USA > Ohio > Memoirs of the lower Ohio valley, personal and genealogical : with portraits, Volume I > Part 9
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HARLEY H. SUTTON, M.D., of Aurora, Ind., was born in that city, Dec. 24, 1852. His father, Dr. George Sutton, a sketch of whose life appears in this work, was of English descent, and his mother, Sarah Folbre Sutton, was a daughter of Charles and Phoebe Folbre, who were among the early settlers of Southeastern Indiana. Dr. H. H. Sutton is the youngest of five children, three of whom are now deceased. His early life was spent in his native town where he received his elementary education, grad- uating from the Aurora high school in 1870, under Prof. Edward Clark. He then entered the Indiana State university at Bloomington, where he took a special two years' course preparatory to the study of medicine. In 1873 he began the study of medicine under his father and during the first year rendered valuable assistance with the microscope, especially in the examinations of pork for trichina, which subject his father was making a special study at that time. In 1874 he entered the medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati, and graduated in the spring of 1876. In the fall of that year he entered Jefferson Medical college at Philadelphia, and graduated from that institution the following spring, the subject of his thesis being "The reduction of the dislocation of the hip joint by means of a fulcrum placed in the groin." This thesis was mainly the description of a new method of reducing dislocation of the hip joint, originated by his father, with a history of a case of three months' standing under the care of Prof. William Pancoast, the reduction having been made by Dr. George Sutton at Blockly hospital in Philadelphia. His health being somewhat impaired by his close application to study Dr. Sutton decided to take a rest before seeking a location for the practice of his profession, but the serious illness of his brother, Dr. W. E. Sutton, then engaged in practice with their father, made it necessary for him to take his brother's place in their father's office at Aurora. Dr. W. E. Sutton never regained his health, but died in 1878, and Dr. H. H. Sutton continued to practice with his father until the latter's death in 1886, and today he is a busy practitioner in his old home. He has won an enviable reputation as a diagnostician, and for the careful and painstaking way in which he handles his cases. Being fortunate enough to be able to eliminate from his practice cer-
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tain features which were irksome, he is enabled to devote more time to other branches of his profession, and diseases of children is one which he has given special attention. Dr. Sutton believes in home institutions, and that more benefit is to be derived from local organi- zations than from the larger bodies. He has therefore devoted a great deal of his time to the upbuilding of the county medical soci- ety; has been honored many times as the representative of the soci- ety in both the State and National associations, and has filled all the offices of the society. He is a member of the American Medical association, the Indiana State and Mississippi Valley Medical soci- eties. For years he has been the surgeon for the Big Four Railway company; was for a long time health officer of Aurora; and in 1896 took a post-graduate course in the New York polyclinic. He has written many papers on various subjects, but mainly pertaining to his profession, and the county medical society always gets the benefit of these productions. In addition to his profession Dr. Sutton is a director and vice-president of the Aurora Coffin Company, the Aurora Lumber Company, and the Aurora Chair Company, and is a director of the River View Cemetery association, besides belonging to various clubs and other organizations. Dr. Sutton inherited many of his father's traits. He is especially fond of out-door sports, par- ticularly hunting and fishing, consequently he has visited the wilds of the Rocky mountains and the swamps of Louisiana, Missouri and Texas in quest of game, and has spent several seasons among the lakes of Michigan with his rod and net. Nearly every season finds him in some new spot, where the country is wild and game is plentiful, for a vacation. In 1887 he married Miss Mary, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Duchemin, of Aurora, and to this union there have been born two daughters and a son. Only the son is now living. He is in his twelfth year and bears the name of his grandfather, George Sutton. Dr. Sutton lives at the old homestead on the hill south of town, and he has so improved the place that with its natural beauty, it is one of the most attractive on the Ohio.
