USA > Indiana > Memorial and genealogical record of Representative Citizens of Indiana > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
375
including many older and very able lawyers, he was elected judge of the circuit court, composed at that time of Warren, Fountain, Montgomery, Clinton and Boone counties. Serving a term of six years, he made such a commendable and altogether satisfactory record that he was re-elected in 1876, the circuit having changed and consisted of Fountain, Warren and Vermillion counties. During his second term ho further distinguished himself and won a high rank among the leading legal lights of the state. During his services as judge of the circuit court for a period of twelve years, he was called to sit in important trials in various parts of the state. In all cases, great and small, his decisions were sneh as to command the respect of all parties. In the year 1877 serious trouble occurred among the miners at Stringtown, in Fountain county, which culminated in riots and bloodshed. Judge David- son was holding court at Williamsport, and in order that he might be present, if needed, he drove to Covington every night during the most dangerous period. Nothing like weakness ever appeared in either his official or professional conduct. His hand was at all times vigorons and firm, and he had a broad knowl- edge of jurisprudence in all its ramifications, having been a pro- found student all his life and kept well up with current decisions and legislation. In addition to his other multiform labors Judge Davidson wrote leading articles to law magazines, which at- tracted wide attention, and he was also the author of "Davidson's Overruled Cases," and a work on executors and administrators, all of which brought forth the praise of the legal profession and won him great prestige. His literary style was direct, clear, con- vincing and lucid, and his articles were always welcomed by pub- lishers.
At the close of his second term as judge, in 1882, Judge Davidson resumed the practice of law at Covington, first asso- ciating with him Charles Bool. This firm was dissolved about 1884, and Hannibal C. Yount became associated with him and later Jason E. Baker was also admitted to the firm. He removed his family to Crawfordsville in 1886 and acquired there a large practice. He at first formed a partnership with F. M. Dice. formerly reporter of the supreme court. After several years this firm was dissolved and Jere West became associated with him and they continued partners until the death of Judge Davidson on May 19, 1892, at the early age of fifty-three years. In the meantime the Covington firm continued until about 1890, and he
376
attended courts at Covington and assisted in the more important cases.
In the fall of 1890 Judge Davidson was one of the leading counsel in the defense of W. F. Petit, who was being prosecuted for the alleged murder of his wife by poisoning. He became con- vinced of his client's innocence and labored day and night with un- tiring zeal and energy throughout the long trial which lasted six weeks. It is probable that he sacrificed .his life to the interests of his client, as he suffered great exhaustion in consequence of his long continued efforts, and his health gradually declined after that. He was confined to his home and unable to go to his work for a long time previous to his death. It was his long-cherished desire to become one of the judges of the supreme court, and he was practically assured of his nomination to that office by the Demo- cratic convention, which at that time was equivalent to election. It was a great disappointment to him that, on account of sickness, he was compelled to give up this nomination. It was the position for which he was peculiarly fitted and qualified, and there was no doubt in the minds of the lawyers who knew him well that he would have taken rank as one of the great judges of this country.
Judge Davidson was a worthy member of the Presbyterian church. He was survived by a widow, Eliza E. Davidson, and their only child, Annie, widow of Prof. Mason B. Thomas, now deceased, late dean of Wabash College, a memorial sketch of whom appears on another page of this work.
-
AS Hilson
DR. WILLIAM NIXON WILSON.
The final causes which shape the fortunes of individual men and the destinies of states are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure; their influence wholly unexpected until de- clared by results. When they inspire men to the exercise of cour- age, self-denial, enterprise, industry, and call into play the higher moral elements; lead men to risk all upon conviction, faith-such causes lead to the planting of great states, great nations, great peoples. That country is the greatest which produces the great- est and most manly men, and the intrinsic safety depends not so mich upon methods and measures as upon that true manhood from whose deep sources all that is precious and permanent in life inust at last proceed. Such a result may not be consciously con- templated by the individuals instrumental in the production of a country; pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work out this as a logical result; they have wrought on the lines of the greatest good. When the life of one such individual ends, we look back over the pathway he had trod and note its use- fulness-its points worthy of emulation and perpetuation. What the late Dr. William Nixon Wilson, of Indianapolis, did for his fel- low men and the community in general might, in a manner, be told in words, but in its far-reaching influences cannot be measured. He was in touch with the people, and from a sincere and deep-felt interest in their welfare labored for all that would prove of public benefit until the busy and useful life was ended.
