JOHN STAHL, postmaster of Lawrenceburg, is a native of Dearborn County, and for years has been known as a progressive business man and citizen of that community.

He was born at Lawrenceburg in 1863, son of Henry and Anna (Weust) Stahl, both natives of Germany. His father settled in Indiana in the early 1850s and was a millwright by trade. He entered the Union army at the time of the Civil war as a sergeant in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana Infantry.

John Stahl attended school at Lawrenceburg, finishing high school, and at the age of sixteen was doing for himself. He worked in a number of factories and in 1890 engaged in the clothing business at Lawrenceburg, being associated with Jude Marshall in the firm of Marshall & Stahl. Mr. Stahl sold his mercantile interests in 1897 and subsequently got into politics. He was elected city treasurer in 1906, holding that office for sixteen years. For a time he was assistant office manager of the McCullough Drug Company and in 1923 was appointed postmaster and has given all his time to the duties of that office for the past six years.

Mr. Stahl served as captain of the first precinct in the Liberty Loan drives during the World war. He has been leader in the Republican party of Dearborn County and is a member of Lawrenceburg Lodge No.4 of the Masonic fraternity, the Scottish Rite bodies and Murat Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Indianapolis. He is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


LLEWELLYN EDWARD DAVIES. In this age of the world the tendencies. of the aspiring and ambitious seem to be, to a certain extent, to seek homes and fortunes in the great cities and centers of population, but, without doubt, it is in the smaller communities that the ideal homes and stalwart Americans are to be found. Here old and true friendships, sometimes stretching back through several generations, are held, the ties of which grow stronger with years of intimate association, joint responsibilities and mutual sympathies. If this be true, and it is, of people in general, it is all the more so of those who sustain the dignity and probity of the learned professions, and there is no one man of Dearborn County who more fully exemplifies the above than does Llewellyn E. Davies, one of the learned lawyers of Aurora, a man whose influence for good and for the progress of his community is universally recognized.

The birth of Llewellyn E. Davies occurred in Mason County, West Virginia, in 1885, and he is a son of Rev. S. E. Davies, now pastor of the Baptist Church at Greencastle, Indiana, a divine of great power, upright life and wide acquaintance, and a man who is a decided asset to any community to which his ministerial duties may call him. He married Nellie I. Wilson, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio.

When he was eight years old Llewellyn E. Davies was brought, in 1893, to Aurora, Indiana, by his parents, and here he passed a happy, normal boyhood, attending its public schools and studying with the idea of entering the legal profession. When he completed the work of the Aurora schools he became a student of the Cincinnati, Ohio, Law School, and finished his training in the law department of the University of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1906, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Immediately thereafter he returned to Aurora and established himself in the practice of law, in which he has since remained. Here he has found the environment he desires, and associates who are congenial. From 1906 to 1909 he was in partnership with William S. Holman after which for a year he and Frank B. Shutts were together in a law practice. In 1910 the association was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Shutts going to Florida, and Mr. Davies continuing alone. He is prominent and influential as a citizen; able and just as a lawyer, and active in his support of home churches, local lodges and schools. His home relationships are ideal, and his life is an inspiration to the youth of the land, for he is proving each day that it is possible to achieve noteworthy success in an honorable and upright manner.

Mr. Davies was married several years ago to Miss Cencie H. Funke, of Covington, Kentucky. Professionally Mr. Davies belongs to the Dearborn County Bar Association, of which he has been treasurer for twenty years; and the Indiana State Bar Association. High in Masonry, he is a thirty-second degree and Shriner Mason, and very active in his order. He is a member of the Dearborn Country Club and the Aurora Commercial Club, and deservedly popular with his associates in all of these organizations. During the World war, like all good citizens, he took a most active part in local war work, belonged to the advisory board, and participated in the draft service, striving all the while to assist in every possible way the administration in carrying out the plans formulated for the conquest of the enemy and the establishment of peace.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


ORLANDO M. KELLER, cashier of the Peoples National Bank at Lawrenceburg, was born in that Southern Indiana community, and in achieving success in a business way he has accepted many opportunities to cooperate with movements and enterprises for the general good and advancement of the locality.

