USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 155
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Mr. Marshall also appreciated that his first entrance into politics as the party nominee for gov- ernor of Indiana was due to the efforts of Mr. Taggart. The effort had been to nominate Samuel M. Ralston in the state convention of 1908, and Mr. Taggart had believed it a good thing to give the several candidates some preliminary votes of a complimentary kind. In doing so the combina- tions were slipping and Mr. Ralston was prevailed upon to retire from the contest, Mr. Taggart taking the floor for Thomas R. Marshall and nominating him on the next ballot. Mr. Taggart was the power dominating and organizing the forces that made possible the election of Marshall that same year. It is violating no confidence to say that Governor Marshall fully expected the nomina- tion for the presidency at Baltimore in 1912, when Mr. Taggart led his forces. He set his mind on the bigger job the day he became governor of Indiana. The effort to make him the presidential nominee resulted in his nomination for second place.
In the Democratic organization Thomas Taggart has served in all capacities, from precinct com- mitteeman to national chairman. For a number of years he was a member of the Democratie' na- tional committee and he served as chairman from 1904 to 1908.
In 1916, upon the death of United States Senator Benjamin F. Shively, Governor Samuel M. Ral- ston named Thomas Taggart his successor. In a few months Senator Taggart attracted more fa- vorable national attention than many senators, accounted great, have attracted to themselves in years of service. He did it by taking hold of the affairs of the government in the same manner he had been used to doing things in his own business. He opposed wasteful extravagance wherever and when- ever he found it, and there was little of it that he did not see.
He opposed the use of appropriations intended as "fence building" schemes, no matter for what party or for what member. The fact that Democrats or Republicans opposed or supported a bill was not his reason for doing so. He looked upon it as business and took pride in doing things in business fashion. People who expected him to do politics in his public duties, where such a course would conflict with business principles, were mistaken. He was commended by the press of the whole country with no regard to politics. Even his bitterest political press opponents at home had to recognize, and did recognize, his good work and gave him commendation.
The bitterness with which certain partisan newspapers fought and abused Thomas Taggart was unabating for years, and was a tribute to his power and success as a great leader. On one occasion, in 1914, when Mr. Taggart protested, with some determination in his protest, to assaults by the In- dianapolis News which he considered beyond all limits of legitimate journalistic license, that news- paper was constrained for the time being to desist and was good enough to give editorial expression to the editor's honest convictions, a leading editorial saying, among other kind things:
"In such a campaign as that in which we are now engaged people are in danger of losing their sense of proportion, and of comparative values. The personal element, for instance, is likely to be
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INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
very considerably exaggerated. There are voters who favor a certain ticket simply because they like the men supporting it, or who oppose another ticket because they dislike its backers. There are few men in Indiana, to take one case, who have a greater asset in their personal qualities and char- acteristics than Mr. Taggart. He is widely popular, stands high in business relations, is of kindly disposition, and true to his friends in personal relationships. And all these are admirable qualities."
ARTHUR W. TAYLOR
Arthur W. Taylor, of Stillwell, is a prominent business man and faithful worker for the inter- ests of the Democratic party.
Mr. Taylor is a true product of Laporte county, having been born in the locality of his present home, November 10, 1873. He attended the schools of his home district, and when he attained manhood's estate entered into the business life of Stillwell.
On January 6, 1896, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Mollie M. Tobin.
In the fall of 1908 Mr. Taylor was elected county commissioner for a term of six years, assum- ing the duties of the position in a similar line of work, having served as township trustee of Pleasant township from January 1, 1905, to January 1, 1909.
Mr. Taylor has been prominently identified with the business growth and development of his home community and is the proprietor of a flourishing general store and grain business.
JOHN S. TAYLOR
John S. Taylor, a well-known attorney of Sullivan and an active worker in the party ranks, is known as a leader in the younger element of Sullivan county Democracy.