Doctor Wilson was born at New London, near Kokomo, How- ard county, Indiana, July 30, 1853, and was a son of Timothy Wil- son, who was born in Perquimans county, North Carolina, Janu- ary 20, 1832, and who was for many years prominently identified with educational work in this state. For a period of eight years Timothy Wilson was county superintendent of public schools in Henry county, Indiana, being located at New Castle. IIe was also connected with the academy at Spiceland and was superintendent of the Friends School in Tennessee. After a useful and honor- able career, he is now living retired at Richmond, Indiana. His wife, who was known in her maidenhood as Elizabeth Terrell, died when their son, William N. Wilson, of this sketch, was quite
378
young. He was the eldest of a family of four children, the others being, Olive, wife of Prof. Thomas Newton, of Whittier College, California; Terrell, who lives in Pasadena, California; Mathew, who died shortly after leaving college.
Dr. William N. Wilson was reared in the family of his aunt, Mrs. Dr. William C. Stanley, at Dublin, Indiana, Doctor Stanley being a prominent dentist at that place, and also in Ohio with his grandfather, Mathew Terrell, a distinguished citizen who spent his last days at Cleveland, that state.
Doctor Wilson received his early education in Dublin and also attended the Spicelaud Academy for two terms under his father. However, his educational opportunities were limited, and he was principally self-taught outside of schools, having been a close student and a keen observer all his life, and his reading was al- ways of the highest order, thus no time was wasted on light litera- ture and he became a learned man. When a youth he turned his attention to the study of dentistry under his uncle, Dr. William C. Stanley, at Dublin, Indiana, in which he made rapid progress. He began the practice of dentistry in Richmond, this state. Al- ways thirsting for higher knowledge, especially pertaining to his profession, he attended lectures in Indianapolis, after he was mar- ried and his second child was born, receiving the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He also attended lectures in Chicago where he received his degree, besides taking a four-years' Chautauqua course, from which he was graduated. Never being satisfied with what he had already mastered, he was a regular attendant at the dental conventions, where he exchanged views with some of the leading men of his profession. After practicing in Richmond for a number of years, he became interested in a wholesale dental sup- ply house in Indianapolis, and in 1898 moved to this city to devote his entire time to this; however, he did not remain in the dental supply house but a short time. His life-long connection with the Friends church and their teachings would not permit him to re- main where he saw any dishonest transactions were being con- dueted. So, not approving of the methods of some connected with the house in question he severed his connection with the same. The management of both dental colleges in this city importuned him to take a chair as instructor in them, and, after spending a few months in the West, he accepted a chair in the Indiana Den- tal College, which position he held with much credit and satisfac- tion to all concerned, finally resigning. He then took up quite
379
another line of endeavor, and organized the Indiana Condensed Milk Company, of which he was president at the time of his death and whose large and constantly growing success was due for the most part to his able and conscientious management. To this business he devoted much of his time and could see great financial success just ahead, and he contemplated retiring from active busi- ness after installing his son as manager. In this connection ho could not have made a better choice, as the business was at a finan- cial crisis at the time of the death of its president. The young man was not yet ont of college, but he took hold of the business like an experienced business man and placed it on a firm financial foundation and it has since then forged rapidly to the front of the city's leading industries.
Doctor Wilson was always highly thought of among the mem- bers of the dental profession and held a high rank in the same, having no superiors and few peers, as may be learned from his hundreds of loyal patients, many of whom came from remote localities to secure his services. While connected with the college as instructor, he became very popular with the students. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to any young man whom he considered worthy, and these charitable acts have been as bread upon the waters and are now returning in the form of a kindly interest taken in his son even by members of rival firms.
