in the state.
Mr. Skinner was born in Hardwick, Caledonia county, Vermont, on November 1, 1835. When eleven years of age he accompanied his parents to Valparaiso, Porter county, Indiana, where the family residence was es- tablished. There he attended the common schools and later entered into the business and political life of the community.
On April 19, 1861, Mr. Skinner was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Maxwell, a native of Wayne county, this state.
During the sessions of the Indiana General Assembly in 1874 and 1878, Mr. Skinner was an active participant in legislative affairs, serving the state as representative from Porter and Lake counties. In 1882 he again was nominated for this position, but was defeated by a small majority, both counties going Republican. In 1886 he declined the honor of a further nomination. In 1882 the late Governor Porter appointed Mr. Skinner a member of the board of commissioners to construct three additional hospitals for the insane, these now being located at Evansville, Richmond and Lo- gansport. He served upon this board during the administrations of Governors Porter, Gray and Hovey. Later he was appointed by Governor Chase to the position of trustee of the State Normal School at Terre Haute, but this honor he declined. In 1893 he represented this State at the World's Congress of Bankers, which met in Chicago during the Columbian Exposition, having been appointed to this position by Governor Claude Matthews.
Mr. Skinner has held prominent rank among th leaders of the Democracy in this State, and in 1880 served as delegate to the national convention at Cincinnati, and in 1888 to the convention at St. Louis.
L. ERT SLACK
L. Ert Slack, who served the people of Indiana in various county, dis- trict, state and federal offices, both by appointment and election, a native Hoosier, born October 8, 1874, in Johnson county, was, from the time he was twenty-one years of age, favorably and extensively known throughout the state through his political activities. He obtained his early education in the schools of Johnson county, afterwards attending Indiana Law School and graduating in 1897, when twenty-three years of age.
September 6, in the year of his graduation, he was admitted to the bar at Franklin, the county seat of Johnson county, and at once appointed deputy prosecuting attorney. He held that position only one year, however, resigning November 15, 1898.
He stumped Johnson county for the Democratic ticket in the campaign of that year and never missed participation in a state campaign after that time. Following his resignation as deputy prosecuting attorney, he was ap- pointed county attorney for Johnson county December 4, 1899, and served in that office for six consecutive years.
In the fall of 1900 he was elected a representative from Johnson county and served in the lower house of the general assembly in the session of 1901. He was re-elected to the same position in 1902 and in the session of 1903 received the complimentary Democratic vote for speaker of the house.
He was nominated for joint senator from Johnson anl Shelby counties June 7, 1904, being elected and serving in the state senate during the sessions of 1905 and 1907 and in the special session of 1908. His splendid record in both the house and senate attracted the attention of the Democrats of the State and made him a conspicuous candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1908. While at that time, preceding the assembling of the convention, and during the campaign, Samuel M. Ralston seemed most likely to receive the nomination, L. Ert Slack was conceded to be his most dangerous opponent in a large field of candidates. In that historic convention, after the second ballot, the Slack
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stock gradually rose, and when the fourth ballot had been taken it was apparent to everyone that the fifth was sure to be a Slack stampede, unless some very decided action was taken to prevent it.
It was at this point that Ralston withdrew, the Ralston forces not concealing the fact that they were favorable to Thomas R. Marshall. The Ralston withdrawal resulted in all other candidates, save L. Ert Slack and Thomas R. Marshall, doing the same thing. This left but the two candidates and by general agreement they withdrew from the hall during the call of the roll on the fifth, and what proved to be the final ballot. Marshall led by just fifty-six votes.
When the candidates returned to the hall to hear the announcement the whole convention rose to greet and cheer Slack when he was called upon to speak. In the final vote 76 of the 92 counties of the State gave some votes to Slack. He led in 43 counties and was given an equal division in many of the others.
In the senatorial contest in the legislative session of 1909, when Benjamin F. Shively was elected United States senator, L. Ert Slack received nineteen votes on the fifth ballot.
