USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 6
USA > Indiana > Warren County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 6
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pleting the course in the common schools, he entered Union Christian Col- lege, at Merom, Indiana, where he was graduated in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. From there he went to Oskaloosa College, Oskaloosa, Iowa, where for two years he taught higher mathematics. Having decided upon the practice of law, he entered the law department of Indiana University. where he graduated in 1896, receiving at such time the degree of Bachelor of Laws and in addition thereto a Master's degree in mathematics from the In- diana State University.
Mr. Ratcliff then returned to the home farm, to the operation of which he devoted his energies until 1902, when he came to Covington and opened an office for the practice of the legal profession, to which he has since devoted his entire attention. His abilities were quickly recognized and he has com- manded a good clientage during the subsequent years. As a lawyer Mr. Rat- cliff evinces a familiarity with legal principles and a ready perception of facts, together with the ability to apply the one to the other, which has won him the reputation of a sound and safe practitioner. His zeal for a client never leads him to urge an argument which in his judgment is not in harmony with the law, and in all the important litigation with which he has been connected no one has ever charged him with anything calculated to bring discredit upon himself or cast a reflection upon his profession. From April 21, 1902, to January 1, 1907, Mr. Ratcliff rendered efficient and appreciated service as prosecuting attorney of the old twenty-first judicial circuit, composed of Fountain, Warren and Benton counties. In this connection it may be noted that Mr. Ratcliff took a conspicuous part in the case of Fred Chase vs. Moses Fowler Chase, generally known as the famous Chase case, in which nearly a million dollars was involved. By virtue of his office it became his duty to defend Moses Fowler Chase in an attempt to have a guardian appointed for him.
Eminent lawyers from France and the United States became involved in the controversy and as such officer it became Mr. Ratcliff's duty to take care of the defendant's interests in the struggle. After a careful investigation of all the facts in the case, he became convinced that the appointment should be made, and after the trial of the case and the finding of the jury of the in- competency of the defendant, he refused to join in a motion for a new trial or to appeal said cause to the supreme court. His course in the matter won the compliments of the lower court and reflected to the credit of Mr. Ratcliff for his courage to stand for what he knew to be right without any thought of pecuniary profit or other consideration.
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In 1912 Mr. Ratcliff received the nomination from both the Republican and Progressive tickets for the office of circuit judge.
On the 4th day of December, 1900, Mr. Ratcliff was united in marriage with Minnie Jones, a native of Iowa and the daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Mather) Jones, the latter being a direct descendant of Cotton Mather. Mrs. Ratcliff received a good common-school education and possesses qualitics which have won for her many warm personal friends. Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliff have one child, Ernest, who was born October 9, 1902.
Politically, Mr. Ratcliff gives a stanch allegiance to the Republican party. while his religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church. He has been suc- cessful in his profession and has accumulated some valuable town property. He is the owner of the best equipped law library in the state of Indiana, out- side of that of the supreme court. A man of fine character and social disposi- tion, he has won a host of friends, who esteem him for his personal worth.
OLIVER P. LEWIS.
There is no member of the Fountain county bar who occupies a higher position in the estimation of the people than does Oliver P. Lewis, the well- known attorney at Covington. During his many years of practice he has built up a very large clientele and he is regarded as an exceedingly safe counsellor in all matters pertaining to legal questions. It speaks well for any man who may have the confidence of the people to such an extent that he is regarded as especially adapted to the settlement of estates and matters of equity. Mr. Lewis's services are likewise in large demand where the drawing of intricate papers is involved, in fact, as a lawyer he is easily the peer of any of his pro- fessional brethren at the local bar, and the honorable distinction already achieved is an earnest of the still wider sphere of usefulness that he is destined to fill, and the higher honors to be achieved in years to come, as he is yet in the prime of manhood and a close observer of the trend of the times and an intelligent student of the great questions and issues upon which the best thought of the greatest minds of the world is centered.