Doctor Wilson always took an active interest in the Friends church and was superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty years. He was truly a good man and carried his religion into his every-day life, thus enjoying the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. His home life was ideal, and he was most content when surrounded by his family. He was liberal in his political views, casting his vote for the men best fitted for the office sought, honesty always being the paramount issne.
The domestic life of Doctor Wilson began on September 25, 1877, when he was united in marriage with Ella T. Taylor, daugh- ter of Jacob and Sarah (Evans) Taylor, an excellent old family, of Spiceland, she being a native of that place. Mr. Taylor came there from Wilmington. He finally bought the old George Evans farm in Henry county, Indiana, and later retired, spending his last days in Richmond, this state, after a successful and honorable career. His widow is still living, being now advanced in years, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Wilson. She is a grand old character, one of the pioneers of her section of the state,
380
and she recalls many interesting reminiscences of the early days. She is a loyal member of the Friends church and enjoys a large ac- quaintance among its congregation.
Mrs. Dr. Wilson was the second in order of birth in a family of three children; J. Frank Taylor, of Newburg, Oregon, is the eldest, and Oliver, who makes his residence in Seattle, Washing- ton, is the youngest.
Mrs. Dr. Wilson grew to womanhood in her native commun- ity and had the advantages of a good education. Her sympathy and encouragement were responsible in no small degree for the large success of the Doctor in his chosen calling. She purchased her present cozy and attractively appointed residence at No. 525 East Thirty-second street, Indianapolis, in 1910. She is also a graduate of the Chautauqua course.
Three children blessed the union of Dr. William Nixon Taylor and Ella T. Taylor, namely: William Taylor Wilson, superintend- ent and general manager of the Indiana Condensed Milk Com- pany, resides in Sheridan, this state, and is rapidly forging to the front in industrial cireles; he married Mary Davenport and they are the parents of two children, William Nixon and Margaret Alma. Elizabeth Wilson married Ray Sahm, deputy county anditor of Marion county; they reside in Indianapolis, and are the parents of one child, Elizabeth Josephine. Benezette Wilson, the youngest of the subject's children, is at this writing a student at Earlham College.
MARSHALL F. CUMMINGS.
Human life is made up of two elements, power and form, and the proportion must be invariably kept if we would have it sweet and sound. Each of these elements in excess makes a mischief as hurtful as would be its deficiency. Everything turns to excess; every good quality is noxious if unmixed, and to carry the danger to the edge of ruin nature causes cach man's peculiarity to super- abound. One speaking from the standpoint of a farmer would adduce the learned professions as examples of the treachery. They are nature's victims of expression. You study the artist, the orator or the man of inventive genius and find their lives no more excellent than that of merchants, farmers or manufacturers. Many men get but glimpses of the delights found in nature in its various clements and moods, but there is always ample oppor- tunity to enjoy life in its varied phases, whatever the profession. It depends upon the individual. The late Marshall F. Cummings, for many years a well known business man of Indianapolis, was one who took a delight in existence. It was because he was in touch with the springs of life. He did not permit material things to supplant his better nature. His life was filled with good deeds and kindly thoughts, and all who knew him entertained for him the highest regard, by reason of his upright, honorable career, over the record of which there falls no shadow of wrong or sus- picion of evil. In all life's relations he was true and faithful to duty and the trust reposed in him, and thereby won the unquali- fied confidence and respect of his fellow men.
Marshall F. Cummings was born on a farm just over the state line in Illinois, May 6, 1852, in Champaign county, and he was the son of John and Melvina (Hyde) Cummings. The mother was a native of Illinois, where she grew up, was educated and mar- ried, and spent her life, dying there about fourteen years ago. John Cummings was born in Ohio, moving to Indiana in an early day and there became largely interested in agricultural affairs, developing a fine farm from the virgin soil. He is still living, making his home in Indianapolis, and is now ninety years of age. He is a fine type of the old pioneer, rugged, honest, hospitable,
382
and he relates many interesting incidents of the early days. He lives at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Friel Miller. He located on a farm near Terre Haute when he first took up his residence in the Hoosier state. Later retiring from active farm life he lived for a time in Danville, Illinois, and afterwards moved to Indian- apolis.
