USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Pictorial and biographical memoirs of Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana, together with biographies of many prominent men of other portions of the state, both living and dead > Part 60
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the office about two years when he was removed by President Cleveland for offensive partisan- ship. The fact was, that he was in Indiana a short time, in the fall of 1884, and made a few speeches in favor of Mr. Blaine for president. His malicious political enemies in Indiana were instrumental in securing his removal. Judge Coburn performed his labors satisfacto- rily to the people of Montana, doing a vast amount of business, holding court night and day. He at once returned to Indianapolis, and to the practice of his profession. Local as well as general politics have interested him greatly and he has wielded a wide influence, and that for good, among the citizens of the city in which bis life has been spent. His standing among its people is of an enviable character; having taken great pride in its prosperity and progress, which he has seen grow from an obscure village to a beautiful and prosperous city. He is a believer in truth, justice and right, advocates these principles on all occasions and in his long and useful walk through life be has followed them in example as well as by precept. Nothing could better illustrate his faith in humanity and in the radical and thorough improvement of his fellow-men than the firm stand he took when the new city charter of Indianapolis was adopted in 1891, taking away self-government and creating a despotism in the office of mayor. He denounced it as unworthy an intelligent people, an abandonment by them of the right to do their own thinking upon their own public affairs and as a confession of their inability to act for themselves in their municipal capacity. But he said that this infatuation would soon vanish as an ugly dream and the better sense of the people would soon reclaim the powers of self-government and independent action, and that he had unwavering confidence in the ability of the people to govern themselves whether in the city, State or the nation; and that the only safe municipal government must rest upon the well-paid representatives of the people elected to act as councilmen and aldermen, and openly discuss every matter of business. He has taken a very active part in the matter of the State soldier's monument, and in 1875 made a long report, which was printed exten- sively in favor of a Memorial Hall. This committee was composed of members from every Congressional district in the State. Andina similar line he has devoted much time in secur- ing the improvement of Garfield Park in his native city. He was soon after the close of the
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war one of a committee of citizens who organized the Soldier's Home, collected funds and purchased the present site at Knightstown. After this the State assumed the charge and management by an act of the Legislature which he drafted and the institution was delievered into the hands of State officers. Ultimately the soldiers were taken to the National Home at Dayton, and the Orphan's Home, a grand institution, was established under the law. He has had a hand in many matters for the public welfare and continues with energy and good-will in all of his old lines of life. He is an optimist and strives for the coming of the better day for all men.
J. P. McCONNELL. In writing a review of the industries of Indianapolis, there is no sub- ject more worthy of attention than the city's carpenter trade. It constitutes an important factor in the city's advancement, and no man has done more in this particular branch than has J. P. McConnell whose carpenter and job shop is located at 27 East Georgia Street. He gives special attention to store and office fixtures and how well he lias prospered may be seen in the high class of his custom and the excellent character of his work. He has built up a good patronage and has proven himself a gentleman of unswerving integrity. Mr. McConnell is a product of Indiana soil, born in Fayette County, August 8, 1841, and is a son of Ellis D. and Nancy (Hodkins) McConnell, natives respectively of Ohio and Kentucky. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Capt. Thomas McConnell, was a Virginian who served as captain in the War of 1812. Ellis D. McConnell moved from his native State to Fayette County, Ind., in 1825, or about that time, and located on a farm where he met with unusual success. Formerly a Whig in politics he joined the ranks of the Republican party upon its organization, and took a deep interest in politics. For many years he was a worthy member of the Christian Church. His death occurred February 19, 1887, on his eighty-fifth birth- day. His wife died May 30, 1882. Nine of their twelve children grew to manhood and womanhood. J. P. McConnell, our subject, secured a fair education in the schools of his native county and partially learned his trade before the war. On December 6, 1861, he enlisted in Company G. Fifty-second Indiana, as musician and participated in the battle of Fort Donelson after which he was discharged from the service on account of general disabil- ity. Although exempt from further service he afterward joined the 100 days' service and was a faithful and trusty soldier. He had graduated from Bryant & Spencer's Commercial Col- lege and after the war he engaged in various kinds of work for some time. He was a con- tractor on the I. & V. Railroad, where he lost money and he was subsequently engaged in the patent right business all over Illinois and Missouri. After this he was in Arkansas, Miss- issippi, Tennessee and other parts of the South for one year. About 1872 he came to Indian- apolis and turned his attention to building. In 1875 he went South for about one year; was in Chicago in 1881 and 1883. then came to Indianapolis. In learning his trade Mr. McConnell had instilled into his mind the principle to do good work, but after he had followed this for some time he found it was no longer profitable in building houses, so he turned his attention to office and store fixtures which he makes a specialty. He has met with the best of success in this line of business and gives the best of satisfaction. In the year 1869 he married Miss Anga Staats, of Fortville, this State, but this happy union terminated in her death April 14, 1874. One daughter, now deceased, was born to this union. On April 15, 1879, Mr. McConnell married Miss Lilly Ferguson, of Edinburg. Although a Republican he is not a strict partisan but is rather independent in his ideas.
