USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 3
USA > Indiana > Warren County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 3
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
3,56
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COU STIE. , INDIAN.1.
To T. II. McGeorge, Sr., and wife were born five children, three Sma and two daughters, named as follows: Alice, who re ides at El Campo, Texas, Lifabeth has remained in Covington, Indiana : Isa is a resident of Newcastle. Colorado; T. H., Jr., of this sketch; and Hershel, who is deceased.
T. H. McGeorge, Jr., spent his boyhood like most youths in a small town between a quarter and a half century ago, and he received a good, practical education in the common and high schools of his native town. He has spent his life in Covington, believing that better opportunities existed for him right at his own door than were to be found in some remote locality to which the wanderlust spirit directs so many of our youths who had better have renruined at home. After leaving school young MeGeorge engaged in business with his father, and, being a willing worker an 1 a keen observer, he soon mastered the ins and outs of the implement business, literally growing up in the same. so that his pronounced success in this line in later years was a matter of course, in fact, he has never engaged in any other business, having succeeded to full management of the same two years before the death of his father, the firm name having been since then T. H. McGeorge, Jr., & Company, being capital- ized at seventeen thousand dollars. It is one of the best known of its kind in western Indiana and it draws its hundreds of enstomers from a vast territory, covering the major portion of four counties. All kinds of farming machinery and implements are handled of the best and most approved patterns, a full and carefully selected stock being carried at all seasons, and, the farmer, knowing that there may be purchased every labor-saving device known to the husband- man at a reasonable price, and also that he will receive the fairest and most courteous treatment possible, remains a continuous customer. Mr. McGeorge is first vice-president of the Tri-State Implement Dealers Association.
Mr. McGeorge was married in 1891 to Elizabeth Slattery, daughter of John and Elizabeth ( McCabe) Slattery, a highly respected family who came to Covington in the sixties and here became well established. Mrs. McGeorge grew to womanhood here and received a good education in the public schools. The union of the subject and wife has been blessed by the birth of five chil- dren, three of whom are now living, namely : Luke E., who is at this writing a student in Purdue University, at Lafayette, Indiana, in his sophomore year ; he is taking the electrical engineering course and is making a fine record; Richard Hugh is attending the high school in Covington; John R. is a pupil in the home graded schools.
Mr. McGeorge has been very successful as a business man and has become one of the substantial men of his county ; besides his large and modern store. he has an attractive and commodious home, in the midst of pleasant surround-
3:7
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
ings. His place of business is at the southeast corner of the court bonne square. His home is on Fourth street.
Politically, Mr. MeGeorge is a loyal Democrat and 1: - long been a leader in local affairs as affecting his party. He was city clerk. from 1992 to 1904 filling the position in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and b the satisfaction of all concerned, his long continuance in office being a criterion of his high standing in the city of his residence. He was then elected mayor and is now serving his third year in this office, and, according to the con sensus of opinion. he is one of the best, most progressive and able chier execu- tives that the city has known in all her history, having at heart the welfare of the people and delighting in the growth of his native community, always stand- ing ready to support most heartily any movement looking to the material. civic or moral uplift of the same.
Fraternally, Mr. McGeorge is active and prominent, holding membership with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias, Improved Order of Red Men and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Born here forty-four years ago, Mr. McGeorg has worked incessantly for the benefit of his fellow men and for the welfare of the place of his birth, while laboring for his individual advancement, as is necessary and right for everyone to do. Gifted by nature with faculties and powers beyond the ordi- mary, he has used these for the accomplishment of good. He is a man of genial address, of firm and unflinching character, but always tempered with kindness, solving all public questions with justice and equity.
GEORGE B. PAVEY.
