USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 56
USA > Indiana > Warren County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 56
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The subject of this sketch is a native of Warren county, Indiana, having been ushered into this world on the 3d of May, 1842. He was given a limited common-school education, which has been liberally supplemented by wide and judicious reading and intelligent observation. He has always devoted him-
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FOISBAIN ARD PARTES COUNTIES, UNTIONS,
commensurate with le scan yon IELS. MY Font commons acres of fine land. all ar shading and & ia falar of If quale complicou sie the place is well impresal including a cer oy pera ojos cupl sonstantial build ings and well-kept fence- the appearance of the porco goes @bol attesting to the careful attention which has Been jed de a hit the niflon Mit raises all the crops common to this locality and Foruse a puppy the raising of live stock.
In 1866 Mr. Kitchen was married to Ebrabeth women whowas born in 1847, the daughter of Elijah and Olive ( Pastor) \Men. This union has been blessed in the birth of two children, atak . WillingH. he married Miss Shiciz, i- a farmer in Oklahoma; Anna married Mr. Keiser and is a farmer in Warren county.
Politically, Mr. k chen is a Democrat :rol trikes an intelligent interest in public affairs, though he has never sought pulite office. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he gives a liberal sup- port both of his time and means. Personally Mr. Kitchen is a very con- genial gentleman, always ready to assist in any worthy cause looking to the betterment of the community, and he has a host of friends throughout the community, who esteem him because of his genuine worth.
ISRAEL LAKE.
The lot g. active and un-clfishlike life of Israel Lake, one of the best known citizens of Hillsdale, Vermilion county, has been of untold helpfulness, for he has been active in the ministry for a period of thirty-five years, dur- ing which time he has won an abiding place in the hearts of the hosts of peo- ple whom he has addressed o' behalf of the higher life, but, being a man of humanitarian impulses, he has not only led a life of usefulness by word, but also by deed, and hundreds can attest who have been the recipients of his kindness. He is one of the best known and most highly esteemed men in this locality, being as familiar and as popular in Parke, Fountain and Warren counties, as he is in Vermilion, numbering his friends by the scores in all of them.
Mr. Lake was born about four miles west of the village of Hillsdale, Vermilion county, Indiana, June 28, 1837. He is a son of William and Margaret (Thompson) Lake, both natives of Indiana and both now deceased. They spent their lives on a farm, and were honest, hospitable and well liked
children, tom of @kent aro soll livia ..
the general work of the he og farmondd ue le spotyonebedty dlison bis lite in his native county, when the heat set fivedays from & wilderness Le one of the choice sections of the tant autel un- Jejquent hy hits pias ol go in conspicuous role. Schools heiny ies and of very moledos quality and the work of the farm hard and of nature , hi. broad net pause hly young Lake had no chance t secure an location and hed dinot Lamn te wine until he had entered the army but this bart; lack of mental frangog wan middle up for later in life by home study and close observation. it asse mi 18 that he enlisted in the Union army, in the Ninety-secath Indiana Mientry, in which he served very faithfully for a period of three years, Loking three weeks, under David Shelby and Capt. James Jordan. Mr. Lake aw considerable hard service, participating in seventeen battles and several important cam- paigns. After an honorable discharge he returned home and some time after- wards took up home study with a view of entering the ministry of the Christian church, and in due course of time he began preaching and continued active for a period of thirty-five years, during which he " rved many congregations and built up the work in in places, converting hundreds to a new life and doing an incalculable amount of good in many ways. He has always been popular with the people of this section of Indiana, and he is still active in church work, still preaching at Hillsdale.
On November 12, 1908, Mr. Lake was united in marriage to Mary J. (Wilkins) Vinson, a daughter of Rev. Zephanah Wilkins, who was also a minister. She has two daughters by hier former marriage, namely: Anna E., who married John Lovelace, and Carrie, who married Frank Campbell.
Mrs. Lake is also a minister in the Christian church and has been doing a most praiseworthy work for years. Like her husband, she took the home study course for the ministry prescribed by the conference of that denomina- tion. She is still active in church work and is regarded by her very wide circle of friends and acquaintances as a woman of rare personal attributes of head and heart. She owns a good home in Stone Bluff, Fountain county, which she rents. Mr. Lake owns a cozy dwelling in Hillsdale.
