USA > Indiana > Indiana and Indianans : a history of aboriginal and territorial Indiana and the century of statehood, Volume V > Part 26
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In the meanwhile, through closer study of theological history and wider personal experiences, Mr. O'Brien came to the part- ing of the ways with the Wesleyan Church but was not ready to lay aside the burdens he had assumed when he had become a min- ister. Hence he turned to the Christian Church, with which religious denomination he united at Columbus. Indiana, and sub- sequently was pastor of the Central Chris- tian Church at Kankakee, Illinois, for three years. During this latter period he became chaplain of the Eastern Illinois State Hos- pital, being an appointee of former Gov- ernor Dencen. This was his closing year of ministerial work.
During his entire period of service in the church Mr. O'Brien had been faithful and zealous, had increased membership and added to church property. He was beloved, trusted and admired wherever his pastor- ates had been located. But, even honest affection and real esteem will not, in modern days, provide sufficiently for the
normal needs of a growing family when supplemented merely by the very meager salary usually voted a minister in the above religious organizations, and this situation finally became so acute that Mr. U'Brien in self defense, determined to leave profes- sional life entirely and embark in business, where a decided natural talent would give him opportunity to properly provide for those dependent upon him. Many protests assailed him, and among the influences that sought to break his resolve were flattering calls to several Chicago churches.
For two years Mr. O'Brien then served as district manager of the Illinois Life In- surance Company, and then went into busi- ness for himself, in the line of stocks and bonds, and for three years was junior part- ner in the firm of Hetherington & O'Brien, general brokers, at Kankakee, Illinois. From that city he removed to Mansfield, Ohio, and in association with F. A. Wilcox of Akron and C. H. Waltes of Rochester, New York, organized what is now known as the Mansfield Rubber Company, of which he was one of the officials. He also was one of the organizers of the National Rolling Mill Company, of Mansfield, and served as its vice president for three years. In 1912 Mr. O'Brien came to Anderson, and has been practically interested here ever since. He assisted in the reorganiza- tion of the Shimer Wire and Steel Com- pany, and served as vice president until the plant was moved from Anderson to Evans- ville, Indiana, and he continued with the company for four years, since when he has been a permanent resident of Anderson, and in 1917 opened his present bond and brokerage office. Among other Anderson enterprises in which Mr. O'Brien is inter- ested is the Lincoln Motor Truck Company, of which he was one of the founders and is a director. The success which has at- tended Mr. O'Brien in his business under- takings has been gained through the honor- able methods that might have been expected of a many of such high personal character.
Mr. O'Brien was married in 1885 to Miss Fidelia Smith, who was born in Hamilton County, Indiana, and is a daughter of Thomas and Lorena (Castor) Smith, the family being old settlers in that section. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien and three daughters are married. In political life Mr. O'Brien is identified
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with the republican party. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a Mason of high degree.
CHARLES HENRY SELL has had a long record of service as a merchant at Rich- mond, and has had an unusually varied and interesting experience during his career.
He was born at Anington in Wayne County, Indiana, in 1867, son of Francis M. and Charlotte (Bedell) Sell. He is of German and English-Scotch ancestry. He attended public schools to the age of twelve and then went to work in a grocery store. He made such progress that when he was fifteen or sixteen years old he managed a small store on his own responsibility. Then for ten years he was employed by M. C. Henley, serving as shipping clerk and in other capacities. He also learned the ma- chinist trade, spending three years with Gaar, Scott & Company, and for one year was with the Robinson Machine Company. On leaving Richmond he was in Kansas City with the Economy Gas Burner Lamp Company a year, and with Swift & Com- pany there one year, having charge of three small departments of that corporation.
In the meantime Mr. Sell had amused himself and acquired much skill as an ama- teur camera artist. He made this a source of much value to him while traveling through California on a vacation, and practically paid his expenses for a time with his camera in a general tour from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast. He finally returned to Richmond from Boston and es- tablished a grocery business of his own, borrowing the money. His first business was on the west side on Richmond Avenue, and he enjoyed unusual prosperity there for five years. He then opened the White Meat Market on Main Street, and a year later traded for a grocery and meat market on Swain Avenue. He has since continued this business, but since 1917 has been grad- ually relieving himself of his responsibili- ties with the expectation of retiring and en- joying his ten acre farm, where he raises pigs and chickens. He also owned a sub- division of forty-two lots, and has sold half of these lots for building purposes.
