USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 153
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EDWARD SMITH
It is seldom the good fortune of a man to conduct successfully a business concern for forty years, but this is the record of Edward Smith, a leading citizen of Newcastle and proprietor of a thriving drug store since the year 1874. Mr. Smith was born in this state on the 6th day of April, 1859, and received his schooling in the public schools of his present home city. On the 25th day of September, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Bouslog, and their home has extended its hos- pitality to many friends and acquaintances throughout the years that have passed. Six children were born to this union, the only son, Howard R., being a lieutenant in the aviation section, now with the United States forces in Europe.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Smith has been actively engaged in the furtherance of the cause of Democracy, and was a delegate to the national convention at Denver in 1908. In this year, also, he was appointed a member of the school board of the city, serving in this capacity for two years. In the fall of 1909 he was elected councilman, and this position he has since held, until his appointment, in 1914, to the greater responsibilities of postmaster of the city.
JOHN W. SMITH, M. D.
The present Auditor of Switzerland county has evidenced his versatility by having achieved dis- tinction in various lines of endeavor. Dr. John W. Smith is a native of Ontario, Canada, born on the third day of February, 1867. Here he received his schooling, and after completing the grammar grades, attended St. Catherine's Collegiate Institute. Later a course in medicine was taken in the medical department of the University of Buffalo, of Buffalo, N. Y., and after his graduation from this institution he located in the city of Vevay and entered into the active practice of medicine in Febru- ary, 1885.
On the 29th day of April, 1891, he was united in marriage to Miss Bettie DuFour.
Since coming to Indiana, he has taken an active part in the various campaigns, laboring loyally for the furtherance of Democratic principles. On the first day of January, 1913, he assumed the duties of auditor of Switzerland county, and in this position still serves with credit and distinction.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
JOHN LAWRENCE SMITH
John Lawrence Smith was born in Connecticut, November 30, 1860. His father, a Union soldier, was killed in the Civil war in 1864. His mother died in Bellevue Hospital, New York, in 1866. In May, 1867, the boy was one of two hundred orphan children sent out from New York to find a home in the West. The first stop made by the train was at Williamsport, Ind., where the boy found a home. After much privation and many hardships he at- tained self-dependence and sought earnestly to acquire an education. Until nineteen years of age he worked on the farm and worked in the winter months for his board and attended three months' terms of school. In 1881 he attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, and in 1882 began teaching. He taught for five years, and in 1887 bought the Vermilion County Democrat, editing the paper for five years. In 1893 he was appointed post- master at Dana, Ind., by President Cleveland. In 1895 he bought the Win- chester Democrat, which he published two years, then sold out and bought a half interest in the Richmond (Ind.) Sun. In 1899 he returned to Winchester and again edited the Democrat until November, which he has pursued up to the present time.
Mr. Smith is devoted to the principles of the Democratic party and no campaign passes that does not call for a defense from his pen for the faith that is in him. He is credited with owning the largest private library in the state, a good proportion of which is made up of books by Indiana authors and pertaining to Indiana.
OMAR B. SMITH
Omar B. Smith, who bears the distinction of having been the first mayor of the city of Rochester, Indiana, has been for many years closely identified with the business life of that place. He was born in Indiana on the 1st of November, 1868, and attended the common and high schools of Rochester. On the 29th day of December, 1891, he was united in marriage to Miss Leila N. Copeland, and they have since made this city their home.
In the fall of 1909 the city of Rochester held its first municipal election under its present form of government, and Mr. Smith was chosen mayor, his term of office extending from January 1, 1910, to December 31, 1913.
He has for a number of years been engaged in the banking business, and is at present cashier of the First National Bank of Rochester, and president of the Fulton State Bank of Fulton, Indiana.
REUBEN E. SMITH
Reuben E. Smith was born in Owen county, Indiana, September 6, 1879, moving with his family to Clay county in 1882. He was educated in the common schools and in the Brazil Business University, graduating in the class of 1910. He was one of the weighers at the coal mines when he was elected in 1912 to the office of re- corder in Clay county, serving in this position for four years. While he was re- corder he was also secretary of the Democratic county central committee, and was always an active worker in the party.