Fraternally, Mr. Lake belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Montezuma. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically is a Progressive.
Mrs. Lake is a charter member of Rebekah Lodge No. 671, at Stone Bluff, Fountain county, Indiana.
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FOUTFEMSTAND WARREN CON SITES BES %
INCOB R. TROXEL.
The troispresto o sping in progress and enterpica is money expli- fed in the lives of andomenny Jauch E. Frosel. one of Water canfly - for- pred native son, whond energetic nature and landable Embmion has esenastei 1 mn to conquer bang aoyagise encu, tances and ad met and overcome sketches that would have discouraged wany went of less determination and won for himself not only a comfortable competency, to- gether with one of the very choice farms of this favored locality, but also at prominent place among the enterprising men of this section of the Hoosiet state. Such a man is a credit to any community and his life forcibly illu- trates what energy and consecutive effort can accomplish when directed and controlled by correct principles and high moral resolves and no man is worthier of conspicuous mention in a volume of the province of the one at hand.
Jacob E. Troxel is a native son of Warren county, having been born on the farm on which he now resides in Liberty township, on the 6th day of July. 1876. This farm, which now comprises bout two hundred acres of land, is located on what is known as the Troxel gravel road, about one and a half miles northeast of Carbondale. Ilis parents were Reuben and Mary E. (Berry- man) Troxel, who are both deceased, the father dying on August 15, 1907, and the mother on September 25, 1902. Reuben Troxel was born in Ohio and in young boyhood was brought to Indiana by his parents, Isaac and Anna Troxel, who settled in Liberty township, being one of the pioneer families of that section of the county. Reuben Troxel was a man of splendid parts and because of his industrions habits and upright life he was held in the highest esteem.
Jacob E. Troxel attended the schools of his home neighborhood during his youth, his vacation periods being spent in work on the home farm. He has never forsaken agriculture, having early convinced himself that no other occupation offered so great freedom and independence, as well as compensa- tion for the labor bestowed. In this belief he was not disappointed and he has for many years been numbered among the leading farmers of his section of the county. During recent years he has added forty acres to his original holdings and he has practically all of the land under cultivation or in a tillable condition. IIe has an excellent group of buildings on the place and is carry- ing on general farming and stock raising in a manner that is bringing definite success.
FOUNTAIN ASP WAISEN COURTESTIROUSU
On June 45. 1995. Mr. Travel des partit to Skader Johnson de har ter of George Johnson, of Tippecanoe county. nos sure To themfor Joyes born one child, Florin, a son now five years of age. In cons al cielo Infection in which he has engaged Mr. Trasel has put fortholas bel culotte an Im thus rightly earned that high regard and esteem in Which he is held! Himugh- out the community.
WILLIS CARTER.
A history of the loyal native sons and representative citizens of Watren county would not be complete should the name that heads this series he omitted. During a useful and successful life here he has labored diligenth. not only to promote the interests of himself and family, but also those of the general public, being one of those neighborly, altruistic, generous-hearted non whom to know is to admire and respect. He has been devoted to the public welfare and in all his relations one of his ambitions has been to benefit the community and to advance its standards of citizenship. Personally, he is a man of pleasing address, approachable, unassuming, and the number of his friends are as the limits of his acquaintance.
Willis Carter, the efficient superintendent of the Warren county poor farm, was born in Illinois on the 7th day of February, 1865, and is the son of M. V. and Elizabeth (Day) Carter. M. V. Carter is a native of the state of Tennessee, who many years ago came north, being an early settler in Illi- mois. In 1867 he came to Indiana and has lived here ever since, he and his wife now making their home in Williamsport. He is now practically retired from active labor, though he does some huckstering. They are the parents of seven children, namely : Willis, Mary, Henry (who died in Portland, Oregon), one who died unnamed, George, Nellie and Rose.
