USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Memorial record of distinguished men of Indianapolis and Indiana > Part 5
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During all these years Dr. DeMotte had been anxious to return to his work with the deaf, and in 1875 he received his opportunity in his appointment as superin- tendent of the Wisconsin State School for the Deaf at Delavan. His service there lasted for five years, from 1875 to 1880, and he was then called to accept the same position in the Kansas State School for the Deaf at Olathe, remaining here until 1882. From 1882 until 1887 he acted as president of the Female College at Xenia, Ohio. His service there was productive of many good results, as was also that of the next two years, when he was secretary of the Y. M. C. A. at Jacksonville, Illinois. How- ever, these years were only waiting years during which he hoped that he might be given an opportunity to go back to his beloved work among his deaf pupils. In 1889 the appointment came from the Indiana State School, and in addition to his joy at returning to his work it was a satisfaction to come back to the place where as a young man he had begun that work. His first school was thus to prove his last, for he remained in this institution until his death, having served it in all thirty-four years. Of his work among the deaf the Wisconsin Times has the following; "A kind-hearted and sympathetic man, he found his work among the deaf peculiarly interesting and self-satisfying. In that work he felt there was large opportunity, not alone in mental training and the imparting of knowledge to the pupils, but there was a grand opportunity to unfold the moral nature and to awaken and develop the spiritual vision of the child. He considered the work as true missionary work-im- parting the knowledge of a Supreme Being and of spiritual truth to those who from physical disability were unable to attain such knowledge in the ordinary way. And it was in this latter department of educating the deaf that Dr. DeMotte was es- pecially strong and helpful. He was a clear, distinct and forceful sign-maker, and his lectures to the pupils and his Sunday services in the chapel were always given
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in such a simple, earnest manner, and in such graceful and forceful signs, that they made a deep and abiding impression."
For nearly twenty years Dr. DeMotte conducted a Bible class for the adult deaf of Indianapolis, which met in the Meridian Street church. He derived much satis- faction from this work and each member of the class had a special place in his heart. He often spoke of them during the last days of his life and was anxious that arrangements should be made for continuing the class after he was gone. How deeply this class has missed him can not be put into words. In addition to this work he did considerable writing, especially for the Advocate and similar papers. He was as clear a writer as he was a thinker and speaker and it is to be greatly regretted that he did not leave us more of his wisdom on paper. When he was graduated from Asbury University he received the degree of A. B., and in 1852 he took the M. A. degree from the same university. In 1877 Lawrence University, at Appleton, Wisconsin, conferred on him the degree of LL. D., in recognition of the great work he was doing for education.
On the 15th of September, 1852, Dr. DeMotte was married to Catherine Hoover at Darlington, Indiana. The marriage proved to be a fortunate one, and the couple became the parents of six children, all of whom are living: Ellen, the wife of W. F. Brown; Frances, who married A. R. Archibald; Catherine, who became the wife of R. A. Gates; Marshall, the only son; Mary, who is Mrs. J. G. Doering; and Eliza- beth, the wife of T. P. Carter. It was while the family was living in Jacksonville that the beloved wife and mother was taken from them. On the 23rd of December, 1873, Dr. DeMotte was married to Anna A. Graves, of Jacksonville, Illinois. It was an usually happy union, and it was Mrs. DeMotte's privilege to be with her husband during the most beautiful years of his life. Their daughter, Amelia, was a source of great joy to him, and was his constant companion both at home and in school.
Dr. DeMotte was seventy-nine years of age at the time of his death, but was in good health and was unusually vigorous for a man of his years. He was ill only a little over a week, and it was not thought until two days before his death that his condition was serious. His last two days were quiet and peaceful, and the words which he spoke at this time will forever be treasured in the hearts of his family and friends. His death occurred on the 2nd of January, 1910. Services were conducted in the chapel of the school that he loved so well on the third of January and on the follow- ing day a short service was held at the home. According to the wish of Dr. De- Motte he was carried from his home by the six deaf teachers of the school, who had been so intimately associated with him. The body was taken to Jacksonville, and there the final services were held.
