History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 157

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

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Mr. Frank E. Watson was born in Indiana on the 11th day of July, 1877, and attended the public schools of his district, later taking a course of study at the Central Normal College of Danville, from which he graduated.

On the 19th day of November, 1903, his marriage to Miss Henrietta Marshall was solemnized, and their home has since extended its hospitality to a host of friends. In the same year, also, he was appointed county auditor, serving under this appointment for a term of nine months, at the ex- piration of which he was elected to this position for a term of four years, being at that time the youngest auditor elected in the State. Later he became interested in the First National Bank of Corydon, and is now a director in this institution. His energies at present, however, are centered in the administration of the affairs of the postal service, in which he finds deep interest.

Mr. Watson is a lifelong adherent to Democratic principles, and has devoted his time and serv- ices for the furtherance of the influence of this party, attending the various state conventions as dele- gate for many years. He was appointed by Governor Ralston as delegate to the good roads con- vention at St. Louis in April, 1914.

Fraternally, he is allied with the order of Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, among the membership of which he has a wide acquaintance.

LOUIS LATOUR WATSON

Louis Latour Watson, an early pioneer of the state of Indiana and a loyal worker in the ranks of the party for three-quarters of a century, still lives in the memory and in the hearts of many citizens of Vincennes.

He was born in Vincennes, then but a trading post, on the 13th day of April, 1809. Here his boyhood and youth were spent, sharing the hard- ships and joys of the early settler, knowing nothing of our present school system, but managing to acquire an education sufficient to enable him to compete with the more fortunate younger generation.

On the 6th day of November, 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia E. Fellows, and their home was established in Vincennes. Here their lives were spent, loyal to the home of their birth and rejoicing in its growth and progress until death called them.

After the coming of the railroad he entered the employ of the Evans- ville and Crawfordsville road, serving as station agent and contractor, and was later purchasing agent for the Ohio and Mississippi railroad. During the administration of President Taylor, 1849 to 1853, he held the position of postmaster of Vin- cennes, and was later elected county assessor and city councilman, in both of which capacities he served the commonwealth efficiently and loyally.

Always a devoted worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, he rendered valued service to the local and state organizations, and his memory is reverenced by a host of younger workers.

On the 4th day of May, 1902, death called him from his home at Vincennes; but the record of his work and his sterling qualities will long continue in the community where his life was spent.

He was born and died at Vincennes, and at his death was the oldest native.

S. HORACE WEBER

S. Horace Weber was born on the 13th day of April, 1889, at Oakville, Delaware county. He attended the public schools of Muncie and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1906. A course of work was then taken at Indiana University, followed by teaching school in Delaware county for seven years, five of which were as principal. He then located in Muncie and engaged in his chosen work, surveying. In 1912 he was elected surveyor of Delaware county, the first Demo- cratic surveyor ever elected there, and, though but twenty-four years of age, his work in this de- partment was so efficiently administered that he was re-elected at the close of a two-year term.

On December 10, 1914, Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Miss Helen C. Stephens. Mr. Weber is a member of the Elks lodge at Muncie and is a 32d degree Mason.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

SAMUEL B. WELLS

A leader in the Democratic organization of Scott county, for many years a prom- inent attorney of Scottsburg, and a journalist of wide influence, Samuel B. Wells needs no introduction to the citizens of Scott county and vicinity.

He was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, on the 28th day of September, 1860. He attended the public schools of his district, and after his graduation, in the year 1885, entered De Pauw University at Greencastle for the purpose of taking a course in law. Graduating from this institution with the class of 1887, he was in the same year admitted to the bar in Jefferson county, and in 1889 removed to Scott county and entered into the active practice of his profession.

In the year 1887 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Rachel P. Marshall of Olney, Ill., and their home was established in Madison until they removed to Scottsburg. Here their friendships have been made and their interests centered.

During the period from 1900 to 1904 he held the position of prosecuting attorney of the sixth judicial district, and discharged the duties involved with much credit. In the fall of 1910 he was elected representative from Scott and Jennings counties to the state legislature, and in the assembly of 1911 was an active participant.

