USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Past and present of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 69
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Mrs. Smock is a daughter of Robert and Ann ( Walters) Fisher, the father a native of Franklin county, Indiana, the mother born near the city of Gettysburg. Pennsylvania. Both were among the pioneers of Tippecanoe county. Indiana, coming to this part of Indiana in the early twenties and settling near what is known as Jewettsport, thence removing to Carroll county,
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where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Smock was largely reared and educated in Carroll county, finishing her intellectual discipline at the Battle Ground Collegiate Institute, which ceased to exist some years ago, but which for awhile was one of the most popular educational institutions in this part of the state. She has two brothers living, Robert D. Fisher, of Indianapolis, and Charles A., a physician of Pittsburg, Kansas, and at the present time mayor of that town.
Colonel Smock is a member of the Masonic fraternity and past master of the Ancient Landmarks Lodge, No. 319, being the third oldest living past master of his lodge. He is also an active and influential worker in the Grand Army of the Republic, both in the local post, with which he is identified, and in the affairs of the order throughout the state, being a regular attendant of the state and national encampments and a prominent figure in the delibera- tions of these bodies. Religiously, he holds to the Presbyterian creed and, with his wife, belongs to the Tabernacle church of that denomination in Indi- anapolis, being liberal in its material support, also to other enterprises having for their object the moral and spiritual good of his fellowmen. A Republican in politics, well versed on the issues of the day and thoroughly grounded in the principles of his party, he is not a partisan in the ordinary sense of the term, neither has he been an aspirant for office or leadership.
The character and position of Colonel Smock illustrates most happily, for the purposes of this work, the fact that if a young man be possessed of the proper attributes of mind and heart, he can attain to a position of un- mistakable precedence and gain for himself a place among the men who are foremost factors in shaping the destinies of the state and nation. His career, both civil and military, proves that the only true success in life is that which is accomplished by personal effort and strict regard for duty. It also proves that the road to success is open to all young men who have the courage to tread its pathway and the record of such a man will serve as an inspiration to the youth of this and future generations and teach by incontrovertible facts that success is ambition's legitimate answer.
THE WABASH VALLEY S. D. A. SANITARIUM AND MISSIONARY TRAINING SCHOOL.
Attractively located on the banks of the beautiful Wabash river, famous in song, story and Indian tradition, is the noted and praiseworthy institution under the auspices of the Seventh-day Adventists, an institution utilizing all
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measures included under the term physiological therapeutics and one in which the city of Lafayette and the county of Tippecanoe may well be proud. It is located very conveniently three miles north of the city and may be reached by a trolley ride of less than fifteen minutes. The buildings are on the eastern slope of the banks of the river, amid groves, parks and flower gardens, and overlooking the beautiful valley. Nature has done more toward beautifying the location than is possible for human art and skill to do in centuries. The ever sparkling spring water, the eight acres of well-kept lawn, the constantly flowing river with its unsurpassed facilities for boating and bathing, and the almost unbroken chain of wooded hills rising to a height of several hundred feet, offering a splendid view of nature's panorama, make an ideal place for both health and scenery. The equipment of the sanitarium could not be bet- ter. modern, new, thoroughly prepared for work in a scientific and up-to-date manner. The commodious halls, lounging and reading rooms on each floor are very inviting, as is also the large veranda space. The parlor and dining room are airy and comfortable almost to luxury, and the treatment rooms are perfectly sanitary. The stairways are wide and easy of access, a good electric elevator has been installed, and the building is steam heated and lighted with electricity. A general air of harmony, good will and home comfort prevails and according to patients who have been here, they soon forget that they are sick and find themselves members of an exceedingly happy family.
One of the essential features of the institution is its instructive and educa- tional features, where the patient is impressed with the importance of living in harmony with the health laws of nature; that correct living is indispensable in order to maintain soundness of mind and body; that man cannot defy nature's laws with impunity. Lectures are given by the physicians on general topics of health, which are always both instructive and entertaining. Instruc- tion is also given in the art of cooking.