In 1905 Mr. Sell married Bertha Gaines, of Richmond. They have one child, Charles Drury, born June 3, 1917. Mr. Sell is an independent republican in politics, a mem- Vol. V-10
ber of the First Christian Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Knights of Pythias at Richmond.
i
GEORGE F. EDENHARTER, M. D. The service of one of Indiana's greatest institu- tions, the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane at Indianapolis, has been to a large degree the direct expression and the fruits of the ability, experience and administra- tive work of Dr. George F. Edenharter. Doctor Edenharter is now closing his twen- ty-fifth consecutive year as its superintend- ent. For sixteen years he held the office in recurring four-year terms, but in 1909 was re-elected for an indefinite term and since then for good and sufficient reasons there has been no re-election.
At this point it is not possible to do full justice to the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane or Doctor Edenharter's service as its administrative head. However it is possible to gather from the remarks and comments of men eminent in the profession and institutional administration some of the outstanding features of the work which may properly be mentioned here. Indiana was one of the first states to introduce an improvement upon the old methods of han- dling the insane by the establishment of a pathological laboratory and hospital for the sick insane. When this department was dedicated by the Marion County Medi- cal Society in December, 1896, a noted Chi- cago specialist, Dr. L. Hektoen, in the course of his address said: "The present occasion marks the most significant step in the advancement and improvement of the humanitarian work in which institutions like the Central Indiana Hospital for In- sane are engaged. The inauguration, under the present auspicious circumstances, of a fully equipped, substantial department of this hospital, built in accordance with the best modern views, reflects great credit upon the development of American alien- ism, upon the intelligence of the Board of Control of this institution and of its superintendent."
Some years later, in 1904, after the laboratory of pathology had been in opera- tion and had shown its value, the speaker, Prof. Frank W. Langdon, M. D., before the Indianapolis Medical Society congratulated its members upon pioneer work being ac- complished by the institution in the west. "How well it has been organized," said
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this speaker, "and how well it is fulfilling its mission it is not necessary for me to tell you. The superintendent of this hos- pital is building his monument from day to day and year to year, not alone in the mate- rial structures devoted to pathological anatomy and the sick insane, but also by his devotion to the higher researches of neurologic and psychiatric medicine. These annual meetings of the leading medical so- ciety of Indiana under the roof of the most complete laboratory for psychiatric re- search of any hospital for the insane in our country are in themselves unique ; they are also equally helpful and stimulating to the practitioner and the special student of nervous and mental diseases."
More significant still was the language used by the board of trustees in March, 1909, when they re-elected Doctor Eden- harter for a fifth term as superintendent. After expressing their unqualified approval and commendation of his administration the board made record as follows: "The wards of the state entrusted to this institu- tion receive the most modern and progres- sive treatment known to hospital practice ; in fact, the work being done here is so fa- vorably received by the profession that many leading alienists of not only this country but of other countries visit this hospital and in written communications and otherwise evidence their most hearty and enthusiastic approval of methods em- ployed and results accomplished. These results are the outgrowth of the theories and plans of Dr. George F. Edenharter, put into practice, and in thus expressing ourselves we are endeavoring to give but the simple justice due him without over landation."
In its editorial comment upon this action of the Board the Indianapolis News said : "The people of all parties have recognized that in Doctor Edenharter the state has found a man of unusual executive ability and devotion to the public service. Many suggestions have been made that his serv- ices be drawn on for larger duties. Pos- sibly in the opinion of those who have the affairs of this hospital most at heart, there can be no greater service to the state than to see that the inmates have proper care and attention. At any rate Doctor Eden- harter has practically given his professional career to this work. The state owes much to such men as he. It knows that with such
a man in charge an institution will be administered with the highest degree of efficiency and success. To supervise such a hospital involves self sacrificing labor and a lofty humanitarian spirit. Having found in Doctor Edenharter these qualities in eminent degree it is fortunate that the state can command his services."