Willis Carter has always followed agricultural pursuits. His boyhood days were spent under the parental roof and he secured his education in the schools of the neighborhood. As soon as old enough, he started to work on his own account and his industry and economy were rewarded in that he was soon enabled to buy a farm of his own. His splendid farm is located in Liberty township, and it has always been maintained at the highest standard of excellence. Mr. Carter received the appointment as superintendent of the county poor farm and he is now devoting all of his time and attention to that position, which is, indeed, a responsible one. He has given to this official position the same careful attention and applied the same business principles
Tvo childbers mandis . Peari is Berried =d is the mother of sale chilii F i-
Fraierolls, Mr. Carter je & memin of the Independent Order of Cold fellows and the Modern Wordbuen of America His religious affihathow is with the help die tiesengal church, to which he gives an earnest support He has the ondr. Med commence of his neighbors and friends, being reganjeo by them as strictly honda and upright in all his dealings.
ELIJAH D. MATTOX.
Through struggles to triumphs seems to be the maxim which hold: sway for the majority of our successful and worthy citizens and, though it is undeniably true that many a one falls exhausted in the conflict, a few by their inherent force of character and strong mentality rise above their en- vironments and all which seems to hinder them until they reach a position of affluence and influence. It is not the weaklings that accomplish worthy ends in the face of opposition, but those with nerve and initiative whose motto is "He never fails who never gives up," and with this terse aphorisin in view, 'emblazoned on the pillar of clouds, as it were, before them, they forge ahead until the sunny summits of life are reached and they can breathe the purer air that inspires the souls of men in respite. Such has been the history of Elijah D. Mattox, one of the leading farmers of Davis township, and in his life record many useful lessons may be gained.
Mr. Mattox was born in Kentucky, January 25, 1840, and is a son of John Wesley and Cynthia Ann (Smalley ) Mattox. The mother passed away when the subject was three months old, the father subsequently moving to Missouri, thence to near Peru, Indiana, where he died. He was twice mar- ried and had three children by his first wife, namely : Mary Jane is deceased; Joshua lives in Randolph, Indiana; and Elijah D., of this sketch. To John Wesley Mattox and his second wife six children were born, namely : Alexan- der, who lives in Missouri; George lives in Randolph county; James, who was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, was killed in the service at Atlanta, Georgia; William lives in Illinois; Marion lives in Kansas. The father of the above named children devoted his life to farming.
ELIJAH D. MATTOX.
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FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDER ...
Elijah D. Mattox received a meager education in the consnon schools. When only five years old he was bound out and remained tatil he was ogly years old, then ran away and came to Fountain county, Indiana. He worked out as a day laborer for a period of seven years, the first real money he carned being four dollars per month. He was eco mmietl and finally saved enough money to begin farming for himself, and he is will actively engaged. being now the owner of a fine and well improved farm of two hundred and sixty acres in Davis township, where he is carrying on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He has a fine home and good outbuildings, everything about his place denoting thrift and good management. He has been exceptionally successful and is a splendid example ia self-made man, deserving a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished.
Mr. Mattox was married on August 15, 1862, to Martha Funk, daugli- ter of Elijah and Anna (Lucas) Funk, who came to Fountain county, In- diana, from Ohio, and here became well established. A complete sketch of Mr. Funk and family appears elsewhere in this volume. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mattox, namely: Nettie married James Nuss, and they live in Fresno, California; Will 1 lives at Hammond, Indiana; Hiram is deceased; Anna married Edmond Busenbark, of Logan township; Cynthia married Samuel Reed; Frank lives in Davis township; Daniel E. and Lee both live in California; Gabriel, who lives in Indianapolis; Newton lives in Shawnee township.
Mr. Mattox enlisted for service in the Union army, but was refused on account of his age. He is a Democrat, but has never sought public office. He belongs to the United Brethren church.
HENRY L. KRAMER.
Twenty-two years ago this month the writer was sitting down near where Mudlavia's artistic spring-house stands, his trousers rolled to the knees and both feet in a big tobacco bucket which was filled with hot mud. Those were the primitive days of mud baths, and, in lieu of modern conveniences, the mud was thrown into a huge iron kettle that hung over a crackling fire and was then applied only to the parts that showed affliction. There was no bath- house, no regular course of treatment, and patients often made continuous applications of mud for four or five hours. The accommodations, like the appliances, were crude; but faith prevented any kick at the inconveniences.
