USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 64
USA > Indiana > Warren County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 64
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EARI EMERSON JOHNSON, M. D.
The wwwli has little use for the misanthrope. The universal brother- hood i willily recognized, as is also the truth that he serves God best who serves his Fellow men. There is no profession or line of business which calls for greater self-sacrifice or more devoted attention than the medical profession aut the most successful physician is he who through love of his fellow men gives his time and earnest attention to the relief of human suffer- ing. The successful physician is bound to make friends wherever he is known and will retain the respect and esteem of all classes of people.
Earl E. Tobnson was born on July 7 1885, in Steuben township, Warren county, Indiana, and is the son . of Andrew J. and Emma L. Johnson. The father of the subject is a well known and successful farmer of his locality, but is now retired from active labor.
Carl E. Johnson received his elementary education in the common schools of his home neighborhood and when old enough he took a hand in the work of the home farm. Having decided to devote his life to the healing art, he determined to thoroughly qualify himself by a thorough edu- cation. To this end he became a student in the Central Indiana Normal College, at Danville, Indiana, and after completing the course there he matriculated in the medical department of the Kansas City University. He graduated on May 15, 1911, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, receiving the honors of his class, the highest grade in the class, and the highest grade of any graduate in eight years. This splendid record is certainly a criterion of the success which is to crown his professional labors. In September, 1911, Doctor Johnson entered upon the active practice of his profession at West Lebanon, Indiana, and he has already secured a good patronage, his abilities receiving prompt recognition in the community. The Doctor is a constant student, keeping himself supplied with the best professional literature, and as he is thoroughly absorbed in his profession he has an interest in it that cannot be measured by the financial return in dollars and cents.
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Un Besopler 5, 105 Doctor Win i was quoted in marriage with Lavina Mccarthy, who was born on September to. 1884. at Noblesville, Indi- ana, leing the daughter of James D. and Rebecca Met artey. She is a grad- uate of the public schools and is a lady of rare personal qualities, which have won for her many warm friends throughout the community.
Politically. Doctor Johnson assumes an indepen lent attitude, reserving the right to vote for the best man and the principle - which come nearest to his own ideals. Fraternally, he is a member of the Mlulern Woodmen of America and Kenesaw Tribe No. 216. Improved Order of Red Men. He is also a member of Nu Chapter of the Plii AMpha Gamma, a medical Greek- letter fraternity. The Doctor has already professional ability of a high order and this, combined with fine personal qualities, has gained him an enviable standing in the community.
TORBERT A. BARR.
That the plenitude of satiety is seldom attained in the affairs of life is to be considered a most beneficial deprivation, for wher: ambition is satisfied and every ultimate aim realized, if uch be possible, apathy must follow. Effort would cease, accomplishment be prostrate, and creative talent waste its energies in inactivity. The men who have pushed forward the wheels of progress have been those to whom satisfaction lies ever in the future, who have labored continuously, always finding in each transition stage an incentive for further effort. Mr. Barr is one whose well directed efforts have gained for him a position of desirable prominence in the agricultural circles of War- ren township, Warren county, Indiana, and his energy and enterprise have been crowned by an eminent degree of success.
Torbert A. Barr, who owns a fine farm of two hundred acres in Warren township, is a native of the township in which he now lives, and is the son of James and Mary ( Andrews) Barr. ( For more detailed mention of James I. Barr, see sketch of Wilber Barr, elsewhere in this work.) The subject was given the benefit of attendance at the common schools of Warren town- ship, supplementing this by attendance at the schools of Attica and Williams- port, thus receiving a good practical education. This book learning has been greatly broadened during the subsequent years by much reading and a close observation of men and affairs, so that he is today considered a well informed man. Mr Barr has always followed agricultural pursuits, following a gen-
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FOUNTAIN AND WARLE'S COL STILS GUESSN.
cral line of farming, in connie how old which he canve come from -free, hi being, woulding to mentieth century flere a ce caes alpinget to the so- cessing farm. Mi. Ban is progressive ( his tordenye for ios infor as to advanced methods of agriculture, so that he las constantly realizarel hands me profits for his labes.
