USA > Indiana > Memorial and genealogical record of Representative Citizens of Indiana > Part 42
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Mr. Flanner was a member of the "vacant-lot cultivation committee," which has as its object the utilization of vacant lots by the poor in the cultivation of vegetables. Mr. Flanner was identified with a number of fraternal organizations, but was never very especially active in their work. Among them are the Masonic order, in which he was a thirty-second-degree member, and a mem- ber of the Scottish Rite; the Meridian Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 56 and the Olive Branch of the Rebekahs. As a young man he joined the old Third Presbyterian church, later he transferred his membership to the Mayflower Congregational church, under the pastorship of Rev. Nathaniel A. Hyde, D. D., and still later the personality of Rev. Oscar C. McCulloch won both him and his wife to member- ship in Plymouth Congregational church, which, as he expressed it, stood for "life and light." This same quest later led Mr. Flan- ner to the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, in which he was a member at the time of his death.
In the year 1886 was solemnized the marriage of Francis W. Flanner to Mary Hockette, of Muncie, Indiana, who was born in the Quaker village of Plainfield, this state. Prior to her marriage
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Mrs. Flanner had been a successful and popular teacher, and since her marriage she has not resigned her student work; she is also a student of general literature and has done much dramatic reading, in which connection she has taken special courses in Chicago, Ber- lin, Cincinnati, Boston and New York City. She is a writer of no mean ability and has a reputation in poetry and short dramatic compositions, and for several years she has been prominent as a platform reader. She has the distinction of being one busy woman and a member of the Woman's Research Club and the Depart- mental Club.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Flanner, namely: Mary Emma, Janet Tyler and June Hildegarde Flanner. The family lives at the attractive homestead at No. 1920 North Capitol avenue. A nephew, Frank Bates Flanner, also lives in Indian- apolis and is connected with the undertaking firm.
The useful, honorable and commendable life of Francis W. Flanner came to a close on February 17, 1912, after a period of ill health of long standing, when fifty-eight years of age. Mr. Flan- ner returned from a trip to Europe, taken for the benefit of his health a year previously, and he resumed his business and social affairs; but his health began to fail again after a time and he took repeated trips south, but without permanent benefit.
The funeral was private and burial was made in Crown Hill cemetery. Many expressions of sorrow and sympathy were heard, for Mr. Flanner's death came as a shock to a large number of friends and associates in commercial, social and philanthropic circles.
An old schoolmate had the following to say: "He was an unusually honorable, studious and capable student, and tribute should be paid to the beautiful, wonderful mother, now about eighty-seven, who survives him. If you knew her as I have known her so long ago and since, you would understand how he came by the high traits of character that endeared him to so many."
.Impressive exercises were held at the Flanner Guild to com- memorate the death of Mr. Flanner, founder of the institution. W. E. Brown, first vice-president, was in charge of the program. A life-size portrait of Mr. Flanner, heavily draped, hung above the rostrum. The Rev. H. L. Herod, pastor of the Second Chris- tian church, spoke of the life of Mr. Flanner. Frances Berry, representing the Woman's Civic League, spoke of the opportun- ities made possible for colored people in the Flanner Guild proj- ect. She closed her talk with quotations from George Eliot's
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"The Choir Invisible." George W. Cable, who for a time was president of the Flanner Guild, laid much on the charitable phase of Mr. Flanner's character. C. J. Buchanan, for years a business partner of Mr. Flanner, spoke of Mr. Flamer's devotion to the Flanner Guild, to which work he had clung despite the advice of physicians and relatives. R. L. Brockenburr, who had but recent- ly taken charge of the guild, briefly stated its purposes and urged colored people to lend their support m making the institution a living monument to the memory of Mr. Flanner. Resolutions were read which had been adopted by the board of managers, set- ting forth the recognition of the philanthropy and humanitarian- ism of Mr. Flanner and setting apart December 5th, his birth day, to be observed annually as founder's day.
