USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Past and present of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 26
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Mr. McKee has devoted his life to farming, and he now has a comfort- able home in Lauramie township where his long life has been spent. In November of 1886 he was elected sheriff of Tippecanoe county, and so faith- fully did he serve his fellow citizens in this capacity that they returned him to the same office in 1888, his official service ending August 25, 1891. He has always been a Republican and has taken considerable interest in local po- litical affairs. It is generally acknowledged that he was one of the best sheriffs Tippecanoe county has ever had. After his term of office expired he purchased a farm, but later sold it and for many years engaged ex- tensively in stock shipping, of which he made a great success. He is now practically retired from active life.
Fraternally, Mr. McKee is a member of Miller Lodge. Free and Ac- cepted Masons, and he has long been a loyal worker in the same. exempli- fying in his daily life the honest and humanitarian principles which this nohle order seeks to inculcate.
WILLIAM H. H. MOORE, M. D.
Among the young physicians of Lafayette, who have their careers before them, none give brighter promise of success than Doctor Moore. He has all the prime qualities that usually secure results. as he is abstemious. industrious, attentive to his duties and possessed of the genial address so essential in
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making friends. Those who know him best express their great confidence in his future, declaring that he is a natural-born physician and full of an ambi- tion that will brook no failure. Dr. Moore comes from a good family. Henry H. Moore, his father, was well known in this part of Indiana as a merchant and farmer. His acquaintance was wide and the esteem for him general. He married Elizabeth S. Sleeper, with whom he lived happily until his death in 1906. His widow, a highly esteemed lady, quiet and motherly of disposi- tion, is an honored resident of West Lafayette.
William H. H. Moore, the only child, was born in Benton county, In- diana, May 4, 1880, and in youth was given every advantage his parents could afford. He attended the schools of Otterbein during his minority and entered Purdue University in 1899. Four years of hard study was put in mastering the courses mapped out as desirable and in the spring of 1903 the diligent student was rewarded with a degree of Bachelor of Science. Having decided on a professional career, the next step was to matriculate at Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he went through the departments that fitted him for graduation in 1906. He obtained practical knowledge to sup- plement his theoretical acquirements by engaging as interne, or house physi- cian, at St. Ann's Sanitarium and St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Chicago. To these positions Dr. Moore devoted sixteen months and then returned to Lafay- ette to make arrangements for his professional debut. In March, 1908, he located in the Columbia Flats, opened a neat little office, "hung out his shingle" and invited the public to enter. There is no doubt but what his patients will be plentiful in due time. Doctor Moore is a member of the Tippecanoe County, State and American Medical. Associations and also be- longs to the Young Men's Christian Association and the Lincoln Club. He is quite popular with his associates and enjoys the entree into some of the best society the city affords.
FRANKLIN GEORGE BAUGHER.
F. G. Baugher is remembered by the people of Lafayette as a business man of extraordinary perseverance and integrity, having during a very active life accumulated a competency for his family and then passed on to that "undiscovered bourne from whence no traveler ever returns," but his influence is still felt by those who knew him best, for his life was an example worthy of emulation in many respects. He was a native of one of the Eastern states. and had two brothers and several sisters. His father came to Lafayette,
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Indiana, and died here. F.G.Baugher came to this city with his uncle, William Rank, a blacksmith, who taught the trade to the subject, which he followed for a livelihood, becoming known as one of the most skillful workmen at the forge in the county. His death occurred December 4, 1880.
Franklin G. Baugher and Mary A. Ford were married January 21, 1846. She was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1829, the daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Koch) Ford, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ford was a carpenter by trade and during his life handled some large and important jobs. He and his wife came to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, when Mary A., their daughter, was nine years old, the trip from the old home in the Keystone state being made in wagons overland. This was in 1838 when most of this part of the country was yet covered with the virgin forests. Mr. Ford began business in his new home by opening a butcher shop, most of his trading in this line being done in Cincinnati where he found a ready market for his products, the shipments being made by canal. Their family consisted of six children, four girls and two boys, all of whom grew to ma- turity. Mary A. received her education in the old-time subscription schools.