GEORGE W. BAILEY. The development of the real estate market of Indianapolis has been upon a scale commensurate with the importance aud rapid growth in wealth and popu- lation, equal in proportion, to any city in the Union, while much of the credit attaching thereto is due to the intelligent efforts and honorable policy of our leading and representa- tive real estate agents. Prominent among the number referred to is Mr. George W. Bailey, well known in real estate circles and senior member of the firm of Bailey & Bailey, dealers in real estate, rents and loans. He is a recognized accurate anthority on the present and pros- pective values of real estate throughout all sections of the city and vicinity, so that the utmost reliance can be placed upon his judgment and advice by intended investors. He is a gentle- man of large experience, sound judgment and marked ability. Mr. Bailey was born in Madison County, Ind, near Anderson, August 4, 1841, son of Lewis J. and Mary (Miller) Bailey, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of the Old North State. . When
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about sixteen years of age the father removed with his parents to Indiana and there grew to manhood, becoming a substantial farmer of Madison County. For years he was justice of the peace, trustee, etc., discharging the duties of all in a manner reflecting credit upon himself and his constituents. In February, 1861, he came to Marion County, and settled on a farm north of Indianapolis, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1868. The paternal grandfather of our subject, George W. Bailey (after whom our subject was named), was a veteran of the War of 1812, and the Mexican War. He was a native of the grand old State of Virginia. The original of this notice was reared on a farm in Madison County and there remained until twenty years of age, receiving his education in the common schools. He came with the family to Indianapolis, February 3, 1861, and after remaining with his father on the farm for about three years learned. the painters and grainer's trade which he followed for nearly sixteen years. During the latter part of the years he was engaged in this business; he did nothing in his line but imitating wood and marble. After engaging in mercantile and other pursuits for some time, in 1876, he embarked in the real estate business which he has followed almost uninterruptedly ever since. He has met with unusual success in this occupation and has acquired considerable property. During the Rebellion he was on duty for about a year in what was known as the city regiment. Four of his wife's brothers and one of his own entered the army, three of the former never return- ing, two having died in Andersonville prison. Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Miller, in January, 1865, and they now have a pleasant and comfortable home in Indianapolis. She was born in Madison County, Ind., and was the daughter of John and Mary Miller. In politics Mr. Bailey is Independent, voting for the man instead of for party. Independent in religion as to creeds, he is a firm believer in redemption as taught in scriptures.