RICHARD CLAYTON BOND, M.D., late of Aurora, Ind., was at the time of his death one of the oldest physicians in that section of the state. He was born in Wood county, W. Va., March 22, 1822, his parents being Lewis and Lydia (John) Bond, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. The paternal ancestors came from England, while the mother was of Welsh descent. Dr. Bond was educated in the schools of Fayette county, Pa., after which
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he began the study of medicine with Dr. Stevenson, of Greensboro, in that county. While prosecuting his medical studies he taught school at intervals in Fayette and Green counties and in 1847 was licensed to practice. At that time the great West offered promising inducements to young men and soon after receiving his license he came to Lawrenceburg, Ind. After practicing there for a short time he went to Ripley county for about eighteen months and then located at Aurora, where he ever afterward remained. In- 1857 he received the degree of M.D. from the Miami Medical college, of Cin- cinnati, and was one of the members of the alumni association of that institution. When the Civil war began he was appointed surgeon of the Fifteenth Indiana infantry, commanded by Colonel Geo. D. Wag- ner. He was with his regiment in several engagements, among them being Rich Mountain, Garrick's Ford, Green Brier and Shiloh. After a service of one and a half years he was compelled to resign on account of his health. Dr. Bond was always active in every movement for the upbuilding of Aurora and served as a member of the town council. He was a member and also an ordained minister of the Baptist church. In addition to his work as a physician he preached for ten years at various points in Southern Indiana. In 1846 he was married to Miss Eliza Bevan, daughter of Thomas Bevan, a Cincinnati manufacturer. To this marriage there were born three sons and three daughters. One son, Marc L., adopted his father's profession. He was born at Aurora, March 12, 1859; edu- cated in the public schools of Dearborn county; and graduated from the Ohio Medical college in 1882. For about a year he practiced at Louisville, Ky., but failing health compelled him to abandon his practice, and for three years he was practically an invalid. At the end of that time he became associated with his father, which associa- tion continued until the latter's death, June 30, 1904, since which time he has practiced alone. He is a member of the Dearborn County Medical society and of the State Medical association. In 1896 he was honored with the presidency of the county society, which shows the esteem in which he is held by his brother physicians. Dr. Bond was married on Nov. 29, 1893, to Lyda Trulock, of Aurora.
WILL H. CONWAY, a well-known citizen of Aurora, Ind., was born in Dearborn county, June 14, 1853. The Conways were among the earliest settlers of that county, and have been prominently iden- tified with its progress. John L. Conway, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a steamboat man all his business life. During the
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Civil war he was in the government service as pilot of a transport, of which his brother Daniel was captain. Among the exciting expe- riences he encountered in those stirring times was that of running the blockade at Vicksburg. He married Emily Shaddock, whose father came from Maine. to Dearborn county at an early date. His death occurred at his home in Dearborn county in 1878. Will H. Conway was educated in the public schools and began his business career as a merchant, in which line he was engaged for a number of years. For the past twelve years he has been connected with the Aurora Gas Company. Politically Mr. Conway is a Republican and takes a lively interest in political contests. In 1900 he was elected town- ship trustee, overcoming an adverse majority of 220. Several times he has acted as chairman of the Republican township committee. He is a member of the Aurora Masonic lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Royal Arcanum. In 1884 he was married to Miss Emma, daughter of William Green, an old and highly esteemed citizen of Dearborn county. They have two children, Charles L. and Mabel E.
EDWIN SMITH, M.D., of Aurora, Ind., was born at Conway, Franklin coun- ty, Mass., April 29, 1832, his parents being Rufus and Polly (Foskett) Smith, the former of an old Massachusetts family and the latter of Welsh descent. During his early boyhood Doctor Smith attended the local public schools, but the death of his father occurring, when he was but eleven years of age, made it incumbent upon him to assist in the support of the family. When he was eighteen years old he took private instruction in literary and scientific branches from his pastor with a view to studying medicine. Then for several years he was engaged in the life insurance business and in 1852 located in Cleveland, where he started in business for himself. After a short time he retired on account of his health and for several years was engaged in teaching. Through all these years he never gave up the idea of becoming a physician. While studying some of the old school text-books he became interested in the sub- ject of Homeopathy. Purchasing Dr. Pulte's handbook and a case of medicines he began treating himself and a few of his friends. The
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results made a favorable impression on his mind, he gave up teaching, entered the Pulte Medical college, of Cincinnati, and graduated in May, 1877. Besides the regular course he made a special study of diseases of the eye and ear and gynecology, in which he received a special diploma. At the time of his graduation he received a prize for his thesis on the eye and ear. In July, 1877, he located at Aurora, where he has built up a large practice. He has one of the best equipped offices in the country, in the way of scientific appliances, and a large and well-selected library. He is a great believer in elec- tricity as a therapeutic agent and regards it as being indispensable in the treatment of certain diseases. He is a member of the Pulte Medical association, of Hamilton county, Ohio; the Indiana State Medical association; and the American Institute of Homeopathy. Dr. Smith is active in church work as a member of the Baptist denom- ination, having served as secretary of the Canton, O., congregation, the Wooster association, the Sabbath school convention, and has been a contributor to religious journals. He has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Mary Andrews, daughter of Hon. Luther Andrews of Warren county, N. Y. She died on Jan. II, 1861, leaving an infant son Edwin R., Jr. In 1867 the doctor mar- ried Miss Cornelia Whitmore, daughter of Russell Whitmore, of Georgetown, N. Y. Her death occurred son New Year's day, 1877. His third wife was Teresa Sheurmann, daughter of Martin Sheur- mann, of Dearborn county.