Marshall F. Cummings was one of a family of seven children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were Albert, who lives in California; George W., now deceased, was for a number of years prominently identified with the American Press Associa- tion in New York City; Olive married Alga Singers and they live in Oklahoma; Marshall Franklin, subject of this biographical memoir; John R. lives in Philadelphia; Jessie, the wife of Friel Miller, lives in Indianapolis, as before stated.
Marshall F. Cummings grew to manhood on the home farm and there assisted with the general work about the place, and he was educated in the common and high schools of Terre Haute, Indiana. When eighteen years of age he began working at the carpenter's trade at Terre Haute, which he followed in that city and in Illinois for a number of years, with much success, having become a building contractor in the meantime. In August, 1886, he came to Indianapolis, and the following year established a box factory, the Cummings Stereotype Box Company, at No. 426 East Maryland street, where he constructed stereotype boxes for the exclusive use of the American Press Association, his business growing constantly until, under his able management, it assumed vast proportions. His place was equipped with up-to-date ma- chinery and latest devices for prompt and high grade service and only skilled artisans were employed. In connection with his fac- tory Mr. Cummings also did building contracting, and in that con- nection put up most of the houses on the east side of Ruekle street, between Thirty-second and Thirty-third streets. Only two houses stood there when he put up his own attractive and comfortable residence in 1909. He was very successful both as a manufacturer and contractor, and by close application, industry and honest deal- ings accumulated a competency. He also engaged in the automo- bile business, maintaining for some time an extensive garage in Crawfordsville. He was later succeeded in the latter line of en- deavor by his sons, Forest F. and Howard N. Cummings.
Fraternally, Mr. Cummings was a member of the Masonic
383
order for a period of thirty-two years, standing high in that time- honored lodge, and in his church relations he was a worthy mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal denomination since he was fifteen years old; he was a faithful supporter of the church all his life. He was charitably inclined and made handsome contributions to the Orphans' Home and other public and private institutions, his donations being always made in an unassuming and unostenta- tions manner, giving out of his fullness of heart and with no thought of public display or approval, following out the scriptural admonition of not letting the right hand know what the left hand doeth. His support could always be depended upon in furthering any movement making for the general amelioration of the com- munity honored by his residence. Politically, he supported the Republican party; however, he was very broad in his political views, and he made no effort to be a leader of men or attain to public office. He was essentially a home man, best contented when with his family after the business cares of the day were over.
On December 10, 1879, Marshall F. Cummings was united in marriage with Minerva Porter, a native of Vermilion county, Illinois, the daughter of William and Phoebe (Swank) Porter. The father was born in Kentucky, from which state he went to Illinois in 1821, and Phoebe Swank moved to Illinois with her parents from Ohio, as a child, in 1821. Illinois at that time was wild, little improved and sparsely settled, and the Porters made their first home in a log cabin. Wild game was in abundance and occasionally straggling Indians were seen. Both the Porter and Swank families experienced the privations incident to pioneer life and developed good farms from the raw lands.
To William Porter and wife seven children were born, name- ly: Rose, now deceased, was the wife of J. W. Hayworth; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Aaron Mendenhall; Catherine, deceased, was the wife of John McDowell; William E. is deceased; Cordelia is deceased; Paul Marion was next in order of birth; Minerva, who married Mr. Cummings of this review; Samuel W. is the youngest of the family.
Mrs. Cummings was reared in the faith of the Baptist church, but during the past twenty-five years she has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
To Marshall F. Cummings and wife were born eight children,
38-4
namely: Ernest, who succeeded his father in the management of the box factory, was married to Grace Catner, and they have one child, Dorothy; Forrest F., who married Lilian Robinson, has two children, Marshall and Marion; Howard married Della Bruner; Josephine married Dr. C. R. Cofield, and they have one child, Harry; Carrie, Porter, Herbert and Pauline.
