USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 156
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He always had a message worth while and he always delivered it with peculiar force. His capacity for personal work was limited only by the number of hours in the day, and he possessed that peculiar characteristic of being able to impart his enthusiasm to the other fellow.
One result early developed was that the Republicans had thrown all their carefully mapped-out and published campaign plans into the scrap heap thirty days after Chairman Van Nuys started, and they had to adopt an entirely new method of procedure to meet the Democratic offensive. For, as chair- man, Van Nuys was on the offensive from the moment the engine started. His policy at the bottom of the whole business was: "Always make the Democratic party deserve to win and leave the people to finish the job."
Mr. Van Nuys had been previously induced to become the secretary of the Democratic state central committee, working with Chairman Charles A. Greathouse, this position not anticipating or requir- ing the same continuous and strenuous performance demanded of the chairman. Chairman Great- house had then been called upon by President Woodrow Wilson to undertake one of the most important war duties, that of managing the federal vocational educational department which should equip the wounded and maimed members of the American fighting forces, during and after the terrible world war, for positions in the industrial and commercial world where their injuries would be the least possible impediment to success. So Charles A. Greathouse retired from politics to enter war work.
Previous to assuming the chairmanship of the Democratic state central committee, the understand- ing being that he might retire at the end of the 1918 campaign to devote all his energies to war activi- ties, Mr. Van Nuys had acquired a State acquaintance and reputation as a lawyer and party leader. He had an extensive law business at Anderson, Ind., where he had resided and practiced his profes- sion for a number of years. He had served four years as prosecutor for Madison county, and in 1912 he was sent to the state senate from the same county, serving through the sessions of 1913 and 1915, in the last session being the unanimous choice of the Democratic majority for president pro tem. of the senate and majority floor leader.
In both these sessions Senator Van Nuys was conspicuous as a leader, always standing for or against any proposed legislation as he measured it for the general good. It must be a measure that "deserved to win" if it received his support, just as he made it known as state chairman that the Democratic party "must deserve to win."
At the conclusion of his service as state senator Mr. Van Nuys removed to Indianapolis, where his legal practice continued to grow, he being recognized as one of the leaders among successful and able lawyers of the State.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
During the term of his service as state chairman Mr. Van Nuys was one of the most active men in the State in all war work. He added to his political exertions the additional task of making speeches all over the State, and wherever and whenever called upon to do so, in war loan drives of all sorts, for- getting politics in his appeals to patriotism, whether connected with the raising of war loans or contri- butions or otherwise. No man in the State made a greater number of such speeches or spoke to larger audiences, for his oratorical abilities resulted in unusual demands.
Mr. Van Nuys graduated from Earlham College, at Richmond, Ind., and from the Indiana Law School at Indianapolis, beginning the practice of law in 1900.
Without being exact in recording the date of this writing-July, 1918-it would not be safe to as- sume that this information would remain historically accurate, "Mr. Van Nuys is a bachelor."
H. KARL VOLLAND
H. Karl Volland, the popular mayor of Columbus, Ind., was born in the city over which he now presides as chief ex- ecutive on the 20th day of May, 1875.
He is the son of Frederick and Mary Volland, two of Columbus' most highly respected German citizens. In public and private schools of the city of Columbus H. Karl Volland obtained his education and was graduated with honors on the completion of the high school course in the spring of 1896. He was employed as a clerk in his father's hardware store, now one of the oldest in the State, from that time-1896- until the 1st day of September, 1902, when he entered upon the duties of city clerk of Columbus, having been elected to that office on the Democratic ticket in the month of May of that year, all of the other city officers elected being Repub- licans. The Democratic candidate for mayor that year was defeated by 80 votes and Mr. Volland was elected by 142, which shows that he ran 222 votes ahead of his ticket. This is certainly a splendid compliment to his personal worth and the high regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
In 1905 he was unanimously elected by the common coun- cil for a term of three years as a member of the board of edu- cation of Columbus, serving with distinction and in turn as secretary, treasurer and president of said board. He was the first alumnus to hold membership on the board of education. He is the life president of the High School Alumni Association as well as of the class in which he graduated in 1896.