Oliver P. Lewis is a native son of Fountain county, born on August 14, 1861, and is the son of Murphy and Maria (Myers) Lewis. Murphy Lewis was a native of North Carolina and came to Fountain county in 1850. IIe here began teaching school and was so engaged for twenty-five years. He settled in Mill Creek township, where he engaged in farming during the interims between his school terms. In June, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixty-
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third Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served three years, being mustered out in June, 1865, at Atlanta, Georgia, and discharged at Indianapolis. He took part in the Atlanta campaign, being in the battle of Franklin, after which he was transferred to the Twenty-third Army Corps. Embarking on the largest ship in the world at that time, the "Great Eastern," Mr. Lewis was taken to Fort Fisher, where they made several successive charges. He was later a witness of the surrender of Johnston's army. One great-grandfather of Mr. Lewis, John Van Gundy, served in the war of the Revolution, while another great-grandfather, Abraham Myers, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Murphy Lewis was the father of nine children, namely: William H., of Memphis, Tennessee; John W., of Wabash township, this county ; James W., of Covington ; Oliver P., the immediate subject of this sketch; Josiah J., who died on October 31, 1899, at the age of thirty-one years; Clarence E., of Sheldon, Indiana; Ira II., of Hoopeston, Illinois; Albert M., of Wabash township; Frank, of Covington.
Oliver P. Lewis secured his preliminary education in the common schools and graduated from the Covington high school in 1882. He then entered the office of the Hon. Samuel Fletcher Wood, one of the ablest and most distinguished lawyers in the state of Indiana, and studied law under his tuition and was admitted to the practice of law in 1886. In the spring of 1887 he opened an office in Covington and has since practiced his profession here.
Mr. Lewis has for years enjoyed his full share of the legal business in the Fountain county courts. His habits of close study, industry and critical research, his ability to grasp and readily comprehend the law, make him necessarily and logically a successful lawyer. The educational, moral and material interests of the community are matters of concern to him, and the promotion of them is not forgotten in his cherished objects of life. Mr. Lewis was elected a member of the Legislature, serving in the session of 1903 and rendering faithful and appreciated service in the interests of his con- stituents. Politically, he is a Republican. . Fraternally, he is a Mason.
On October 19, 1892, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Mary H. Nelson, the daughter of Joseph H. and Martha S. (Crane) Nelson. Joseph H. Nelson was a native of New York state and came to Fountain county, Indiana, many years ago. He was a civil engineer of acknowledged ability and assisted in the survey of the old Wabash and Erie canal, during which time his headquarters were at Terre Haute. He finally settled at Covington, where he spent the remainder of his life and died. Mrs. Mary Lewis died on March 3, 1903, at the age of forty-one years, without issue.
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NOAH R. MYERS.
It is an unquestionable fact that the biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are instructive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and steadfast endeavor and integrity cannot help but influence others. Noah R. Myers, one of Jackson township's most enterprising farmers and public-spirited citizens, is a man who has suc- ceeded at his chosen life work through his individual efforts and persistency. Like the oak which needs the tempests to battle with in order to grow hardy and resisting, so his nature seems to have been made stronger and better through the hard knocks and obstacles that are the common fate of all man- kind at some time or other.
Noah R. Myers is a native of the township in which he now lives and was born on September 9, 1850. He is the son of Michael F. and Sarah (Sowers) Myers, the former of whom was a native of North Carolina, com- ing to Fountain county, Indiana, in an early day. Noah Myers was reared to agricultural pursuits and has made that his life work, finding in it and kindred lines abundant scope for his energies. He worked on the paternal farmstead until twenty-five years of age, being the eldest child in the family. Since starting out in life on his own account, Mr. Myers has devoted himself assidu- ously to his work, allowing nothing to detract his attention therefrom, and therefore his efforts have not been divided. He has succeeded to an unusual degree and is numbered today among the largest landowners and most suc- cessful farmers and stock raisers of Fountain county. Mr. Myers owns four- teen hundred acres of land in this and Montgomery counties, eleven hundred and eighty of which are located in Jackson township, and he also has a half interest in six hundred and forty-five acres in Matagorda county, Texas, which includes some good oil land, including six pumping wells. Mr. Myers does not now give much attention to the tilling of the soil, leasing his cultivable land, and gives his personal attention to his grazing land, on which he is feeding some fine live stock, principally shorthorn cattle and a cross between Poland China and Berkshire hogs, in the handling of which he has met with splendid success. About two hundred acres of his land is covered with ex- cellent timber. Mr. Myers has made permanent and substantial improve- ments on his land, including the erection of a fine barn in 1894 and the build- ing of his fine residence in 1904. The land is well ditched and tiled and everything has been done possible to bring the place to the highest possible degree of efficiency and productiveness.
