Senator John Worth Kern (Deceased). The late United States Senator John W. Kern was a native son of Indiana and unto his native state and the nation he gave the best years of his life and the full measure of his talents. He served them well in various capacities and his memory is revered by those who were fortunate enough to have known him and his works will live after him. The history of Indiana would be incomplete without some personal mention of John Worth Kern. His life work stands as a guiding star, pointing the way to those young men who have an ambition to succeed in life, exemplifying the fact that there is no position too high to be attained, no matter how humble their origin, if they are animated by the same lofty ideals backed by a firm and steadfast determination to succeed, such as governed the life of Senator Kern. John Worth Kern was a born politician and a recognized leader of the Democratic party in both state and national affairs. He loved the excitement of a political campaign and was as willing to lead a forlorn hope as he was to command a conquering army. Early in life he manifested an interest in political affairs and long before reaching his majority was assistant editor of a Democratic paper in Kokomo, Indiana, near the place of his birth. After receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws at the University of Michigan in 1869 he engaged in active practice of his profession following the vicissitudes of the country lawyer, gradually increasing his practice in that section of the state until the time of his election in 1884, to the position of reporter in the Supreme Court of Indiana. He was recognized as a strong, versatile attorney in central and Northern Indiana. Upon his election as Supreme Court reporter he moved to Indianapolis and continued to make that city his home until his death August 17, 1917. For four years he served the State of Indiana as Supreme Court reporter and it might be said that there he began his political career which was to figure so largely in both the state and nation. Previous to his removing to Indianapolis he had served as city attorney for the city of Kokomo, Indiana, for eight years, being first elected to that position in 1877. He was well founded in the principles of law, and his experience there and his service as Supreme Court reporter proved a stepping stone to the position of city attorney for the city of Indianapolis to which he was elected, and the duties of which office he satisfactorily performed for two terms. In 1888 he was the democratic nominee for State Senator and was duly elected to that office in which he served for four years. In the meantime he resumed the practice of his profession in Indianapolis and was rapidly winning distinction in the metropolis of the state; in fact, his ability as a trial lawyer became widely known and when the famous case of the Indianapolis bank wreckers came up for trial Mr. Kern was appointed special U. S. District Attorney by Attorney General Olney to prosecute the offenders which he did with vigor and success. It seems, however, that the fates decreed that Mr. Kern was not to be permitted to follow the practice of his chosen profession for in 1900 and again in 1904 he was unanimously nominated by the Democratic party as their candidate for governor of Indiana. These were off years for the Democratic party in the State of Indiana and Mr. Kern accepted the nomination knowing in advance that his defeat was almost certain. Yet he accepted it in the same cheerful manner that he accepted success when it came to him. In 1905 he received his party's vote for the position of United States Senator, and in the presidential campaign of 1908, much against his wish, he was nominated by the national Democratic convention for the position as vice president on the ticket with William Jennings Bryan. He entered into the campaign with a will and did everything in his power to advance the interests of his party and secure the election of his warm personal friend and running mate, Mr. Bryan. The results of that campaign are so well known it is not necessary here to repeat them, but his party feeling grateful to him for services rendered made him their unanimous choice for United States Senator in 1911 to which position he was elected. He declined to become a candidate for Senator, and withdrew his name, but was nominated in spite of it. While serving in this capacity Senator Kern rendered to the nation a great service. He was a close friend and adviser of President Wilson, and filled the position of what is known as the "Leader of Senate," or in other words he was the President's personal representative and it can truthfully be said that it was largely due to his efforts that Mr. Wilson received the high office which he so ably filled. Senator Kern was leader of the Indiana delegation to the Democratic national convention which nominated Woodrow Wilson, and while the delegates were instructed to cast their votes for Thomas Marshall as long as there was any hope for his nomination, Senator Kern early realized the fact that Mr. Marshall's nomination was an impossibility. But due to his personal influence he was able to hold the delegation intact until such time as Mr. Wilson's strength had been developed in the convention so that by throwing the support of the Indiana delegation to him his nomination was insured. Every effort possible was put forward to divide the Indiana delegation, and had that been brought about Woodrow Wilson's nomination would have been defeated, so that we can say that to Senator Kern, Woodrow Wilson was indebted for his nomination and election to the office of President of the United States. During his six years service as United States Senator he performed wonders by his personal popularity with his colleagues, and smoothed away many a mountain that seemed at the time to present insurmountable obstacles and permitted many of President Wilson's policies to be carried out in spite of bitter opposition in the Upper House. Volumes could be written on this subject but limited space here will not permit of our going into details, but suffice to say that it was largely through his efforts and support that Mr. Wilson's first administration was able to accomplish the things which the President so much desired. In 1916 he was again his party's choice for the same office but was defeated by Harry S. New, Republican candidate for that