Mr. Wells is widely known, also, as the editor of the Scott County Journal, a paper whose prin- ciples are proverbially sound and progressive.

CHARLES W. WENINGER

The present auditor of Starke county, Charles W. Weninger, has been for many years closely identified with the business life of North Judson and is a recognized leader in all movements for the betterment of the community in which he resides.

He is a native Hoosier, born on the 23rd day of May, 1873, and educated in the schools of North Judson. At the age of twenty years he was appointed deputy post- master of North Judson, and in this capacity served for a term of four years. He also held the position of town clerk for two terms and was a member of the North Judson school board for a term of two years. In the year 1900 he served in the ca- pacity of township trustee, and in the fall of 1912 was elected to the position which he now holds, that of county auditor.

Aside from his labors in the public service, he has taken a very active part in the business life of the place, and is now president of the First State Bank of North Judson, president of the Perpet- ual Building and Loan Association, and an active real estate and insurance man.

On the 29th day of September, 1897, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Maude Collier, and she has since been the presiding genius of his home, dispensing its hospitality to their many friends and creating the true home atmosphere.

RICHARD A. WERNEKE

The name of Richard A. Werneke is known throughout the State as one of the most active and efficient workers in the ranks of the party.

He is a native of the Hoosier State, born on the 1st day of May, 1883, and his schooling was received in the public and parochial schools of Terre Haute.

On the 10th day of September, 1910, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Nina C. Wynn, and she has since presided over their home with rare grace, dispensing hospitality to a host of friends.

At the early age of twenty years he served the party in the capacity of precinct and county committeeman, and again in 1905 was connected with the local organization. In the year 1912 he was elected to the im- portant position of prosecuting attorney of Terre Haute, and the year following he assumed the duties of chairman of the city central committee. During his incumbency of this position, for the first time in the history of Vigo county, every candidate on the Democratic ticket was elected. Al-

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

though one of the youngest public officials ever elected to office in the county, his abilities as prose- cuting attorney were so marked that he was re-elected in 1914.

Throughout his career, since he attained his majority, Mr. Werneke has borne a prominent part in every Democratic movement in the county, and has served the party as delegate to all conven- tions, being recognized as one of the strongest leaders in the organization.

JESSE F. WEISMAN

Jesse F. Weisman, a leading attorney of the city of Linton, has for a number of years been well known to the citizens of Greene county. He is a native of the Hoosier State, his birth having oc- curred near the city of Anderson on the 15th day of May, 1881. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the high school at Oxford, Ohio, later attending Miami University, and completing his legal education at the Cincinnati Law School, followed by his admission to the bar of Greene county and his entrance upon the active practice of his profession.

On the 22d day of December, 1906, his marriage to Miss Bertha A. Riddle was solemnized, and she has since presided over his home and dispensed its hospitality.

In 1906 he assumed the duties of city attorney of Linton, which position he held for eight years, retiring in 1914. In the fall of 1912 he was elected representative from Greene county to the gen- eral assembly of the state and in the legislature of 1913 he was an active member, always guarding the interests of the people in legislative matters.

Since boyhood he has been actively engaged in the service of the Democratic party, working with the local organizations and at all times seeking to promulgate the principles of true Democracy.

FERNANDO WOOD WESNER

Fernando Wood Wesner, whose photo appears herewith, is a native of Wash- ington county, as were also his parents, and is of German-Irish descent. For many years he has been closely identified with the political life of Jackson county and es- teemed as one of her worthy, progressive citizens.

Mr. Wesner was born and reared on a farm, attending the country schools until the age of 17, when he became a teacher. For several winters he followed this pro- fession with great success. He is a graduate of Eikso Academy, Salem, Indiana, class of 1892, in the scientific course. For a time he attended the Normal College at Mitchell, Indiana, taking a teachers' course, and did two years' work in the law and literary departments of Indiana University, in a special course. He has been in the active practice of law at Seymour, Ind., since February, 1899. During his residence in Seymour he has held the offices of city commissioner, city judge, and deputy prosecuting attorney for Jackson county,

On the 17th day of June, 1903, he was married to Miss Lura Maude Hamer, a native of Seymour, and a most estimable and intelligent young woman. To this union a daughter and son have been born.