It is conceded that he has done more to stimulate interest in the educational advantages offered by his alma mater than any graduate who ever left its portals.
In 1896, while attending school and before reaching his majority, he was elected a Democratic committeeman and helped carry his precinct and ward for the Democratic candidate for alderman by a large majority. In 1898 he was elected secretary of the Democratic city central committee. In 1906 he was elected to the position of bookkeeper of the People's Savings and Trust Company of Columbus by the directors of said institution, holding that position with credit and honor until June, 1907, when he was obliged to resign on account of ill health. Having recovered his health sufficiently, Mr. Vol- land returned to the hardware business in 1908 and was connected with it until the spring of 1913, when he announced himself a candidate for the Democratic nomination for mayor of his native city.
In the nominating primary which followed in May of that year he was opposed by two other can- didates, but he was easily nominated, receiving twice as many votes as his opponents combined. In the election that followed in November he was elected to the office of mayor by one of the largest votes ever given a candidate for that office. With four opponents of as many different parties, he received a handsome majority over all, carrying every candidate on the ticket into office with him.
Mr. Volland is one of the youngest mayors Columbus has ever had. The policy of his administra- tion is business, economy and law enforcement, and he is fulfilling every campaign pledge so made. His administration of the city's affairs is giving universal satisfaction and is receiving the endorsement of all good citizens.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
He helped organize the first Indiana mayors' association and is a member of its executive com- mittee. At the annual meeting of the Indiana Municipal League, held July 6, 7 and 8, 1915, he was unanimously elected as president. He is the local treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran St. Peter's Church, with which church he has been affiliated since his birth. He is a member of the Commercial Club and the Retail Merchants' Association and many other clubs and organizations of his city, and he always displays a deep interest and is active in all matters pertaining to the progress and welfare of his native city. In 1910 he was married to Miss Lillian Marie Rost, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Her- man L. Rost, of the same city. One child has been born of this union, a son, who has been named H. Karl Volland, Jr.
Mr. Volland has always endorsed the principles of the Democratic party and has labored earn- estly and faithfully for its welfare and for the adoption of its platform. He was one of the original Woodrow Wilson-for-President admirers and Democrats in Indiana.
He has a bright future before him. He comes of a family closely connected with the aristocracy of Germany. Mr. Volland is a true American patriot, a great admirer of his country's flag and all that that emblem represents and stands for.
Should he decide to devote much of his time to political labors he will undoubtedly win further successes and distinction, because, added to his keen insight and capability as a political manager, are a stalwart devotion to the general good and unquestioned loyalty to the right.
WILLIAM H. VOLLMER
Few men who have ever lived anywhere have been possessed of so many excellent qualities that accumulated and perpetuated warm friendships such as those enjoyed by William H. Vollmer of Vin- cennes.
Starting as a farm hand on the "thin lands" of Knox county, with nothing to depend upon but his meager wage, with few educational advantages outside of the "school of hard knocks," he rose to a position of wealth and influence and leadership in the community.
His friends were in number corresponding with his acquaintances. There was a sincerity and genuineness in all he did, a cordiality unassumed in all his intercourse, a business and personal integ- rity and stability from which he never swerved, and with it all a generosity and the heart of a big man of human sympathy and charity for all men that drew others to him.
While his business interests were concentrated largely at Vincennes, thus holding him pretty closely to his home city, he had a large acquaintance and was deservedly popular all over the State. He was a consistent and constant Democrat in politics always, but not of the narrow sort who would view with suspicion or distrust the men of the opposition. He respected the honest opinions of others in politics as in all other things, just as honest men of opposing views respected his.