Dr. DeMotte was a member of the Masonic order and was a life-long member of the Methodist church, in which he had always done much active work. He was de- voted to his home, and cared most to spend his leisure hours with his family, read- ing being his great recreation. Geology was a favorite study, the result of which is a fine collection of geological specimens. He died in the fullness of years, with the consciousness that he had lived a long life of service to others. He died as he would have wished, when he was in full possession of his powers and was living a life of usefulness. The following beautiful prayer which he wrote on the occasion of his seventy-ninth birthday is a fitting close to the account of this beautiful life of ser-
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vice, and is quoted especially in the hope that others of his age may read it and make it theirs:
"I thank Thee for all old people who have grown younger with their years-for all who are bringing forth fruit in their old age. Endow me with the Heavenly secret, and may I be a child of eternal life. I want still to have sympathy with the young and with those who are bearing the burden and heat of the day. Help me to bear my own infirmities with cheerful patience. Keep me from narrow pride in out-grown ways-blind eyes that refuse to see the good of change-impatient judg- ments of the methods and experiments of others. Take from me all fear of death, and both undue love and contempt of life. And may I wait, active and effective, as far as possible, Thy call."
Joseph G. AlcDowell
N THE vigorous and noble attributes of character which denote I the late Joseph Gabby McDowell is given evidence of the in- trinsic worth of the race from which he sprung, and his lineage is traced back on his paternal side to the strongest of Scottish origin. He was long and prominently identified with the busi- ness interests of Indianapolis, and was a citizen who ever held prominent place in popular confidence and esteem. His intel- lectual powers were of the most symmetrical order, and his sagacity and mature judgment made him a powerful factor in the direction of thought and action in the city which so long represented his home, and in which in a quiet way he won a suc- cess worthy of the name. It is important to enter record, though necessarily brief, concerning the history of the subject of this memoir. Authentic records indicate clearly that William McDowell, to whom the lineage is traced, was among those sturdy Scotsmen who left Scotland and sought refuge in the north of Ireland at a time when religious persecution rendered their residence in their native land unten- able. John McDowell, LL. D., was one of the most distinguished representatives of this family in America. He became president of St. Johns College at Annapolis, Maryland, and later was provost of the University of Pennsylvania. Among those to whom he gave instruction was young Custis, a stepson of General George Wash- ington, and the General was a warm personal friend of Dr. McDowell. Letters from Washington to the Doctor are still preserved in the Historical Museum in Philadelphia. William McDowell, son of Dr. John McDowell, was a valiant sol- dier in the War of the Revolution, in which he served as captain of a company in the Continental army, and he was complimented for his gallant service at Stony Point and other places. He also took part in the Indian wars of his day and gave further valuable service to his country in the campaigns against the Redskins.
Dr. Andrew McDowell, of the fifth generation of this family in America, moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at Titusville, in that state, Alexander McDowell founded another branch of the family, the while Patrick McDowell established a home in Peoria, Illinois. Family tradition gives no little authority for the statement that the history of the McDowell family may be traced back to "Dowell of Gallo- way" who lived 230 B. C.
Joseph Gabby McDowell was born near Waynesboro, Franklin county, Penn- sylvania, on July 30, 1836. The place of his nativity was the well ordered farm of his father, Nathan McDowell, who was one of the stalwart and valuable citizens of that section of the old Keystone state. Mrs. Emily Gabby McDowell, the mother of Joseph G., was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and both families have been uncom- promising in their allegiance to the Presbyterian church for many generations. Many of the McDowells of America have been foremost in the work of this denom- ination and the father, grandfather and great-grandfather of Joseph G. McDowell have been elders in the church. This family precedent he himself well supported,
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Joseph G. McDowell
as he was a staunch, zealous and valued worker in the Memorial Presbyterian church of Indianapolis and was an elder and a member of the Second Presbyterian church when he was summoned to the life eternal.