Mr. Wesner is a sterling Democrat and stands high in his party councils.

JOHN WESSEL, JR.

John Wessel is well known to the leaders of Democracy in Allen county and In- diana as one of the most active among the younger workers in the party. He has also, by his progressive policies and aggressive methods, won for himself an enviable position in the business life of the community. He was born on the 19th day of November, 1882, and after graduating from the common and high schools, attended St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana, graduating with the class of 1902.

Later, after having taken up his business life, he showed a deep interest in political matters; and was appointed reading clerk of the house of representatives of the 66th and 67th general assemblies of the state of Indiana. During the campaign of 1912 he was appointed secretary of the Allen county central committee, working zealously and loyally for the success of Woodrow Wilson and the other candidates on the Demo- cratic ticket.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

As a business man he has been remarkably successful, showing throughout his career unusual ability in organization and management, and, though still a young man, holds the responsible position of secretary and manager of the Ft. Wayne Municipal Electric Light and Power Works.

HENRY E. WHITE

The career of Henry E. White has been a varied one, and his versatility has been demonstrated in a marked degree by his successful endeavors in various lines.

He was born in Pulaski county, Indiana, on the 18th day of December, 1866, and his schooling was received in the public schools of Starke county. Later, however, a course of study in the higher branches and in law was taken at Valparaiso Univer- sity. For a period of five years he taught in the public schools of Starke county, and for one year was the proprietor of a store. Later he engaged in the lumber busi- ness in North Judson, Indiana, and for six years his energies were devoted to this work. He was one of the organizers and the first cashier of the Fountain Square State Bank of Indianapolis, and for one year was cashier of the Bank of Starke County, of Hamlet. He has been actively interested in the municipal affairs of North Judson, and was for two terms a member of the school board of that place. In the year 1898 he was elected clerk of the Starke circuit court and at the expiration of his first term of four years was re-elected to this position. For six months, also, he served as deputy in the circuit court of Kosciusko county.

Mrs. White, to whom he was married August 3, 1893, was formerly Miss Estelle E. Collins of Wayne township. They have three sons: Rex Seymour, Victor Ehdy and Maxwell Richard.

RICHARD WHITE

Since attaining the age of twenty-one years Richard White has been closely allied with the work- ings of the Democratic party in Dearborn county and has served as precinct committeeman in every campaign since the year 1895, as well as attending every state and district convention and finally being present at the Baltimore convention which nominated Woodrow Wilson for President in 1912.

He is a product of Dearborn county, born in the city of Aurora on the 15th day of December, 1876. In his childhood he moved, with his parents, to the town of Cochran, and here he was edu- cated in the public and parochial schools of his district. Here also he held his first position in the service of the public, being elected clerk of Cochran for two terms. Later he served as deputy as- sessor, and in the year 1906 was elected sheriff of Dearborn county, which position he filled with great satisfaction to the people, and much credit to himself. The ensuing three years were spent in the city of Washington, D. C., having received the appointment of assistant sergeant-at-arms under Stokes Jackson for the 62nd and 63rd Congressional Assemblies. At present he holds the position of pure food inspector.

Mr. White enjoys an exceedingly wide acquaintance and numbers among his friends many of the most prominent statesmen of our state and country.

DAVID VOORHEES WHITELEATHER

The name of David Voorhees Whiteleather is a familiar one to the citizens of Columbia City and vicinity, being an attorney-at-law with an extensive practice in Whitley and the surrounding counties.

Mr. Whiteleather was born on a farm in Columbiana county, Ohio, December 4, 1866, where he attended the common schools of his neighborhood, after which he attended the Northwestern Uni- versity at Ada, Ohio, and subsequently Mt. Union College at Alliance, Ohio.

