USA > Indiana > Memorial record of northeastern Indiana > Part 14
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 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99
In his fraternal relations our subject is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Traveler's Protective Association of America, in which latter organization he has been advanced to the position as President of the State branch of the Association. He is a man of broad intellectuality, refined sen- timents and innate courtesy, and is highly esteemed in both business and social circles.
J AMES M. ROBINSON .- The motto, "Merit always commands its re- ward," is well exemplified in the career of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Robinson early learned that knowledge was the key with which the poor boy on the farm, the power with which the lad in the shop, could open the store- house of the world, and cull its choic- est fruits. The result is that, though born in 1861, he is now one of the most suc- cessful members of the bar of Fort Wayne, and is essentially the architect of his own fortune.
Mr. Robinson is a native of the county which has been the field of his endeavor. He was born in a log cabin in Pleasant township, Allen county, Indiana, in the year 1861, being the son of David A. and Isabella (Bowen) Robinson, both of whom were natives of the State of Ohio, the former having been born in 1834 and the latter in 1833. In the year 1855 they came to Allen county, Indiana, and took up their abode on a frontier farm. On this pioneer homestead they reared their three children. of whom James M., the immediate subject of this sketch, was the youngest.
James M. Robinson passed his childhood days on the farm, thus begetting a vigor of body, steadiness of purpose, firmness of character, and last, but not least, a moral character, that were destined to make him able to run the race of life successfully against the better favored youth from the city. He was enabled to attend the district school in the vicinity of his home, and when he had attained the age of ten years the family removed to Fort Wayne, and he was here able to attend the public schools for a period of three years. During the last two years of his attendance in the city
130
MEMORIAL RECORD OF
schools he carried newspapers and cleaned street lamps in order to secure funds to pay for his books and clothing. Thus early in life he began to depend upon himself, and he looked forward to the future with clear vision and undaunted courage, confident in his own ability to dare and to do. In 1875 he secured employment as collector for the Fort Wayne Daily News, and the next year he began work as a machine hand in the wheel works of N. G. Olds. Though a mere lad he was compelled from this time to sup- port himself and mother, and in this year they began keeping house in Fort Wayne, and have continuously kept house together, , --- Mr. Robinson never having been married.
While working in the shop the lad put his leisure moments to practical use, having firmly determined to prepare himself for a wider sphere of usefulness than that implied in the line of work which now engaged his attention. He began a careful course of reading in the law, being kindly assisted and directed by the well known firm of Cole- rick Brothers, eminent members of the bar of the State. To one of these estimable and talented gentlemen, Mr. Thomas W. Colerick, our subject, gratefully attributes much of the success that has attended his professional efforts, as he often remarks, that Mr. Colerick gave him "his start in life." Prosecuting his studies with vigor and determination, our subject did not re- lax his efforts in the line which gave him an income, continuing his connection with the wheel works until 1881, when he left the shop and entered the office of the above named firm, in order to devote his entire time and attention to preparing himself for that profession which he had determined to make his life work. In 1882 he was ad- mitted to practice in both the State and
1
1
United States courts, and thereafter his rise in the profession and success in securing a representative clientage were pronounced and certain.
Industry, promptness and close applica- tion gave him a prestige, while his fidelity and careful preparation of cases insured him such successful results in his work as to gain him the confidence and respect of both court and jury, as well as his professional confreres. Admitted to the bar before he had yet attained his majority, our subject is still a young man, but he has had an ex- perience of more than fourteen years in active practice and has augmented his tech- nical abilities by assiduous study, having proved himself especially eligible in mental characteristics for the legal profession. In his presentation of a case he is a direct and forcible speaker, never losing sight of the main point at issue and yet having cogniz- ance of every detail essential to the main- tenance of his cause. He is easy yet em- phatic in his delivery and his arguments are always cogent and concise. These are ele- ments essential to success at the bar, and that Mr. Robinson has attained prestige is due to his own efforts and his high regard for the ethics of life and for the conser- vation of justice.