office. Senator Kern had a host of warm personal friends among the men of both parties during his life time. He was especially close to Mr. Bryan who counseled with him in all things political and the Senator on several occasions acted as the personal representative of Mr. Bryan in the State of Indiana. He enjoyed the close friendship of President Wilson, a man who made but few friends . At the time of his passing much was written regarding his life work and his influence in both state and national affairs. He was known as a politician of the old school believing that "to the victors belong the spoils." He never resorted to unfair means to secure the election of his candidate and through all the long years of his public service Senator Kern's personal character, honesty and integrity were never questioned. At the time of his death the Indianapolis Star interviewed Governor Samuel M. Ralston and it is fitting that we quote a sentence or two: "Senator Kern was one of the most lovable characters I ever knew. As a public servant, few men ranked higher than he did. I know the high admiration held for him by President Wilson." The Star further prints an interview with Claude Bowers, Secretary of Senator Kern, in which he says: "Senator Kern sacrificed his life in the service of his country, and when the history of President Wilson's administration is written and the facts are disclosed, the greatness of the man will be established. His unfailing patience, his infinite tact, his clever diplomacy, and his personal popularity with his colleagues smoothed away many a mountain that at the time presented a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Never man served Indiana in the Senate more conscientiously, with greater constancy, or with purer purpose. No man knew him but to love him." John Worth Kern was born in Howard county, Indiana, December 20, 1849, the son of Jacob H. and Nancy (Leggett) Kern. He traced his ancestry back to the pioneers of America, the family having been founded as early as 1750, and represented in the State of Indiana in 1836. His father was one of the early practicing physicians in Indiana. He came here from Virginia to which state he returned and passed the last years of his life. Senator Kern was twice married, his first wife being Julia Ann Hazzard, who passed to the life beyond September 1, 1884. Two children were born to this union, a son and a daughter, Fred R. and Julia A. The Senator's second marriage occurred December 23, 1885, when he was united in marriage to Araminta A. Cooper, daughter of Dr. William and Eliza (Newcomb) Cooper of Kokomo, Indiana. Two sons were born to this union: John Worth Kern II, and William Cooper Kern. John is a practicing attorney and lives in the city of Indianapolis, as does Mrs. Kern. Senator Kern found his greatest enjoyment in the society of his wife and children and spent as much of his time as his duties would permit in their society. Mrs. Kern was with him through all of his campaigns and one of his wisest counselors, and it was much against her wishes that the Senator accepted the nomination for vice president of the United States as the strenuous labors performed by him in that campaign were responsible largely for his broken health which resulted in his death a few years later. His boys were his companions whenever it was possible and to them he has left a rich heritage indeed, in the memory of his services as a public official, an able lawyer and a clean honorable citizen. Senator Kern started life as an obscure country lawyer. He naturally possessed a keen sense of humor and before the Bar Association meeting of later years he contributed a paper "From the Life of a Country Lawyer" which sparkled with wit and humor throughout, but at the same time was a true description of the manner in which justice was administered in the early days of Indiana. At the time of his death he was under contract to write a number of articles for different publishers treating of the conditions of that day and age of the state's history, and it is to be regretted that his life could not have been spared until it could be completed. In social affairs he was a member of the Masonic fraternity through its various branches; a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks Lodge and a number of other social orders. He held membership in the Commercial Club of which he was president in 1904; was a member of the University and Indianapolis Country clubs and was one of the founders and the first president of the Indiana Democratic Club. His remains were interred at Kerncliff, Botetourt county, Virginia.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Walter F. Kelly, M. D., one of the experienced and capable physicians and surgeons of Irvington, and a veteran of the late war, is held in high esteem in his home city. He was born at Bradford, Massachusetts, January 13, 1874, son of George L. and Kate (Ducey) Kelly. The father was born at Salem, New Hampshire, December 6, 1836, and died in April 1907, aged seventy-one years, while the mother, born near Montreal, Canada, July 23, 1839, died in 1895, aged fifty-six years. Like the majority of his fellow citizens of Salem, he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and later was in the shoe business. During his last years, however, he was a manufacturer of soap. He and his wife had four sons and three daughters: Frank, George, Charles, Walter F., Isabelle, now Mrs. Charles H. Singleton, Susan, and Flora, now Mrs. Louis M. Kelly. Of English descent, the Kellys came to the American colonies from England in 1634, and this family was represented in the American Revolution. The grade and high schools of Bradford, Massachusetts, gave Walter F. Kelly his preliminary education, and he was subsequently graduated from Dartmouth College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1897. Going then to the University of Texas, he was there as athletic director, and later held the same position with Butler College. In 1906 he took his degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Indiana University Medical College, and immediately thereafter entered upon the practice of medicine at Irvington, and here he has since continued, building up a large and desirable connection, and winning the confidence of the public. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to the Optimist Club, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and the Indianapolis Athletic Club. A Presbyterian, he is one of the deacons of the Irvington Church. In politics he is a Democrat. During the late war he was commissioned a Captain in the Medical Corps, and was stationed at Fort Reily. For several years he has been on the directorate of the Irvington State Bank. September 12, 1901 he was married to Miss Mary L. Drury, of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and they have one daughter, Frances.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