Mr. Keller was born at Lawrenceburg in 1888, son of Aaron F. and Effie (Fermier) Keller. His mother was a native of Ripley County, Indiana. Aaron F. Keller was the son of an Indiana farmer, spent his life as an educator, in the Government service and as a business man.

Orlando M. Keller was the only son of four children. He attended school at Lawrenceburg and first prepared himself for the profession of pharmacy. He graduated from the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy in 1909, and then went to Northern Indiana and was manager of the Public Drug Company at Indiana Harbor for one year. In 1910 he returned to Lawrenceburg, and since that year has been connected with the Dearborn National Bank, at first as assistant cashier and then as cashier. On April 4, 1931, this bank was consolidated with the Peoples National Bank.

During the World war he joined the colors and was in training at Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois, until the armistice. Mr. Keller is a director and president of the Perpetual Building & Loan Association of Lawrenceburg.

He married Miss Edna M. Bobrink, and they have one son, Robert B., attending school. Mr. Keller has been president of the Lawrenceburg School Board from 1917 and has given a great deal of his time to the public schools. He is a member of Lawrenceburg Lodge No.4 of the Masonic fraternity, is a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory at Freeport, Illinois, and the Mystic Shrine Temple of Rockford, Illinois. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, is a Democrat, was president in 1926 of the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Keller is a director of the Dearborn-Ripley Light & Power Company.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


CHARLES W. HOLDER, Indianapolis attorney, with offices in the State Life Building, was admitted to the bar when twenty-one years of age, and is very prominent among the younger representatives of his profession.

He was born in Illinois, April 28, 1904, son of John W. and Martha (Glazier) Holder and great-grandson of the first member of the Holder family to settle in Indiana. Mr. Holder's grandfather was a soldier in the Civil war. John W. Holder was born in Spencer County, Indiana, and was a construction engineer.

Charles W. Holder was one of four children. He attended grade schools in Bloomington and Decatur, Illinois, and was graduated in 1925 from the Benjamin Harrison Law School at Indianapolis. Admitted to the bar June 3, 1925, he began his career in general practice on June 10, 1926. The first year he was a member of the firm of Holder & Diven. He then practiced alone until February 1930, at which time the firm become King, Holder & Diven, thus remaining until February, 1931, and since that date the firm style has been Holder & Diven. Mr. Holder handles a general law practice, but most of his work is specialized in legal business for commercial organizations and in handling financial transactions.

Mr. Holder is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and was one of the organizers and vice president in 1930 of the Young Lawyers Association. He was secretary of the association in 1929. This is an organization made up of 150 younger members of the bar. Mr. Holder is a Sigma Delta Kappa, is a Democrat and a communicant of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He was a member of the Naval Reserves for four years, from 1924 to 1928.
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INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


EDWIN THOMAS COLEMAN, president ,of the First National Bank of Vevay, the picturesque little city that is the judicial center of Switzerland County, was born in Carroll County, Kentucky, August 11, 1873, and is a son of Z. T. and Alice E. (Williams) Coleman, both likewise natives of the old Bluegrass State, where the former was born in Trimble County and the latter in Carroll County. Z. T. Coleman was long one of the substantial exponents of farm industry in Carroll County served as justice of the peace and represented his county in the Kentucky Legislature.

In Kentucky Edwin T. Coleman supplemented the discipline of the public schools by a course in Fairmont College. His earlier independent activities were in connection with farm industry in his native county, and thereafter he was there engaged four years in the general merchandise business. In 1906 he came to Indiana and organized a bank at Cross Plains, Ripley County. He continued his executive connection with this institution until 1916, when he was elected cashier of the First National Bank of Vevay. His careful administrative policies brought substantial expansion in the business of the institution, and he has been president of the well ordered bank since September 27, 1926. Mr. Coleman is a member of the Indiana State Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association. He has been otherwise influential in banking affairs in Indiana, as he organized the Bank of Patricksburg, Owen County, and the State Bank of Mohawk, Hancock County, both of which continue in successful operation, though he has sold his interest in each.