Our subject's political career began with his candidacy for the office of Prosecuting Attorney before the Democratic convention of 1884. His fellow workmen in the machine shops accorded him a stalwart sup- port and carried one-half of the city for him, but he was defeated in his first efforts for the nomination by Mr. C. M. Dawson, who four years later was elected Judge of the Superior Court. In 1886 Mr. Robinson was nominated without opposition, and again in 1888, for Prosecutor of the Thirty-eighth
131
NORTHEASTERN INDIANA.
Judicial Circuit, the former year running 700 votes ahead of the State ticket, and in the latter year being elected by the flatter- ing majority of 4,218. His record as Prose- cuting Attorney was a brilliant one, and he is recognized by both the profession and the general public as being one of the most capable incumbents in the office that the county ever had. Within his two terms there were 300 convictions for felony and but three acquittals, -a fact that speaks in no uncertain way of his ability and fidelity to the interests of those by whose suffrage he held the responsible preferment. Such success, as attained within a minimum of time, bears evidence of the honest worth and the unmistakable capacity of the man, and that it is richly merited none can doubt who have watched his earnest and indefati- gable efforts and have marked the transition stages of his advancement.
In his political proclivities Mr. Robinson renders a stanch allegiance to the Demo- cratic party, whose men and measures he has supported in an active and effective way. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias, Elks, I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W., and Sons of Veterans. His father served for over three years in the civil war, and received in battle a gun-shot wound in the right hand, and for want of proper care in Libby prison, where he was confined, the wound resulted. in a total disability.
Mr. Robinson, in 1892, made the race for the Congressional nomination in the Twelfth District of Indiana, and out of a total of 106 delegates he received forty-nine votes, or within five votes of receiving the nomination, his successful competitor be- ing W. F. McNagny, who was elected from the district in that year.
L OUIS FOX, who is living in Fort Wayne, is one of the most prom- inent business men of Indiana, a leader in his line of trade in the State. To the commercial interests of the place its prosperity is due, and the man who successfully conducts such an enterprise may well be numbered among the valuable citi- zens of the community, for he promotes the public interest while advancing individual prosperity and lends life and activity to the community with which he is connected. Such a man is Louis Fox, the leading manu- facturer of confectioneries and crackers in the Hoosier State.
He was born in the city which is still his home, March 8, 1852, and is a son of George and Mary (Schnetz) Fox. The father was born in Kenzingen, Baden, Germany, March 30, 1820, and died October 13, 1892, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother was born in Solothurn, Switzerland, May 5, 1821, and died August 10, 1891. They emigrated to America in 1848, arriving in New York on the 24th of April, and in Fort Wayne on the 8th of May. They were mar- ried on the 25th of November of the same year, and located upon a farm in Adams township, but lived there only a short time. His early training in Germany was that of gardener, and the father now turned his at- tention to that pursuit, which he followed until 1863, when he purchased a half inter- est in the confectionery and restaurant busi- ness located at 25 East Main street. Not long afterward he became sole owner, and for some years carried on operations along that line, meeting with a success that demanded the enlargement of his facilities and brought to him a good return in the shape of a handsome competence. In the family were three sons: Joseph, who is the
132
MEMORIAL RECORD OF
second, is now running the business which his father established, while August, the eld- est, is connected with Louis in the extensive bakery.
Louis Fox acquired his education in the local schools and in the commercial college of this city. He then entered the employ Huestis & Hamilton, wholesale grocers and confectioners, and acquired the trade while employed by them; subsequently he became a partner. In 1877 he embarked in the wholesale manufacture of confectionery and crackers, in connection with H. J. Trent- man, under the firm name of Trentman & Fox. The business had been established in 1868 by the firm of Wolke & Trentman, but on the election of the former to the position of County Clerk in 1874, he sold his interest to Joseph Fox, a brother of the subject of this sketch, and on the Ist of June, 1877. H. J. Trentman succeeded his cousin, B. H. Trentman, and Louis Fox purchased the interest of his brother Joseph. The old firm name was retained until 1883. when Mr. Trentman retired and the busi- ness was conducted by Louis Fox alone until January 1, 1886, when he admitted to a part- nership his brother, August. Operations have since been carried on under the name of the Fox Bakery and Confectionery.