R. CHANNING M. SMITH
R. Channing M. Smith of McCordsville, Ind., has for many years been identified with public affairs of Marion and Hancock counties and enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances and friends in this section of the State.
He was born in Hanover county, Virginia, near the birthplace of Patrick Henry and of Henry Clay, on the 30th day of January, 1844. He attended the schools of this State until he reached the age of sixteen, at which time his parents came to Marion county, Indiana, settling upon a farm near the town of Acton, and here the son's schooling was continued. On the 3d day of June, 1875, he was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Teague. During their residence in Marion county he served as trustee of Franklin township one term and as assessor three terms. In the year 1891 he
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
moved to McCordsville, where he has since remained. Here he conducted a general store until fire destroyed his stock in 1906. He held the position of township trustee of Vernon township, Hancock county, for six years, retiring in 1914. Mr. Smith is a life-long Democrat and descended from a long line of Democratic ancestors.
JAMES P. SNODGRASS
James P. Snodgrass, an active Democratic worker of Hendricks county and resi- dent of Danville, was born in Clinton county, where his early schooling was received. Later his studies were continued at the Indiana State Normal of Terre Haute and Central Normal College of Danville. After his graduation from the latter institu- tion he engaged in educational work, teaching in the public schools, and later occupy- ing the position of principal of the Danville public schools, where he remained from 1909 to 1913. At the expiration of this period of service he assumed the duties of prosecuting attorney for the 55th judicial district, being elected to this position in 1912, and re-elected in 1914.
Since attaining his majority he has held a position of influence in the county organization, first in Clinton county and later in Hendricks, attending the various state and congres- sional conventions.
He is a member of the Christian church, the Indiana Democratic club and the fraternal orders I. O. O. F. and Masons.
J. FRANK SNYDER
The gentleman whose name appears above has had much to do with the moulding of public opin- ion in the community in which he has served as a newspaper writer and editor much of the time for the past thirty-five years. He has always stood for the highest ideals of morals in the community, fearless yet considerate in advocacy of things for the community's welfare and uplift.
He was born in the state of Ohio on the 14th day of December, 1852, but in his childhood accom- panied his parents to Kosciusko county, Indiana. Here he attended the public school, completed his education, taught for several years, and later became interested in newspaper work. In the year 1879 he came to Lagrange county and established the Democrat, the leading organ of the party in that section of the state. During the first administration of President Grover Cleveland he was ap- pointed postmaster of Lagrange and held the position for nearly five years. Most of the time since his entry into the county has been spent in newspaper work. During all these years he has been a consistent adherent of the tenets of Thomas Jefferson and has sought through the organs which he has controlled to promulgate the principles of true Democracy at all times. He, for a time, was one of the editors of the Lagrange Democrat-Call, which stands as the Democrat newspaper of the coun- ty, and which he established and has been running continuously in party service since 1879, thus ex- erting a marked influence in the community.
Mrs. Snyder, to whom he was married in Kosciusko county in the year 1878, was formerly Miss Gertrude Hoover, and as the presiding genius of his home her influence has been of inestimable as- sistance to him in his work. Together they have won a large circle of friends in the city where they have spent so many years of life.
ALBERT SPANAGEL
The present postmaster of the city of Lawrenceburg has been for many years closely identified with the business and political life of the place. He was born in Lawrenceburg on the 20th day of June, 1873, and there his education was re- ceived.
On the 14th day of September, 1902, Mr. Spanagel was united in marriage to Miss Jeanette Emmerson. To this union have been born four children, George, Lewis, whom death called at the age of four; Emmerson G., Elizabeth and Harry B.
For twelve years Mr. Spanagel was engaged in the men's furnishings business. During the period between 1910 and 1914 he served in the city council, and in the latter year was appointed postmaster at Lawrenceburg.