On May 3, 1897, Mr. Buir was united in nrirriage with Florence WI- liams, the daughter of James and Sidney ( Coats) Williams, and they have one child, Bonnie.
Mr. Barr's fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men. His religious membership is with the christian church, to which he gives an earnest and liberal support. He is a Republican and is a stanch supporter of every movement having for its object the upbuilding of the community and because of his genuine worth he enjoys the good will of all who know him.
CLARK DICK.
One of the most painstaking and progressive tillers of the soil in Warren county, who has succeeded at his chosen life work because he has used both brains and brawn and has never been accustomed to depend upon others to do either his planning or his work, is Clark Dick, a man who, while laboring for his individual advancement, as, of course, is natural and right, never neglects his duties as a citizen, but supports such measures as make for the general good of his township and county.
Mr. Dick was born on October 13, 1859, and is the son of Jacob L. and Martlia (Clark) Dick. His father was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and there spent his boyhood years, coming to the Wabash country in Indiana in 1855, being a young man, and his object in coming here was to get a foot- hold in life, believing that this could be done in the newer country of western Indiana than in the old Keystone state, of which he was a native. He had there learned the millwright's trade, and he came here with his brother Sol for the purpose of working at his trade. He worked hard and in due course of time had a good home and here he reared his family of four children, who were named as follows: Clark, Jacob and Charles, all surviving; the daughter, Della, being deceased.
Clark Dick grew to manhood in Jordan township, where he was born, and he received his education in the common schools, working on the farm
during the group scarpeles diving in school period. the ar afiltering or from- when he purchased Ins first piece of land. After the dealhow he. faster h bought out the intere : of age of his brothers and Wie is now the owner ... five hundred acres of as line and valuable land as Warren county can boast n.f. He has placed it under high grade improvements and coforation and hy- annual income from general farming and stock raking 18 always most gratifying, showing that AIr. Dick is an excellent manager and a tireless for r. He has an attractive home and excellent outbuildings and about his place may le found a fine grade of live stock of all kinds and up-to-date farming machinery, and e rything about his farm indicates thrift and good management.
Mr. Dick was married in January, 1885, to Jestie Hartz, daughter of Adam and Mary (Girtin) Hartz. Five children have been born to the sub- ject and wife, Cora. Jennie, Charles, Howard and Ores s, who died in in- fancy.
Politically, Mr. Dick is a Republican, but he has never been especially active in public affairs. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias
JOSEPH DAVIS.
One of the successful farmers of Warren county is Joseph Davis, a man who has always been known not only for his skill as a husbandman, but also for his honesty, firmness of character and his support of such meas- ures as make for the general upbuilding of his township and county. He is widely known and has the confidence and respect of everybody.
Mr. Davis was born on February 9, 1867, on the old Goodwine farm, just west of his present farm in Warren county. He is the son of Charles H. and Mary (Clemmens) Davis. The father of the subject was born in Fred- erick county, Maryland, and there he spent his youth and secured his educa- tion. Seeking a field of broader opportunities, he came to Fountain county, Indiana, when a young man, and here he continued his schooling. Here he got a start in life by hard work and, in the course of years, had established a comfortable home and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. Here he and Mary Clemmens were married and six children were born to them, all boys, five of whom are still living.
Joseph Davis grew to manhood on the farm and helped his father with the work there when he became of proper age. He received his education
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FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES. INDIANA.
in the common , hook of Warren county, and when a young want the workof pit at fare labor mail he could save enough money to get a Part in fla world. He finally purchased one hundred and eighty-one acres of land and went to work with a will and prospered. He later sold part of his bad and bought his present excellent place, containing one hundred acres at the grassroad . a few miles from Williamsport in one of the rich farming cont- muni ies of Warren county. He has made many modern improvements al has a comfortable no e and convenient outbuildings and he keeps a good grade of live stock.
Mr. Davis was married on March 7, 1894. to Phoebe A. Jndy, a daugh- ter of Skiltman and Sarah Judy, a highly respected family of this locality, and here Mrs. Davis grew to womanhood and received a good education in the common schools, and she has spent her life in her native county. She has proved to be of much assistance to Mr. Davis in his life work. Two chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, namely: J. Emerson, who is attending school, and Lowis Floyd.