He became a citizen of the State of Indiana in 1889, when he was selected principal of the public schools at Larwill, Indiana, which position he held for a period of five years. After reading law in the law offices of Eph. K. Strong and P. H. Clugston, he was admitted to the bar in Septem- ber, 1894, began the practice of his profession on January 1, 1895, and has continued in his profes- sion since said time.

In 1895 he married Miss Keturah H. Essick. During the political campaigns of 1896, 1898 and 1900, Mr. Whiteleather served as chairman of the Democratic Central Committee for Whitley county.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816 -1916

In 1898 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the counties of Whitley and Noble, and was re- elected to said office in 1900. He was selected as chairman of the County Council of Defense for Whitley county and served in that capacity during the continuation of the world's war.

JUDGE HUGH DEVINE WICKENS

Judge Hugh Devine Wickens stands in the foremost rank not only among the representatives of Democracy, but in the legal profession as well, of Decatur county. He is a native of Jennings county, born in 1870, and here he attended common schools, later graduating from the high school of North Vernon. His legal education was received in the Indiana Law School. In the year 1910 he assumed the duties of judge of the ninth judicial district, including Bartholomew and Decatur counties, en- joying the unique distinction of being the first Democratic candidate for judge carry- ing Decatur county since the Civil war, and the first Democrat elected in the circuit for twelve years. For four years he has devoted his time with conscientious dili- gence to the affairs of his office, gaining an enviable reputation in the legal profession of the section. His wife, formerly Miss Adele Gallagher, has also a wide circle of friends in their home city, Greensburg.

HENRY A. WIEBKE

Well known throughout the business section of Ft. Wayne is Henry A. Wiebke, the proprietor of The Hof Brau restaurant and bar on the corner of Calhoun and Columbia streets. Mr. Wiebke is a native of the Hoosier state, his birth having oc- curred on the first day of September, 1867. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran parochial school, and after he attained his majority became prominently identified with the Democratic organization of this city, having many times attended the various con- ventions of the city, county and state in the capacity of delegate. During the years 1902 to 1905, inclusive, he served the city as councilman, showing an unusual grasp of the business affairs of the city, giving his support only to those measures which appeared to him for the real good of the community.

On the 13th day of January, 1896, his marriage to Mrs. Louise Mosshammer, formerly Miss Ritter, was solemnized; and their home has extended its hospitality to numerous friends. Mr. Wiebke comes of a Democratic family, his father and brothers having always been stanch adherents of this party.

CHARLES F. WILLIAMS, JR.

Known throughout Tippecanoe county as the editor of the Sunday and Thursday Leader, and fully equipped by nature and by training for the re- sponsibilities. which rest on the newspaper man, is Charles F. Williams, Jr.

He is a native of Tippecanoe county, born within its confines on the 30th day of December, 1869. He attended the schools of Lafayette, and later en- tered Purdue University for work in the higher branches.

On the 12th day of June, 1889, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Frances V. Sullins, and their home, then established in Lafayette, has been a center of hospitality extended to a wide circle of friends.

In September, 1902, he assumed the duties of city clerk, and in this capacity served until September, 1904. At the expiration of this period he re-entered the field of journalism, and in it has found an occupation to which he is eminently adapted. In his work as editor of the Sunday and Thursday Leader he has shown marked capability.

Fraternally, he is allied with the orders of Free and Accepted Masons, Odd Fellows, Red Men, Druids, Elks and Woodmen of the World.

Politically, he has been a stanch adherent to the principles of Democracy, and in the various campaigns through which he has passed has consistently labored for the success of the cause.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

FRANCIS M. WILLIAMS

Francis M. Williams, who in 1911 was elected auditor of Delaware county, was born in Indiana on February 3, 1872. He attended the public schools of Grant county, and later accompanied his parents to Howard county, where his schooling was continued. In September, 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Ada Spradling.

In the year 1911 Mr. Williams was elected to the position of county auditor, and in that ca- pacity served with marked ability.