In 1875 Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Mary J. Clore, the daugh- -
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ter of Elijah and Mary Jane (Deer) Clore. Mr. Clore was born in Kentucky in 1828 and came to Indiana with his parents, settling in Montgomery county, where he followed farming. Subsequently he moved to Fountain county and lived here until 1894, when he went to Crawfordsville and became one of the leading stock raisers of that county. At one time he owned a thousand acres of land in Jackson township, Fountain county, which he divided among his children when he retired from active farming. His present home is what was formerly known as the Orphans' Home, near Crawfordsville. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers have been born the following children: Deward, who married Effie Lowe, is living on one of the subject's farmns; one that died in infancy ; Elsie, deceased; Effie, who is at home, is a graduate of the Crawfordsville high school; Ruby, also at home, is now a student in the Crawfordsville high school.
Politically, Mr. Myers is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, though not himself a seeker after office. His religious membership is with the Lutheran church of Jackson township. Personally, Mr. Myers is greatly es- teemed by his neighbors and fellow citizens and wherever known his name stands for upright conduct, honorable dealing and a high standard of man- hood and citizenship.
PHILIP GEMMER.
The Germans have brought a great many sterling qualities to this country, among which are thrift, energy and the love of freedom. Many of them left their native land because they had heard that in America all were to be free, and when they found that the problem of freedom was not completely worked out here, they willingly gave their life's blood that this Union might stand as our forefathers erected it, the land of the free. After the war, their steadfast purpose and determination did much to sustain the country through a crisis, and they helped to build the nation on a firmer foundation.
Among those who have done the most in the advancement of Warren county, Indiana, is Philip Gemmer, one of the sons of Germany who has taken an active part in the affairs of the community, and is one of the oldest and most substantial citizens. Major Philip Gemmer was born November 8, 1832, in Nassau, Germany, which is now attached to Prussia. He was the son of August and Christiana (Back) Gemmer. August Gemmer was born and educated in Germany. He married Christiana Back, and they had a family of four boys, Peter and Frederick, who are both dead, and Henry
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and Philip. Philip's mother died in Germany when he was a boy, and shortly afterward the family started for America. On the trip over, Mr. Gemmer married Miss Kinsler. By this union there were four children, John, Justus, Catherine and Emma, all of whom are living. The family lived on a farm near Canal Dover, Ohio, for fifteen years, and then came to Indiana, and settled on a farm in Wabash county, where August Gemmer lived until his death, and the family are still living in that location.
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Philip Gemmer, however, left them on the Ohio farm, when he was nine- teen years of age. He had received his education in Germany, and was ready to start out and make his own way in the world. He first went to LaGro, Wabash county, Indiana, and commenced learning the trade of a cabinet- maker. After two years he went to Lafayette where he finished his appren- ticeship in his trade, and decided to go into business for himself at West Lebanon, Indiana. He was very successful there, and had a prosperous busi- ness when the call for volunteers came in 1861. Then he cheerfully left all in the cause of his adopted country. He was discharged after three months' service in the Tenth Indiana, but re-enlisted in 1862 in the Eighty-Sixth Indi- ana Infantry, and served over three years. Mr. Gemmer was mustered in as captain, and became major in the Eighty-Sixth Regiment, Army of the Cumberland. Where danger called, these men might be found, and they saw real service in battles at Perryville, Kentucky, Stone River, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, Tennessee, and Atlanta and Peachtree Creek, Georgia, besides Kenesaw Mountain, Allatoona and Buzzard Roost. After the war he was honorably discharged and came to Marshfield, Indiana, where he went into the grocery business for about two years.