A committee composed of Jolm H. Rader, Charles A. Patter- son and George Asche, representing the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, drew up and passed the following resolutions:
"Whereas, our dearly beloved brother, Frank W. Flanner, has passed from the scene of his earthly labors, and
"Whereas, Brother Frank W. Flanner was a lover of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and heartily encouraged the promotion of its principles, as well as every good work, therefore be it
"Resolved, that this lodge mourn the loss of our deceased brother; that we cherish in our memories his many good qualities, that the charter of this lodge be draped in mourning for thirty days, and a copy of these resolutions be noted on our minutes and a copy be sent to the family of the deceased."
Lodge No. 56, Knights of Pythias, of Indianapolis, of which Mr. Flanner was also a member, passed the following resolution on his death:
"Whereas, Frank W. Flanner, who came to his death on February 17, 1912, has been for many years an esteemed member of Indianapolis Lodge No. 56, Knights of Pythias, and,
"Whereas, we, his brothers, while deeply deploring the gen- eral and personal loss sustained in the loss of Frank W. Flanner, desire to testify to the noble manner in which he lived his life and exemplified therein the principles of our order; therefore, be it
"Resolved, that Indianapolis Lodge No. 56, in stated meeting assembled, take occasion to testify that our brother, Frank W. Flanner, in his daily life wore well his armor in the cause of right and humanity."
J. H. Clarke wrote as follows in the Western Undertaker, a well known journal, of the late Frank W. Flanner:
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"Frank W. Flanner, whose untimely death occurred on Feb- ruary 17, 1912, no one knew better than the writer of these poor lines. My acquaintance dates back to the time when he was an employe of the late David Kregelo & Son about the year 1877. In about the year 1881 he formed a partnership with John Homoun, who was then running a livery business. The firm continued in business for three or four years, when the firm became Flanner, Hommoun & Wright. In a year or two Mr. Buchanan, his brother- in-law, bought the interests of Hommoun and Wright, and ever since the firm has continued as Flanner & Buchanan. The suc- cess of the firm was due to their untiring energy and attention to the business, never omitting any detail, no matter how small or unimportant. Courtesy and kindness were always their watch- words and by these attributes made many friends who had notli- ing but good words for the gentlemen.
"It was my good fortune and privilege to be present at a number of calls and embalments with Mr. Flanner, as also at the funeral of many more. Could I have received word of his death, I would have made an effort to attend his funeral, but I was in Louisiana at the time and did not know of his death until two weeks after, when someone sent me a clipping from the Indian- apolis News.
"During the meeting of the Indiana Association, presidents of the national and state associations and myself were invited to luncheon; and it was at the table and afterward that Mr. Flanner told me of his visit to Europe on account of his affliction with nervous prostration. I told him of my retiring from active busi- ness, and of my frequent trips with my wife to different parts of the country, and that I had given up the effort to gather in more shekels, and advised him to do likewise. He assented, and asked me how. This I could not answer, but I told him I had been trying for two years and was then just learning.
"Mr. Flanner had worked too hard, not only in his business. but in the different charitable ways of doing good. His crown had been won, and a more beautiful life is now to be his because of the good work done on earth. It may be truthfully said of him: 'Blessed is he that dies in the Lord.' The flowers that were spread on his grave were nothing but emblems of love and esteem to what he will see and enjoy during eternity where he now dwells. ITe was a kind and indulgent husband and father, and many ont- side his family as well will mourn his loss no more than will I, his long-time friend."
ISAAC P. DRAPER.
Whether the elements of success in this life are innate attri- butes of the individual or whether they are quickened by a pro- cess of circumstantial development, it is impossible to clearly de- termine. Yet the study of a successful life, whatever the field of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by reason of the existence of this same uncertainty. So much in excess of those of successes are the records of failures or semi-failures, that one is constrained to attenipt an analysis in either case and to de- termine the measure of causation in an approximate way. But in studying the life history of the late Isaac P. Draper, who during his active life was closely identified with the business life of Ko- komo, Indiana, we find many qualities in his make-up that always gain definite success in any career if properly directed, as was evi- dently done in his case. The splendid success which came to Mr. Draper was directly traceable to the salient points in his char- acter, for he started in life at the bottom of the ladder, which he mounted unaided. With a mind capable of planning, he combined a will strong enough to execute his well-formulated purposes, and his great energy, sound judgment, keen discrimination and perse- verance resulted in the accumulation of a handsome property.