HARRY B. WILLIAMS

Harry B. Williams was born on February 13, 1872, on a farm in Owen county. His grandfather was the first white child born in Indiana, his birth having occurred at old Fort Knox, the present site of Vincennes. This gentleman, William Williams, a cousin of Governor "Blue Jeans" Williams, settled in Owen county eighty years ago.

Harry B. Williams received his education in the schools of Owen county and after his graduation entered the educational field, teaching in the county schools for two years. At the expiration of this period he entered the pursuit of agriculture and in this field labored successfully. He has been an active party worker, serving as precinct committeeman and delegate to many conventions. He was elected county treasurer in 1910 by a majority of 98, and again in 1912 by 546.

On November 16, 1898, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Maud Plew. He is affil- iated with the Masons, I. O. O. F. and Red Men.

H. THORNTON WILLIS

A leading name in the roster of the Indiana Democracy is that of H. Thornton Willis, of Knox county.

He was born on a farm near Bruceville, Knox county, and attended the schools of his district. Later a course of study was taken at the State Normal School at Terre Haute, after which he entered the educational field, teaching in the schools of the county for six years. At the expiration of this period he became city editor of the Vincennes Daily Sun and here remained for five years. He was also widely known as the manager of the Union Depot hotel for thirteen years. After a year's service with the Second National Bank he returned to the newspaper field, becoming general manager of the Vincennes Daily and Weekly Sun, resigning this position in February, 1911, to accept the appointment to the position of deputy state treasurer, serving two terms, being re- appointed in February, 1915, for a second term under the new treasurer.

He was for three years a member of the Vincennes school board, and secretary of the county Democratic committee for four years. He also served as secretary of the Vincennes board of trade for fourteen years, and is still active in this organization.

Fraternally, he is allied with the order of Ben Hur, Royal Arcanum and Travelers' Protective As- sociation.

Mrs. Willis, to whom he was married June 17, 1896, was formerly Miss Grace Burnet.

THOMAS E. WILLSON

The grandson of the first treasurer of Ripley county, elected in 1818, and the son of the first county associate judge, Thomas E. Willson, an attorney of Osgood, is also widely known and highly esteemed as an active party worker, and former holder of various positions of trust in the public service.

He was born at Versailles, Indiana, on the 16th day of December, 1845, and at- tended the public schools at that place. August 22, 1862, at the age of 16, he en- listed, as a private, in Company A, 83rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry; in the latter part of the year 1863 he was transferred to the 5th regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, and was honorably discharged, as a sergeant, July 5, 1865, by reason of expiration of term of enlistment. For two and one-half years after the war he was a student of Moores Hill College.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

On the 22nd of November, 1870, he was married to Miss Melvina H. Francis, and one month later their home was established at Osgood. Here they have since remained and are now the parents of three children.

In the year 1875 he was elected, without opposition, as one of the members of the first board of town trustees of Osgood and served two terms. In 1866 he was elected to the position of county auditor of Ripley county, and after the expiration of his term' of four years was re-elected.

He is a member of the Ripley county bar and a member, in good standing, of the G. A. R., Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.

WILLIAM O. WILSON

To the citizens of Posey county the name of William O. Wilson is a familiar one and one held in high esteem, this gentleman having served the commonwealth in various positions of responsi- bility and trust.

Mr. Wilson is a native Hoosier, born on the 22nd day of September, 1878, and educated in the public schools of his district. Following his graduation from the high school of Mt. Vernon he entered the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, and after receiving a year's work in this institu- tion entered Indiana University for further study. Following his graduation here after having com- pleted a three years' course of work, he entered the educational field, and for a number of years taught in the schools of Posey county with marked success. On the 24th day of August, 1905, he was elected county superintendent of schools and in this capacity served until February 16, 1914. During this period his work was characterized by marked intelligence and zeal for the advancement of the school system and the progress of the children of the community, and the high plane of scholarship which was set before the youthful mind as a standard did much to place the schools of the community upon their present foundation.

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History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 157

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

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