Among the most important facilities offered by the sanitarium are its extensive treatment rooms which are equipped for the employment of all recognized hydrotherapeutic measures, most important of which are the fa- mous electric light baths, electric hydric baths, salt glows, fomentations, packs, etc. Special attention is given to massage, which is administered in the most thorough and scientific manner. The electric department employs the fol- lowing currents : static, faradic, galvanic and sinusoidal, also a complete X-ray outfit. All forms of disease are treated, except such as, by their na- ture, would prove detrimental to the interests of the other patients and guests, as serious mental disorders, infectious and contagious diseases. Invalids con- sidered incurable under less favorable conditions, frequently find relief or
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permanent help by the various improved methods of treatment provided by the sanitarium.
Dietetics as a remedial measure is of great importance, and this subject receives special attention at the Wabash Valley Sanitarium. The culinary department is carefully supervised, and, as elsewhere in the institution, the laws of simplicity and actual needs of the system are taken as a guide in the selection and preparation of a natural, wholesome and nutritious diet. Tea, coffee and flesh-foods are not found on the sanitarium tables, their place being supplied with healthful foods, which are made so inviting that those foods and beverages which are frequently responsible for the disease from which the patient suffers are no longer desired.
The following daily program is carried out here in a most systematic manner : 6:00 to 6:30 A. M., rising, morning tonic bath ; 7:15 to 7:30 A. M., morning worship in the parlor ; 7:30 to 8:15, breakfast ; 8:15 to 8:30 A. M., breathing exercises; 9:00 to 12:00 A. M., treatment and consultation; 12:00 to 12:45 P. M., rest hour; 1:00 to 2:00 P. M., dinner; 3:00 to 5:00 P. M .. treatment and consultation ; 6:00 to 6:30 P. M., lunch ; 6:00 to 7:00 P. M., gymnastics ; 7:15 to 8:00 P. M., lectures, entertainments, etc. ; 9:00, retiring ; 9:30, lights out.
Connected with the sanitarium is a scientific laboratory where bacteriolog- ical, microscopical and chemical work is carried on according to the latest and most approved scientific methods. In this laboratory examinations are made of the blood, urine, contents of the stomach, sputum, etc., which are an im- portant aid in the diagnosing of diseases and the proper prescribing for the same. Special laboratory research is made in every case to determine the exact nature of the disease. No better equipped laboratory can be found in the state.
Believing that many of the readers of this work will have more than a passing interest in this descriptive article of this wonderful institution, the following rates will be added. They include for the week, board, room, medical attention and regular treatments consisting of morning spray, gen- eral treatment in forenoon, and a light supplementary treatment in the after- noon or evening, for six days in the week. Office treatment and pharmacy supplies extra. The entrance examination fee includes complete physical ex- amination, and chemical and microscopical examination of the blood and urine. In special cases gastric and sputum analyses are made. Single room, fifteen to thirty dollars ; suite of rooms, twenty-five to fifty dollars; board and room without treatment, ten to twenty dollars; transients, per day, two to
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three dollars; entrance examination, five to ten dollars; office treatments, fifty cents to two dollars; day or night nurse, fifteen to twenty dollars.
These paragraphs can only give the reader an idea of what he may ex- pect in this meritorious sanitarium in a general way. To be fully appreciated, one must make a visit to it and see what great results are being accomplished here. It would, indeed, be a difficult matter to find a better equipped, more admirably located and withal more desirable sanitarium than this. Over seventy other sister institutions are to be found throughout the United States. Europe, Africa, Australia and Japan, all under the general supervision of, and safeguarded by. the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, and are there- fore all conducted on the same general principles, and are a great blessing to the localities where they are located.
The Wabash Valley Sanitarium Missionary Training School is con- ducted in connection with the sanitarium proper. It has sent out large numbers of thoroughly equipped and well prepared men and women for this line of work, and wonderful results have been achieved by them in many lands and climes, the laudable work they are doing receiving the hearty approbation of all who are acquainted with the same. Lafayette and Tippecanoe county should, indeed, be proud of this institution which would be a credit to any locality in the United States.