Isaac P. Draper was a native son of the Hoosier state, his birth having occurred in Sullivan county, Indiana, on May 24, 1848, and he was the son of John B. and Elizabeth ( Voorlees) Draper, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana. John B. Draper came to Sullivan county, Indiana, with his par- ents at a very early day, when that part of the state was prac- tically on the frontier. There the father took up a large tract of land, to the development and cultivation of which he devoted him- self. In young manhood John B. Draper became a elerk in a store in Sullivan, afterwards engaging in business on his own account. his house becoming the largest and most successful of the kind in the town. Ile was identified with the growth and prosperity of Sullivan for fifty-four years, and, after a long and useful career, died on January 13, 1908, at the age of eighty-four years. He was married four times and became the father of sixteen children.
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A brother of John B. Draper, Messick, was a soldier in the war with Mexico and died on the field of battle.
Isaac P. Draper was about five years old when his parents left the farmstead and moved into the town of Sullivan. His mother died four years later and he was thus left much to his own resources. He acquired a fair knowledge of the common school branches and on leaving home he turned his hands to various kinds of employment. When large and strong enough he assisted in clearing and developing a large amount of land, becoming an ex- pert in the use of ax and crosseut saw and skilled in all manner of woodcraft and, although but a youth, he was splendidly developed physically. At the age of thirteen years he entered a stave fac- tory, where he was employed during the following three years, becoming a proficient workman.
The outbreak of the great Southern insurrection aroused in Mr. Draper all the fires of his patriotic spirit and he earnestly de- sired to enter the ranks and fight for the defense of the national integrity. The military authorities would not accept him, how- ever, because of his youth, until March 16, 1865, when, at the age of sixteen years, he enlisted and was assigned to Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In the following July, while in the line of duty, he contracted a severe cold in the head which resulted in the loss of hearing in his right ear, the effects of this and other disabilities which fol- lowed soon after remaining through life. Notwithstanding this, he saw considerable active service, principally in line of guard duty and the guarding of prisoners in transit or between Alex- ander, Virginia, City Point and Richmond. From April, 1865, to the following August the regiment was constantly on guard and garrison duty in the states of Virginia and Indiana, and when the war closed it was mustered out of service on the 16th of the latter month. Mr. Draper always took a great pride in his military ser- vice and he was an active and interested member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
After the close of his military service Mr. Draper returned to his home at Sullivan and engaged in the liquor business, in which he was engaged for several years, accumulating a good property and becoming one of the well-to-do men of that place. In 1890 Mr. Draper sold his interests in Sullivan and came to Ko- komo, where some time previously he had bought considerable
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real estate. This tract was afterwards platted into city lots and were sold at handsome profits. Upon coming to Kokomo Mr. Draper went into the gents' furnishing business, in which he was successful, but, this business not being to his liking, he turned his attention to the manufacture of soft and carbonated drinks, becoming the head of the Kokomo Bottling Works, which he established and which, under his careful management, soon be- came a business of importance. In 1893. Mr. Draper took in as a partner his son Harry and in January, 1906, his second son, Fred C., was admitted to the firm, the firm name becoming I. P. Draper & Sons. The business grew by leaps and bounds, becoming one of the largest in its line in the state. As a keen and far-sighted business man, Mr. Draper had no superiors and among his associ- ates his advice and counsel was valued highly. The most notable element of his make-up was his inflexible integrity and honesty. His one great motto through life and the one he lived up to the hour of his death was that "his word was as good as his note." He faithfully met every obligation and his reputation as a man of honor was of the highest. He had a keen interest in his adopted city and gave his support cheerfully to every movement which promised to benefit the community in any way. A close observer of public events, he took a lively interest in affairs of the day and acted intelligently on all public questions. In his home Mr. Draper was happy, for to a notable degree his life was devoted to his family. During the last year of his life, he was confined much of the time to his home, but in the midst of suffering he was always cheerful, uncomplaining and ever thoughtful of the comfort and welfare of those dear to him. Ilis death occurred on August 22, 1911.