In these days of large commercial transactions, when credits cut a large factor in the daily round of business, the province of the banker is very wide and very important. The excellence of the banks of the present as compared with those of the past gives to all classes of business men first-class security for their deposits, assistance when they are in need of ready money to move their business, and a means of exchanging credits that could be accomplished in safety no other way. In a large measure the success of the present time in all branches of business is largely the result of the present banking methods. It is quite common for the stockholders of banks to be business men of prominence in the community,-farmers, merchants, manufacturers and pro- fessional men,-all of whom are known to the depositors and their standing
358
FOUNTAIN AND WARRES COLSTO JSOUV8 1.
well established. This gives Habitog re the Dark soul confidence to the comm munity. Such as the confidence if the Front of Cafe- Folhain county. hele- ana, of which George B Pavey, of M ,men i. The call of
Mr. Pavey was born in this coun, anti in pes If he apem ms hle, 1 date of his birth being July 31. 1857 Hell- the son of Tatocamil Vicl. ( Wykoff) Pavey, the father barn in Parke ersong un Det and the mothers birth occurred in Fountain county in 1837.
The paternal grandfather, Samuel Po.3. 50% Semaine de Bonthe can lina. Ile came to Fountain county, Indiana, in the , why days and here de- voted his life to general farming, being well known to the jones, settler- His son. John Pavey, was also a farmer, and be spent ht. life in that pursuit in this county, dying here on November 10, 1910, having been preceded to the grave by his wife only a few days, she passing away on September 27th of the same year. He was a man of high standing in the community, and was active in the work of the Grange Alliance. His family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom are still living, namely : Andersen and Allen both live in this county ; George B., of this sketch : Barton B. : Sara married Daniel A. Hobson, and they live in Fulton township. this county ; Irvin, Lucy, Lillic. Susan, Theron, deceased, Rosy, deceased, and one that died in infancy.
George P Pavey was reared on the home farm where lie assisted with the general work when he became of proper age, and he received the advan tages of an excellent education, attending first the common schools, then the normal school at Covington, later taking a course in the normal at Valparaiso. Indiana. He had carefully prepared himself for teaching, which he followed with much success for a period of eleven years, his services being in great demand ; however, he confined his teaching to Fulton township, this county. He gave eminent satisfaction to both pupils and patrons. He took a great deal of interest in public affairs and when but a young man was elected town- ship assessor of Fulton township, which office he held for five years; he was then elected township trustee and was incumbent of this office for four years, having been elected in 1900 and serving until 1905. In both these offices he gave entire satisfaction to the people, irrespective of party alignment, being a careful, painstaking, and courteous official against whose record there never was any suspicion of error, wanton or willful. After his term of office had ex- pired in January, 1905, he moved to Cates and engaged in the hardware bnsi- ness for a period of three years, during which he built up a large trade with the town and surrounding country, and he still retains an interest in that busi- ness, which is managed by his brother, Allen Pavey. When the Cates Bank was organized in 1907, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, the sub-
FOUNTAIN AND KOMMENTHEY
ject begathe c.chier, which postiou In inss bud to the (o eld chla. chisebar ing his dubie. in a manner that i& anti-taches to the en Ishoteles and store
Air. Pavey wa married of Segamber, 1802, 50 \ Un, and ter of Freemian and Tamer ( Browno saxdin. Botle le dalboro and grandi father were well known residents of lake county, The loting Singing Isen among the early st the 's there. One child has been born wurde mobbet ton! wife, Earnest, who is at home.
. Mr. Pavey is a Republican and he has long been There for Me- serie In the ranks of his party and is influential in the same. Fripon. By. lo balong to the Knights of Pythias, Cates Lodge No. 518. He is a -elf-made bin and is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished for it has been done by honest, persistent effort along legitimate lines.
GEORGE ROWLAND. M. D.
The physician who would succeed in his profession must possess many palities of head and heart not included in the curriculum of the chou's and colleges he may have attended. In analyzing the career of the successful practi- tioner of the healing art it will invariably be found to be true dat : brojd- minded sympathy with the sick and suffering and an honest, earnest devre 10 aid his afflicted fellow men have gone hand in hand with skill and able judy- ment. The gentleman to whom this brief tribute is given fortunately embodies these necessary qualifications to a marked degree and by energy and applica- tion to his professional duties is building up an enviable reputation and dran - ing to himself . large and remunerative patronage.