Reared in the sturdy discipline of the farm, Joseph G. McDowell waxed strong in mind and body, and in the meanwhile he duly availed himself of the advantages of the common schools of his native county. His ambition for further education was realized when he was permitted to continue his studies in Jefferson College, one of the old and substantial institutions of his native state. At the age of twenty-two years he became associated with his father in the foundry business at Hagerstown, Maryland, where he continued to be identified with this line of business until the close of the Civil war. In June, 1865, Mr. McDowell came to Indianapolis, then a city of less than fifty thousand inhabitants. Soon after establishing his home in the capital city of Indiana, Mr. McDowell associated himself with Bowen & Stewart, dealers in books and stationery, and with this well known concern he continued to be identified for twelve years, in which time he gained a wide acquaintanceship and most unequivocal publicity in the city of his choice. At the expiration of the period named, he resumed his connection with the line of enterprise to which he had for- merly given his attention by identifying himself with the old Atlas Works, with which he continued until the business was closed up. He then became actively connected with the re-organization of the business, and with the new firm, the Atlas Engine Works, he was prominently identified and held the important position of traffic manager for the company for the long period of thirty years, and his ser- vices were terminated only by his death, which occurred on the 26th day of July, 1910. After his health had become seriously impaired he returned to the old home at Hagerstown, Maryland, in the hope of recuperating his energies, and his death occurred at that city.
Mr. McDowell was a citizen of the most liberal and progressive type and ever took a broad minded interest in all that touched upon the welfare of his home city. He was an appreciative student of the history and teachings of the time honored Masonic fraternity, with which he was most actively affiliated for many years, and in which he attained to the thirty-third and maximum degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Mr. McDowell's zeal in the work of huis church and his abiding and up- lifting interest in his fellow men were of the most insistent order. He was a close student of the Bible, and his familiarity with ecclesiastical literature was extensive. He was for many years a successful and popular teacher in the Sunday-school and he gave the greatest care and circumspection to the Bible and general theological studies. His private library of rare and extensive works along this line is treasured by his family. He was known as a man of fine literary appreciation and most stu- dious habits. Genial and kindly in all the relations of life, honest in his judgment of others, he won and retained the greatest of friendships. Singularly free from os- tentation, the very strength and nobility of the man could not but give further in- fluence of benignant order and of ever widening angle, so that he still lives in the lives of those whom he aided and guided.
It might be noted that Charles McDowell, a brother of him to whom this memoir is dedicated, ran away from home at the time of the Civil war and tendered his services in defense of the cause of the Confederacy. He was a soldier in the ranks of the Southern army, and encountered many thrilling experiences and participated in many hot engagements. On one occasion he was captured as a spy and was sen-
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Joseph @. McDowell
tenced to be hanged, but fortunately escaped. A gun which he carried at the time of the great conflict now hangs upon the walls of the late home of his brother, Joseph McDowell, and constitutes a valued relic. There is also a bayonet which was left at the home of Mrs. McDowell's parents by a Union soldier who had been given food and other provisions.
For a short period Joseph McDowell devoted his attention to newspaper work, being connected with the Indianapolis Sentinel, and, while he was a strong and vig- orous writer, the work did not appeal to him sufficiently to keep him in the service. Mr. McDowell provided for his family in a home on North Meridian street, and here his wife and two daughters still reside, the place being known for its generous hos- pitality, and being the center of representative social activity.
On the 25th of July, 1862, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McDowell to Miss Lucretia McCardle, who was born at Hagerstown, Maryland. Mr. McDowell is survived by his widow and three children: the Misses Emily and Josephine, who live with their widowed mother in the old home which has been the family residence for a score of years, and a son, Charles, who is engaged in business in Indianapolis, and who married Miss Olla Boyle, of this city.