Politically, Mr. Draper was a Democrat and gave a life-long support to that party. Fraternally, he was a member of Post No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Knights of Pythias, being honored with official positions in these orders.
On the 17th of August, 1871, Isaac P. Draper was united in marriage with Jennie Earnest, of Sullivan county, Indiana, the daughter of Nathaniel and Margaret (Osborn) Earnest, both par- ents natives of Indiana and for many years residents of Sullivan county. Mrs. Draper's paternal grandfather, Joseph Earnest, came to Indiana in early pioneer days and at the time of his death he was one of the oldest inhabitants of the state. Mrs. Draper is
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the third in order of birth in a family of seven children, of whom but two besides herself survive, namely: Mrs. Lou Pinkston, of Merom, Indiana, and Mrs. Albert Kaufman, of Sullivan county. To Mr. and Mrs. Draper were born two sons, Harry L. and Fred C., both of whom are mentioned in later paragraphs. Mrs. Draper is an active and faithful member of the First Presbyterian church and until recent years took a very active part in all the work of the church, being still a member of the church societies and a liberal contributor to all the enterprises of the church. The family home, which is located at No. 318 West Jefferson street, Kokomo, is a pleasant and attractive residence, where the spirit of true hospitality is always in evidence to those who enter it. Mrs. Draper is the owner of valuable real estate in the city, in- eluding the Oliver Hotel and the Draper block and is interested with her son Harry in the Kokomo Sanitary Milk and Ice Cream Company, which does a large business. She is a lady of splendid social qualities and has a host of warm personal friends, who esteem her for her genuine worth.
Harry L. Draper, the eldest son of Isaac P. and Jennie Draper, was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, on May 17, 1872. He secured a good elementary education in the public schools and then, with an idea of fitting himself for a business career, he, in 1888, entered the commercial department of Notre Dame Uni- versity, at South Bend, where he was graduated two years later. He then worked a while for his father, later accepting a respon- sible position with the Illinois Central Railroad Company, the duties of which he discharged in an acceptable manner for two years, resigning in 1893. At that time he became a partner with his father in the bottling business at Kokomo, eventually acquir- ing a half interest in the works and materially assisting in the de- velopment of the business to the remarkable volume of consider- ably over one hundred thousand dollars annually. Harry Draper is a keen and sagacious business man, up with the times in his methods and yet duly conservative, so that there is a solidity about his actions that permits no chance of failure. He has de- voted himself assiduously to his business affairs and today is numbered among the most successful and progressive young busi- ness men of Kokomo. He is also interested in the Kokomo Sani- tary Milk and Ice Cream Company, another successful and well- known local enterprise which has during a few years made big
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strides forward among the leading houses of the kind in this part of the state.
Politically, Harry L. Draper is a Democrat, but is too busy with his business affairs to take a very active part in public affairs, though not too busy to keep in touch with current ques- tions and to cast an intelligent ballot for the principles that meet his point of view. Fraternally. he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Harry L. Draper was married in 1896 to Maude Alexander, of Robinson, Illinois, and they have become the parents of two children, Margaret Elizabeth and Charline Jeannette. Mrs. Draper received a thorough education in the common schools and the State Normal School at Terre Haute and prior to her marriage she was a successful and popular teacher in the public schools, having also taught elocution and physical culture in the public schools of Danville. She is a lady of refinement and many graces of character that have attracted to her a large circle of friends.