Mr. Taylor was born on a farm in Sullivan county on the 22d day of March, 1887. Here his boyhood was spent, and his schooling was received in the public schools of Sullivan. Following his graduation from the high school of this place he entered Indiana University for further study, and in the year 1910 received from that institution the degree of bachelor of arts. Returning the following year, he completed a course in the Law Depart- ment, graduating in 1911 with the degree of LL. B. In the same year he was admitted to the bar of Sullivan county and entered into the active prac- tice of his profession, demonstrating from the first marked ability in the in- terpretation and application of the law and unremitting energy in research for the benefit of his clients.
In the year 1913 he was appointed to the position of deputy prosecuting attorney of the Sullivan circuit court, and, at the expiration of a year, was reappointed to the same office. In this work also he established a record for efficient and loyal service.
Politically, he has, since boyhood, been a strong advocate of Democratic principles and has ren- dered valued service to the local organization, serving in 1912 as secretary of the county central committee.
Religiously, Mr. Taylor is an active and consistent member of the Christian church. Frater- nally, he is a member of Alpha Tau Omega, the college fraternity, and is also allied with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge 147, and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 911.
MICHAEL CHARLES THORNTON
It has often been said that the self-made man is the successful man, and the truth of this has few more fitting exemplifications than that furnished by the career of Michael Charles Thornton, of New Albany. Mr. Thornton is a native of Floyd county, and was born on the 21st day of Sep- tember, 1871. He attended the parochial schools of New Albany; but at an early age was compelled to give up his studies for a time and enter the arduous struggle of life in a factory. His father died when he was but nine days of age and the duties of a bread-winner fell upon the shoulders of the son as soon as he was able to bear them. He learned the trade of glassblower, and his inherent
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HISTORY INDIANA 3 DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
ability as a leader was soon demonstrated, as he became prominent in labor circles at an early age. Later he entered a law office, for five years engaged in the study of the legal profession, and became actively interested in political life and political activities.
On the 31st day of December, 1895, his marriage to Miss Edith W. Tuley was solemnized, and their permanent home was established in New Albany. In the years 1906, 1908, 1910 and 1912 he was elected to the state legislature as representative, and while a member of that body was distinguished as an active and original worker. He was for a number of years a member of the cities and towns committee, and was known as the father of the street improvement law, the Lincoln's birthday law, and numerous other measures for the general good of the community at large. In the year 1906 he delivered the nominating speech which placed Senator Shively's name before the house as United States senator.
In the fall of 1914 Mr. Thornton was nominated for joint senator from Floyd and Harrison counties. He is at present engaged in the life insurance business and is affiliated with the B. P. O. Elks, Red Men and Knights of Columbus.
WILLIAM J. TEN BARGE
The present postmaster of the city of Poseyville is a member of an old- line Democratic family, one which at present contributes 6 votes to the party at each election. These are Mr. Ten Barge and five brothers. Their father was a Democrat before them.
William J. Ten Barge was born in Gibson county on the 15th day of January, 1882. He attended the schools of this county and graduated from the high school of Haubstadt in the year 1899.
On the 30th day of November, 1905, he was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Dewig, and their home was established in Poseyville. Here they have since resided, drawing about them an ever-widening circle of friends.
Since attaining his majority he has been an active worker in the ranks of the Democracy of Indiana, and in the various campaigns through which he has passed has rendered valued service to the local organization. For six years he served as district committeeman, giving without stint of his time and energy for the furtherance of the cause.
On the first day of July, 1913, he was appointed postmaster of Poseyville, being the first Demo- cratic postmaster appointed in this district under the Woodrow Wilson administration. In this posi- tion he has served with characteristic energy, devoting his entire time to the position and striving for the best in mail service.
He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Evansville Council, and the Catholic Knights of America; and is a heavy stockholder in the Conservative Life Insurance Company and the Columbian Life Insurance Company of Indiana.