It was at the end of the second year of the administration of Governor Thomas R. Marshall that William H. Vollmer was elected treasurer of state. The same year William H. O'Brien was elected auditor of state. Two abler and more conscientious men could not have been found in the State of Indiana to undertake the difficult task of straightening out a deplorable condition of state finances. They were also lifelong and congenial friends.
The retiring Republican administration had accumulated a debt of three millions of dollars, had allowed all the state institutions to become dilapidated, both as related to buildings and equipment. The state institutional and educational accounts were all overdrawn, all the state revenues had been anticipated and disbursed a year in advance, and there was not $10,000 cash in the treasury.
William H. Vollmer and William H. O'Brien put their joint ability to the task. In the six years following their induction into office the State made greater strides than in any period in its hundred years of history. State institutions were rebuilt and properly equipped and the State's unfortunates were cared for as they should be, and as they had not been for years before. New institutions were built, equipped, paid for and occupied. The Republican debt of three millions was entirely wiped out.
With the co-operation of Charles A. Greathouse, who was state superintendent of public instruc- tion, the three worked together to a development of a system of schools and educational advancement in Indiana which has no equal in any other State in the Union, and it was all paid for and a surplus of appropriations remained in the treasury.
It is a monument to the memory of William H. Vollmer and his service to the people as state treasurer that at the end of the six years mentioned these institutions were turned over in first- class shape, in better condition than they had ever been, with better buildings and better equipment
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HISTORY INDIANA . DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
than ever before, all on a financial basis that would perpetually sustain them, if not disturbed; that, with not a penny of debt, the James P. Goodrich administration came into office with five millions of accumulated cash balance on hand. The master financial ability of William H. Vollmer and William H. O'Brien had done this much for the people of Indiana.
William H. Vollmer was born near Freelandsville, Knox county, Indiana, on the 24th day of Oc- tober, 1856. He was the son of Frederick and Hannah (Baker) Vollmer. After leaving school in 1872, having in the meantime worked as a farm hand, he entered the grocery business as a clerk. In 1888 he embarked in the firm of Vollmer & Recker. In 1896 he was elected county treasurer of Knox county and re-elected in 1898. He formed a co-partnership with C. C. Winkler in the commission business and at the time of his death they conducted the largest melon commission firm in the country. To their credit is largely due the development of the melon industry in Knox county. This firm han- dled the crop of several counties.
Mr. Vollmer was married May 3, 1882, to Miss Julia Ritterskamp. One son was born to them December 25, 1895, dying at the age of six years.
Mr. Vollmer was interested in many forms of business. He was vice-president and director of the Aetna Trust Company of Indianapolis, was a director of the American Oil and Gas Company of Okla- homa, was president and director of the Citizens' Trust Company of Vincennes, a large stockholder in the German National Bank of Vincennes, director of the Vincennes Y. M. C. A., trustee of the Vin- cennes University, president of the Blackford Window Glass Company, director of the Vincennes Fur- niture Manufacturing Company, director and one of the organizers of the Reel-Osterhage Lumber Company and of the Brock-Willis Monument Company, president and director of the Southside Ele- vator Company, a former member of the Vincennes School Board, serving a term as its president; a former director and president of the Vincennes Board of Trade and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and held stock in numerous other corporations. He held large farming interests in Knox county also.
Mr. Vollmer was a lifelong member of the German Evangelical Church, a member of the Elks, of the Pastime Club, Rotary and Harmonie Verein clubs. He was elected to Masonry, but died before he was able to take his initiation.
In politics Mr. Vollmer was always an active Democrat. He served as county chairman for three campaigns. After his service as county treasurer he was called upon by his friends to enter the race for state treasurer. He did this and was elected in 1910 and re-elected in 1912.
After the death of Dr. Archer, the chairman of the Second congressional district, Mr. Vollmer was elected district chairman by the Democratic central committee. He was a thorough organizer and a most efficient chairman. His persistency to details made his campaigns victorious.
Mr. Vollmer died at the Good Samaritan Hospital in the city of Vincennes, Ind., on January 6, 1917, following an operation. He was sixty years of age at the time of his death.