Fred C. Draper, the second son of Isaac P. and Jennie Draper, was born in Sullivan, Indiana, on August 27, 1874, and his death occurred in April, 1910. The death of no young man in Kokomo in recent years caused so widespread an expression of genuine sorrow and regret as was heard when Death's hand touched him and he entered into the dreamless sleep from which none awake. A young man of exceptional qualities of character, a good business man, friendly neighbor, upright citizen, faithful husband and lov- ing father, he embodied in himself those qualities which drew others to him and his passing away left a void that has never been filled. Mr. Draper received a good practical education in the schools of Kokomo and upon completing his education he accepted a clerkship in the Strickland clothing store, though prior to that he had taken a course in a dental college at Indianapolis with a view of making that his life work. Subsequently he became as- sistant to his father in the bottling works and in January, 1906, he became a partner in the concern, which was now styled Isaac P. Draper & Sons. He was a material factor in the development of the business, in which he took the deepest interest, and formed many warm business friendships. He possessed a personality of unusual force, excellent business qualifications and an ambition and enthusiasm that in itself was almost a guarantee of success
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in any undertaking to which he might address himself. In Janu- ary, 1910, Mr. Draper went to San Antonio, Texas, in the hope of regaining his health, which was in a precarious condition, and re- turned to Kokomo a few months later feeling much improved. However, his death came suddenly, despite the ministrations of loving hands and the skill of science.
On January 15, 1902, Fred C. Draper was married to Icy Turner, of Nebraska, and they became the parents of two children, Harry, born July 5, 1903, who died in infancy, and Frances Jane, born July 13, 1907, who is now living with her mother in Chicago.
Politically, Fred Draper was affiliated with the Democratic party, though he did not take a very active part in politics. Fraternally, he was a member of the Knights of Pythias, includ- ing the Uniform Rank, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a popular member of these orders and in his daily life en- deavored to exemplify their sublime teachings.
THOMAS MURRAY.
This biographical memoir has to do with a character of un- usual force, for Thomas Murray, whose life chapter has been closed by the fate that awaits us all, was for many years one of the best known and most popular citizens of Howard county, In- diana, having come from one of the oldest and best-known pioneer families of Kokomo, and he himself assisted in many ways in advancing the interests of the community with which his life was identified. While he carried on a special line of business in such a manner as to gain a comfortable competency for himself, he also belonged to that class of representative citizens who promote the publie welfare while advancing individual success. There were in him sterling traits which commanded uniform confidence and re- gard, and his memory is today honored by all who knew him and is enshrined in the hearts of his many friends.
Thomas Murray was a native of the county in which he spent his life, his birth having occurred at Kokomo on January 16, 1858, and his death occurred on January 14, 1910, so that had he lived two days longer he would have reached his fifty-second birthday. He was the son of Col. Charles D. and Margaret A. Murray, the former being deceased and the latter now making her home in Kokomo. Charles D. Murray was a man of much more than ordinary ability and strength of character and occupied a position of unusual eminence in his section of the state. As a lawyer, he had no superiors and few equals before the Howard county bar, his wide and accurate knowledge of the law, his elo- quence as a pleader and his forceful personality making him a man of prominence and influence in his profession. He was one of the real pioneers of this locality, having helped to lay out the city of Kokomo, his first home being in a log cabin, and he was an im- portant factor in the early development and progress of the town. During the Civil war he was a soldier of distinction, having gained the rank of colonel, and he served his county well in the halls of the state Legislature and in other positions of high trust and honor. His death occurred in 1873. Charles D. and Margaret A. Murray were the parents of twelve children, of whom the sur-
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vivors are as follows: Capt. Charles D. Murray and Daniel A. Murray, of New Orleans; Horace Murray, of Joplin, Missouri; Fred Murray, of Elgin, Illinois; Mrs. Emma Ricketts, of Howard county, Indiana, and Lizzie, Carrie and William, of Kokomo.
"Tom" Murray, as he was universally called by those who knew him, was reared in Kokomo and received his education in the public senvois of this eny. in poynova he followed the bent of his inclinations and identified himself with the show business, joining Robert Campbell, one of the premier circus agents of that day, with the advance advertising force of the old W. W. Coles show. In this connection he was for two or three seasons "on the road," covering much of the country and gaining an experience of much value to him, and in a way educational. During the late seventies Mr. Murray controlled the Kokomo bill-posting plant and then embarked in business on his own account, in which he met with success, accumulating a competeney which has placed his widow in comfortable circumstances. He afterwards embarked with his brother, William Murray, in the eigar and tobacco busi- ness, with a billiard room, and was so engaged up to the time of his death.
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