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Couple R Zvans
oseph R. Cbans
EASURED by its beneficence, its rectitude, its productiveness, M its unconscious altruism and its material success, the life of the late Joseph R. Evans counted for much, and in this publication, which has to do with those strong and representative characters that have wielded influence in connection with civic and busi- ness activities in the Indiana capital, it is most consonant that a review of his career be incorporated. His character was the positive expression of a singularly true, constant and loyal nature, and, ever modest and unassuming, his devotion to principle, his adherence to high ideals and his fine ability along constructive lines, made his influence one of potent and benignant order in the city that so long represented his home. His life was gentle and kindly and concerning him it may consistently be said that, in the midst of thronging busi- ness exactions he "went about doing good." It is hoped that this brief memoir may reveal somewhat of the character and achievement of the man, so that a tribute of honor may be perpetuated where honor is well due.
A representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the old Buckeye state, Joseph R. Evans, was born on a farm near Waynesville, Warren county, Ohio, on the 16th of November, 1840. He was a scion of staunch old Southern stock, his father, Thomas Evans, born in South Carolina, and his mother, Elizabeth M. Evans, in North Carolina, who early established their home in that section of Ohio, where the father continued to be identified with the great basic industry of agriculture until his death, which occurred when the subject of this memoir was a lad of eleven years. The mother survived her honored husband by many years and both were earnest and zeal- ous members of that noble religious organization, the Society of Friends. The condi- tions and influences of what may be termed the middle-pioneer epoch in the history of Ohio compassed the childhood and youth of Joseph R. Evans, and on the home farm he early gained fellowship with earnest toil and endeavor, the while he duly availed himself of the advantages of the common schools of the locality and period. He began attendance at the Friends Boarding School (now Earlham College) at Richmond, Indiana, when eleven years old, and later he again resumed his studies in this admirable institution long maintained under the auspices of the Society of Friends. After leaving college Mr. Evans helped on the farm with his brother until 1861, when he returned to Richmond, Indiana, where he studied law under ef- fective preceptorship and where he became virtually eligible for admission to the bar. The impaired condition of his eyes, however, rendered it impracticable for him to take up the work of the profession of law, which demands so much of reading and study, and consequently Mr. Evans felt constrained to seek some other field of endeavor. In 1863, therefore, he removed to Indianapolis, a city with whose indus- trial and civic affairs he was destined to be long, worthily and prominently identified. Here he was concerned with the operation of a flouring mill for some time, but the major part of his active career was one of close and successful identification with the manufacturing of linseed oil. In association with his brothers he built up a
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Joseph R. Cbans
large and important enterprise in this line and the same contributed materially to the commercial prestige of Indianapolis. He became one of the essentially pro- gressive and representative business men of Indiana's capital city and here con- tinned his productive activities in the manufacturing of linseed oil until 1900, when impaired health compelled his retirement. For nearly thirty years Mr. Evans was thus identified with business activities in Indianapolis, and he entered fully into the progressive spirit that has compassed the upbuilding of a beautiful industrial and residence city, his public spirit and civic loyalty having ever been of insistent order and his co-operation having been given to those measures and enter- prises that contributed to the moral, social and material wellbeing of the community. He never sought notoriety of any kind and never consented to become a candidate for public office, but he was well known in the city that so long continued to be his home and here he held the staunchest vantage ground in popular confidence and esteem, for his integrity of purpose was impregnable and he ever manifested a high sense of stewardship as a man among men. He was ever a staunch and appreciative supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and while he gave every possible aid to its cause he was, as already stated, entirely without ambition for public office. Through well directed reading and through his long association with men and affairs he became a man of broad information and distinctive cul- ture, and he was specially interested in history, to the reading of which he devoted much time, the while he covered a wide range of historical literature.