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HISTORY
INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
WILLIAM W. SPENCER
William W. Spencer, who for many years has been a prominent figure in Demo- cratic politics in Indiana, was born in Jefferson county, this state, October 7, 1851. He came of a family which had showed its loyalty and love for the principles of De- mocracy, so it was only natural that he should follow in the footsteps of those who had gone before.
Mr. Spencer served his first political apprenticeship as a ward committeeman in Marion county in 1880 and the value of his work in that capacity led to a demand that he become a candidate for the position of Democratic county chairman. He was successful as a candidate and successful as a chairman, so successful, in fact, that he was re-elected without trouble. He served his party again as city chair- man on two different occasions. And not regarding this service as sufficient to a cause he loved, he gave his time and effort to the work of legal advisor to the Democratic state committee for many years.
Reward, the only reward he ever sought in the way of official position, came when the Democrats sent Mr. Spencer to the Indiana house of representatives, and when they returned him to this posi- tion to give further service to the cause. The value of Mr. Spencer's service in this connection was so widely recognized that he has since repeatedly been appointed by Democratic and Republican offi- cials to assist in the interpretation of laws and in other legal work along civic lines.
Mr. Spencer for many years has made his home in Indianapolis, where he is engaged in the practice of law.
ALFRED A. SPHUNG
Alfred A. Sphung, a well-known citizen of North Judson, has had a somewhat varied career, but throughout his life has stood for the principles of Democracy and for the best in municipal government. Mr. Sphung is a native of the Dominion of Canada, born on the 15th day of February, 1853, but was reared in the States, having moved with his parents in his boyhood to the state of Michigan, where he received his schooling. As a youth he entered the employ of a steamship company, serving on the Great Lakes. During a shore leave spent in Chicago he made a hasty trip to Valparaiso and was so well pleased with the place that he decided to remain in Indiana.
In the year 1880 Mr. Sphung was united in marriage to Miss Elmira Jane Adams. After their marriage he and his wife established their home in Starke county, and there they have since remained. Mr. Sphung served for some time as a member of the town board and in 1909 was elected trustee for a term of four years, at the expiration of which period he was re-elected. During this term of service he ever evinced the most conscientious zeal and loyalty in the service of the public and conducted the affairs of his office in a clean, progressive manner.
Mr. Sphung is widely known as a successful dealer in biological material.
WILLIAM F. SPOONER
To the citizens of Porter county William F. Spooner needs no introduction, the various positions of responsibility he has held in Valparaiso, including that of mayor of the city for a period of eight years, having given him a wide and agreeable ac- quaintance throughout that section of the state.
Mr. Spooner is a native of the state of Massachusetts, born on the 25th of May, 1848. He attended the parochial schools of his home district, later entering Holy Cross College at Worcester, for a course of study in the higher branches. In the year 1869 he came west and located in Chicago, where he became actively in- terested in the political affairs of the old second ward. In 1882 he moved to Val- paraiso, entering there the grocery business in partnership with his brother-in-law, M. S. Harrold, who then was city treasurer, elected on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Spooner soon be- came actively engaged in the business and political life of the place and in 1899 was elected alderman
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
for a two-year term. In 1902 he was elected to the high office of mayor of the city, and in that ca- pacity served until 1906. In 1910 he again was elected to this position for a further term of four years, and served with much credit to himself and to the party. During the period from 1908 to 1914 Mr. Spooner served also as county chairman for the Democratic organization, and has in every possible way been true to the traditions of Massachusetts Democracy, it having been said of him that he is unchangeable in his party fealty.
On August 18, 1874, Mr. Spooner was married to Miss Anna Harrold of Chicago, who has been a worthy second in the labors that have shaped her husband's career.
ALEXANDER SPYCHALSKI
An active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party and one who has con- tributed valuable services to the local organization is Alexander Spychalski, the pres- ent clerk of Michigan City.
He is a native of this State, born on the 3rd day of December, 1888, in Laporte county. His education was received in the St. Stanislaus school of Michigan City, and since his graduation he has taken an active part in business and political affairs of this community. During the various campaigns through which he has passed since attaining his majority Mr. Spychalski has lost no opportunity to labor for the furtherance of the interests of Democracy.