The object of the school is to train missionaries to assist in spreading the gospel message, and those having other objects in view are not welcomed. The candidate for a scholarship here must come properly recommended. his age must range from nineteen to thirty-five years, he must be in good health, have a good common school education, be possessed of a physical and mental adaptability to the work of nursing, and an intelligent consecra- tion to missionary work. All pupils are given a four-months probationary ticket of admission, after which a permanent ticket is given if conduct. ability and health have proven satisfactory, but the faculty reserves the right of dismissal at any time upon just provocation. The course is three years in length, each year of which is divided into two semesters. At the end of each subject an examination is given by the instructor, and a general examina- tion is given by the faculty at the end of each semester. Upon the completion of the entire course and passing a satisfactory examination, a diploma will be awarded to all those who have shown evidence of the genuineness of their missionary calling.
Following is a schedule of classes: First year, first semester, sixteen weeks-physiology and anatomy, fifty hours : principles of medical and mis- sionary work, fifty hours; culinary science, twenty hours, referring only to
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regular class work. In addition eight weeks' practical work in the kitchen is required of each student, the final grade given including both the theoretical and practical work. Domestic economics, fifteen hours; social purity, ten hours. Second semester, thirty-four weeks-Bible, Old Testament history, six- ty-five hours ; practical hydrotherapy, fifty hours ; practical massage, twenty-five hours ; practical nursing, twenty-five hours; medical dietetics, twenty hours; physical culture, twenty hours; electricity, ten hours. Second year, first semester, twenty-five weeks-Bible doctrines, twenty-five hours; principles of nursing, twenty-five hours; theoretical hydrotherapy, fifty hours; theoretical massage, fifteen hours; electricity, ten hours ; fevers and contagious diseases, twenty hours. Second semester, twenty-five weeks-Bible doctrines, twenty- five hours; obstetrics, twenty hours; surgical nursing, twenty-five hours; bandaging, fifteen hours; operating drill, ten hours; manual Swedish move- ment, fifteen hours; nervous and mental diseases, fifteen hours; physical cul- ture, twenty hours. Third year, first semester, twenty-five weeks-Bible, gospel studies, thirty-five hours ; general diseases, fifty hours; children's dis- eases, twenty-five hours ; genecology and genito-urinary diseases, twenty hours : accidents and emergencies, fifteen hours. Second semester, twenty-five weeks- Bible, gospel studies continued, forty hours ; materia medica, forty-five hours; general hygiene, twenty-five hours; laboratory work, fifteen hours; physical culture, twenty hours ; clinics, reviews.
The expenses in the school are reasonable, a rate of only one dollar per week being charged, which entitles students to the classes of each of the school years, and room and board are furnished at three dollars per week, books and uniforms, twenty-five dollars per year. The sanitarium will provide work sufficient to meet the above expenses. The rules of the Missionary Training School are not rigid, but such as any clean, high-minded person always ob- serves in every walk of life.
The present faculty of this excellent school is composed of the medical superintendent, physicians and graduated nurses who are in charge of different departments of the work. The curriculum is thorough, as may be seen from the foregoing list of studies.
This institution was erected in 1907, although a similar work had been carried forward on a smaller scale for two years prior to this. The promoters of this grand institution and those who composed the board of directors when the present site was secured and the buildings erected, were Elder W. J. Stone of Indianapolis, President of the Indiana Conference of Seventh Day Adventists ; Dr. W. W. Worcester, who has been medical superintendent up to the present time; T. A. Goodwin, of Indianapolis; Elder C. J. Buhalts,
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who is located at Lafayette, and W. P. Cunningham, of Middletown, Ind. These men are to be highly congratulated upon their splendid achievement.
Elder W. J. Stone, whose labors in behalf of this institution have been of a definite and potential character, has long been recognized as one of the leading members of his church, whose advice and counsel in all matters of moment have been considered invaluable. A theologian of widely recognized ability, he has occupied the best pulpits of his church in this section of the country, being a forceful and eloquent speaker and a faithful and efficient pastor. As president of the Indiana conference of the Seventh Day Adventist church, he rendered effective service in advancing the interests of that body. A man of genial disposition and pleasing address, Elder Stone enjoys a wide acquaintance and a large circle of warm friends.
JOHN K. MCMILLIN.