The political allegiance of Mr. Coleman is given to the Democratic party and he and his wife are zealous members of the Vevay Baptist Church, of which he is treasurer. He was active and influential in the furthering of local patriotic service in the World war period and was county chairman in connection with the first two drives in the sale of Government war bonds in Switzerland County, besides serving as treasurer of the Switzerland County War Chest. He has given six years of loyal and effective service as a member of the Vevay Board of Education. His basic Masonic affiliation is with Vevay Lodge No. 133, A. F. and A. M., and he is past chancellor of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Coleman married Miss Mignonette L. Deubler, who was born in Tennessee, and their one child is a daughter, Miss Edmonia, who supplemented the advantages of the Vevay High School by a course in Georgetown College of Kentucky, in which she was graduated. In July, 1930, she was united in marriage with Pearl T. Heady, of Columbia Park, Ohio.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


ANTHONY W. ROMWEBER. For nearly thirty years Anthony W. Romweber has been identified with the furniture industry in Batesville. First, with the American Furniture Company, one of the largest bedroom furniture manufacturers in the State and later, with the Batesville Cabinet Company, formed as an allied corporation with the American Furniture Company in 1913; the cabinet company being one of the leading dining-room furniture manufacturers in the country.

At the present time Mr. Romweber is the controlling head of these two large corporations, holding the position of treasurer of each. His career furnishes another example of the value of the homely virtues of integrity and perseverance, for he was only fifteen years of age when he entered upon his life's work; and the prestige that is now his has been gained by industry and personal effort.

Mr. Romweber was born in Cincinnati in 1871 and is the son of John and Rose (Huerman) Romweber. His grandfather, Antone Romweber, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, and came to the United States prior to the war between the States. His father, John Romweber, was born at Oldenburg, Indiana, and died in 1874, when the present Mr. Romweber was but a boy of three years of age. Anthony W. Romweber was a child when taken by his parents to Oldenburg, Indiana, where he attended the public schools until he was fifteen years of age, at which time he took a position as clerk in a general store. At the end of a few years he began to serve an apprenticeship to the watchmakers' and jewelers' trade, a business which he followed for about twelve years in Oldenburg, or until 1900 in which year he came to Batesville to become actively identified with the American Furniture Company.

This business was founded in 1880 by John Hillenbrand, Sr., who at the time had about twenty employees and a plant covering 8,000 square feet, specializing in the manufacture of bedroom furniture. At the present time the plants of the American Furniture Company and the Batesville Cabinet Company are merged. The two plants now cover about 800,000 square feet and employ normally about 350 skilled mechanics.

George M. Hillenbrand is president of these concerns, with Mr. Romweber's sons, John A. and Paul C., vice presidents; George H., another son, as secretary.

Previous to the latter part of 1929, Mr. Romweber, in addition to the foregoing, was prominently identified, and held prominent positions with the Batesville Casket Company, Batesville Electric Light and Power Company, Batesville Water Works Company and the Hillenbrand Company. At that time, all of the above named companies were integral parts of the Hillenbrand industries.

A division was made whereby the two utilities, namely: The Batesville Electric Light and Power Company and Batesville Water Works Company were relinquished and Mr. Romweber, at that time, took control, with his sons, of the two furniture industries; with the Casket Company coming under the active management and control of Mr. John A. Hillenbrand and members of his family.

From the start of his connection with the American Furniture Company, Mr. Romweber proved himself capable, intelligent and faithful in the performance of his duties. Promotion followed as a matter of course and he finally became secretary of the American Furniture Company to the duties of which office were later added those of general manager. The above responsibilities being his up until the latter part of 1929 when he and his family took over the controlling interests of the two furniture companies.

Mr. Romweber is accounted one of the most energetic and capable business men of Batesville and is widely known in business circles throughout this part of the State. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is keenly interested in all matters pertaining to the public welfare; he is a member of the Knights of Columbus of Batesville of which he is Past Grand Knight; a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Greensburg, Indiana, and of the Knights of St. John, Batesville, Indiana. During the World war he rendered active and valued services as a member of the Ripley County Council of Defense and in the War Loan and War Savings Stamp drives.