HON. S. E. VORIS
S. E. Voris was born in the city of Dayton, Ohio, in 1854. His schooling was received in the common schools of Butler county, Ohio, and here the early years of his business career were spent.
In 1887 he removed to Indiana, locating in. Crawfordsville, where he engaged in the insurance business. With characteristic zeal, energy, and indomitable per- severance he entered into the business life of the place, and took an active interest in political and municipal affairs.
In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of the city of Crawfordsville, serving in this capacity until 1897. In 1904 he was elected to the high position of mayor, and for six years his best efforts were given to the work, carrying on a progressive and very efficient city government. Mr. Voris was the first Democrat to be elected to this high office. In 1910, and again in 1912, he was elected to represent Montgomery county in the state legislature, and served in the sessions of 1911 and 1913. Here he took an active part, serving with credit to himself and constituency, and one of the crowning achievements of his labor was the intro- duction and passage of the bill which made the penal farm a reality.
Fraternally, he is allied with the Knights of Pythias, Elks, is a 32nd degree Mason, Knight Templar, member of the Mystic Shrine, and supreme treasurer of the Tribe of Ben Hur.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816 -1916
HON. FRANCIS J. VURPILLAT
Descended from a line of Democratic ancestors, and the son of a leader in party affairs, Hon. Francis J. Vurpillat has continued the work and has rendered valuable service to the party.
He was born on the 26th day of August, 1871, and received his schooling in the public schools of Winamac. Later he attended Notre Dame University, graduat- ing in 1891 with the degrec of bachelor of laws; and the following year returning to receive the degree of bachelor of letters.
On the 5th day of June, 1894, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Iva Bunnell of Frankfort, Indiana, and the home then established by them in Winamac has been a center of hospitality and culture.
In the year 1896 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the 44th judicial circuit, and was twice re- elected, devoting six years to this work. Later he was appointed county attorney for Pulaski county, and was also city attorney of Winamac for one term.
In the fall of 1908 he was elected to the bench of the 44th judicial circuit, including Starke and Pulaski counties, and his decisions as judge have been rendered with justice and impartiality. He is a son of Joseph D. Vurpillat, ex-county treasurer and a pioneer in the Democracy of the state.
Judge Vurpillat is now a resident of South Bend, Indiana, having accepted a permanent position as judge of the court and lecturer in the law department of Notre Dame University.
JAMES S. WALES
James S. Wales, the present mayor of Alexandria, has. for many years, been prominently iden- tified with business and municipal affairs of this locality. He was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, but during his boyhood accompanied his parents to Union county, where his schooling was received. In 1893 they located in Madison county, and here his interests have centered. In 1894 he was elected city treasurer, and in this capacity served until 1910, at which time he was appointed deputy county treasurer. In 1914 he was elected mayor of the city for a term of four years. He has been actively interested in the business life of the place, serving for a number of years as assistant cashier of the Alexandria Bank and conducting a thriving real estate and insurance business. He has served the party many times as precinct committeeman and as delegate to the various conven- tions.
Fraternally, he is allied with the Orders of Masons, Odd Fellows, Elks and Knights of Pythias and has held official position in all.
JOHN J. WALSH
For many years a leader in labor circles of the state, and at present a member of the state bureau of inspection, the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is a well-known figure in the city of Indianapolis.
John J. Walsh was born at Vincennes, Indiana, on the 27th day of April, 1874. He was edu- cated in the parochial schools of that city and graduated therefrom in the year 1888.
On the 6th day of June, 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Daisy A. Davis, and she has since been the presiding genius of his home.
Early in life he became interested in mechanics, and so rapidly did he advance in the knowledge of machinery that he soon became known as an expert and was the holder of several important positions in the mechanical departments of railroads entering this state. He also took a vital interest in problems affecting the laboring men of the state, and their confidence in him and his judgment was soon evi- denced by his election to important positions in their organizations.