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FOUNTMIN AND WARRES COUNTIES, INDIANA.
On this particular day in June, while the writer was endeavoring to soak out the swelling and relieve the aches, a brown-faced, spindling youth drove up and asked. "Well, is it doing the work?" "Knockin' 'er right out," was the reply, followed by a description of the sensation of pulling that the hot mud gave. The young man was interested and, with the writer and several natives who had gathered to see the wonderful "feet," he carried on a cate- chism that lasted nearly an hour. Then Sam Story came strolling along and told the story that never grows old-how he discovered the valuable springs while digging a tile ditch when he had rheumatism and how he was miracu- lously cured by getting soaking wet while at work. "Who owns this place ?" inquired the young man. "Uncle Billy Cameron," replied Sam. "Where does he live ?" "Up on the hill." "Can you show me the house?" "Sure," replied Sam, as he got into the buggy. "Giddup," called the young man and the tone had the same ring of activity that it has today. The horse under- stood it. for he tore up the hilly road as though his life depended upon quickly reaching the Cameron home. The result of that visit w ... the leasing of the farm on which the valuable springs and mud deposits lie and eventually in the buying of it. It was also the starting point for the magnificent hotel and beautiful grounds so much appreciated by hundreds of guests who come there from all sections of the country.
A few weeks ago the same young man (now broadened not only in views but in body ) disposed of an institution that he built from infancy to one of the best known proprietary plants in the world-the Sterling Remedy Co. And he still is owner of Mudlavia.
When he took over the lease he was a youth without means or influence, but at that time he gave evidence of future success, for he was aggressive, mature in reasoning, a good talker, and gave unmistakable proof that he had full faith in himself. The retiring modesty and apparent doubt as to one's own capacity, which so often checks the career of young men, in young Kramer gave way to absolute confidence.
There are few business records so complete and so quickly made as Harry Kramer's. From a start with nothing but determination, to which were added untiring perseverance and the application of well studied judgment, in less than a quarter of a century he has brought recognition from the greatest busi- ness centers of the world, has gained the confidence of the captains of indus- try to such an extent that they are glad to advise with him. And he passed through these years without accepting the tempting offers to gain success at the expense of others. He is a builder and not a looter, and fairness and
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FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDENEN
honesty are the corner stones of his successful carcer. Mr. Kramper has reached this high place at a time in ears when man's success usually begins. He is perhaps the youngest self-made man in the commercial centers that make their powers felt in every avenue of life. ITis financial success is counted with six ciphers after the first figure. It is not the success of hick, but of unceasing individual labor, of sleepless nights of planning and long days of execution, of having a purpose and the will to everlastingly play the game.
One of the best features of Mr. Kramer's success is that the constant work for it has not made him dollar-mad. It is not measured wholly by the money standard. He realizes and often says that all he can personally get out of life is what he eats and wear . and the harmless pleasures that come his way. He is a philosopher, along th his business life, and here and there and everywhere, his big heart finds .: chance to freely express itself-not for the charity that begs. but in a sensible and helpful way. His purse is not tied with miser strings nor his nature dwarfed by selfishness. Whole-souled, tender-hearted, optimistic and genial, he is scattering a lot of good while making the one trip through this life.
Henry L. Kramer was born in Keokuk, Iowa, in 1863. His interests now are wide-spread and varied. Besides being treasurer of the Indiana Springs Company, he has large mining interests in the Joplin (Missouri) and the Cobalt (Canada) districts, besides investments in financial institutions in Chicago and New York. Much of his time being spent in the latter city, where he has offices and from where he directs his various industries with a master hand.
I have known Harry Kramer through all the steps from poor boy to millionaire and met him through all the various phases of that struggle. I have been with him when the hour was filled with doubt and fear, and with him when the star of hope resplendent shone. And I know him now as always : a man of wonderful capacity and great business power ; but, better than this, a man whose heart beats with humanity, whose generous nature is helpful to all who come under its influence. It seems appropriate to me that this tribute should be paid now, on the twenty-second anniversary of our first meeting and at the close of his eventful career with the Sterling Remedy Company. And it seems suitable that it should appear in his own paper and without his knowledge. If his son Robert can be bribed, it will so appear, the responsibility to be gladly accepted by
A. S. PEACOCK.
Attica, Ind., June, 1909.