To Franklin G. and Mary A. Baugher five children were born, one girl and four boys, three of whom lived to maturity. Their names follow : Henry, who is a printer by trade, married Minnie Barker, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, but no children have been born to them; Frank G., Jr., is married and has lived in the Reynolds mansion in Lafayette for over twenty years; Walter L. married Jennie Ward, of this city, and they became the parents of four chil- dren, an equal number of boys and girls. Walter L. Baugher died in July, 1903. He had followed paper hanging and art decorating for a livelihood, and was a very skilled workman. Anna Yesler, a niece of Mrs. Baugher, was born in Pennsylvania, December 2, 1858, and she came to the Baugher home when four years old. She takes a delight in caring for Mrs. Baugher. Her father's name was John Yesler. Sarah E. Baugher was a sister of the subject of this sketch.
Mr. and Mrs. Baugher moved into the home now occupied by Mrs. Baugher in 1848, two years after their marriage, and during this long lapse she has noted the development of the locality from a mere hamlet to a great commercial center. Her children were all born here. It is a substantial brick house at No. 15 South Sixth street, and the latch-string is always hanging on the outside for the many friends of Mrs. Baugher, some of them of long standing. for she has been well known here from the early days to the present, and the exemplary life she has lived has made her popular with her acquaint- ances. She is a well preserved woman, looking twenty years younger than
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her age. She does a great deal of reading and sewing and other work. She is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church. Her life has been, in the main, happy, although beset by many trials incident to living in a new country. She is kind to all, and her motherly care and influence is felt by everyone who comes into her presence.
JOSEPH BENJAMIN BEAUCOND.
Fighting fires in cities has long passed from the amateur stage to the highest point of discipline and scientific accomplishment. Only the best men and best machinery are fitted for the work, the inefficient being barred and the incompetent told to stand aside. As fire fighting has become more and more a science and the management of a department requiring a high order of generalship combined with bravery, self-control and- a coolness of temperament that defies heat. it is considered a great honor to hold the position of chief. The people respect him and look up to him as a hero, he often becomes a martyr to his profession, which is extra hazardous, and thus for many reasons the list that contains the names of firemen is regarded as a roll of honor. At Lafayette, the man who fills this honorable place is Joseph B. Bemuc nd and the very fact that he holds it is sufficient proof that he obtained it on merit, by possessing those sturdy qualities of body and mind that enter into the making of commanders. The Beauconds were an old family in Floyd county, Indiana, before the Civil war and some of its members figured honorably in the development of that section. Henry J. Beaucond. born in 1816. died in 1893, was a farmer by regular vocation, but he did a good deal of contract- ing as a side line. He married Mary Byrnes, by whom he had four sons. John H., Joseph B., Francis J. and Peter M.
Joseph B. Beaucond. the second of these children, was born at New Albany. Indiana, July 7. 1859. and was reared in the place of his nativity. Between school terms he spent his vacations on the farm helping his father with the harvest and crop attendance and so continued until the completion of the sixteenth year of his age. At that time he became an apprentice to learn the trade of locomotive boiler-making and spent several years in mastering its intricacies. After fulfilling all the requirements to become a journeyman he worked at his trade in Birmingham, Alabama, for two years and, returning to New Albany, was employed there for the same length of time. His next engagement was with the C. E. & I. Railroad Company. after
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the completion of which he laid off temporarily from his regular employment to become a fireman at New Albany. At this juncture he dabbled in politics to some extent on the Democratic side, but eventually resigned from the fire department of his own accord and entered the employ of the Monon Railroad Company to work at his regular trade. For two years he was connected with the police force at New Albany and this was followed by a re-engagement with the Monon Railroad Company to work at his regular trade. While thus employed he located at Lafayette in 1894 and for the next twelve years he worked in the Monon shops. In 1907 he was made chief of the city fire department and has since discharged the duties of that respon- sible position. He has a natural aptitude for this work accentuated by a previous experience in the same line at New Albany, and he has "made good" in every way since he took charge of the position three years ago. The evi- dence of this is his high standing among the fire chiefs of the state, the con- fidence manifested in him by the fire insurance companies and the good will and respect that have come to him from all the citizens of Lafayette.