B. W. TILFORD
B. W. Tilford, city clerk of Martinsville, is a true product of Morgan county, born within its confines on the 8th day of November, 1859. He attended the public schools of Martinsville and was graduated from the high school. Later he entered the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis and was graduated from that institution in the year 1881. Immediately thereafter he entered upon the practice of medicine, but after a few years' practice he engaged in the drug business, and was for twenty years thus employed. At the expiration of this period he became superintendent of the Colonial Sanitarium, which position he still holds. From 1886 to 1888 he discharged the duties of city clerk, and in the fall of 1913 was again elected to this position. He is also keeper of records and seal for the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Martinsville.
In August, 1887, Mr. Tilford was united in marriage to Miss Laura J. Drake.
JUDGE JOSEPH NEWTON TILLETT
The son of a Virginia Democrat who came to Indiana in 1834 and became a pioneer in Indiana Democracy, Judge Joseph Newton Tillett has also consistently adhered to the tenets of the party and has rendered valued service to the organization.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
Judge Tillett was born in Miami county, Ind., November 25, 1865. His early schooling was received in the schools of Peru and following his graduation from the high school there in 1883 he entered Wabash College. In 1888, following his graduation from that institution, he began the study of law in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In 1890 this course was completed and he entered the practice of law at Peru. Two years later he was elected prosecutor and in 1894 was re-elected to that position. In 1902 he was elected judge of the circuit court of Miami county for a six-year term, and at the expiration of this period was re-elected.
On August 10, 1893, Judge Tillett was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Baldwin, of Wash- ington, Indiana.
M. C. TOWNSEND
M. C. Townsend, of Hartford City, takes a place in the foremost ranks of educators, his efficient work being recognized by his election as the super- intendent of schools of Blackford county in 1909, and by his re-election in 1913. His present term will extend until 1917. Mr. Townsend is also presi- dent of the Blackford County Chautauqua Association. He is also well known among educators as the author of the "Co-Operative School Regis- ter," which is used in a large per cent. of the schools of the Central States. He taught school eight years before his election as county superintendent of schools.
Mr. Townsend was born August 11, 1884, and is a native of Indiana. His education was obtained in the public schools of Blackford county and at the Marion Normal College, from which he graduated in 1907.
On December 25, 1910, he was married to Miss Nora Adele Harris, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Harris, of Marion, Ind. They have two chil- dren-a boy, Maxwell, born January 10, 1913, and a girl, Lucile, born De- cember 29, 1914. Since he was quite young, Mr. Townsend has taken an active interest in advancing the principles of the Democratic party, and has been an industrious worker in its behalf. In 1912 he was secretary of the Blackford county Democratic central committee, and in 1913 was chairman of the Hartford City campaign. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Elks lodges.
MORGAN J. TUCKER
The roster of prominent Democrats of Vermilion county would be in- complete were mention not made of Morgan J. Tucker, the present mayor of Clinton.
Mr. Tucker was born in Tipton county, Indiana, on the 10th day of April, 1849, and received his education in the public schools of his district. At the age of four years he was left fatherless, and the mother was left with ten children. Hence, at an early age young Morgan was compelled to shift for himself, and his first position was upon a farm, with the munificent salary of eight dollars per month, with board and washing. Thus launched upon a business career, however, his rise was rapid. At the age of eighteen he came to Terre Haute, taking employment with the firm of T. B. Johns, working in charge of a gang of men cutting timber on the banks of the Wabash river. At the expiration of seven years he located in Clinton, and this has since been his home and here his interests have centered. For thirty-two years he was in business for himself in this city, but finally retired to enjoy the fruits of his labors, living upon the income of his investments in farm lands and bank stocks.
On the first day of the year, 1912, he assumed the duties of mayor of Clinton, and in the fall of 1913 was re-elected for a term of four years by a majority of sixty-six in a Republican stronghold. During the past twenty-five years he has represented Clinton Democracy at the state conventions, and came within three votes of being elected to the Baltimore convention in 1912.
He was elected to the national convention at St. Louis in 1916, and was married to Miss Delia Day Jan. 26, 1916, of this city.
He is an active member of the K. of P. Lodge.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
SAMUEL L. TRABUE
Samuel L. Trabue, Rushville, Indiana, son of Samuel H. and Mary McKee Trabue, was born in Rush county, June 29, 1878.