CHARLES DAVIS WEBBER, treasurer of the city of Aurora, Ind., is a descendant of one of the oldest families in America, the records showing that the first of the family in this country came over in the Mayflower. His paternal grandfather was one of the first settlers of Aurora, where William Webber, father of the subject of this sketch, was born soon after the family's arrival. They came from Massachusetts and William is said to have been the second white child born in Aurora. He was a man of high moral character and was greatly respected by his neighbors. During his life he was engaged in a number of business enterprises,-publishing a news- paper, flat boating, merchandizing, etc. In later years he was man- ager for Chambers, Stevens & Co.'s grocery department. In 1852 he was married to Miss Mary Jane Davis, of Mississippi, and Charles D. is the oldest son born to that marriage. He was born at Aurora, Aug. 13, 1853, was educated in the public schools and began life in 1869 as a clerk in the First National bank of Aurora. Two years
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later he went to Cincinnati as teller in the First National bank of that city, where he remained until failing health compelled him to resign the position. Regaining his health he took a position with T. & J. W. Gaff with whom he has remained ever since, filling various positions of trust. In political matters Mr. Webber is a Republican and prominent in the affairs of his party. In May, 1904, he was elected treasurer of the city on the Citizens' ticket, receiving more votes than any other man on the ticket. Besides his official duties he is inspector of the local board of underwriters and occupies sev- eral other important positions, among them deacon and clerk of the First Baptist church, of which he is an active member. In June, 1878, Mr. Webber was married to Miss Julia Lane, whose father, the late G. W. Lane, was one of the most prominent men in Southeastern Indiana. He was a native of Burlington, Ky., but came to Dearborn county in his childhood. In 1835 he became a resident of Aurora and did much to build up the town. He built the first bridge over Hogan's creek, thus connecting Lawrenceburg and Aurora; was the first auditor of the county; was twice elected to the legislature; served as superintendent of the Denver mint, and was for eight years assistant treasurer of the United States. In 1850 he acquired the ownership of the Lawrenceburg Register, which he pub- lished for some time. While in the legislature he secured charters for several turnpike companies, as well as for the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Company, of which he was one of the directors. He was also a director in the old Lawrenceburg & Indianapolis Railroad Com- pany. Although a Democrat his broad ideas commanded the respect of his political opponents. He was deeply interested in the early history of the county and went to the trouble to preserve records of many interesting incidents of the early days. Mr. and Mrs. Webber have five children: Bessie, Harris B., Lane D., Alma, and Jean.