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FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA
JASPER McNETT.
The history of the loyal sons and representative citizens Of Warren county would not be complete should the name that heads this review be omitted. When the fierce fire of rebellion was raging throughout the South- land, threatening to destroy the Union, he responded with patriotic fervor to the call for volunteers and iu some of the bloodiest battles for which that great war was noted proved his loyalty to the government he loved so well. Dur- ing . useful life in the region where he lives he has labored diligently to pro- mote the interests of the people, working earnestly for all progressive in- fluences. He has not only labored for his own material advancement, but has been devoted to the public welfare, doing what he could to benefit the com- munity and advance its standard of citizenship.
Jasper McNett is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born near the city of Cincinnati on the 5th day of May, 1838. His parents were David and Eliza (Coalton) McNett. The father was a native of New York state, moving from there to Ohio, and from there he took his family to Illi- nois. After remaining there a while he came to Indiana, having secured em- ployment in the construction of a canal. He was also a farmer and was a hard-working and industrious man.
The subject of this sketch has followed farming practically all his life. He attended the common schools of his home neighborhood in his youth and received a good practical education, which has been liberally supplemented during his subsequent life by wide reading and close observation, so that he is well informed on general subjects, being a man of broad conceptions and sound common sense. As soon as old enough he began working on his own account and, by persistent industry and wise economy, he has been successful in his efforts, being now the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres, located on what is known as the McNett gravel road, in Liberty township, Warren county.
Upon the outbreak of the great Civil war between the North and the South, Mr. McNett's patriotism was aroused and he enlisted in defense of the Stars and Stripes, joining Company E, Eighty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volun- teer Infantry, the regiment being commanded by Major Gemmer. Mr. Mc- Nett served his country nearly three years, taking part in a number of severe battles and many minor engagements, and at the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded. At the close of his service he received an honorable discharge and returned to the peaceful pursuits of home life.
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FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDLAGT.A.
In 1877 Mr. McNett was united in marriage to Eliza Belle Shivyde. and to them have been born seven children, namely: Charles, Martin, Jesse, Fra. . Floyd, Lillie and Bessie. Mr. McNett is a member of the Methodist Epi. pal church, to the various activities of which he gives an earnest and loyal support. Ile is a man of many fine qualities of character and enjoys the friendship . f all who know him.
WALTER ANDERSON.
While success cannot be achieved without unflagging industry, the futil- ity of effort is often noticeable and results from the fact that it is not com- bined with sound business judgment. Many a man who gives his entire life to toil, earnest and unremitting, cannot be said to be successful, but when his labor is well directed, prosperity always follows. Mr. Anderson is one who has persisted in the line of work to which he first applied himself and his perseverance has been rewarded, so that few citizens of his locality are enjoy- ing a larger meed of public regard than he.
Mr. Anderson was born on July 13, 1886. near Kankakee, Illinois, and is the son of John and Ida (Munson) Anderson. John Anderson was born in Sweden and came to America in boyhood, being in anything but affluent cir- cumstances when, later, he came to Attica, Indiana. His location here was in- duced by the fact that he had relatives living here. He is a hard-working. honest man and is respected by all who know him. The subject of this sketch is the third in order of birth of his'eight children, the others being named as follows: Pearl is the wife of Emmet Croce, of Williamsport; Clint is a farmer in Arkansas; Logan is at home, as are Mary, William, Helen and Louis.
Walter Anderson attended the common schools of the home neighborhood and received a good, practical education. His vacation periods, when he had attained young manhood, were spent in farm work and this pursuit he has always followed. He is now engaged in operating three hundred acres of fine land on the Brown farm, located about one mile north of Attica, Warren county, he having rented this place when he was twenty-one years old. He has been unremitting in his efforts to make a success of this venture and that he has not been disappointed in his efforts is the consensus of opinion on the part of those who are conversant with his record. He is a wide-awake, prac- tical farmer, giving thoughtful direction to every detail of his work, leaving
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