During the 1911 session of the legislature he served as chief doorkeeper of the house of represen- tatives; and on the first day of July of that year he was appointed head of the department of build- ings, factories and workshops of the state bureau of inspection, his term of office to continue for a period of four years.
Mr. Walsh is an active member of the order of Knights of Columbus and of the International As- sociation of Machinists. He has, throughout his career, been an enthusiastic worker in the interests of the Democratic party and has rendered valuable service to the various local organizations of the community.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
ESTAL E. WALKER .
The name of Estal E. Walker of North Vernon is a familiar one to the citizens of both Jennings and Brown counties, for he has held positions of trust in both counties. He was born in Brown county January 5, 1879, attended the common schools of his native county and continued his studies at Lexington, Ky. He married Miss Kathryn Rubottom of Columbus, Ind.
During his residence in Nashville, Brown county, Mr. Walker held the position of city clerk for a term of four years and for two years also discharged the duties of deputy treasurer and deputy auditor of that county. Later he made his home in North Vernon, and there also he held the position of city clerk for a term of four years. He has for a number of years been engaged in the hardware business in that city.
WILLIAM WALKINSHAW, M. D.
Dr. William Walkinshaw, though a native of Canada, has for many years been a distinguished resident of the town of Stillwell, Laporte county, and his interests in and labors for the advance- ment of the community in which he resides are worthy of note.
Dr. Walkinshaw received his education in the schools of his native Canada. After completing his studies in the regular school grades he entered Queen's University, where he pursued his studies in medical science and was graduated.
On January 18, 1893, Dr. Walkinshaw was united in marriage to Miss Anna Maude Copley, and together they came to Indiana and established their home, he entering into the active practice of his profession, in which he has been successful.
On January 1, 1913, Dr. Walkinshaw assumed the duties of coroner of Laporte county and in that capacity served until the beginning of the year 1915, since which time he has devoted his time and energies to his large and growing practice.
JAMES B. WALLACE
James B. Wallace of Newcastle is a native of the State of Ohio, but he received his schooling in the schools of Union City, Ind. He was born on July 25, 1872, and in 1901 became a permanent resident of Henry county. Mr. Wallace has been twice married, his present wife, to whom he was married in the year 1913, having been Miss Margaret New, a resident of Hancock county.
On December 22, 1909, Mr. Wallace assumed the duties of treasurer of the city of Newcastle, and so efficiently did he administer the affairs of this office that at the expiration of his term of service he was elected to discharge the still greater responsibilities of treasurer of the county. The fact is worthy of note also that he is the first Democratic treasurer ever elected in the city or county. Mr. Wallace has been an active Democrat and has further served his party as a delegate to the state convention. He is also widely known as a successful dealer in general merchandise.
AARON M. WALTZ
Aaron M. Waltz of Hartford City was born at Hagerstown, Indiana, May 6, 1864. Following a public school education, he attended Valparaiso Normal College in 1882-83. He read law, was elected a justice of the peace and was appointed prosecut ing attorney by the Republicans. Coming to Black- ford county in 1890 he became Democratic county chairman in 1891. Was roll clerk in the Indiana state senate in 1893, and was again county chairman in 1896 and in 1898. He was elected prosecuting attorney the same year and re-elected in 1898. He was a delegate to the national convention in 1900 and contingent elector in 1912. He was county attorney in 1912-13 and re-appointed for 1914-15. Since 1891 Mr. Waltz has been connected with the Democratic county committee as chairman or as a member of the executive committee. He has been frequently a delegate to the Democratic state con- vention, and has served on the committee on rules and organization, and the committee on creden- tials. He is an active member and past exalted ruler of the Elks and is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Modern Woodmen.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
FRANK E. WATSON
The present postmaster of the city of Corydon, appointed by President Wilson April 21, 1914, for a term of four years, is a man eminently fitted to assume the responsibilities of this position, being a man of broad experience and thoroughly conversant with the community and its needs.
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