A splendid type of the early Virginian, noted alike in song and story, a type of genuine chivalry now almost passed away in this country, was John K. McMillin, who was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, near King's Cove, Sep- tember 27, 1807, the son of Andrew and Nancy ( King) McMillin. His grand- father, Hugh McMillin, was of Scotch-Irish descent, having come to this coun- try from Scotland, settling in Raleigh county, North Carolina, later moving to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where Andrew McMillin was born. To Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McMillin eight children were born, an equal number of boys and girls, namely : Andrew, Robert, Hugh, William, Anna, Mary and two daughters whose names are not given, each of whom married men named Mc- Clure. Andrew McMillin married Nancy King, whose ancestors were natives of England. Her grandfather came to America just before the breaking out of the Revolutionary war in 1776 and settled at King's Cove, Virginia. He was killed by the Indians in the troublous days of the Revolution. His son, James King, was the father of Nancy King and three sons, Elijah, Isaac and John. After his marriage to Nancy King near King's Cove, Virginia, Andrew McMillin settled on a farm in Spartanburg county, South Carolina, near the Packet river. Leaving South Carolina, he moved to Virginia, in which state John King MeMillin was born. Later this family moved to Claiborne county, Tennessee, at the head of the Old Town creek, ten miles west of Cumberland Gap. After a residence there of seven or eight years, the McMillins returned to Virginia. Their family consisted of eight children: Jane, who married
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John Montgomery, lived and died near Sugar Grove, Tippecanoe county. Indiana, and James Montgomery, a son, lives at the same place. Martha married Robert Sayers, lived at Wheeler's Grove, and his son, William Sayers, now lives in West Lafayette. A son, Robert, settled at Shawnee Mound, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life, and of his family. A. B. and Calvin, lived in West Lafayette and Pickney near Romney. Susan married Thomas Baker and lives in Fairbury, Illinois. Sarah married Frank Lane, of Milford, Illinois. Nancy Ann married R. Belcher and died in Trenton, Missouri. William Pinckney entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a missionary to California in 1849, having died there in that year. He was unmarried. Mary married Eli Hicks and lived and died in Missouri. Elizabeth married S. Kirkpatrick, settled in Iowa, and died there. Andrew McMillin died in South Carolina, although his home and his family were in Virginia. The family moved from that state to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1830, bringing with them a capital of only fifty dollars. They settled on the Wheeler Grove farm, stopping at the home of A. Kirk- patrick while they built a double log cabin. This farm of two hundred and eighty acres is known as the Sayers farm, near Sugar Grove. Here Nancy (King) McMillin died.
John K. McMillin, subject of this review, received a good education and taught school for some time, thereby becoming able to purchase four hundred acres of land, known as the Shull and Price land. He disposed of this and purchased two hundred acres at four dollars per acre, north of Sugar Grove. He was a good manager and prospered, adding to his original purchase from time to time until he had a large and well improved farm.
On January 16, 1838, John K. McMillin married Sarah A. Stafford, daughter of James Stafford, of near Newton, Fountain county, Indiana. She was born in Highland county, Ohio, and her mother's maiden name was Nickle. To this union were born eight children, namely: Nancy Ann, who married John Loftand October 17, 1860, died in Crawfordsville, Indiana, April 13, 1869, leaving a husband and four children. Susan Nickle died at the old home at the age of nineteen years. Mary Z. died in childhood. Martha J. is the wife of Abraham Meharry, of near Tolono, Illinois, at whose home her father died. Sarah E. is the wife of F. A. Insley, of Portland, Ore- gon. William B. is a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church at New Whatcom, Washington. He married Araetta A. Downs, of Long Island, New York. John Stafford married Lou Hiett, daughter of John Hiett, of Sugar Grove, this county, and they live at Roche Harbor, Washington. Addie E. is the wife of Barney Simison, of West Lafayette (see his sketch). It
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was in 1878 that the parents of these children moved to Tippecanoe county. On February 23, 1885, while living at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Meharry, of Tolono, Illinois, Mrs. John McMillin passed to her rest, after a beautiful Christian life. John K. McMillin was converted to the Christian faith in boyhood while living in Virginia, and all through his long and singu- larly useful life he regarded his Bible as a companion, becoming very fa- miliar with its contents and he was an exponent of its sublime truths, his walk before his fellowmen being exemplary in every respect. In politics he was a Republican. While he took no great amount of interest in politics, he twice served as commissioner of Tippecanoe county in a very able manner. His lamented death occurred on Tuesday night, November 10, 1896, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, one month and twelve days. His funeral at Trinity church on the afternoon of the following Saturday was very largely attended, for he had long been held in high favor by a vast coterie of friends and neighbors as a result of his pleasing personality and his upright life.