George Rowland, who occupies a leading position in the medical pro- fession at Covington, Indiana, was born at Hillsboro, Fountain county, Indi- ana, on April 19, 1840, and is the son of Dr. Thomas and America ( McIntyre) Rowland. The subject's paternal grandfather, George Rowland, lived in Loudoun county, Virginia, but died in the city of Washington, where he was buried. He was a veteran of the war of 1812, in which he served about two years. Thomas Rowland, the subject's father, was born in Virginia July 25, 1810. After completing his common-school education, he began the study of medicine with Doctor Crawford at Robroy, Fountain county, and later entered upon the active practice of his profession at Hillsboro, where he was held in high regard. His death occurred on August 21, 1864. The subject's mother was born in 1836 in Washington county. Indiana, and was the daughter of Major Robert McIntyre.
360
FOUNTAIN UND WARRES COUVRIRS. R. DIANA
After graduating from the public schools, Georg Rowland De a smedy in Berean College, at Jacksonville, Illinois, after which he took up the real of medicine under the direction of his father, with when the romaines fom fire years. He then entered the Medical College of Ohio, at Chel nath wiel year later entered the medical department of the Michigan Weiter ity Arbor, where he was graduated on Jarch 5. 1865. Immediately themain he became house physician in the Commercial Hospital at Cincinnati amat again he attended medic lectures in the Medical College of Ohio, where he gramu- ated in February, 1866. He was then appointed adunnistr.doi of his ations estate. for which he gave bonds for thirty-three thousand dollars, and he was thus engaged for three years. Upon the settlement of the estate and his di charge as administrator, Doctor Rowland began the active practice of his pro fession at Chambersburg, remaining there until May 30, 1869. when he aley to Covington, where he has long occupied a leading position in the medical profession. He has a large and representative patronage and has been ver successful in the handling of many difficult cases. In 1874 Doctor Rowland diverted his attention somewhat from his profession and established the fire newspaper in Veedersburg, the Review.
On May 30. 1869, Doctor Rowland was married to Mary A. Spencer and they have become the parents of two children, namely : Maud f. A Keever, who became the wife of Samuel T. Brown, of Washington, D. C. who is acting anditor in the treasury departinent ; they are the parents of God child, Mary Margaret Brown; Edna D. died in infancy.
Politically, Doctor Rowland is a Democrat, but, though keenly interested in the success of his party, he has never sought political office. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. The Doctor has a pleasant and attractive home and has recently erected a new office building adjoining his home. He lias a good and up-to-date library of medical literature and keeps closely in touch with the latest advances in his profession. He is highly esteemed throughout the community.
DAVID A. WATTS.
One of the best remembered men of the past generation in Fountain county, Indiana, whose memory is revered by a host of friends and ac- quaintances among whom he labored, was the late David A. Watts, who spent his energies through a life of strenuous endeavor to make the most of his opportunities as well as to assist as best lie could his neighbors and friends to
David inleur Matz
301
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIA .. A.
improve t' ir condition. In all the relitions of life he proved ighally frau so every trust. He possessed a sociable nature and by his genial and kindlyan titude to those about him he won the respect and confidence of every one H was known as a careful on able business man and one whoet imegris purpose was beyond question.
David A. Watts was born on the farm where he spent his life in Mill Creek township, Fountain coty, Indiana, on January 8. 1850. ! ' ;- fat wer. James Watts, was born October 18, 1924, in Scioto of Ohio, the oy of David and Sarah ( Backus) Watts, both Pennsylvaniags. His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret .A. Sovers, was born in North Carolina, Decer .- ber 24, 1820, and when eleven years old was brought by her parents to Foun- tain county. After marriage James Watts lived two years in Parke county and in 1850 moved to Fountain county, where eventually he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of good land. He was a cooper by trade, which he carried on in connection with farming, and worked at that trade many a night till late hours. To him and his wife were born six chil- dren, namely : Melissa A., David A., Solomon V., Mary C. and Susan V. James Watts was a Whig uatil 1856, and afterwards a D-mocrat. Relig- iously, he was a member of the Christian church, and, fraternally, a Mason. As a result of his continual labor, good management and economy he became well-to-do and enjoyed to a marked degree the confidence of the community The Watts family is of Scotch descent, the great-grandfather, David Watts, having been born in Scotland, emigrating to the United States and settling in Pennsylvania.