Up to 1886 the factory was located at No. 100 Calhoun street, in the Wolke block, but in that year Mr. Fox erected the large four-story brick building at the corner of Calhoun and Jefferson streets, to which he removed in the fall of the same year. The structure was of pressed brick and Bedford stone, and was one of the finest in the city, being in dimensions 50x 120 feet. The business was now established on a firm basis; the trade was constantly increasing and the concern was in a flourishing condition when,
on the 16th of February, 1889, it was de- stroyed by fire. Though this would have discouraged many, the Fox Brothers with characteristic energy began the erection of another factory, which rose phoenix-like from the ashes to become the largest and most complete establishment of the kind in the State. The plant is embraced in a hand- some four-story stone and pressed brick warehouse, and a three-story factory in the rear, the former located on Calhoun street and the latter on Jefferson. The main build- ing is one of the finest commercial structures of Fort Wayne, and is an architectural orna- ment of the main thoroughfare of the city. The manufactory is equipped with all the most modern ovens and machinery known to the trade, operated by steam power, and furnishes employment to a large force of skill- ed workmen, the usual force numbering 120 hands, besides seven salesmen who solicit orders in the States of Indiana, Ohio, Mich- igan, Illinois and western Pennsylvania. The products, which are manufactured after the most scientific methods, with chemical ex- actitude and with the utmost regard for cleanliness and purity, are uniformly perfect in character and wholsesome and delicious to the taste. They comprise a large variety of crackers and biscuit, as well as confec- tionery, which are unrivaled in excellence.
Louis Fox is an expert practical manu- facturer and closely supervises all the opera . tions of the business. He bears the highest reputation for enterprising and progressive methods, and is widely esteemed in the trade. By reason of its advanced facilities, superior products and hberal management, the Fox bakery seems destined to long main- tain itself as one of the most complete establishments of this kind in the West. This company is a branch of the United
133
NORTHEASTERN INDIANA.
States Baking Company, which has thirty- eight branches throughout the country, while its capital stock is $5,250,000 !
On the 2d of September, 1875, Mr. Fox was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Lau, a daughter of Thomas Lan, one of the pioneer settlers of this locality. They have had three children-a daughter and two sons: Rosa, Robert and Oscar. In his political views, Mr. Fox is a stalwart Demo- crat, and for some time was a member of the Democraric central committee. He has for many years represented the Sixth ward in the City Council, serving in 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1891, 1892, and resigning in 1893. His work as Alderman was most effect- ive for the best interests of the city. He is public-spirited and progressive, and labored untiringly for the promotion of all enter- prises which were calculated to prove of public benefit. Socially he is connected with the Protective and Benevolent Order of Elks, and is a member of the Sons of Co- lumbus.
The business interests of Mr. Fox have been by no means limited to one line of trade. He is a man of broad capabilities and extensive resources, and in addition to build- ing up the large bakery business, of which he is now the head, he is a director and stockholder of the Utility Paper Com- pany of Hartford City, Indiana, a director and stockholder of the Paragon Company of Eaton, Indiana, a stockholder and di- rector of the Koenig Medicine Company of Chicago, a director of the Abbott Sanita - rium Company, and a stockholder of the Columbia Peanut Company of Norfolk, Virginia. He manages his business affairs on strict business principles, is systematic and methodical, and has a laudable ambition tempered by sound judgment. 7
tention to the details of his business, capa- ble management and fair dealing have brought him not only a high degree of suc- cess, but have gained him the unqualified confidence of the public as well.
ON. FRANKLIN P. RANDALL, deceased .- The record of a busy life, a successful life, must ever prove fecund in interest and profit as scanned by the student who would learn the intrinsic essence of individuality; who would. attempt an analysis of character and trace back to the fountain head the widely diverging channels which mark the onward flow, the constantly augmentive process, - if we may be allowed the phrase,-of such individuality. All-human advancement, all human weal or woe,-in short all things within the mental ken, are but mirrored back from the composite individuality of those who have lived.