BARNEY SIMISON.
The record of the gentleman whose name appears above is that of a man who has worked his way from a modest beginning to a place of influence and financial ease, whose life has been one of unceasing industry and perse- verance, and the notably systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won him the unbounded confidence and regard of the citizens of Tippe- canoe county where he has labored to so goodly ends, not only for himself, but for the community at large.
Barney Simison, a leading farmer and citizen of Randolph township, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1856, the son of Parker and Esther (McKean) Simison, the former a native of New Garden, Ohio, where his birth occurred in July, 1828, and the latter a native of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where her birth occurred on June 16, 1829. Parker Simison came to Pennsylvania in an early day when he was yet a young man and took up farming, also engaging in the milling business, at which he con- tinued in a most successful manner, building up an extensive patronage and laying by quite a competency until his death, in the spring of 1905, at the age of seventy-seven years, finding at last a resting place in Fair Oaks cemetery at New Wilmington. His widow survived him three years, remaining in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, being summoned to her reward on November
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21, 1008, having reached the age of seventy-nine years. She is buried beside her husband in Fair Oaks cemetery. They were married in Lawrence county and spent most of their lives there, establishing a good home and becoming the parents of ten children, an equal number of boys and girls, all of whom grew to maturity, six of them living in 1909. Barney is the third child in order of birth, the other children being Mary Evelyn, William E., Margaret A., David D., Jennie E., Patrick R., Emma, Carrie M. and Jackson G. Those deceased are Jennie, Margaret, Emma and Patrick R.
Barney Simison entered the graded common schools of his native com- munity and received a fairly good education. He remained with his parents in their Pennsylvania home until after he had attained his majority, when. seized with the western fever, as was many another young man of the Key- stone state, he set out for Indiana and located in Tippecanoe county where he soon got a start, for he was a young man of thrift and good judgment. On November 9, 1886, he was united in marriage with Adda E. McMillin, a native of Jackson township, this county, her birth occurring near Sugar Grove. January 7, 1861. She is the daughter of John K. and Sarah E. (Stafford) McMillin. (For full record of the McMillin family see sketch of John K. McMillin. )
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barney Simison, in a short time, returned to Pennsylvania, where they remained for a period of two years, then returned to Indiana, Mr. Simison renting a farm in Jackson township. Tippe- canoe county, upon which they lived for seven years. They then moved to Lafayette where Mr. Simison engaged in various mercantile enterprises for a period of two years and then bought the farm where he now resides in Randolph township, near Romney. General farming is carried on successfully. the place having been carefully tilled and well improved so that it is one of the valuable farms of the township. On it stand a modern and commodious dwelling and substantial outbuildings .. Mr. Simison pays considerable at- tention to handling stock, especially feeding lambs for the Chicago market. He buys principally western lambs. He has topped the market each time lie has been there for six years, or ever since he has been feeding and shipping lambs. This farm comprises one hundred and three acres, a cursory glance over which is enough to convince the stranger that its owner is a progressive agriculturist, for everything about the place denotes thrift and good management.
Mr. Simison has never aspired to public office, although he has been fre- quently solicited by his friends and neighbors to serve them in some capacity.
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He is a Republican and has several times served as delegate to Republican county conventions. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, belonging to New Richmond Lodge No. 288, in which he has passed all the chairs. Mr. and Mrs. Simison are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Romney where they are active in all lines of church work, and in which Mr. Simison is now steward and a member of the board of trustees, which offices he has held for several years, carefully looking after the interests of the local congregation.
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