Politically, Mr. Davis is a Republican, but he has never been especially active in public affairs. He is a Freemason, and his family attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM MALADA.
Many years ago the father of the subject of this sketch crossed the ocean from Ireland, his native country, and sought the shores of the new world. He had heard of the opportunities opening up in this country and, desiring to benefit himself and his descendants, determined to seek new fields and surround himself with new and better conditions. Accordingly, he came over in a sailing vessel, and eventually established his permanent home in Warren county, Indiana. He possessed all the thrift usually ascribed to the people of the Emerald Isle, and ere long was in good financial condition, having been a hard worker from his early youth. And some of the industry charac- teristic of the Celtic race seems to have descended to his son, the subject, for he has made a success of his life work and is a prosperous merchant at the town of Winthrop.
William Malada was born on October 24, 1856, in Warren county, Indiana, and is the son of Bryant and Margaret ( Rowley) Malada. . \s stated, the father was born and reared in Ireland and there received some educational training in the common schools, and when a young man he left
is anessayat home wald endit the rest of one like the the United States Insine up comming,which be made fris Bie work And we Quelche wa - fairly novess- ful all the while, eventually becoming a large land wyner ambose nf de leading farnes of his community.
Villa. Malada was reared on the home place and then he Worksel bard when a boy during the crop seasons, attending the district selsol. diveng the winter months until he had received a practical education; in fact, le look up farming for his life work and followed the same with ever increasing success until soft, when he turned his attention to merchandising and e- tablished a store in the town of Winthrop, where he is still engaged, having built up a large and increasing business, drawing his customers from over a wide surrounding territory and carrying a complete and carefully selected stock of goods. He believes in dealing honestly with his customers and therefore he has won their confidence and good will.
Mr. Malada was married on March 28, 886, to Mirah Woods, daugh- ter of William and Isabella Woods. Politically, Mr. Malada is a Democrat. but he has never been especially active in public affairs.
JOHN WILLIAM BURGNER.
It is not strange that the people of the little repulth of Switzerland should come to the United States , id establish homes, for our institutions are similar to their own and they do not have such a hard time adjusting them- selves here as do the emigrants from other countries of Europe, born and reared under conditions which are just about the antithesis of our own. The ports of entry to the western republic have ever been ajar to the Swiss, and, having thus extended them a hearty hand of welcome, they have been coming to our shores for two centuries or more. Their substantial homes now adorn the hills and plains of the farining communities all over the Union and there is scarcely a city of note where their homes and places of business, may not be found. They and their descendants have been loyal to our institutions and have proven to be splendid citizens in every respect. Thus they have aided us in pushing forward the civilization of the western hemisphere and we have helped thein in material ways, giving them every opportunity, which they have not been slow to grasp, being people of thrift, tact and energy. From such worthy progenitors descended John William Burguer, one of the
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FOUN : X1 AND WARRES COUNTIES. BYDIANTA.
best known busines sin of the city of! Veedershing and one of Framain county - kloster passing citizens.
The first Burgers come to the United States from Switzerland in die year 1734. dies lepetiers and one sister making the long trip, the o. - och- ioned sailing sessel in which they embarked requiring many weeks for da voyage. They settled in the wills of Ohio, the country then west of de Allegh nies ring a wilderness, sparsely settled by white men but people with great, strong tribes of Indians. But the Burgners were a hardy rac. and they never qualled ot obstacles. Setting to work with a will they cleared a home in the great forest and developed a farm.
John W. Burguer was born near Salem church, Fountain county, Indi- ana, on December 2, 1876, and is a son of John and Angeline Burgner. The father was born on August 9. 1843. and died on September 13, 1882. This mother's birth occurred on April 1. 1848, and she passed away on Septem- ber 17. 1902, having survived her husband twenty years. They were highly respected people and well known in the section of the county where they re- sided. John Burgner, the father of the subject, was a vagon-maker by trade and was very skillful, so that for years there was a grat demand for his vagons. He also farmed considerably, and was thus engaged when his death occurred, living on a good farm four and one-half miles northeast of Covington. Ninety per cent. of the Burgners are mechanics, and skillful and reliable workmen in whatever line they are engaged.