Mr. Romweber married Miss Rose L. Hillenbrand, daughter of John Hillenbrand, Sr., a sister of John A. and George M. Hillenbrand, and to this union there have been born five children; John A., vice-president and general manager of the American Furniture Company and Batesville Cabinet Company; Paul C., vice president and assistant sales manager of the same two furniture companies, at the present time covering the eastern territory for his firms; George H., secretary of the two companies, at the present time in charge of the credit departments; Robert J., traveling salesman, covering a portion of the Central States Territory, and A. William, who is at present preparing to enter one of the larger universities for the completion of his education.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


HARRY JOHN SCHMUTTE. The directorate: of the First National Bank of Aurora operates according to the idea that too much care cannot be exercised in the selection of the officials of their institution. The members believe that no man can be a good banker or business man who is not a good citizen in all that term implies. They insist that this is not idealism, but common sense, for no man of concern that is not directed by service or squared up to the Golden Rule can hold the confidence of the people for any length of time. Some incentive besides the dollar is needed to prevent failure. The above mentioned bank is one of the largest in Southeastern Indiana, and much of its present solidity is due to the efforts of Harry J. Schmutte, its cashier and manager.

Mr. Schmutte is not a native son of Aurora, for he was born in Ohio, in 1877, but his interests are all centered here, and he never can do too much for the city and Dearborn County. He is a son of Frederick and Dora (Stienkamp) Schmutte, the former of whom came to Aurora when his son was a child, and was here engaged in manufacturing for many years, and became one of the best-known men of this section, both in a business way and personally.

Growing up at Aurora, Harry J. Schmutte attended its public schools until he was fifteen years old, then, having shown a strong inclination for business rather than for professional life, he left school and worked along different lines until 1907, when he entered the First National Bank, as bookkeeper. Since then he has worked steadily and wholeheartedly in the interests of the bank, and since 1914 he has been cashier and active manager. This thoroughly representative institution was organized in 1864, by Henry W. Smith, William E. Gibson, John J. Backman, Abraham Lozier, Thomas Gaff, James N. Gaff and L. G. Hurlbert, all of whom are now deceased, with a capital of $200,000, and its doors have been open for business continuously during the more than sixty-five years of its history. The Gaffs, mentioned as being among the original stockholders and organizers, were very wealthy men, distillers at Aurora for a long period. The bank is conveniently located in the heart of the business district of Aurora, on Second Street. The bank building is owned by the First National, and was completed for its use in 1924. It is modern in every respect, and admirably adapted for carrying on a banking business in all of its phases. Six persons are given constant employment. During the past fifteen years the bank has trebled its resources, and carries on a very large business, its clients coming from a wide territory. The extensive patronage is due in part to the strength of the institution, but also to the willingness on the part of its officials to serve, and the completeness of the facilities of the bank. The First National Bank of Aurora is a member of the Indiana State Banking Association and the American Banking Association. The members of the directorate are men of high standing in Dearborn County, and many of them have mature experience in the banking business. Decades of progress have proved not only this bank's strength and stability, but also its capacity for furthering the interests of its depositors. The leading business men of this region find this bank a congenial connection.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


ARTHUR J. THURSTON, president of the Farmers National Bank of Shelbyville, is an honored old-time resident of Shelby County, and has had many active relations with the business community. He carried on a farm implement store for a great many years.

Mr. Thurston was born in Hendricks Township of Shelby County, April 11, 1849, son of David and Lorinda (Laing) Thurston. The Thurston family came from England, first settling in Maine and afterwards going to Pennsylvania. Mr. Thurston's grandparents were Flavel and Mary (Buttenheimer) Thurston. David Thurston was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and came to Shelby County, Indiana, in 1835. The family entered land from the Government and the deed to that land is signed by President Martin Van Buren. This interesting old document is one of the cherished possessions of the family today.

Arthur J. Thurston after attending the local schools of Shelby County entered Franklin College. He was a teacher during his early years, spending seven years in school room work at Marietta, Indiana, and in Hendricks Township. When he left the school room he engaged in the agricultural implement and machinery business at Shelbyville and devoted thirty-seven years to that enterprise. He finally sold out and retired from the active role of a merchant in 1904. Mr. Thurston was for some time acting president prior to his election to the office of president in 1924 of the Farmers National Bank. His name has been frequently associated with business and financial undertakings. He was one of the active men in the establishment of the Indianapolis, Shelbyville Southeastern Electric Railway, which was built and operated by local capital, being later sold to a group of public utility interests. Mr. Thurston is half owner of the Blanchard Hamilton Furniture Manufacturing Company of Shelbyville. He and his son, William Eden, are owners of the Shelbyville Canning Company. For many years he has been president of the Mutual Building & Loan Association.