Marshall E. Cummings who summoned to his iemand on March 8, 1910, after a useful and honorable career, leaving behind him a record of which his descendants may well be proud. Per- sonally, he was a man whom to know was to respect and admire. He was genial, obliging, highminded and of exemplary character.
The following resolutions, drawn by a committee composed of L. S. Arnot, A. L. Evans and N. L. Bassett, representing Marion Lodge No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons, of Indianapolis, was passed on March 12, 1910:
"We, your committee on resolutions on the death of our late brother, Marshall F. Cummings, beg leave to submit the follow- ing:
"Whereas, it has pleased the Almighty Father to again send his messenger of death to our organization and remove from our midst another member of our fraternity, Brother Marshall F. Cummings, and,
"Whereas, Brother Cuimnings was a man of sterling integ- rity and one whom it was a pleasure to know and be associated with. He was loved and esteemed by all with whom he came in contact and in his death Marion Lodge loses an exemplary mem- ber, be it
"Resolved, that the sympathy of the lodge be extended to his bereaved family and that the charter be draped in mourning for a period of thirty days. Also that these resolutions be spread on the minutes of the lodge and a copy sent to the family."
NOAH S. ALLISON.
Everywhere in our land men have been found who have worked their way from humble and lowly beginnings to places of leadership, renown and high esteem in the material, civic and social world, and it has ever been one of the proudest boasts of our fair country that such vietors are accounted of thousandfold more worth and value to the commonwealth than the aristocrat, with his inherited wealth, position and distinguished name. "Through struggles to triumph" appears to have long been the maxim which has held sway over many of our citizens, and though it is un- deniably true that not a few fall exhausted by the wayside, perish carly in the conflict which the poets are wont to call the "battle of the world," some, by their inherent force of character and strong mentality, rise paramount to environment and all which sought to hinder them. Thus it was with the late Noah S. Allison, for years one of the best known and most progressive of Indian- apolis business men. He is remembered as a man of great energy and rare judgment which he carried into all affairs in which he was interested. He possessed a high degree of intelligence, few of his compeers having acquired a more varied knowledge, which, coupled with his amiable disposition and companionable manner, made him one of the successful and popular men of his city. He was indeed a manly man, and the honor and esteem in which he was held by all who came into contact with him, whether in a busi- ness, public or social way, was but the just tribute to his worth.
Mr. Allison was born at Worthington, Greene county, Indi- ana, on March 21, 1846. He was the son of James M. and Julia (Applegate) Allison, the father a native of England and his mother of Scotch extraction. James M. Allison was for many years one of the prominent and influential business men of Hills- dale, Michigan, in the early days, whither they moved from Worthington, Indiana, where they lived until Noah S. was twelve years of age. Thus he grew to manhood at Hillsdale and re- ceived his education in the public schools there. His father was also one of the leading business men of Worthington, having ex- tensive interests there, owning his own line of boats which plied between that city and Louisville, Kentucky. For many years he
(25)
386
was one of the most widely known men engaged in river com- meree in Indiana. After taking up his residence in Hillsdale he engaged in merchandising on a large scale and became a promi- nent man in that section of the state.
Noah S. Allison finished his education in Michigan, taking a general college course, at the completion of which he associated himself with his father, under whose excellent tutorship in busi- ness affairs he made rapid progress, and in a few years decided to launch out for himself, and he located in Flowerfield, Michigan, where he got an excellent start in the industrial world. Seeking a wider field for the exercise of his talents, he came to Indianapolis in 1880 and engaged with the Allen Surgical Institute, traveling for five years for this concern, during which time he greatly in- creased the prestige of the same, giving eminent satisfaction. He then founded the Allison Coupon Company, one of the best known and successful concerns of its kind in the Middle West, but he was not permitted to see the full fruition of his wise and well laid plans, for, just after he had it established and started out on a sound and sure basis, death summoned him to close his earthly accounts on December 18, 1890, after a successful, useful and honorable career, fraught with mueh good to himself, his family and to the world.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.