Two children were born to John Burgner and wife, namely : John Will- iam, subject of this sketch, and Daniel S., who was born on January 27, 1872. He is now in California where he has resided for a number of years. He is a cabinet-maker by trade.
John W. Burgner, the subject, grew to manhood in Fountain county and received his education in the common schools. He has worked at many different trades, showing ability in all. He has been in business in Veeders- burg since 1898. He began in a restaurant, then conducted a bicycle estab- lishment, later was in the hardware and furniture business, then maintained a piano store, and he is now in the automobile business, under the firm name of the Burgner-Cade Auto Company. He is the motive force of this well known and rapidly-growing firm, which carries on a very extensive and suc- cessful business over this section of the state. They handle new and used cars-the world's best-and do all kinds of repairing and a livery business. They handle tires, oil, grease, polishes, lamps, plugs, and everything in the way of automobile accessories. They also repair bicycles, guns, in fact, most everything in these lines that needs repairing ; they also do a storage business. Promptness and high grade work are their watchwords.
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FOUNTAIN AND WAREPY COUS PIES. 534 DA-
JACOL SISK.
Year Las Trean added to year and decade to donde ampl dary gestire have been numbered with the past since Jacobs Sisk, one of the old and sol Undan farmers of Warren county and one of Rent township- most wordy afol substantial citizens. took up his permanent residence her . As OFwine tive of one of the early families in this favored region, he is externaly ofe- serving of inention with the leading citizens of the locality, whoes unere.t he has ever had at heart and sought to promote whenever occasion presented itself, and it is with pleasure that the following reference to the matily i. presented.
Jacob Sisk was born on June 7, 1852. in Kosciusko county, Indiana. and has thus been all his life a resident of the old Hoosier statt. At the age of two years he was brought to Kent township, and he has this been a withes and participant in much of the history of this township. He is the son of William and Martha (Reed) Sisk, the former of whom was a native of North Carolina. He was a fariner all his life and was number al munong the leading citizens of the different communities in which he lived. He was the father of nine children, one of whom is deceased.
The subject received his education in the common schools of Kent town- ship and as soon as old enough he entered actively upon the labors of the home farm. In those early days the operation of a farm entailed much more labor than is required in these days of improved machinery and advanced methods, but the subject there learned the true value of industry and during his later life he reaped the rewards of the indefatigable life he led. He was aways a hard-working man, exercising a practical control over his work so that his efforts were not wasted, and he was long numbered among the best farmers of his locality. He carried on diversified farming, giving also some attention to stock raising, and he kept his farm at a high standard of ex- cellence. He and his wife own one hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which is cultivable but about fifteen acres, which is broken. About seven years ago the subject moved to State Line, where he owns a comfortable home and about fifteen lots in the town besides.
Mr. Sisk was married to Welcome N. Clem, a native of Mount town- ship, Warren county, Indiana, the daughter of Jacob and Jane ( Dixon) Clem. This union has been a most happy and congenial one and has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Dora William, who married Maude Rickett, is a farmer in Kent township; Charles Jacob lives with his
POU STARS ANTI WARKES FOI NTH - SLIVES
brother Thras Sollic i the life of Charlie- Myers, of state Line. Lon Verne belle wheni ]. L. Calmauch, of State Line
The subject's political beliefs are expressed in the platinums of the Denpeggy party. I which he gives his steadfast le pont, while mix telights finca in errordance with the breed of the Member Duizend durch, 00 meghehas been an earnest and faithful member of more des AV . al Mr Side as well known in their neighborhood and Left plomand hely is often the gathering place for their numerous friends who always hol her an old fashioned hospitality.