He was educated in the local schools, later attending Valparaiso College, re- ceiving his LL.B. degree in 1900. He was admitted to practice in the Rush Cir- cuit Court and in the Supreme and Appellate Courts of Indiana, and the United States Supreme and Circuit Courts in 1901.
He voluntarily enlisted and was inducted into the F. A. C. O. T. S. at Camp Zachary Taylor, being honorably discharged December 5, 1918.
He is an active member of the Scottish and York Rite Masonic bodies as well as the Shrine, Elks, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias lodges and the Presby- terian church.
He has always taken an active interest in political affairs.
DR. THOMAS S. TURNER
Dr. Thomas S. Turner is an honored member of the medical fraternity of Boone county and an active citizen of Lebanon. He was born in Madison county, Indiana, on the 14th of May, 1863. He attended the common schools of Grant county and, after reading medicine with Dr. D. B. Snodgrass at Marion, attended the Indiana Eclectic Medical College, completing his medical course in the Eclectic College of Cin- cinnati. Before completing his medical course he entered the practice of medicine at Milledgeville, Boone county, and located there permanently in 1885. Meeting with success, he took a keen interest in politics, casting his first vote in 1884 for Cleveland and Hendricks. He was afterward elected trustee of Harrison township and served in that capacity for five years.
Dr. Turner located in Lebanon about eighteen years ago, and has been a resident of Lebanon ever since. He was elected on the Democratic ticket as councilman from the second ward, and served two years in that capacity. In September, 1913, he was appointed pension examining surgeon for Boone county. He is a member of the National Eclectic Medical Association, and of the Indiana Eclectic Medical Association, serving as president of the latter organization in 1912. He is a mem- ber of the Free and Accepted Masons, Knights of Pythias, and of the Central Christian church of Lebanon, Ind.
HARRY L. UNGER, LL. B.
Harry L. Unger, a prominent lawyer of Plymouth, Marshall county, In- diana, was born at Etna Green, Kosciusko county, Indiana, a son of Sylva- nus S. and Frances M. Unger. His father was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he was married to Mary Stauffer. To this union there were born two children: Mary, who passed away at the age of twenty years, and J. Francis, who is now a railway conductor and resides in Pittsburgh. Their mother passed away when they were quite young, and the father came to Marshall county, Indiana, and engaged in the lumber business south of Bourbon. He married Frances M. Helsel, who was born at Johnstown, Penn- sylvania, and settled near Bourbon with her parents when she was quite young. After their marriage, they took up their residence in Etna Green. To this union were born Harry L., the subject of this review, and Dottie, who is the wife of Jesse A. Zehner, proprietor of the Zehner Mills, Plymouth, Indiana.
When Harry L. Unger was five years of age, his parents moved with him to a farm east of Etna Green. The dwelling on this farm was made of logs and Mr. Unger is proud of the fact that his home during his childhood was a "log cabin." While living on this farm he entered school and in his class with him was only one pupil, Ernest Lutes, and, strange to say, this class of two produced a lawyer and a preacher.
When Mr. Unger reached the age of eight his parents moved with him to a farm about seven
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
miles west of Plymouth, Marshall county, Indiana, near Donaldson, where he attended school until he graduated, and he then took up the teachers' course and a commercial course at the University of Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Ind. He taught school in Marshall and Kosciusko counties for six years.
While Mr. Unger was quite young his father was elected justice of the peace and lawsuits were held at his home. It was these lawsuits and the arguments of attorneys participating therein that created a desire in him to become a lawyer, and he looked forward to the time when he could take the part and assume the duties of a lawyer. Mr. Unger has always been a great student, a hard and industrious worker and a lover of good books. He is the owner of a splendid private library in his home and a splendid law library.