In the study of so eminently a practical and useful life as that of the honored sub- ject to whom this memoir is dedicated, we find an opulence of incentive and are irre- sistably moved to the according of respect, admiration and veneration.
Franklin P. Randall, was for many years a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the record of his life is closely inter- woven with the history of the city. He was born in Madison county, New York, June 2, 1812, and, having lived a life of usefulness, died in Fort Wayne, May 23, 1892, la- mented by a community. He had attained the venerable age of four score years, and, having run his course, passed to his reward, his demise being but the consistent ending of a truly noble life, and one rich in honors
Careful at- J and in the esteem of men.
134
MEMORIAL RECORD OF
His lineage was of English origin, and he was of the seventh generation born on American soil. His paternal grandfather was one of the stalwart supporters of the colonies when they essayed the herculean task of determining their independence of the mother country by final recourse to arms, and he was an officer during the war of the Revolution, commanding a regiment in the battle of Saratoga and witnessing the sur- render of General Burgoyne. The father of our subject inherited the paternal loyalty and when the war of 1812 again represented the conflict between England and America, he was one of those who bore arms in sup- port of the Republic, and when the struggle terminated he once more returned to his peaceful pastoral pursuits in Madison county, New York.
Upon the old homestead in the county named, Franklin P. Randall passed the days of his youth, obtaining his preliminary edu- cation in the district schools near his home. This discipline was subsequently supple- mented by careful and conscientious study in the academies at Cortland and Hamilton, where he acquired an excellent education, being particularly strong in mathematics and the classics. After completing his academic course he put his knowledge to practical utilitarian test by teaching a select school, in Oneida county, New York, for a period of two years. Self-reliant in nature, he early formulated plans for his future career, de- termining to make the profession of law his vocation in life. For the purpose of matur- ing these plans, he went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in October 1835, and there entered vigorously upon the study of law, under the able preceptorship of Judge Ellis Lewis, who was for fourteen years Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the old
Keystone State. Thoroughness was ever one of his marked characteristics and in his law studies it made him master of the au- thorities with which every lawyer must be- come familiar if he would win success in his chosen field. In February, 1838, in Will- iamsport, he was admitted to the bar and in April of that year came to the West. He believed that an ambitious and enterprising young man would find a better opening in this new but rapidly developing section of the country where he would not have to compete with men already long established in business. Time showed the wisdom of this opinion. He took up his residence at Fort Wayne, Indiana, opened an office and at once entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, which he continued for many years with excellent success.
The fellow townsmen of Mr. Randall soon recognized his worth and ability and called him to public office. In 1840 he was elected School Commissioner of Allen county for a term of four years, during which time he had control and management of all the school lands and funds of the county. In 1847 he was honored by an election to the State Senate to represent the district com- prising the counties of Allen, Huntington and Wells, and in that body rendered most efficient service. He was commissioned by Governor Wright as Colonel of the State militia for Allen county, and in 1855 was by Governor Hammond promoted to the position of Brigadier General of the Tenth Division. In 1856 Governor Willard ap- pointed him director of the State Prison South, and in the same year he was chosen one of the Presidential Electors, and sup- ported James Buchanan. His official career was above reproach, untarnished by shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He was al-
135
NORTHEASTERN INDIANA.
ways true to the trust reposed in him, prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, and his long continuance in office was a high testimonial of his worth.
Fort Wayne owes to him much of her prosperity and advancement, for in the early years of his residence here Mr. Randall was actively identified with its official and busi- ness interests. To him belongs the honor of having prepared the first city charter of Fort Wayne, which was made a law in 1840, and subsequently he was three times em- ployed to revise the.ordinances of the city and publish them in book form. In 1840 and 1841 he was City Recorder; was elected City Attorney in 1840, again in 1843, and a third time in 1865, and was elected and served as Alderman in 1843 and 1855. In 1859 he was honored by an election to the highest office within the gift of the people of Fort Wayne, that of Mayor, and was re- elected in 1861, 1863, 1869 and 1871. Probably no resident of the city was more continuously in office than Mr. Randall, whose fidelity to the public welfare was above question. In every position to which he was called he rendered faithful and efficient service. All enterprises calculated to ad- vance the general welfare received his sup- port, and he was actively identified with the work of progress and development in north- eastern Indiana.