HENRY J. SMITH, justice of the peace, Aurora, Ind., was born in Hanover, Germany, April 10, 1834. While still in his boyhood he came with his parents and five other children to America. The fam- ily settled in Dearborn county, Ind., where the father farmed for two years, and where Henry attended school for three months, the only schooling he received after coming to this country. In 1847 they removed to Ripley county, the father buying a farm there and becom- ing one of the first settlers in the neighborhood where it was located. Later they returned to Dearborn county, where the father, whose name was Henry J. Smith, died in his ninetieth year. He was
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twice married and had seven children by each wife. As the subject of this sketch grew up he worked on the farm with his father and by the month for other farmers. After becoming of age he lived with his oldest brother until the Civil war broke out, when he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Indiana infantry, the first company that left Aurora. The regiment was commanded by Colonel, afterward Gen- eral, Dumont, and took part in the battle of Phillippi, the first real engagement of the war. Later it was at Carrick's Ford, where Gen- eral Garnett, commander of the Confederate forces, was killed and his entire command captured. At the expiration of his term Mr. Smith re-enlisted and served for three years in General Shields' command, participating in all the battles in which it was engaged. He was captured on Jan. 9, 1862, and held for some time as a pris- oner at Lynchburg and Belle Island. After the war he returned to Aurora, where he has lived ever since. In 1888 he was elected a justice of the peace and has held the office by re-election continuously since that time. Mr. Smith is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Union Lodge, No. 34, and is a member of J. A. Platter Post No. 82, Grand Army of the Republic. He has been twice married. His first wife was Caroline F. Stegemueller, to whom he was married in November, 1865. Her death occurred on Jan. 6, 1867, and in August of the succeeding year he was married to Miss Elizabeth Kuhlman. By this marriage he has three children living and one deceased. One daughter, Emma, is the wife of Martin L. Dove, of Aurora. He is in the service of the national government.
WILLIAM H. GREENE, a farmer living two miles west of Dills- boro, Ind., is a descendant of the same family as Gen. Nathaniel Greene of Revolutionary fame. His grandparents, William and Mary (Cochrine) Greene were natives of Culpeper county, Va., but at an early date emigrated to Kentucky, settling first in Fayette county and later at Split Rock, opposite Aurora, Ind. Still later they removed to Bellevue, Boone county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Their children were John C., Edward, Reuben C., Syl- vester, Morton, Helena and Mary. The first named was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born near Bellevue in 1802 and died there in August, 1858. In 1825 he was married to Sallie Stowe Greene, who, although of the same name, was no known relation. She was a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Mallory) Greene. Her father was a sea captain and a relative of General Greene, and her mother was a sister of Daniel Mallory, the
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historian. John C. and Sallie S. Greene had six children. Joseph learned the trade of blacksmith, served in the Mexican war under General Breckenridge, and was first lieutenant in Company A, Twenty-third Kentucky infantry, in the Civil war. He died in 1876, in the fiftieth year of his age. He never married, and at the time of his death was living with his brother, William, near Dillsboro. Mar- tha is now living in Kansas City, Mo., as the widow of John T. Ross; Elizabeth married Louis Clinkenbeard, and died in February, 1900; George M. was wounded at the battle of Stone River and died about two weeks later at Nashville, Tenn. He was in the same company as his brother, Joseph. John died at the age of nine years. William H. Greene was born on a farm in Boone county, Ky., Feb. 27, 1833, and is next to the youngest child of the family. His entire life has been spent on the farm, much of his time in later years being devoted to stock raising. In 1864 his brother, Joseph, was appointed deputy provost marshal for Boone county. At that time feeling ran high in that section of Kentucky, and in the discharge of his duties he aroused the enmity of some of the citizens who were opposed to the war. This led William to come to Indiana, and in December of that year he located on the farm where he now lives, his brother Joseph coming with him. Mr. Greene has been a member of the Patrons of Hus- bandry ever since the order was founded. Before the war he was a Whig, in 1868 he voted for General Grant, and since that time he has affiliated with the Democratic party. He never held an elective office, but when the law was passed creating the county council he was appointed a member of that body in Dearborn county to serve until the next regular election, his appointment being asked by members of all political parties. Although his early education was somewhat limited he has been a great reader and keeps well informed as to the world's progress. On Nov. 10, 1858, Mr. Greene was married to Miss Susan Durham, a daughter of John and Mary (Field) Durham, both natives of Kentucky, the former of Perryville and the latter of Dan- ville, though later they lived in Montgomery county, Ind. Their chil- dren were Henry C., who died in May, 1903; John, now a resident of Hendricks county, Ind., where he has a large farm. He has two sons in Indianapolis, one an attorney and the other a physician. Mary F., now Mrs. G. H. Adams, of Junction City, Kan .; James W., a farmer, near Council Bluffs, Ia. Mrs. Greene is the third child of the family. Her mother died in 1846, and her father married Sarah Stubbins, of Kentucky, and to this marriage were born eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Greene have four children: Joseph was born Sept. 10, 1863,
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before his parents came to Indiana. He attended the Aurora high school, graduated from the normal department of Moore's Hill col- lege, and for eleven years taught in the common schools. He is now the electrician for the Southeastern Indiana Telephone Company and one of the stockholders in the Dillsboro Natural Gas Company that recently found gas near his father's farm. He lives at home with his parents. Minnie M. was born Sept. 10, 1865. She is now Mrs. Hansel E. Gray of Brace, Tenn., where her husband is a planter. Sallie Stowe was born Aug. 28, 1871, and lives at home. Harry D. was born Oct. I, 1874. He attended the Northern Indiana Normal college for three years, and one term at Moore's Hill college. Since leaving school he has been engaged in teaching. He also lives with his parents. Mr. Greene owns a well improved farm of 155 acres and is recognized as one of the most progressive farmers of Dearborn county.