Mr. Thurston married Mary J. Hackney, of Edinburg, Indiana, who passed away November 12, 1930. Her people were pioneers of Indiana and came to this state from the South, from the vicinity of New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Thurston had two sons. Frederick, the older, is a graduate of Franklin College and of Harvard University, where he completed his law studies, and is now successfully practicing law at Indianapolis; he married Alice Stutzman and has two sons, Frederick N. and James S. William Eden Thurston after graduating from Franklin College attended the University of Chicago and is one of Shelbyville's progressive young leaders in business affairs. He married Caroline McCaslin and has two children, Arthur E. and Carolyn.

Mr. Arthur J. Thurston is a member of the Kiwanis Club. For twenty-five years he held a place on the board of directors of Franklin College and was president of the board during fifteen years of that time. He is a member of the Columbia Club of Indianapolis and belongs to the Knights of Pythias and B. P. O. Elks. During the World war he participated with other public spirited citizens in promoting the success of the Liberty Bond drives and in other local patriotic campaigns.
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INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


SYLVESTER ROSENCRANS FISHER. Among the old and reliable country newspapers of Indiana, few have more honorable records than the Rising Sun Recorder, of Rising Sun, Ohio County. Founded some ninety-eight years ago, it has passed through various hands and has struggled through the periods of adversity that fall to the lot of all publications in the smaller communities throughout the country, but since 1923 it has grown, developed and prospered under the capable direction and ownership of its present editors and proprietors, Sylvester R. Fisher and Vella Mae Harris.

Sylvester R. Fisher was born in Ohio County, Indiana, and is a son of William A. and Cora Belle Fisher. His grandfather was born in the village of Paisley, Scotland, and the family came to the United States about 1820; David G. Fisher being the first to come to Ohio County, where he became a boot and shoe maker. William A. Fisher, his son, was born on the farm, but in young manhood learned the trade of shoemaker, a vocation to which he devoted his entire career. He and his wife were the parents of seven children: Sheldon S. Fisher, one of the sons, was in the United States Army for two months during the World war, but spent his time in training camps in this country and was not called upon for overseas service. He is now identified with the Rising Sun Recorder.

Sylvester R. Fisher received his education in the public schools of Ohio County, and as a youth was attracted to the trade of printer. For a number of years he was variously employed and connected with newspapers in various parts of Indiana, which gave him a broad and thorough experience. In 1923 he became part owner, with Miss Vella Mae Harris, of the Rising Sun Recorder, with which he still is connected, and has become known as one of the capable journalists of this part of the state. This newspaper was founded as early as 1833, by Will Gregory, but shortly thereafter the founder's brother, Frank Gregory, took over its management and continued the same until 1875. It was then sold to F. J. Waldo, of Vevay, Indiana, who edited it until 1911, when William F. Hamberg took over its ownership, locating the plant at Rising Sun. With S. M. Seward, Mr. Hamberg continued its publication until 1923, when it became the property of the present owners. It now enjoys a large circulation throughout Ohio and the surrounding counties, and is a well-printed and well-edited sheet, presenting reliable news and all the features of an up-to-date country newspaper. The plant, at 122 Main Street, is modern in construction and equipment, and is ready to do all kinds of first-class commercial and job printing. Mr. Fisher is one of the city's civic boosters and has a number of fraternal and other connections which bring him into close touch with the life of the community.

Miss Vella Mae Harris, a woman of superior education and attainments, was born in Ohio County, Indiana, and is a daughter of George C. and Anna (Clore) Harris, the former a native of Petersburg, Kentucky. She received good educational advantages, and early became attracted to newspaper work, being for eighteen years identified with the Ohio County News prior to forming her present connection. She possesses marked literary talent, and is also able as a news-gatherer and as an executive of the Recorder Printing Company.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


NORTH VERNON SUN. One of the old established business concerns of Jennings County which has contributed through its columns and influence to the advancement and betterment of Jennings County and Southern Indiana is the North Vernon Sun, published by Miller & Miller.

This concern dates back for more than fifty- five years of Indiana's history, and at present is under the editorship and co-ownership of Herman G. Miller and Leo J. Miller, both or whom have lived in this county the greater part of their lives, Herman, the senior member of the firm, was born in 1883 at North Vernon, and Leo, the junior member, in 1889, also at North Vernon. They are the only sons of the late Henry and Mary (Rech) Miller. Both boys received their education in the North Vernon schools, and until 1920 the elder was employed in the Government service. He was married to Nellie Stein in 1905, and they have two children, Alice and Roger.