Upon leaving the farm he began the study of law in the office of Jacob O. Kantz at Nappanee, Ind., where, owing to the large office business of Mr. Kantz, he gained much practical knowledge and valu- able experience. He entered the Indiana Law School of the University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Ind., and, after completing the course, graduated with the degree of bachelor of laws in 1904, and was admitted to practice in the supreme and appellate courts and the United States district court of the State of Indiana. He then formed a partnership with his former preceptor, Jacob O. Kantz, at Nap- panee, was admitted to the Elkhart county bar and continued with Mr. Kantz until July, 1905, when he decided to cast his lot in the West. He started out in search of a suitable location; but after looking about for some time, decided to return to his old home county, and on October 24, 1905, opened his law office in the city of Plymouth, Marshall county, Ind.
He had all the experiences common to young lawyers, but his friends gave him their business and he succeeded. In 1906 the Democratic county central committee used his office for headquarters. The campaign was a busy one. He made friends and acquaintances all over the county, and at this election, in compliance with the unwritten law of the legal fraternity of Marshall county, that young attorneys must take the office of justice of the peace, he was elected to that office.
In 1908 he resigned his office of justice of the peace after being nominated prosecuting attorney for the 41st judicial circuit of the State of Indiana on the Democratic ticket, to which office he was elected, and re-elected in 1910. He filled this office two terms with credit to himself and honor to his party.
In public office as in his daily life and business affairs, he has always been a man whose honor and credibility was unquestioned and whose word is truth. He is numbered among Marshall county's leading lawyers and has a large and growing practice. He has always been very active in political affairs, a conscientious believer in the principles of Democracy. His ancestors came to America be- fore the Revolution and he is a true, loyal and patriotic American citizen.
In the year 1903 Mr. Unger was united in marriage with Zora A. Rosenberger of Nappanee, Ind. They are the parents of one girl, Beatrice Marcelle, and three boys, Harry L., Jr .; Robert A. and Dale F.
Mr. Unger is a member of the Masonic lodge, order of Knights of Pythias and Court of Honor, a member of the Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias, grand domain of Indiana, and at the present time deputy grand chancellor for the second district of the grand domain of Indiana, order of Knights of Pythias.
FRANK S. VAWTER
The name of Frank S. Vawter is familiar to the citizens of Tipton, being that of a leading druggist for a quarter of a century and the present postmaster of the city.
Mr. Vawter was born on the 2d day of April, 1879, four miles west of Tipton, in the same county. He attended the common and high schools of this city, graduating from the latter. Early in life he engaged in the drug business, and for twenty-five years continued in this work.
On the 1st day of December, 1896, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Lena B. Green, and their home, then established in this city, has been a center of hospitality.
Receiving the appointment to the position of postmaster of the city, in this capacity he has served with conscientious diligence and zeal.
Since attaining his majority he has been an active party worker, serving through numerous cam- paigns as precinct committeeman and delegate to county and district conventions.
Fraternally, he is allied with the orders of Masons, Elks and Odd Fellows; is also an active member of the Tipton Chamber of Commerce and the state and national associations of druggists
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HISTORY
INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
FREDERICK VAN NUYS
Having once decided to go outside its own membership in selecting a state chairman, the Democratic state central com- mittee in 1918 looked about for the livest wire available in Indiana for the job. The man selected must possess a peculiar combination of ginger, the sort of pep that meant keeping things stirred and boiling in every part of the party machin- ery from the bottom up, coupled with an ability for efficient organization that was built to win.
That was no easy task that the committee set to do. To find all these peculiar qualifications covered by one hat was the primary task. When located he would be a man of more than average success in his own business, and so he had to have one other peculiarly fitting ingredient in his make-up. He must be so thoroughly enthusiastic in his grounded belief in the principles on which the Democratic party is builded that he would be willing to sacrifice personal interests for the time being and devote his time, thought and energies getting the fighting forces together for victory.
That was a whole lot to find and a whole lot to expect. But he was found and he was willing when unanimous de- cision went to Frederick Van Nuys. He brought all that was originally required in the specifications, and more, to the big job. For he was also one of the best public speakers in Indiana. He knew why he is a Democrat, and when he was through telling it to his audience the members of that audience usually knew why they ought to be good Democrats if they were not.
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