IVY E. WRIGHT, M. D. Few, perhaps none, save those who have trod the ardnous paths of the profession, can picture to themselves the array of attributes, physical, mental and moral, and the host of minor qualities essential to the making of a truly successful physician. His constitution needs must be the hardiest to withstand the constant shock of wind and weather, the wearing loss of sleep and rest, the ever gathering load of care, the insidious ap- proach of every form of fell disease to which his daily round of duties momentarily expose him. The above is but a few necessary remarks introducing Dr. Ivy E. Wright, who for years past has practiced his profession in Indiana, and who has ever met with gratifying suc- cess. He is a product of Indiana, born in Morgan County November 7, 1839, and is the son of William P. and Jane (Stout) Wright, both natives of Morgan County, Ind., the Wright family being pioneers of that county. The father of our subject was a druggist and mer- chant of Monrovia, Ind., for many years, but his death occurred in Pulaski County. The original of this notice attended the public schools of his native county until about sixteen years of age, when he entered Asbury University, and took a three years' scientific course. In 1861, on leaving the university. he began the study of medicine with Prof. C. H. Cleve- land, and continued with him for three years. In 1866 he graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. Prior to this, in 1863, he began practic- ing in Rockville, Parke County, Ind., before graduating as was the custom in those days. During the war the Doctor was assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, and was in the Army of the Cumberland doing both hospital and field service in the regions in and about Knoxville, remaining in the service a year. He was mustered out at Lafayette, Ind., in the latter part of 1864, and soon after located in Hancock County, where he practiced medicine and surgery successfully for twenty years. In 1888 he came to Indian- apolis, and located in the western part of the city, where he has a good practice, ranking among the leading physicians of the city. Miss Emma Parker, who became his wife in 1861, was a native of Hendricks County, Ind., and the daughter of Dr. Parker, of Danville. Nine children have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Wright: Vevia, Minnie, Grace, Nellie, Fred, Charles, Ivy and Robbie. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., of which he has served as noble grand; he is also a member of the G. A. R. Politically he is a Republican.
WILLIAM GIEZENDANNER, a retired business man, was born in Switzerland, January 1, 1845, a son of John and Anna (Mettler) Giezendanner, who were also natives of Switzerland. The father was a baker by trade and carried on that business on an extensive scale in his
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native land, being also a large manufacturer of soap and muric acid. He was very successful in business, for he was a man of keen discernment and of great energy, and at the time of his death in the year 1850, he was possessed of a handsome property, to which his children fell heir which they also did to the honorable name which he left behind him. He was married twice, and by his first wife became the father of three children, and by his second wife eight. William Giezendanner was about five years old when his father died, and in 1860 he came to this country with his mother and went with her at once to Louisville, Ky., and after a short sojourn there came to Indianapolis, where William has since made his home. He had learned the baker's trade previous to coming to this country, and upon his arrival in Indianapolis he entered the employ of Alex and Jacob Metzger, proprietors of the largest and only steam bakery in the city at that time, in whose employ he remained about one year. He then became an employe in a Government bakery for some time, and still later was in the service of John Weinberger nearly five years. He next worked in the Cali- fornia House for some time, finally entering the employ of George Haas at the corner of Mississippi and Vermont Streets, purchasing about three months later the business in company with Charley Hespelt. This was in 1868, and the partnership continued for about two and a half years, at which time Mr. Giezendanner became sole proprietor of the business and con- ducted the same with great success until he retired, May 1. 1892. bis sou succeeding him in the business. In 1876 he erected a handsome brick block on his business property, three stories high, 42x68 feet, at a cost of over $12,000, and there conducted one of the leading and best appointed bakeries in the city. He also built a two-story dwelling adjoining in 1889, at a cost of $3,500, but at the time of his retirement from business he purchased a fine residence property at 610 Bellefontaine Street. During seven or eight years of his business career he carried on a large dry goods business successfully. He has ever been the soul of honor in all bis transactions, enterprising, to be relied upon on all occasions, and an expert in his line of work. He has been a credit to the city of Indianapolis and an honor to the name he bears, and in the social circles of the place he is highly regarded and commands the utmost respect. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. of H., besides the Indian- apolis Shooting Society, being a director and stockholder and the present treasurer in the latter society. Mr. Giezendanner was married in 1868 to Miss Maggie Hofmann, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and a daughter of George and Hannah (Haynley) Hofmann, who were also from the old country. To Mr. and Mrs. Giezendanner a family of seven children were given, five of whom are living: George, William, Charley, Harry and Walter. Those deceased are Maggie and Albert, and they also had an adopted child, Mary, who was a daughter of one of Mr. Giezendanner's brothers, and who died in childhood. Mr. Giez- endanner and his family are members of the First German Reformed Church, and in poli- tics he is a stanchi Democrat, although he is by no means a politician.