HON. BENJ. F. GREGORY
Hon. Benj. F. Gregory, son of James and Elizabeth Lee Margoty, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, April 1, 1816. With bi. paremis, ha moved from Lawrence county to Shelby county in 1822. In 18BI they moved to Warren county. He was one of ten children who lived to lairs of maturity. He was educated in the common schools and attended Wala College. He was considered a remarkably bright pupil. His Latin professor at Wabash wishing to test his ability. allowed him to memorize the whole Latin gram- mar in two weeks, thereby sowing the seeds of his after nervousness. He taught school in Warren and Fountain counties and studied law at night and during vacations. He also read law in the office of his brother, Judge R. C. Gregory, of Lafayette. After he was admitted to the bar to practice law, he opened an office at Newport. In 1839 he married Hannah E. Hefley and established himself in a law office in Williamsport, Indiana. In his county and in his state, he was a leading lawyer, a leading spirit in politics of the county and state and a man of integrity and honor.
He was elected treasurer of the county, which office he filled with integ- rity and to the satisfaction of his friends. He was elected several terms to the Legislature and held that office when Morton was governor of Indiana, and by his counsels and his political policies greatly aided Morton in prevent- ing Indiana from seceding from the Union. He was Morton's warm per- sonal friend. When in the Legislature, he was chairman of the educational committee and at the instance of Mr. Gregory, Prof. J. P. Koonse, then a resident of Williamsport, framed the present free school law almost as we have it today. By the aid of Prof. Smart, Prof. Hoss and others, Mr. Gregory was enabled to give to Indiana a system of free schools second to no other state in the Union.
1 worker for the alegy chfedt o le interese
Ip 18:2. Warmi counts fought bom forward at the Republican nesuit- ting corsengon as theire meld de for congressional hennes. The leadership fell to another, and "Best of The age carduriy ellel. sent to work with a that any nian. In 1872 be Was elected off of the -t to presidential electors than any man. In 1972 legge elected Que of je . de presidential electors and was the one chosen tocarry the vote x the sound to Washington City. He was known, loved and drugled by almost every Day women and child in his county.
He was a kind and Woning husband ad alber Te, men over toiled more incessantly for their loved ones. His for Liv was remarkable and forleed it was his fault, as he ovenaxed his bisin until it could bear the strain no longer, and nervous prostration and death was the result. His friend of thirty years standing, Rev. John L. Smith, said at his funeral. "To my own community I may say 'know ye not brethren that a prince and a mighty one is fallen in our Israel today?" He repeated the poem, changing the name.
"Oh! Gregory, the man, the brother. And art thou gone and gone forever. And hast thou crossed that unknown river Life's dreary bound ! Like thee where shall we find another The world around?"
At his death, as it the death of his son John, the whole community mourned. He was the father of three sons ty o of whom, John and Benja- min Robert, attained the years of manhood. He was a good financier and amassed a competence, but was honest in all his dealings and even those who
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LOUER F RODGERS
bic, from me Telen ord rise to the highest station in the land. And the qualifies do not har io lie of transcendant character to enable him to ac- complet this result In is plore the way he does it and his skill in grasping the opportunities presented than to any remarkable qualities possessed by him. Accordingly it & found that very offer in this country the President, governor and other high public officials possess no higher ability than thou- sands of over quizen: They have simply taken better advantage of their circumstances than their fellows. And this truth runs through every occupa Tion. The business man who rises above others who started on life's battle at the same time does so because he lias found out how to rise above the sur- roundings which hold others down. Such a man of affairs is Elmer E. Rodgers, editor and publisher of The Warren Republican, at Williamsport, Warren county, Indiana. The splendid success which has come to Mr. Rodgers is directly traceable to the salient points in his character, for he started in life at the bottom of the ladder, which he has mounted unaided. With a mind capable of planning he combined a will strong enough to execute his well-formulated purposes, and his great energy, sound judgment, keen discrimination and perseverance have brought pronounced results in ma- terial and other ways.
Mr. Rodgers was born in a lumberman's hut in Berrien county, Michigan, November 15, 1866, and he came to Starke county, Indiana, with his parents in 1869, and was there reared on a farm and educated in the public schools, later attending the Valparaiso University and the Indiana State Normal. Being ambitious to obtain a high education, he studied hard and made an excellent record in the above named institutions, and thus be ame well equipped for his career. He was active and influential in school work in Starke county for a period of twenty-five years, ranking as one of the leading and most successful educators there, and during that time did nich toward
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