Mr. Beaucond married Idda Wardell, of Scottsburg, Indiana, and they have one son, Charles A., who was born January 14, 1895, and is now one of the youngest pupils in the high school. Mr. Beaucond's only fraternal rela- tions are in connection with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he has been a longtime member. His acquaintance is extensive in various parts of the state, where he has lived and worked, and in all these places he is pleas- antly remembered as an industrious mechanic and citizen without reproach.
ARETT C. ARNETT, M. D.
Recognized among the leading physicians of Lafayette, Indiana, of the younger generation, there is none better known and with a wider circle of friends than Dr. A. C. Arnett. He is a native of Tippecanoe county, born August 21, 1882, and is a son of A. J. and Elizabeth (McBroom) Arnett. The elder Arnett is a resident of Jackson township, Tippecanoe county, and has long been prominent in agricultural lines as well as a political worker in the Republican party. He served as trustee of his township and has always taken an active interest in the campaigning in his county. Having practically retired from farming, it is probable that he and his wife will eventually become residents of Lafayette. To them were born the following children :
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Arett C., the subject of this sketch; C. N., now professor in Purdue Univer- sity ; R. E., a student in the city high school.
Arett C. Arnett received his early mental training in the district school of his native home and later graduated from the city high school. He still later matriculated in the Northern Indiana Normal University at Valparaiso and completed the scientific course there. He entered medical school in 1903 and graduated in 1907. He won signal honors during his collegiate work and was classed as a close and discriminating student. He was an undergrad- uate interne at the Eleanor Hospital for one year and later was in the same position with Bobbs' Dispensary. He is connected with the hospital corps of the Indiana National Guard. In his early practice he was associated with Dr. George D. Kahlo and Dr. A. C. Kimberlin for two years. He was also house physician at St. Elizabeth's Hospital for one year. Doctor Arnett located in his present quarters in 1908 where he has built up an enviable practice and has made many friends by his kindly ministrations. He is a member of several medical societies and fraternities, including the Tippecanoe County Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In addition he is a Mason and a member of the Lincoln Club, being a strong Republican.
Doctor Arnett was married on November 11, 1908, to Ethel McKinstray, of Noblesville, Indiana. She is a graduate of Depauw University at Green- castle, Indiana, and a woman with many excellent qualities of mind. Doctor Arnett is a man of many social excellencies and with a bright outlook for his future success.
ROBERT HENRY MCGRATH.
Prominent among those identified with the business interests of the city of Lafayette is Robert H. McGrath, who succeeded to his father's interests in the foundry and machine works, counted among the city's chief assets from an industrial standpoint. He was born in the city where he has always re- sided, on May 5, 1859, and is a son of Robert M. and Catherine (O'Grady) McGrath. The father was a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, and the mother a native born of the Emerald Isle. She came to America to join a brother who had emigrated to United States in 1848. Robert M. McGrath was a member of the engineering corps on the survey of the old Wabash & Erie canal and in that way came to Lafayette, where he subsequently located. He embarked in the foundry and machine business just across the street from where the present business of the son is located. He was in partnership with
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Joseph Hubler and purchased the site where the present foundry is situated. He died in 1889 and was active in business until the time of his death. In 1889 the son, Robert McGrath, came into possession of the enterprise, which he has since actively conducted with all success.
To the elder McGrath and wife were born seven children, six of whom are still living, as follows : Charles, deceased; Robert H. McGrath; Catherine, who married Edward Miller and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio; Helen, widow of Thomas F. McMahan, of Lafayette; Frances, who married Edward F. Bren- nan and lives in Indianapolis ; George, of Los Angeles, California.
Robert H. McGrath was reared in the city of his nativity and obtained his education in the graded schools, a business course in a commercial college and later entered Notre Dame University, of the class of 1876. He was a close student and graduated with honors and then returned to Lafayette where he entered business for himself in partnership with his father. With the energy characteristic of the Irish race, the McGraths applied themselves to business and were scon foremost among the tradesmen of their kind in western Indiana. By hard work and perseverance they accumulated a con- petency and were honored by their neighbors and friends. Robert always took much interest in the progress of the city and was in politics. He was elected as waterworks trustee in 1900 and served three years, being re-elected - for a second term. In 1905 he was appointed by the mayor as president of the board of public works, which position he now holds with credit to him- self and the party that put him there.
In 1887 he was married to Mary Ward, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and to the union four children were born, as follows: Genevieve, Irma, Helen and Robert. The children are either attending school or graduates of some institution.