Upon the twentieth anniversary of the dedication of the Pathological Department, held under the auspices of the Indianapolis Medical Society December 19, 1916, the following resolution was read by Dr. Charles P. Emerson and adopted by a ris- ing vote: "On this, the twentieth anni- versary of the establishment of the Patho- logical Institute of the Central Hospital for the Insane of Indiana, we, the members of the Indianapolis Medical Society, do ex- tend to Dr. George F. Edenharter our heartiest congratulations on the splendid work which he is accomplishing.
"It was his prophetic vision which led him to honor the state of Indiana by the erection of the first pathological institute in direct connection with a hospital for the insane, the first in the United States. This institute and its yearly reports have and are exerting a wide influence in America.
"Through his plans the physicians of In- diana here have the opportunity to attend courses for the study and care of the insane.
"Through his co-operation the students of the Indiana University School of Medi- cine have opportunities to study psychiatry unsurpassed in any other medical school.
"This institution, with its pathological institute, its hospital for the sick insane, its exercise and amusement hall and its other pioneer features, owes much of its excel- lence and its educational valne to the wise management of Doctor Edenharter, to whom we now extend our greetings."
Doctor Edenharter had been engaged in the private practice of medicine in Indian- apolis for abont seven years before his ele- vation to his present responsibilities. He was born at Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, June 13, 1857. son of John and Elizabeth (Roseberg) Edenharter. Doctor Eden- harter attended the public schools of Ohio, finishing in Dayton. In 1878 he followed his parents to Indianapolis, and studied medicine in the Medical College of Indiana, where he was graduated M. D. in 1886. In 1904, in recognition of his ability and dis-
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tinguished services in the cause of human- ity and his effort in behalf of higher medi- cal education and research work, Wabash College conferred upon him the degree Mas- ter of Arts. After graduation Doctor Edenharter opened his office in Indian- apolis, and for several years did a general practice as a physician and surgeon. He was first appointed superintendent of the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane on April 7, 1893. In the meantime he had for two years been attending physician and surgeon to the Marion County Asylum, for one year performed similar duties at the County Workhouse, and in 1889 was elected for two years as superintendent of the In- dianapolis City Hospital, a position to which he was chosen with the unanimous vote of both the republicans and democrats of the City Council. Doctor Edenharter has been a democrat since casting his first vote, and from 1883 to 1887 was representa- tive of the eighth ward in the City Coun- cil. In 1887 he was democratic nominee for mayor.
His eminence as a hospital administra- tor and in the care and treatment of the insane has enabled him to wield a great power and influence not only through the Indianapolis hospital but among similar in- stitutions elsewhere in the state and in other states. It was at his suggestion and largely as a result of his advocacy that the Legislature in 1905 created a new district for the insane population, establishing the Southeastern Hospital. He was also influ- ential in securing the amending of the bill providing for an epileptic village in such a way as to provide for the hopeful or curable cases rather than for the incurably insane epilepties assigned to the regular hospitals for the insane. It was largely due to his advice and effort that Indiana located her hospital for the criminal insane at Michigan City in preference to locating such an institution at the Hospital for In- sane at Logansport.
Doctor Edenharter is widely known in professional circles, is a member of the American Medico-Psychological Associa- tion, the New York Medico-Legal Society, of which he has served as vice president for Indiana, and is a member of the Indian- apolis Medical Society, the Marion County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Associa- tion. He is a thirty-third degree Scottish
Rite Mason and member of Capital City Lodge No. 312, Free and Accepted Masons.
June 6, 1888, Doctor Edenharter married Miss Marion E. Swadener, of Dayton, Ohio. She was born and reared in Ohio, daughter of Michael and Marie (Michel) Swadener. Mrs. Edenharter died September 27, 1909. She was the mother of one son, Ralph, born in Indianapolis July 19, 1889.