Major Gemmer moved to Williamsport, Indiana, in 1867, where he con- tinued in the grocery business for about seven years. For about three years he lived a retired life, and then turned his attention to farming and stayed on the farm for about seven years. He had one hundred and eighty-five acres of land near Attica, Indiana, and he thoroughly enjoyed his productive fields. About this time he was made township trustee and held that position for four years. He was then elected county treasurer on the Republican ticket. While he was taking such an active part in public affairs, Major Gemmer rented his farm, and came to Williamsport to live. But immediately upon the cession of his arduous public duties he returned to his farm, and he spent altogether about ten years on his place before he sold it to his son Wilmer.
Though Major Gemmer might well have retired, and felt himself thor- ... oughly justified in enjoying a well earned rest at that time, he was not one to love a life of ease, and became actively interested in the lumber business.
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He was very successful in this line and operated his business personally for sixteen years. He was induced to retire about four years ago, and has been enjoying himself with his large family of children and grandchildren since that time. Major Gemmer was inarried three times. By his first wife, Margaret Moore, whom he married in 1865, he had one boy, Frederick, who married Jesse Bittinger. Through this marriage Major Gemmer has two fine grandchildren, Earl and Lorenzo. In 1871 he married Lydia E. Smith, and they had two children. His son Wilmer married Lota Biggs, and they and their four children, Catherine, Phillip, Carolin and Ralph, live on the farm upon which Major Gemmer lived for a number of years. Their daughter, Lydia E. Gemmer, married J. G. Collicatt, and they have three girls, Mary. Ruth and Martha. In 1873 Major Gemmer lost this wife, and later he was married to Minerva Fleming, and they had one child, George, who married Nettie Brown. George Gemmer is in the automobile business in Detroit. They have one child, George, Jr.
Major Gemmer and his third wife now live at their residence in Will- iamsport, Indiana, enoying the many activities in which they are engaged. Mrs. Gemmer is a member of the Eastern Star, and is one of the most active spirits in the Presbyterian church. Major Gemmer is a Mason and a mem- ber of Bryan Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of which order he has served as commander.
Though Major Gemmer travels about the country a great deal, visiting his children and grandchildren, and taking an interest in their affairs, he is still actively interested in local conditions, and is one of the most prominent men in the community. He is a self-made man, and hence in a position to understand business conditions and to counsel wisely when he is sought for advice by his neighbors and friends, by whom he is highly respected. But his place in the hearts of his grandchildren is unsurpassed, for he can entertain them by the hour with real war stories and tales of his youth across the sea. One whose harvest of life is so abundant may unhesitatingly let his life stand as a lesson for future generations.
ROBERT KROUT.
Among the well known citizens of Jackson township who have taken their full part in all the affairs of the community, and have always lent their assistance to all efforts for the common good, is Robert Krout, recently trus- tee of Jackson township, and formerly its assessor, in which capacities he has served so faithfully and well that he has satisfied not only the party which
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elected him, but all the citizens of the township, of whatever political affiliation. Robert Krout was born in Jackson township on December 5, 1865, the son of Henry and Melinda (Fine) Krout. His father was born in the same township in 1836 and his mother was born in this county in 1833. They were the parents of nine children, Caroline, Evaline, Robert, Jacob, Luella, Etta. Annie, M. I. and one who died in infancy. Henry Krout received his educa- tion in the old log cabin schools of Jackson township, began farming at an early age, and spent his life in farming in Jackson township. He died in 1895, leaving a memory respected by all, for he was an honest and hardwork- ing citizen of many sterling attributes of character. His wife, the si ject's mother, lives now on the old home place.