Leo, the junior member, has been following the printer's trade the greater part of his life. During the World war he enlisted in the army and was attached to the Medical Corps. His entire service covered two years, most of which was with Camp Hospital No, 52, Le Mons, France. Leo married Sadie Maschino, and to this union were born five children, Robert, Thelma Jeanne, Raymond, Joan Marie and Martha Ann.

In 1920 the two brothers bought the Sun, which had been established in 1874, and which has run continuously to the present. This is an eight-page weekly, Democratic in policy, and is the possessor of a circulation of about 1,350, covering Jennings County and the surrounding territory. It is well printed and well edited, and contains all of the latest general news, presented in a reliable way, numerous locals, timely editorials and feature matter. The North Vernon Sun has a modern plant with up-to-date equipment, including electrically-driven presses and other appliances which allow it to get out all kinds of first-class job work, correctly and expeditiously. The brothers are well known in journalistic circles and are members of several trade organizations, also of the Knights of Columbus, Country Club and Business Men's Club of North Vernon.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


HARRY HICKS. To few of its progressive citizens is the thriving little City of North Vernon more greatly indebted for its commercial and industrial prestige than to Harry Hicks, proprietor of the Hicks Foundry & Machine Works, one of the successful enterprises of Jennings County. Commencing his present business at North Vernon in 1890, at the present time he is the oldest man in the state in continuous and uninterrupted service in his line, and during his long and honorable career has gained and held public respect and esteem.

Mr. Hicks was born July 10, 1870, in Jennings County, Indiana, and is a son of Eldo and Alleta (Johnson) Hicks. His paternal grandfather was Edward P. Hicks, a native of Vermont, who immigrated to Indiana in pioneer times and first settled at Patriot, subsequently moving to Jennings County, at the time the railway came through to Madison. He took the contract to cut the lumber for the company on the incline, and later built the flour mill which is still in operation at North Vernon, and was associated with Colman, Hagerman, Tripp and Hiram Prather in the founding of North Vernon. He married Eliza Robinson.

Eldo Hicks was born in Jennings County, and in his youth left the home farm to become a contractor in the stone and cement business. He continued to be identified with that line of work for many years, during which time he became a prominent figure in business circles and was widely known and highly respected throughout the community. He was one of a family of three children born to his parents, was active in public affairs, and so managed his business and personal matters that he was regarded as one of the locality's most substantial and reliable men.

Mr. Hicks of this review was educated in the public schools of Vernon, and after his graduation from high school entered Purdue University, where he completed a full course. He then returned to North Vernon, and in 1890 established himself in business as the owner and operator of the Hicks Foundry & Machine Works, with which he has been identified to the present. From small beginnings he has built up a large and prosperous business, and it has been his fortune to have gained patronage, friendship and prosperity far beyond his youthful expectations. Among the many works accomplished by him have been the building of numerous concrete bridges for the State of Indiana, the laying of water mains for the City of Madison, and installing the heating and plumbing systems for many large schools, hotels and institutions of all kinds. During the period of the World war Mr. Hicks was active in all kinds of war work, a contributor to every drive and a member of a number of committees. He is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 59, A. F. and A. M.; North Vernon Chapter No. 68, R. A. M.; the Masonic Council at Seymour, Indiana; and the Country Club of Mount Vernon.

Mr. Hicks was united in marriage with Miss Helen Alley, of North Vernon, Indiana, and to this union there have been born three children: Edith, the wife of Byron Spangler, who is engaged in the automobile business at Indianapolis; Charles A., who is associated in business with his father at North Vernon, joined the United States Medical Corps when the World war broke out, and was in the service for a year in France; and Marguerite, who married George A. Litchfield, a lumber man of Indiana, and a veteran of the World war, and has one child, Marguerite Cordelia.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


JUSTIN CALEB LOOMIS, county treasurer of LaPorte County, is a native son of this section of Indiana, and prior to his entry into public affairs he followed the occupation of his ancestors, farming, and he still owns a farm in Clinton Township, where he was born November 17, 1870.