BENJAMIN A. RICHARDSON, who for half a century was a resident of Indianapolis, served the Eighty-Fourth Indiana Volun- teers in the Civil war, was prominent in the Indiana National Guard and quarter- master general of Indiana under Governor James A. Mount during the Spanish- American war. As these facts indicate he had a career out of the ordinary in both experience and achievement. While the routine of his life ran smoothly and quietly for many years, death came suddenly as to a good soldier and in the form of a tragedy that brought sorrow to an entire commu- nity. General Richardson and his wife were driving their automobile from their home in Southport to Indianapolis when they were struck by a fast mail train on the Pennsylvania road and were instantly killed. This tragedy occurred October 29, 1918.
The Indianapolis News commenting edi- torially on this tragedy said: "A fine, genial gentleman, a man who kept his youth and never lost his temper-such was Ben- jamin A. Richardson, long time a citizen of Indianapolis. And through all his years as a soldier, occupant of a state office, and citizen he had lived a happy, unblemished life. The pathos of his taking off will not fail to impress the community. Here was a man that had been a participant in many battles of our great Civil war; who had lived beyond the three score and ten years period; who rarely knew illness though often in personal danger, and yet who met a violent death at a railroad crossing. With him also died his wife-a woman greatly respected for her many qualities. The state and especially the city owe Mr. Richardson a debt of affectionate remem- brance. He was always ready to serve oth- ers. He lived the life of a patriotic, pub- lie-spirited citizen."
His paternal ancestors were of New England stock. The first American was Samuel Richardson, born in England in
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1610, who came to New England about 1635. A surveyor by profession, he sur- veyed and laid out the Town of Woburn, Massachusetts, and was one of the founders of its first church. Samuel, Jr., was born in Woburn May 22, 1646. A son of his fourth marriage was David Richardson, who was born in Woburn April 14, 1700. Their son, Capt. Aaron Richardson, was born at Newton, Massachusetts, October 2, 1740, and was the father of Nathan Henry Richardson.
Lewis Richardson a son of Nathan Henry, was born in Oneida County, New York, in November, 1813. He married Mary Jane McElroy, who was born in Oneida County April 20, 1813, daughter of William and Esther (Austin) McElroy. After their marriage they lived on a farm in Wayne County, New York, in a locality still known as Richardson's Corners. In 1859 they moved to Delaware, Ohio, and during the Civil war their home was in Wayne County, Indiana. Mrs. Lewis Richardson died in Wayne County in 1862, her death being hastened by the loss of a son in the army and the departure of the younger son, Benjamin, to the front. Lewis Richardson afterward returned to Dela- ware, Ohio, took up the insurance business, and died at the home of his son in Indian- apolis in 1890.
Benjamin Austin Richardson was born at Wolcott, Wayne County, New York, April 30, 1840. He attended district school there, had the routine discipline of the home farm, and after the family moved to Delaware, Ohio, he attended the town schools for two winters. He also attended school for a brief time at Dublin, Indiana. His mother sought to dissuade him from going into the army, but after his older brother, Nathan, had died he overcame her objections, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company C of the Eighty-fourth In- diana Infantry. From that time he was in the army, later as a non-commissioned officer until mustered out at Indianapolis May 10, 1865. After the war he was ap- pointed clerk in the office of Major Dunn, chief mustering officer, in the old Washing- ton Hall, and remained to make the final report for Major Dunn to the government. Later he worked as bookkeeper, also at- tended night school and the Bryant and Stratton and the Purdy Business colleges at Indianapolis. For a number of years
he was collector and cashier for the Indian- apolis Gas Light and Coke Company, but in 1876, seeking less confining employment, entered the real estate and insurance busi- ness. He was prominent in insurance circles forty years, and he also handled a large volume of real estate. The insurance firm was Richardson & McCrea and later Richardson, Kothe & McCrea.