David A. Watts secured a good practical education, having secured his elementary learning in the common schools, after which he became a student in the Valparaiso Business University, but, because of the illness of a brother, he found it impossible to complete the full course there. He returned home and from that time on he devoted himself assiduously to the vocation of farni- ing and stock raising, in which he met with a very gratifying measure of suc- cess. As a farmer he was energetic and practical in his methods, being gen- erally looked upon as one of the best farmers in his section of the county. llc was a splendid judge of live stock, in the raising and handling of which he was more than ordinarily successful. At the time of his death, which oc- curred at his home in Mill Creek township on July 28, 1886, he owned two hundred and forty-two acres of as good land as could be found in the town- ship, it being well improved and very productive, Mr. Watts being progressive and up-to-date in his methods of cultivation.
On March 10, 1880, Mr. Watts was united in mariage with Mary E.
302
hoon two children, namely. The first Tira allen To fancy, TJ-de 5 .0 remains at home with her noother, completed Ho comuni a tom go alo well educated in music.
Politically, David Watts was a stanch Demerry wwwwa Tumetol m the success of his party, but he never aspired to prilille offire. 10- 50_, connection was with the New Light branch of the Shisesa church in milee's he was active, taking a part in the work of the Sunday acho. 4. m which he mi- a teacher. Fraternally, he was a member of the Free and Souples MIom and in his daily life he exemplifies the sublime precepts of that free-beginnen order. Mr. Watts was a man of more than ordinary nell actores, being close reader and a wide observer. He had traveled ninh and was well in formed on a wide range of topics, being a splendid convers, ti nahet am teresting companion. His early life living been spent in close midt wou natur . on the fam, was conducive to wel minded physical development, rond, accustomed to habits of industry from co dhood, he grew up seth self de- fued ideas of life, its duties and responsibilities. He was a man at hoe & Mir bilities and a high sense of justice and honor, it being his aim to be to de roger side of every question with which he had anything to do. Broad minder public-spirited, and taking liberal views of men and affairs, he impresod lits individuality upon the community as an enterprising, large-hearted, progre- sive American citizen of the best type, while among his immediate friends he will always be remembered as a man without pretense and a courteous gentle- man whose integrity would hear the closest scrutiny.
CHARLES M. BERRY.
It is interesting to note from the beginning the growth and development of a community, to note the lines along which progress has been made and1 to take cognizance of those whose industry and leadership in the work of ad vancement have rendered possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. Charles M. Berry, editor and proprietor of the News, a
CHARLES M. BERRY.
31-
of the strong. podle spullen wattvolt who Ten old shared to le chiffred med taking up de residenos bite
Con of Dr. Jaime S. and Samoy W Murray I Barwy. Tabre ve Mento 15 and Foam in counties, respectively. early repeating carly and Sales, the Was having come originally front Virginia Dacol Borre Lie por cual gre bath of the subject of this review trade the Same windows me from the ted Donation to Montgomery county. Indiana my momper lays and there spent the rest of his life engaged in general farming, and don Jaime 1. Berry, father of the subject, grew to nunhood and received his of malin in the public schools. Early in life he determined upon a me 1 .. . Lemurse aml with that end in view he entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, Where Ju was graduated. He practiced his profession with pronouncel shees sin hi- native locality and there spent the rest of his life, dying in the year 180 8.
Charles M. Berry was educated in the common schools, later attending the Ladoga Normal School and Wabash College, the latter at Cran fordsville Indiana. He entered the field of journalism early in life first Anding endos- ment as reporter and in this capacity he worked on the papers at Cron pads- ville, Ladoga and Waynetown, and. being energetic and having a decided natural bent as a news writer, he was successful from the hrst, and gave auch promise of future eminence in his chesen field of endeavor.
Mr. Berry ame to Veedersburg in 1889 and established the Navy with he has since edited and published. It has hal a steady growth and bas con- stantly widened its field of influence and increased its circulation until it is now a very valuable advertising medium and a recognized moulder of public opinion in this section of the state. It has a bright, up-to-date mechanical appearance and its columns teem with the most important news of the day and its editorial columns are logical and convincing. It has long advocated needed reforms and public improvements in this locality.