Mr. Evans was a birthright member of the Society of Friends and few have more effectively stood exponent of its simple and noble teachings. His zeal and earnest- ness in connection with the various interests of this religious body were of the deep- est and most solicitious order and he was one of the influential factors in the coun- cils of the society. He was treasurer of the Western Yearly Meeting of the So- ciety of Friends for twenty-one years, and for twenty-six years prior to his death he was a member of the board of trustees of Earlham College, at Richmond, In- diana, and he was treasurer of the financial board of this institution for nearly a score of years prior to his demise. He was in ill health for a long period before he was summoned to the life eternal and he bore his affliction with character- istic patience and cheerfulness. He had passed nine winters at Long Beach, Cali- fornia, to which state he had gone in the hope of recuperating his health, and at Long Beach his death occurred on the 24th of May, 1908, his remains being brought back to Indianapolis for interment in Crown Hill cemetery. From a letter written by the Rev. Andrew Mitchell, pastor of the church of the Society of Friends at Long Beach, California, are taken the following appreciative statements: "Joseph R. Evans was a citizen of broad views and many influences. The devotion bestowed upon him by his family was evidence of his appreciation in the home. His business integrity made him a trusted counsel in the church and its educational institutions. As a citizen of the state he was zealous in the promotion of what he believed to be right. In his ill health he manifested remarkable patience through all his protracted sufferings, and as he realized the hour of dissolution approaching he not only expressed his willingness to go but was also eager for the hour to come. He freely
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expressed his gratitude for the comforting Presence in helping him through his illness."
There is all of consistency in perpetuating in this memoir the following quota- tion from the address delivered by Rev. M. C. Pierson on the occasion of the funeral services of Mr. Evans in Indianapolis :
"Joseph R. Evans was a man of many excellent qualities. I believe the elements so blended in his life and character that he was one of those of whom we say, when we have known and tried them, that 'he was a good man, or she was a good woman.' I believe that the best thing that can be said of any one. He inherited from his an- cestors a very rich legacy, -a legacy of more value than silver or gold; a legacy which had to do with the elements of character. Like many of us who gather here today, he, with us, inherited such things from the Quaker ancestry before him, and it seems to me in an unusual way he inherited these things. His senses were all exceedingly keen; he had broad, conservative views of life; he was a student who thought out deep and grave questions; and of all the traits of character, his sense of right and justice predominated. Of all things Joseph Evans desired to see was that which was right, and to see it meant to do it. To do a wrong thing never en- tered his mind; he never did a wrong knowingly. He was a man of deep conviction; he thought deeply on every question and after he had thought his way through he always stood for that which he believed to be right.
"While a man of large business interests all these years, his most prominent and abiding interest was that connected with the church, and I should like to stop long enough to express that thought. Joseph R. Evans was distinctly a business leader in the church,-a man who thought deeply on large questions. He went ahead of the church and thought out its problems, and he met them as the days and years came on. His official position in the church is evidence of the church's appreciation of his great worth. As previously stated, twenty-one years treasurer of the Western Yearly Meeting, twenty-six years a trustee of Earlham College,-all these things attest the fact that our brother was held in the most high esteem as a counsel and leader. So, as we think of him to-day and as we gather in memory of him, we shall all feel keenly the loss that will be ours when we separate from him,-a loss in the councils of the church; a loss in Indianapolis, where he has been with us a leader for forty-five years; one who has had much to do in the erection of the present building in which we meet; one who in the Yearly Meeting has taken such active part.
"One of the traits of character which impresses me more than another is this great devotion of spirit and soul to the church. Never too busy to give time; never too busy to give money ; never too busy to give himself for the church, or the col- lege, or the work of God in the field where he felt He had called him. And now, as we come to the closing of this life, it seems to have been in many respects a ripening, a preparing for the harvest. These last years have been filled with suffering and illness; shut away from the church, deprived of the meetings, it seems to me that through all he was ripening for the garner, preparing for the entering into the Presence later. And as he came nearer the end, his confidence in God increased, and there was a great manifestation of patience and of willingness to go when God saw fit to call,-a resting in God and trusting in him for direction and for the out- come, whatever it might be. How precious, indeed, and how beautiful, indeed, comes the end when life's battles are fought and when the end comes to pass out of this world through the doorway of death to the palace of God, on the other side."
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