Known as a successful business man, he was frequently honored with responsibili- ties outside of his private affairs. He was especially interested in military organiza- tions, and was a member of the first mili- tary company organized at Indianapolis after the Civil war, of which company Ben- jamin Harrison was the captain. On July 29, 1882, he was made captain of Richard- son's Zouaves of Indianapolis, and filled that position until he resigned November 10, 1883. This company gained a reputa- tion under his instruction and won many laurels in competitive drills. It was the first northern company to make a trip to the south after the Civil war to compete in a military tournament, and was enthu- siastically received and carried off many honors in the drill contest at Houston, Texas. Later he was commissioned major and made inspector of rifle practice on the staff of Governor Chase, and in 1897 Gov- ernor Mount appointed him quartermas- ter-general of Indiana during the Spanish- American war. He began his term Feb- ruary 1, 1897, and served until March 31, 1901, during which period his duties were ablv and faithfully discharged.
General Richardson was one of the or- ganizers of the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and was an elder at the time of his death. He was a member of the Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and was active in Masonry and the Knights of Pythias, hold- ing a number of official distinctions in the Uniform rank of the latter. He was a member of George H. Thomas Post No. 17, Grand Army of the Republic, and of Camp No. 80, Union Veteran Legion. He grew up in a democratic family but cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln while in the army. At one time he was trustee of the Indian- apolis Home for Aged and Friendless Women. He also was a member of the Board of Governors of the Indianapolis Board of Trade, of which he had been a member for many years.
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September 13, 1867, in Jackson County, Missouri, General Richardson married Miss Estelle Carpenter. She was born and reared in Delaware County, Ohio, her parents having moved to Missouri in 1866. She was descended from William Carpen- ter, who came from England in 1638 and settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Later members of the family were participants in the Indian wars and the War of the Revolution. Mrs. Richardson died April 11, 1900, at the age of fifty-one. Novem- ber 12, 1902, General Richardson married Miss Susan Ballard. Their life companion- ship was a most happy one and for a num- ber of years Mrs. Richardson was dis- tinguished by her interests and active work in college and church affairs. She was a trustee of the Western College for Women at Oxford, Ohio. She was a graduate of that college. She was born at Athens, Ohio, November 23, 1856, and was de- scended from William Ballard, who came to America as a member of Governor Win- throp's Colony.
General Richardson by his first marriage had six children. Three daughters died in infancy or early girlhood. The three sons are Nathan Henry, Benjamin A., Jr., and Sherrill E. Benjamin A. is a dental sur- geon in Indianapolis, having received his education in the University of Pennsyl- vania, and Sherrill E. lives at Hartford City.
Nathan H. Richardson, the oldest son, was educated in Wabash College and since early youth has been engaged in the insur- ance business at Indianapolis. He is now secretary of the insurance department of the Bankers Savings & Trust Company. It was doubtless his father's noble example and encouragement that led him to take a deep interest in military affairs and he as- sisted in reorganizing the State Militia after the old National Guard was federal- ized for service in the European war, and is now a lieutenant in Company H in the Indiana State Militia. Nathan H. Rich- ardson married Miss Callie Lee, a native of Peoria, Illinois. Her father, Fielding T. Lee, was a member of the old mercantile house of Eastman, Slacker & Lee of Indian- apolis. Mr. Richardson is a republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
PHILIP T. COLGROVE. Among the In- dianans who have entered the ranks of the
legal profession and gained success is num- bered Philip T. Colgrove, who was born at Winchester April 17, 1858. He is a grad- uate of Olivet College, and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Michigan in 1879, on his twenty-first birthday. He after- ward served two terms as prosecuting at- torney of Barry County, was elected to the state senate in 1888, serving two terms, was a presidential elector in 1889, and has gained prominence as a political speaker.
Mr. Colgrove was elected grand chan- cellor of Michigan, Knights of Pythias, in 1889, and in 1898 was made supreme chan- cellor. He married Carrie M. Goodyear, and they have son and daughter, Lawrence and Mabel.
WILLIAM H. AUGUR. No one takes a greater interest in the present war activi- ties of every American community than William H. Augnr of Peru. As Mr. Augnr from his local government position as post- master views the passing soldiers and par- ticipates in the loyal and patriotic demon- strations of his home city he recalls many scenes of his boyhood when as a fifer he helped put enthusiasm into the boys who were marching away from his Indiana home to battle against slavery and for the Union.
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