Mr. Berry was married, first in 1892. to Lottie M. Mitchell, daughter of Robert Mitchell and wife, of Kokomo. Indiana. Her death occurred on Jannary 5. 1911. Subsequently in that year Mr. Berry married Beatrice Howard, daughter of Elmer Howard and wife, of Attica. Mr. Berry has one son, James E. Berry.
Politically, the subject is independent, and he advocates men and prin- ciples rather than party. Fraternally, he is a Mason.
36.4
POUF. TAIN AND WIEDER DID TIES TREINSA
WILLIAM P GPAY
The le history . community of state . dr. one disal deste my web the lives all activities of its people, eserny y de - wned by offer tawhi endeav or and dider ritadie energy, have forget to the one and theted them Salve that they deserve the title of progressive men In this line to get will be found the record of one who has our tripped the less ative gjelder on the highway of his ar i moneyel a career far relly per af lie centro poraries, a career of marked success in business and ( stand ford : Tom whi hall who know him delight to honor owing to hi- gor ht Die will now of thrift and imhistry.
William B. Gray, for a quarter of a century a leading mercham af de town of Veedersburg, and for many years an efficient and popular prof. official, now incumbent of the office of county audit ir of Fountain coumy. was born at Wesley. Montgomery county, Indiana. December 2, 1862. 00 0 the son of John K. and CEzabeth ( Stout) Gray, the father a native of Born county, Ohio, andI the mother was born in Montgomery county, India.st. John K. Gray accompanied his parents to Indiana when a child and here he pren to manhood a I was educated, and early in life he turned me attention au general farming, which he made his lit work, establishing a good wood oml he was a man of such exemplary habits as to gain the highest regler. for all with whom he came into contact. The ow ned a good farm in the viering Wesley, Indiana. Elizabeth Stout grew to womanhood in her native county and received her education in the common schools and upon reaching woman- hood married John K. Gray, this ttnion resulting in the following issue : Will- iamı B., subject of this sketch ; James J. died in childhood; Mary E. married William Temple, a horse dealer of Wingate; Sanford died when twenty- four years of age; Lulu died when nineteen years old; Mrs. Estella Gott lives at Ladoga: Ethel C. died when twenty years old.
John K. Gray was first a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. afterwards joining the Christian Union. He is a Democrat, and he belongs to the Masonic order.
William B. Gray received his education in the common schools at We- ley and Waynetown, later attending the Ladoga Normal School and Purdue University at Lafayette, Indiana. After leaving school he followed farm- ing for a period of two years, but not finding husbandry entirely to his liking he abandoned the same and turned his attention to merchandising, operating a store with much success at Waynetown for two years; then he went to
315
MOUNTAIN AND WARM convites, CYRO.N.1.
Verdenskong, where he followed the salve faisait for a period of 6. only Good year during which time I enjoyed a large and 10 . kom the surrounding country for two miles, his ste jerug one of tite bus; known in the county. He alle carmel a large and carefully abel I of goods which he sold at reasonable prices, and he hall the coldferner cod good will of his hundred of orsomen owing to be fores an I fam and courteous treatnient of all with whom he had dealings.
Always interested in public and politiod affairs, Mr Cray, moving to hi public spirit. his loyalty to Demoraor principle ant hosucobar mais positions of public trust, was singled out by the leaders for public offer Train years ago and he was first elected mayor of Veedershing in the way he made such a commendable record that he was re-elected ir 190. During these two terms he did much for the permanent good of the towar and in 1906 he was elected county auditor of Fountain county, and in tyro he was re-elected for four years, having given eminent satisfaction to all coppertion. and he is still incumbent of this office. As a public - rvant he dirbaiges in- (luties in the same careful and able manner that has characterized his private business life. Long manifesting much interest in military affairs, he became captain of Company K, Third Regiment Indiana National Guard, holding the same for two years, then for a period of three years he was captain of Company C, First Regiment Indiana National Guard, and he serve l with the rank of major on the staff of Brigadier-General Wilson for four years. He is known to be a careful, alert and capable military officer, one in whom his superiors have implicit confidence and one who is greatly admired by h troops, and if occasion for active service in the field should prosent it- If the who know him best predict a brilliant career for him is a copanding officer.
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.