Mr. Slack was appointed United States Attorney for the district of Indiana, serving through the administrations of Woodrow Wilson.
JUDGE THEODORE ELLIS SLINKARD
Born one mile south of Newberry, Ind., October 1, 1866; received his education in the common schools of Greene county, Indiana, and at the normal schools of the county; taught school and began study of law with his brother, William L. Slinkard, in 1893. Was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Greene and surround- ing counties until November 15, 1912, when he qualified as judge of the Greene cir- cuit court, having been elected at the election held that month.
He was married to Miss Mattie Brawand of Linton, Ind., September 1, 1889, and they have a family of four girls.
Judge Slinkard opens court every court day at 8:30 a. m. and closes at 6:00 p. m., and is always to be found at his post of duty.
His home is on West Main street in Bloomfield, where any and all persons who desire to visit his family receive a royal welcome.
Judge Slinkard has always been an active worker in the Democratic ranks and in the party coun- sels, and has a high standing with the rank and file of that party, as well as the confidence of opposing party organizations.
JOHN D. SMALLEY
John D. Smalley, present mayor of Hammond, has been a resident of Indiana for more than twenty years, is a veteran of railway service; has been an official of the city nine years, leaving city comptrollership to take present position. His admin- istration has been more than praiseworthy and many improvements in municipal affairs can be traced to him.
Born at Upper Sandusky, Ohio; graduating from high school there in 1878, he went to Nashville, Tenn .; returned to Ohio in 1880 and entered employ of Pennsyl- vania railroad, being promoted from one position to another. In 1892 he came to Hammond as agent for the Erie railroad; in 1903 was promoted to be supervising inspector joint rates bureau office, Chicago; retaining, however, his residence in Ham- mond. May 1, 1905, he was appointed comptroller, and held this position until March 8, 1911, when he filled vacancy as mayor on resignation of Judge Lawrence Becker, and was regularly elected mayor in November, 1913.
J. W. SMITH
For many years J. W. Smith has been a successful farmer and a stock man and is now closely identified with the commercial affairs of the city of Gosport.
Mr. Smith was born on a farm in Owen county, October 2, 1859. In this wholesome environ- ment his youth and boyhood were passed, and he attended the schools of Gosport. Early in life he entered the pursuit of agriculture for himself.
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On February 23, 1883, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Vickery, also of Owen county. He established his home on a farm and there remained until the year 1911. He is well known throughout the county as a successful stock raiser and a shipper of grain.
Mr. Smith has been an aggressive party worker and has served as township committeeman and as delegate to county, district and state conventions. Fraternally, he is allied with the order of Free and Accepted Masons.
GLENN A. SMILEY
Glenn A. Smiley is one of the ablest and most popular of the young lawyers of Fort Wayne, and is also regarded as one of the stanchest Democrats in Allen county. He was born in Fayette county, Indiana, April 24, 1885, and was graduated from Indiana University in 1907 with an arts degree, and in 1910 with an LL. B. He was admitted to the bar in 1908 and has since February 11, 1911, been actively engaged in the practice of law in Fort Wayne.
Mr. Smiley takes a warm and lively interest in all public affairs, and is a mem- ber of the executive board of the state branch of the American Peace Society, first president of the Associated Christian Works of Fort Wayne, president of the Indiana University Alumni Association in Allen county, was the principal organizer of the Association of the Fort Wayne Coterie Club, and is first president of the Young Men's Forward Congress, of Fort Wayne, an organization which has for its aim civic betterment. His high char- acter and recognized ability induced many of his friends to urge him to enter the Democratic primary in the spring of 1914 as candidate for state senator, and he received the second highest vote in a field of six candidates. It is believed by many that he could easily have had the nomination if he had pledged himself to oppose legislation favorable to state-wide prohibition. Such a stand would have been opposed to his principles, his Democracy and his freedom of action; and his refusal upon this occasion to interfere with the trend of public sentiment, even for his own benefit, must eventually redound to his credit in the promising career that lies ahead of him.
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