Robert McGrath is a member of the Catholic church and also a member of the Knights of Columbus. In politics he is a Democrat, a good citizen, progressive and honorable, and always willing to do his duty as he finds it. He has a large following of friends and is revered as a good citizen and neighbor.
ADAH McMAHAN, M. D.
The subject of this sketch has been long and favorably known in Lafay- ette, and has unusual talent, which has been improved by thorough education and years of experience. Her family is one of the best, possessing historic military records in two wars and always counted among the patriotic in times
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of national crisis. Her father, Dr. William R. McMahan, was a gallant sol- dier of the Civil war, going early and staying late, leaving no bad marks against himself and rising by merit to the rank of first lieutenant of his com- pany. On the maternal side, Dr. Adah McMahan is a great-granddaughter of Capt. Jacob Guiger, a veteran of the battle of Tippecanoe, where the Indians of Tecumseh's tribe were so disastrously routed by the American forces under Gen. William Henry Harrison. Captain Guiger commanded one of the com- panies of volunteers who went out under the command of Major Spencer, of. the Kentucky volunteers. Captain Guiger led his troops gallantly in the charge against the savages, was wounded in the action and received the thanks of congress for his bravery.
Dr. Adah McMahan was born at Huntingburg, DuBois county, Indiana, and received her elementary education in the graded and high school of her native city. After reaching the proper age she entered as a student the Indiana State University, where by diligence and hard study she was honored with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts. She next matricu- lated in the Northwestern University and after a thorough course in the med- ical department she carried off the coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine, her graduation occurring with the class of 1897. Previous to going to Chicago, however, Doctor McMahan had been connected with the Girls' Classical School- at Evansville and later was at the head of the Greek department of the Duluth ( Minnesota ) high school. In all of these positions she proved to be a successful educator, energetic in her work, resourceful in methods and prompt in the discharge of her duties. In the fall of 1897, Doctor Mc- Mahan located at Lafayette where she has since been continuously engaged in the practice of her profession. These twelve years have been busy ones for her and the work she has accomplished is a tribute to her push and skill. Though she makes a specialty of the diseases of women and children, she also enjoys an extensive general practice. She is a member of the Tippecanoe County, Indiana State and American Medical Associations. Socially she is a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revo- lution and her religious affiliations are with the Second Presbyterian church.
FILANDER TAYLOR VESS.
A worthy representative of an old and honored Virginia family, and one of the progressive agriculturists of Tippecanoe county is Filander T. Vess, whose excellent farm in Randolph township is a model of advanced
Sarah. le Vesz
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scientific farming. His birth occurred in Rockbridge county, Virginia, May 28, 1855, and it was there that he received his education in the common schools, passing through what would now be known as the eighth grade. He is the son of Matthew and Mary (Moore) Vess, both natives of Vir- ginia and representatives of as fine old Southern families as could be found in the Old Dominion. They were reared, educated and married there, their wedding occurring in 1839. They managed very successfully a farm in Rockbridge county where, as stated, their son Filander was born. The mother passed to the "silent halls of death" in March, 1860, at the early age of thirty-two years, and she lies buried near the town of Lexington, Vir- ginia. Her husband survived her eleven years. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom grew to maturity, two now being deceased. In order of birth they were as follows: John, Mary, Jake, William, Filander, Hulda and Sally. The deceased members are Mary and Jake, who are buried at St. Paul, Shelby county, Indiana. After the death of his first wife, Matthew Vess, in the year 1861, married his second wife, Mary Ann Archer, a native of Virginia. They came to Indiana and lived in Shelby county for about a year ( 1868), then Matthew Vess returned to Virginia with his fam- ily, where he died in December, 1871. at the age of fifty-two years.
Four children were born to Matthew Vess by his second marriage, namely : Oliver C., James R., Gertie L. and Missouri, who died in infancy while the family lived in Shelby county, Indiana.