On the 5th day of January, 1914, he assumed the duties of city clerk, his term of office to expire January 1, 1918. Prior to his election to this position of responsibility he was em- ployed as bookkeeper with the Midland Chair & Seating Co.
He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic order of Foresters and member of St. Stanislaus church.
JOSEPH H. STAHL
Prominently identified with the educational and political life of Foun- tain county is Joseph H. Stahl. Mr. Stahl was born in Owen county, Ind., on the 9th day of January, 1879, and there his boyhood days were spent. He attended the public schools of Patricksburg and after completing the course offered there entered the State Normal School at Terre Haute, graduating in 1906. In the meantime he taught in the public schools of Owen county, and later was assistant in German and chemistry in the Martinsville High School, principal of the Hymera and Thorntown high schools and superin- tendent of the Newtown schools, and has always taken an active interest in all matters pertaining to educational advancement.
In the year 1911 he entered the Indiana Law School at Indianapolis, and the following year was admitted to the bar and began the active practice of law, finding in the legal profession a broad field for the exercise of his keen intelligence and abounding energy.
In 1912 he was elected representative for Fountain county, receiving a majority of thirty-six above the combined vote of two other opponents. During his service in the legislature, he was active in its deliberations, serving on important committees and as chairman of the committee on education. He was widely known as the father of the Stahl-Yarling vocational edu- cation bill.
He was appointed as business manager of the teachers' and young people's reading circle in 1914 and has taken a deep interest in this work.
On the 22nd day of June, 1906, he was married to Miss Mary Luella Riffle, and she has since pre- sided over his home, extending its hospitality to their many friends. They have a daughter, Gayle Katrine, to share the comforts and add cheer to their home.
Mr. Stahl is an adherent to the Lutheran faith and a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Newtown.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
WILLIAM H. STEMM, M. D.
The name of Dr. Stemm is a familiar one to the citizens of Jennings county, being that of one of their number who has won distinction as a physician and surgeon, and also as an honored public official.
Dr. Stemm is a native of the state of Maryland, having been born in the town of Hancock, sit- uated on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. During his boyhood he attended a private school in Wash- ington, D. C., and graduated from the high school of Fredericktown, Ohio, with the class of 1880. His studies were further continued at the University of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in the medical department in March, 1887.
On the first day of June, 1885, his marriage to Miss Mary New of Vernon, Ind., was solemn- ized, and their home was established in the city of North Vernon. To this union two children were born: Mrs. Victor C. Lochard and John Dudley Stemm. He entered into the active practice of his profession and has won a position of prominence in medical circles of the state. In 1907 he was unanimously elected first vice-president of the Indiana State Medical Association. He has been a member of the executive and finance committees of the association for the past ten years. He is president of the Jennings county society for the study and prevention of tuberculosis.
In 1910 he was elected mayor of North Vernon, serving for a term of four years. In April, 1910, he was elected chairman of the Jennings county Democratic central committee and was elected to succeed himself twice; he has given freely of his time and energy to discharge the duties of this position.
Dr. Stemm is a life-long Democrat and has attended county, congressional, state and national conventions. He is affiliated with the orders of Masons, Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows, amongst whom he has a large circle of friends.
His son, John Dudley Stemm, at the age of twenty-two years, was nominated and elected to the office of county surveyor in 1914.
JOHN WESLEY STEVENSON
To the citizens of the town of Knox and vicinity the name of John Wesley Stevenson is a familiar one, its bearer being a former official of the township and a business man of the place.
Mr. Stevenson was born in this state on March 6, 1863. His schooling was received in the public schools of Knox and he has since remained in that town, where his friendships have been formed and where his business has been built up.
On October 20, 1895, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Miss Florence Montgomery, who has proved a faithful assistant in her husband's various undertakings.
For a period of six years Mr. Stevenson served as assessor of his home township, while thus serving bringing to the administration of the affairs of that office conscientious zeal and energy. In the year 1914 he was again a candidate for this position. He also is widely known as a local dealer in metropolitan newspapers, serving the people of his home town with Chicago, Indianapolis and South Bend papers.