For about ten years Mr. Randall was a director in the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company, representing its interests in this city. For many years he was promi- nently connected with the Allen County Ag- ricultural Society, serving for a portion of the time as its president, and sparing no effort to advance its best interests. His ability as a lawyer gained for him a promi- nent position in legal circles, and he had a
large clientage. He was a typical Western man, with his enterprising spirit, and Fort Wayne may well number him among its honored founders. Socially he was cour- teous and genial and made friends wherever he went. When called to his final rest, Allen county lost one of its best citizens as well as early settlers, and those who had known him in private life mourned the loss of a faithful and respected friend.
During the term he was a member of the Legislature at Indianapolis, he met Judge Reed, also a member from Jefferson- ville .. Judge Reed had with him his three accomplished daughters, the present Mrs. Sarah Ranson, the late Mrs. Martha A. Merriweather, and the present Mrs. Ran- dall. Mr. Randall wooed one of the num- ber and took her to then what was called his northern home, Fort Wayne. Five sons and two daughters survive this marriage: Frank M., Carrie L., the wife of Clark Fairbank, of Fort Wayne; Irwin, of New York; Alfred L., of Fort Wayne; Maryann, wife of J. C. Downs, of Danbury, Con- necticut; David J. and George E., of New York.
In religion Mr. Randall was an Episco- palian, and for over forty years was a Vest- ryman and Church Warden. In politics he was a Democrat. His theory was, "Once a Democrat always a Democrat;" and he virtually worshiped the old party. When any fault was found with a Democrat he would always remark that he must have some good in him for he was a Democrat. His Democracy was of a sterling character, however, for he believed in disciplining his party; but such punishment should come from the friends, not the enemies. As a husband, father and friend, Mr. Randall was indulgent in a remarkable degree. No
136
MEMORIAL RECORD OF
expressed wish was refused if it be in his power to grant it. No ill will was harbored against any one. When young men arose to take his place in public affairs, although he loved the excitement of politics, he re- signedly remarked that he was becoming too old. The future to him was bright and serenc. " Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," was one of his favorite quotations, and when a troubled soul sought him he would always volunteer some consoling re- mark. He had lived nearly eighty years, and through all this vista of time no enemy arose. His passing away was a transmis- sion not a death, for he seemed truly
Like one who wraps the draperies of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
FRANK M. RANDALL, the eldest son of this worthy gentleman, was born in Fort Wayne, October 12, 1859, was educated in the public schools and in Purdue University, at La Fayette, Indiana, where he pursued a four-years course, entering the institution at the age of seventeen. On leaving the uni- versity he accepted a position as rodsman on the engineering corps of the Connotton Valley Railroad, surveying from Canton, Ohio, to Shawnee, Ohio. His labors in that direction continued for two years, and he then accepted a similar position on the Nickle Plate Railroad, being engaged in the survey work from Fostoria, Ohio to Fort Wayne. This occupied about a year, and his next engagement made him assistant engineer of the engineering corps of the Michigan & Ohio Railroad, surveying be- tween Dundee and Allegan, Michigan, through a wild and unbroken country. Three years were required to complete the work. Mr. Randall's position was one of responsibility, but he was able to acceptably fill it.
On his return to Fort Wayne in 1884, he was appointed Deputy County Surveyor, in which capacity he served for five years, when, in 1891, he was appointed City En- gineer, and reappointed in 1894, so that he yet fills the office. Like his father he has made it his effort to do with the best of his ability every task that has come to him. The excellencies of his character and his sterling worth merit the high regard in which he is held, and he is justly numbered among Fort Wayne's leading young men. In 1884, he was married to Miss Calla B. Embry, daughter of Louis A. Embry, of Fort Wayne, and their union has been blessed with two daughters, namely, Ruth R. and May R., and a son, Franklin.
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.