His parents were Dr. Philander and Mary A. (Campbell) Loomis. His father was born in Ohio, in 1823, was educated for the profession of medicine, and coming to Indiana before the Civil war, practiced in the rural districts for a number of years. He was one of the highly esteemed citizens of the Westville community. His wife, Mary A. Campbell, was born and reared in LaPorte County and was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both parents are buried at Westville. Their six children were: Justin C.; Charles, of Oklahoma; Guy, of Detroit, Michigan; Grace, deceased; Robert, of South Bend; and Philander, of Indianapolis.

Justin C. Loomis attended school at Westville, and after leaving high school went on the farm and gave his active attention to his farming interests until 1920. During the World war he was chairman of the Red Cross Chapter and active in the Liberty Loan drives in Clinton Township. Since about 1920 Mr. Loomis has been a road building contractor.

He served as trustee of Clinton Township for eight years, from 1914 to 1922. In 1928 he was elected to the office of county treasurer. Mr. Loomis is a Republican, is a member of Westville Lodge A. F.& A. M., the Royal Arch Chapter and Council at LaPorte, and is also a member of the B. P. O. Elks, the Maccabees, the Rotary Club of Michigan City; and the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Michigan City, where he resides.

Mr. Loomis married, December 21, 1904, at Michigan City, Miss Lula M. Small, daughter of O. L. and Alice (Gardner) Small. Her parents lived on a farm near Westville. Her father died in 1928 and her mother in 1923. Mrs. Loomis was educated in the grammar and high schools of Westville and attended Valparaiso University. She was a teacher for two years before her marriage. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Eastern Star and Woman's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis have one son, Verne.

This son graduated from the Westville High School and is now operating his father's farm in Clinton Township. He is a member of the Masonic Order. In 1926 he married Miss Aldine Link, daughter of Edward and Edith Link, of LaPorte. They have one child, Jean.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


HUGH BROWN, president of the Board of Works of the City of Whiting, has lived in Whiting most of his life and his name has many associations with the business and public affairs of the community.

Mr. Brown was born at Chicago, Illinois, December 3, 1884, son of James and Minnie (Smith) Brown. His father was born and reared at Belfast, Ireland, attended public school there and was a young man when he came to America, about 1882. For some years he was employed by a street car company in Chicago. He was one of the early settlers of Whiting when that city was established in the Northern Indiana industrial district. He founded and conducted a hotel, the Standard Hotel, for a number of years, and prior to his death was in the service of the Standard Oil Company. He died in 1918 and is buried at Hammond. Minnie (Smith) Brown was born and reared at La Fayette, Indiana, attended school there, and she now lives with her daughter at Kansas City, Missouri. She is a member of the German Lutheran Church. Of her four children two died in infancy. The daughter, Minnie; is the wife of C. B. Kelly, of Kansas City, Missouri. They have a son, Clarence Kelly.

Mr. Hugh Brown grew up at Whiting, and after completing the work of the local high school he found an opportunity to go to work for the Standard Oil Company. He began in the production department and since 1918 has had the important responsibility of foreman of the asphalt and acid concentrating department.

Mr. Brown has been an enthusiastic Democrat and has yielded to a number of opportunities to accept responsible positions with his party and in the public service. For four years he was an alderman at large of Whiting. For twenty years he was precinct committeeman of his party, and in 1930 was chosen president of the Board of Works and Public Safety. For two years he was president of the Jefferson Club. Mr. Brown is a member of Whiting Lodge No. 613, A. F. & A. M., and was formerly active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the vestry of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. At the top of his list of recreations he places golf and fishing.

Mr. Brown married at Whiting, September 11, 1904, Miss Anna V. Jones, daughter of Judge George W. and Margaret (Markley) Jones. Her father was one of the notable citizens of Whiting. For twelve years he was city clerk, held the office of justice of the peace for twelve years, and for several years before his death was postmaster. Both he and his wife died in 1920 and they are buried at Hammond. Mrs. Brown attended the grammar and high schools of Hammond and Whiting. She is a member of the Episcopal Church and the Eastern Star. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Brown is George Hugh, born March 25, 1907. He is a graduate of the Whiting High School, spent two years in Purdue University and is now a student in the commerce department of Indiana University.
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INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


WILLIAM G. BOWMAN, who is now manager of the Northwest Side Lumber Company of Gary, assumed this executive office in the early part of the year 1930, but as a skilled civil engineer and construction engineer he had previously made a record of successful achievement in connection with building and operative service of important concerns in the steel industry, notable service of this order having been given by him in his present home City of Gary, as well as in other industrial centers.