Filander T. Vess remained with his parents in Virginia until he went to West Virginia, where he remained until his twenty-first year, then came to Indiana and worked on a farm by the month for two years, after which he returned to West Virginia, in which state he was married on March II, 1877. to Sarah Katherine Carte. She was born in Roane county, West Vir- ginia, October 6, 1855. the daughter of Crawford and Margaret C. Carte, both natives of West Virginia, in which state they lived until the death of the father, which occurred shortly after his daughter's marriage to the sub- ject. His widow survives, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Vess, in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. She enjoys very good health for one who has reached the age of seventy-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford Carte were the parents of eleven children, Mrs. Vess being the second in order of birth: the other children are Rebecca, Sarah C., John M., W. A., Mary, Joe C. and Cal, the last two deceased, and Meady, who lives in Canada.
After the marriage of Filander T. Vess, he and his wife returned to Indiana within a few days, landing in Lafayette with only fifty dollars in
(49)
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capital. They both went to work on a farm in this county where they lived for a few years. By hard work and close economy they were enabled to buy land and stock, and, having prospered ever since, they now own a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which is among the very best farm- ing land in Randolph township, Tippecanoe county, being well stocked and under high grade cultivation and well improved. They have a fine home and substantial outbuildings. Mr. Vess makes a specialty of raising Red Jersey hogs and Jersey cows.
To Mr. and Mrs. Vess five children have been born, four of whom grew to maturity, one having died in childhood. In order of birth they are Alto Maude, born August 21, 1879, is the wife of George K. Stafford; they reside in Lafayette, Mr. Stafford being postmaster of West Lafayette; George Edgar was born July 25, 1880, and died February 24, 1881 ; Ora Florence, born March 27, 1882, is the wife of Charles Spears, of Lafayette; Charles Ernest, born April 23, 1884, has remained single; Harry Earl, born July 22, 1890, married Nora Conrow, and they reside in Romney, Indiana.
In his fraternal relations, Mr. Vess is a member of Randolph Lodge, No. 376, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Romney, of which' he is treasurer, and he also belongs to Maracopa Tribe, No. 325, Improved Order of Red Men, at Linden, Indiana. Mr. Vess was formerly a Democrat, but of recent years he has supported the Republican ticket, and has taken quite an active part in political affairs; however, he has never aspired to public office, but he was prevailed upon to serve a term of four years as super- visor of Randolph township, which he did very creditably. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Romney and they are very active in church work, Mr. Vess being a member of the stewards and a trustee of this congregation. Herman Vess, nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Vess, who was drowned in Wea creek on June 29, 1902, was a very prom- ising lad, his loss being a severe blow to Mr. and Mrs. Vess, as they were rearing him.
GEORGE K. THROCKMORTON, M. D.
Standing prominently among the younger physicians of Lafayette, In- diana, is Dr. George K. Throckmorton, a native born of Tippecanoe county- and well known in medical circles of western Indiana. He was born April 1, 1862, and is a son of Edmond and Elizabeth (DeVault) Throckmorton. The elder Throckmorton came from Virginia in 1838 and settled in Tippecanoe
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county and lived there all his life. He was a farmer and by his thrift and hard work accumulated considerable property, although when he began life he had nothing but his courage and willing hands. At one time he owned three hundred acres of land which he had obtained through his own efforts. He was known as a God-fearing man and a member of the Presbyterian church. He died in 1903, his wife having preceded him in 1894. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are living. Warner T. and Foreman W. are farmers of Tippecanoe county and well-to-do citizens. Dr. George Throckmorton, the other son, was reared on a farm and attended the district school until he was sixteen years of age. He entered the preparatory. department of Purdue University and in 1883 graduated from that institu- tion. He then entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, Illinois, and grad- uated therefrom in 1887, after which he located in Lafayette, Indiana, and has been a resident of that city since. He is favorably known to his brethren of the medical profession and also has a large and growing practice. His ability as a surgeon is known outside of his own environs. He is a member of the staff of St. Elizabeth's Hospital and has been for the last sixteen years. He is also the physician for the Tippecanoe Children's Home and at one time was elected coroner of the county and was also secretary of the county board of health for five years. Doctor Throckmorton took a post-graduate course in medicine in Chicago and New York and is considered peculiarly well equipped for his life's profession. He has always been identified with the commercial interests of his city and county and, in addition to owning a fine farm in Tippecanoe county, he is a stockholder in the American National Bank and possesses an elegant home at 520 North Seventh street, Lafayette. At one time he served as president of the State Medical Society and is also a member of the county organization.
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