Politically, Mr. Stevenson is a stanch Democrat, consistently voting the ticket and working for the cause.
JAMES L. STEWART
James L. Stewart, whose residence is near the city of Kokomo, is a loyal worker in the cause of Democracy in Howard county.
Mr. Stewart is a native of Johnson county, Indiana, born on July 18, 1865. He accompanied his parents to Howard county in his childhood, and there his schooling was received. After his mar- riage to Miss Lillie J. Sedan he established his home near the site of his former abode. Mr. Stewart was reared in the wholesome environment of the farm and is still interested in the pursuit of agriculture.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Stewart has been a zealous worker for the cause of Democracy and has served faithfully as precinct committeeman and as committeeman of the second district.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816 -1916
GEORGE W. STIDGER
George W. Stidger of Kokomo was born in the State of Ohio on the 6th day of January, 1839, but in his childhood accompanied his parents to the State of Iowa and later to Tennessee, in both of which States he attended school. On the 11th day of June, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss L. L. Henderson. He has been a diligent worker in the ranks of the Democratic party and served in the city council for five and one-half years, at the expiration of which time he assumed the duties of mayor of the city. His administration was marked by progress, always keeping in mind the best interests of the people, and many reforms were undertaken and completed.
H. E. STINGER
One of the most active Democratic workers of Franklin county for many years is H. E. Stinger, a citizen of Brookville and a native of the county. He was born June 6, 1866, on a farm nine miles east of Brookville, and attended the district schools of Springfield township. On the first day of January, 1891, he was united in marriage to Miss Clara C. Kimball, and to them have been born nine children, the youngest of whom bears the name Woodrow Wilson. In November, 1905, Mr. Stinger was elected sheriff of the county, assuming the duties of office January 1, 1906, his term of office expiring with the close of 1909. He served his party as precinct committeeman for twenty- five years. He served as doorkeeper of the house of representatives of the general assembly of In- diana for three sessions, and has been a regular attendant at the state conventions of the party. Fraternally, he is allied with the Knights of Pythias, among whom he has a wide circle of friends.
J. M. STINSON
J. M. Stinson was born in Missouri on March 27, 1875. When but a lad he moved with his parents to Kentucky, where he grew up. At the age of eighteen he borrowed twelve dollars to get to Val- paraiso, Indiana, where, without funds, he entered the college at that place. Working his way through, he was graduated at the end of four years, in 1897. In that same year he located in Hammond and has there won success in both law and business. He was admitted to practice in the federal court June 5, 1901.
Mr. Stinson represents several banks and other large businesses as an attorney. He is president of the Gary Granite, Brick & Stone Co., president of the Clarence I. Hoffman Construction Co. and president of Employes Real Estate & Investment Co. at Indiana Harbor. Mr. Stinson is a member of the Hammond Country Club, the Garfield Club, Chamber of Commerce and the Ham- mond Motor Boat Club. He is prominent in Masonic circles, being a Knight Templar and Mystic Shriner. He also is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Elks, Modern Woodmen and Royal League.
On August 11, 1897, Mr. Stinson married Florence Anna Wolcott of Glidden, Iowa, and to this union two children have been born.
DR. CHARLES I. STOTELMYER
Dr. Charles I. Stotelmyer, a prominent physician of Hagerstown, was born on a farm in Fred- erick county, Maryland, September 7, 1859. There he received his early schooling, and after his graduation from the high school entered the state normal school for further work. At the age of eighteen years he entered the educational field, and for eight years taught in the public schools. In the year 1885 he became engaged in newspaper work, publishing a weekly paper in Wolfsville, Md., and there served as postmaster under President Cleveland. Three years later he entered the University of Maryland, from which institution he was graduated in 1892. He also took a clinical course at Johns Hopkins University. Upon the completion of this medical course Dr. Stotelmyer came to Indiana, locating at Hagerstown, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession.
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