INDIANAPOLIS BASKET COMPANY. The evolutions in the industrial world, the improved modes of manufacturing things, have been marvelous in the past half century and scarcely an industry exists that has been left untouched of the spirit of reform. This is in every essential true in regard to the making of baskets, and the vast importance of this industry is seen at a glance when the various uses to which they are put are taken into consideration. The city of Indianapolis is especially fitted for this industry, for it is not only the capital and largest city in the State, but it is centrally located in the center of the famous "Hard- wood Timber Belt;" has a magnificent railroad system, and the Indianapolis Basket Com- pany has specially fine shipping facilities, there being a switch track on each side of the factory. This company was incorporated January 1, 1893, with a capital stock of $14,000. fully paid up. This extensive enterprise gives employment to about 100 hands, the pay-roll amounting to $500 per week. During the busy season 600 dozen baskets are made daily, supplying the markets throughout the United States, the annual business amounting to about $60,000. The officers are: Isaac Springer, president; H. C. Tanner, general manager and treasurer. The business was originally established in 1887 on a small scale, but by judi- cious management continued to increase in size until it has now reached goodly pro- portions, which desirable state of affairs has been in great measure brought about through the energy and good judgment of Mr. Springer, the president, as well as to the valuable services rendered by his daughter, Miss Lulu M. Springer. Mr. Springer also attributes
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his success in no small degree to his inventive genius in getting machines admirably adapted to the prosecution of first-class work, many of which in use, are those of his own invention. At the present time they manufacture a full line of splint and bamboo baskets, berry boxes and fruit packages. Mr. Springer was born in Marion County, Ind., December 18, 1845, a son of Emanuel and Malinda (Staley) Springer, the former of whom was born in Pennsyl- vania and the latter in Virginia. The father came to Marion County, Ind., from Ohio, and in 1829 settled in Warren Township, where he entered eighty acres of woodland, which he eventually succeeded in clearing, although he and his family had to undergo many priva- tions and hardships while he was doing so. In addition to looking after his farm he fol- lowed the calling of a blacksmith, doing work for his neighbors. His death occurred in 1871, his widow still surviving him at the age of seventy-six years. The old log cabin which he erected in 1829 still stands on the old homestead and is one of the oldest buildings in the county. Isaac Springer was reared on this farm, and in the common schools of the vicinity he received his education. When the war opened, although but sixteen years of age, he was one of the first to respond to his country's call and became a member of Company K, Fifty- second Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, on November 29. He participated in the following engagement: Fort Donelson, Nashville, Corinth, Tupelo and Canton, Miss., not to mention numerous skirmishes, some of which were quite spirited. For sixteen months his regiment was stationed at Fort Pillow and did scouting duty. With the exception of three months' sickness he was in active service all the time, and was mustered out September 10, 1865. After the war he worked on a farm for about two years, then married and engaged in farm- ing for himself for five years. In 1871 he came to Indianapolis and for several years worked in various factories. In the fall of 1882 he became a member of the box factory firm of Brunson & Springer and continued thus connected until January 1, 1888, when he retired from the firm and established the basket factory, now known as the Indianapolis Basket Factory, which is one of the best known establishments of the kind in the State. Mr. Springer was married January 2, 1867, to Miss Ruth M. Callon, a native of Marion County and a daughter of William and Ruth Callon, the former of whom was born in Ohio, of Irish parents, and the latter in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Springer have three children: Nora J., born October 28, 1867, and died at the age of twelve years; Lulu M., born August 26, 1870, and Edgar, born in June, 1877. Mr. Springer is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Chosen Friends, and for many years has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been on the board of trustees ever since its organi- zation twelve years ago. He is also a member of the G. A. R., and in politics is a stanch Republican. In the two secret orders with which he is connected he has passed through all the chairs.