Robert Krout attended the common schools, and then began farming. At present he owns seventy acres of land in Jackson township, twenty of which he does not plow, but keeps in pasture and woods. His is an excellent and productive farm, though not of large acreage. In 1884 Mr. Krout was married to Alice Harrison, the daughter of John and Sarah (Hamm) Harri- son. Her father is a cousin of President Benjamin Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Krout are the parents of five children, namely: Homer, who married Edith Allen and lives on the home farm: Ora, who married May Titus, lives on one of the Myers farms in this township, and has two children, Marjorie and Ruth, who are the delight of their grandparents: Earl, who died in 1910, at the age of nineteen ; Jessie and Virgie, at home. Mr. Krout's farm is situated in the extreme southeastern corner of Fountain county, and adjoins Mont- gomery and Parke counties. He carries on general mixed farming, following a rotation of crops, and has obtained from his farm a comfortable living.
Mr. Krout is a member of the Lutheran church. Fraternally, he is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 495 at Wallace. In politics he is a Democrat and active in the affairs of the township and county. From 1900 to 1904 he ;was assessor of Jackson township and from 1904 to 1908 trustee. He is a man whose ready congeniality has gained and kept for him many friends, and no citizen of the township is better known than is he.
LEWIS E. FRENCH.
No better farmer could be found in Davis and surrounding townships, Fountain county, than Lewis E. French. He is one of those men who, early in life, realized the fact that success never smiles upon the idler or dreamer and he has accordingly followed such an aphorism all the years of his active manhood, devoting his life to ardent toil along lines that cannot but insure
Se euis & French
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success. The prosperity which he enjoys has been the result of energy rightly applied and has been won by commendable qualities. He has been a busy and careful worker in his chosen life and has never allowed the "grass to grow under his feet."
Mr. French was born in Warren county, Indiana, July 20. 1851, and is the son of Samuel and Mary E. (Bowlus) French. The father was born in Parke county, Indiana, in 1828, of which county David French, the paternal grandfather of the subject, was a very early settler, having come from Ohio. The mother of the subject came to this section of Indiana when she was twelve years old, with her parents, who located in Warren county, two and one-half miles southwest of Williamsport. Three children were born to Samuel French and wife: Cleantha, who married Rum Robb, and they live in Warren county ; Henry died in 1900; and Lewis E., of this sketch, who was second in order of birth. The father of the above named children settled in Warren county, where he spent the rest of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a Democrat, but he never held office.
Lewis E. French grew up on the home farm and was educated in the common schools. In 1884,he was united in marriage with Bridget Reradon, daughter of John and Hannah Reradon, natives of Ireland, where they spent their earlier years, coming to America and locating in Warren county, In- diana, when that county was comparatively new and contained few settlers. They were thrifty and courageous, and possessed other characteristic traits of the Irish, so they soon found themselves in possession of a good home and farm. Mr. Reradon worked on the construction of the Wabash railroad when it was built into Warren county. Mrs. French was born in that county and there she grew to womanhood and received her education.
Two children, Nina, who died at three years of age, and Clara, who lives at home, have been born to the subject and wife.
Politically, Mr. French is a Democrat, has been more or less active in local party affairs, and is now successfully and satisfactorily discharging the duties of county supervisor ; he is also a member of the advisory board of Davis township.
Mr. French is the owner of one of the most desirable farms in this part of the county, owning the old Odell farm, which consists of two hundred and twenty acres of as valuable and well improved land as Davis township can boast of. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale and has accumulated a comfortable competency through his good man- agement and close application. He has one of the finest homes in the county. It is a commodious, beautifully decorated and convenient residence, in the midst of a fine grove and well kept lawn.
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SYLVESTER H. ELWELL.
Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Fountain county within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests are identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he whose name appears above, peculiar interest attaching to his career from the fact that all of his busy and useful career has been spent within the borders of this county, which has been the arena of his activities for sixty-three years, or during one of the most active periods of the great development of this locality, in which he has played no inconspicuous part.
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