JAMES POE COULTER, one of the leading merchants of Aurora, Ind., was born in the city of Philadelphia, May 29, 1835. He is a son of James and Jane (Moore) Coulter, both natives of County Tyrone, Ireland, but came to America shortly after their marriage. They first settled in Philadelphia but when James was about three years old the family re- moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, where the father died. Upon leaving school Mr. Coulter worked for some time at general carpenter work and then found employment as a bridge builder for the C. & A. Railroad Company. His industry and regular habits commended him to the company's officials and he was called to take charge of a division, a position he held for several years. Leaving this company he went into the car works at Bloomington, Ill., where he remained for ten years, the last six of which he was assistant foreman of the shops. In 1872 he was appointed master car builder for the Springfield division of the B. & O. S. W., holding that position for about four years, when he was made superintendent of the car department of the same company with headquarters at Aurora. Twelve years later he resigned the place and went into the dry goods business, and for the last nine years has been one of the most prominent merchants of Aurora. It has been a rule of his life to do whatever came in his way to the best of his
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ability. His promotions in the railroad service and his success as a merchant are unquestionably due to this trait of character. In 1855 he was married to Catherine Ann Roan, daughter of John and Cath- erine Roan, of Stark county, Ohio. To this union were born five chil- dren, two dying in infancy. Mrs. Coulter died in 1900, leaving a hus- band and three daughters. He married Ella Cadwell, of Aurora, in June, 1901, and has two children by his second marriage. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Aurora Lodge No. 51; Royal Arch Chapter No. 13; Aurora Commandery No. 17, Knights Tem- plars; Indianapolis Consistory, Scottish Rite, in which he holds the thirty-second degree; and the Supreme Council, where he has received the thirty-third degree, the highest in the order.
CHARLES H. CONAWAY, attorney at law, Dillsboro, Ind., was born in Dear- born county, Ind., March 28, 1864. He is a son of Hamilton and Elizabeth (Harper) Conaway. Hamilton Conaway came with his father from Virginia, the family being among the pioneers of Dear- born county. He was a lawyer by pro- fession, beginning practice as early as 1838, and served three terms as trustee of Clay township. His death occurred on March 17, 1899. Charles H. Conaway was educated in the public schools of Dearborn county and then took up the study of law with his father. When the latter retired the son succeeded to the practice, having been admitted to the bar in 1884, and since 1887 he has been in active practice, making his headquarters at Dillsboro. In 1902 he was elected to the lower house of the legislature, as the joint repre- sentative of Dearborn and Ohio counties, for a term of two years. Mr. Conaway is a modest, unassuming gentleman who devotes most of his time to his business or in quiet social intercourse with his friends. He is one of the charter members of Dillsboro Lodge No. 333, Knights of Pythias, the only society in which he claims mem- bership. In 1890 Mr. Conaway was married to Miss Annie B. Weaver, daughter of Joseph Weaver, one of the old residents of the county. They have one son, Carl C.
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