Mr. Bowman is able to advert to the fine old Keystone State as the place of his nativity, for he was born at Masontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of August, 1879. In that same place were born and reared his parents, John F. and Mary A. (Sterling) Bowman, and there John F. Bowman was for many years established in successful contracting and building enterprise, he having retired in 1907 and being now a resident of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, he having celebrated in 1930 the seventy-seventh anniversary of his birth. Both he and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian Church in their home city, he is a Republican in political adherency and is affilliated with the Masonic fraternity. James A. Bowman, grandfather of the subject of this review, represented Pennsylvania as a gallant soldier of the Union in the Civil war and gained the rank of sergeant of his company in a regiment of Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. Both he and his wife passed the closing years of their lives at Masontown, that state. Hisfather, John Bowman, was born and reared in Germany and was a young man when he came to the United States and established residence at Germantown, Pennsylvania, whence he later removed to Fayette County, where he passed the remainder of his life. The old stone house which he there erected as the family home, near Masontown, is still standing and in excellent preservation, he having been a skilled stonemason by trade.

William G. Bowman is the elder of two children, and the younger is Bethel Sterling, who is now the wife of William M. Jacobs, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

The early education of William G. Bowman; was acquired in the public schools of his native town, and in 1901 he was graduated in Ohio Northern University, with the degree of Civil Engineer. During the ensuing three years he was associated with the Union Steel Company, at Donora, Pennsylvania, and during the next four years he was engaged independently in practice as a civil engineer in his native state. He then passed three years as chief engineer and superintendent of construction with the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, at Youngstown, Ohio, and he then became chief engineer with the Otis Steel Company, Cleveland, Ohio. With this concern he remained three years, and he then, in 1916, came to Gary, Indiana, where for ten years he was in active and important service with the National Tube Company, an integral subsidiary of the. United States Steel Corporation. In this connection Mr. Bowman had supervision of the building of the company's fine plant, which was completed at a cost of $25,000,000, his service having been in the capacity of superintendent of construction.

In 1926 Mr. Bowman was appointed building commissioner of the City of Gary, and in this important office he continued to render characteristically loyal and effective service until he retired therefrom, in 1930. He has since been manager of the Northwest Side Lumber Company, which is one of the important concerns of this kind in the Gary metropolitan area. Within the period of his residence in Gary Mr. Bowman has served as a director of various corporations, including banking institutions. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church in their home city.

Mr. Bowman is prominently identified with the time-honored Masonic fraternity, in which he has received the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, his ancient craft affiliation being with Gary Lodge No. 677, A. F. and A. M., and his being the distinction in 1930 of being potentate of Orak Temple of the Mystic Shrine, in the City of Hammond, and his Shrine connections including his membership in the Medinah Athletic Club in the City of Chicago, while his Scottish Rite affiliations are with the Consistory at South Bend, Indiana. In his home city he is a valued member of the Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club, besides being a charter member of the Gary Country Club, on the fine links of which both he and his wife find opportunity to indulge in their favorite game, that of golf, in which both have developed much prowess.

In the City of Terre Haute, Indiana, on the 5th of October, 1918, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Bowman to Miss Eleanore Nading, whose parents, Elmer E. and Ada (Garland) Nading, now maintain their home in Gary, where Mr. Nading is connected with the safety department of the National Tube Company and where his wife is a zealous member of the Christian Science Church. After completing her course in the Terre Haute High School Mrs. Bowman there entered the Indiana State Normal College, in which she was graduated as a member of the class of 1917. Prior to her marriage she had served one year as a successful and popular teacher in the Jefferson public school of Gary. At the normal college she became affiliated with the Beta Gamma sorority, and she is a popular figure in the social and cultural circles of her home community, with membership in leading woman's clubs and specially known as a golf enthusiast. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have two children, William G., Jr., and John Nading.

INDIANA ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT Vol. 3
By Charles Roll, A.M.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1931


Deb Murray