Harry C. Tanner, the general manager and treasurer of the above company, was born in Lafayette, Ind., November 24, 1866, a son of Ford and Mary A. (Battles) Tanner, the former of whom was born in Stevenstown, N. Y., and the latter in Boston, Mass. The father operated a basket factory in Lafayette for a number of years, but in 1872 moved to Chicago and at the present time is traveling salesman for the Indianapolis Basket Company. Harry C. Tanner may be said to have been brought up in this business, and he is therefore the thorough master of it in every particular. For. eight years he was traveling salesman for a basket manufactory, covering a territory from Massachusetts to California, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the great lakes. His literary education was obtained in the public schools of Chicago. After residing in Indianapolis for a few years, he, January 1, 1893, purchased an interest in the Indianapolis Basket Company, of which he was made general manager and treasurer. He was married July 9, 1890, to Miss Ida May Haswell, a native of New York but reared and educated at Eagle, Wis., a daughter of Nathaniel J. and Lydia (Barton) Haswell, and to their union one child has been given, W. Raymond, born April 16, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Tanner are members of the Tabernacle Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
JOSEPH A. MCGUIRE. There is nothing which adds so much to the assurance and security of the people of a town or city as well lighted streets. Those meditating crime generally seek darkness for its accomplishment, and in a well lighted street much less of it is done. Indianapolis is well supplied in this respect, and has reason to be proud of her illuminated
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streets, on which one feels almost as safe as in broad daylight. Among those who had been instrumental in bringing this city to its present well lighted condition is Mr. Joseph A. McGuire, who is now the efficient manager of the Vapor Street Light Company. This worthy young man was born in Rochester, N. Y., February 14, 1861, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Spoon) McGuire, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a native of the Emerald Isle, but emigrated to this country and died in the Empire State. The mother was born in the Keystone State. Of the two children born to them only our subject is now living. He attained his growth in his native city and was thoroughly educated in the public schools of the same. When only about seven years of age he was left an orphan and had to buffet the world without aid. Possessed of much native intelligence and ability for his years, and a high degree of integrity, he went actively to work at any honest employ- ment that would bring him in a dollar, and for some time was a newsboy in New York city. Later he drifted into the Buckeye State, where lie was engaged in the show business for about two years. In 1884 he started with the Sun Vapor Light & Stove Company, now the Sun Vapor Street Light Company, as salesman, and in 1887 came to Indianapolis as man- ager of this office. Here he has made his home since, and in that time has won many warm friends by his pleasant, agreeable manner and his fund of good common sense. He has charge of all the company's contract work and is on the road a considerable portion of his time. Left to fight his own way in life at an early age his career furnishes food for reflection, showing, as it does, what may be achieved by perseverance. Politically he is a Republican, and advocates the principles of that party at all times.
WILLIS SMITHER is one of the old settlers of Marion County, Ind., and is now passing the sunset of his life in a comfortable and attractive home within its borders. Honorable and upright in every walk of life, his long career has been without a blot or blemish to mar its whiteness. Although eighty-six years liave passed over his head and have left their impress in his white hair and lined features the man himself is richer and nobler and grander for the experience that each decade has brought him. He is a native Kentuckian, born in Franklin, County July 23, 1807, to the union of James and Nancy (O'Neal) Smither, both natives of the Old Dominion, the father born about 1776. The lat- ter came to Kentucky with his parents when a boy and settled in Franklin County, where he was married in 1796 to Miss O'Neal. Ten children were born to them, as follows: Rob- ert (deceased), William (deceased), Sarah (deceased, was married three times; first to a man named Wilson, then to Dorsey and afterward to Taylor), Lewis, James, Ezekiel, John, Willis (subject), Wyatt and Coleman, all deceased but our subject. The father of these children died about 1817 and his wife followed him to the grave about four years later. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Robert Smither, was born in Virginia. Before the original of this notice was a year old his parents moved to Owen County, Ky., where the father bought fifty acres of green timber land, with no road nearer than Napoleon, Ind., ninety miles away. The incidents in the early life of Willis Smither were not materially different from those of other boys living on the farms in that new country. At an early age he was taught to work at anything necessary for him to do and to make himself useful around the pioneer homestead. The section of country was new and thinly settled, and without recounting the particular hardships and privations which the family experienced it is sufficient to say that but few enjoyed or suffered a greater variety. Young Smither attended school only two sessions in the winter and learned to read some, but not to write. Before he was ten years of age his father died, and he, with his mother and two younger brothers-Wyatt and Coleman-carried on the farm until our subject was about eighteen
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