James Franklin Hanly, nationally known in church and political circles as J. Frank Hanly, was the twenty-fifth governor of Indiana, was born near St. Joseph, Champaign county, Illinois, April 4, 1863. His parents were Elijah and Anna (Calton) Hanly, Ohioans by birth, although there is a family tradition that the mother was born in North Carolina. James Franklin Hanly's ancestry was not well recorded, although it is believed his lineage carries back to Irish Protestant pioneers of eastern and southern states. Even the beloved Lincoln did not have a humbler start in life than James Franklin Hanly. His parents were poor, seeking to gain a livelihood from small farms in Illinois and Indiana. The result was that the boy gained only a meager education in rural schools. Early in boyhood he had to go to work on farms and with his small earnings help to support the family. He was of the type, however, that privation could not deny. With the little learning acquired in country schools he was able to make books his friends and by their aid gathered a fragmentary education. In 1879 he walked to the town of Williamsport, Warren county, Indiana, and there took odd jobs, including woodsawing, as a means of livelihood. He found time to gain a little more schooling and soon, through economies that even reached the stage of hunger, saved enough money to give him entrance to a normal college at Danville, Illinois. His next move was to teach school during the winter, study law, and work as a day laborer in summer. Judge Rabb, of Williamsport, took an interest in the young man and one day, while Hanly was digging ditches, suggested to him that he take part in an approaching political campaign as a speaker. This Hanly did and that marked the beginning of a career as an orator, for in after years Hanly became a national figure on the stump. Hanly was admitted to the bar at Williamsport in, 1889 and began the practice of law in that town, the seat of Warren county. His rise to a conspicuous place in the community was rapid and a year later Hanly was elected to the senate of the Indiana General Assembly. There he attracted attention because of his ability in debate. His next step up the ladder of politics was to be elected to Congress as a representative of the Ninth Indiana district on the Republican ticket. That was in 1894. He served only one term, but impressed Washington with his ability. In 1896 he became associated with Will R. Wood in the practice of law at Lafayette, and in 1899 was defeated by only a few votes by Albert J. Beveridge in a race for the United States Senate. The next important milestone in Hanly's life was his election to the governorship of Indiana in 1904 and he held the office until his term expired in 1909. His career as governor was marked by political episodes that revealed his aggressiveness, causing him to make enemies, but he had many friends and followers in the Republican party who upheld his policies. Among his favored principles, one he fought for until his death, was that of hatred for the liquor traffic. So strongly did Hanly espouse the cause of Prohibition that in 1917 he organized the Flying Squadron, a group of anti-saloon advocates that swept over the country preaching prohibition. They went into every state in the Union . In the years between his retirement as governor, 1909, and 1917, Hanly was a lecturer and at every opportunity voiced his sentiments against the saloon. He was the president of the Flying Squadron from 1917 to 1920. His advocacy of prohibition practically changed his political rating from Republican to Prohibitionist and in 1916 he was nominated by the Prohibitionists as their candidate for President. When the Volstead act was passed he was one of the lawyers who appeared before the United States Supreme Court to offer argument upholding the constitutionality of the famous law. Mr. Hanly was a tireless worker. When not lecturing he was writing or directing business interests, including the editorship and management of the National Enquirer, a Prohibition periodical published in Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis Commercial, a financial newspaper. He also was the president of a veneer and lumber company from 1908 to 1920. He was the author of several books, including "My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," and "The Siskiyous." He was known for his command of the English language and many of his expressions, both on the platform and in his writings, still are quoted. It was while on a lecture tour that Mr. Hanly met his death. While crossing a railroad near Dennison, Ohio, on Sunday, August 1, 1920, the automobile in which Mr. Hanly was riding with some friends was struck by a train. Three persons died of the injuries sustained, one of them being Mr. Hanly. The widow, to whom Mr. Hanly was married December 3, 1881, one daughter, Mrs. Harry O. Garman, and two grandchildren, George Harry Hanly Garman and Helen Louise Garman survive. Mrs. Hanly was Miss Eva A. R. Simmer, daughter of Peter and Sarah E. Simmer, of Williamsport. Of the six children born to this union five died in infancy. The family was of the Methodist faith, Mr. Hanly having served the church on several not able occasions, particularly as delegate to the quadrennial conferences of the Methodist body. This honor came to him on three occasions and he was a conspicuous factor in the deliberations. At the time of his death Mr. Hanly was living with his family at 2062 North Meridian street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Byron Kilgore, M. D. One of the prominent and thoroughly capable members of the medical fraternity at Indianapolis, Dr. Byron Kilgore belongs to a family which has written its name indelibly on the pages of Indiana's history. He was born in Mount Pleasant township, Delaware county, Indiana, February 13, 1882, and is a son of David Kilgore, a grandson of David Kilgore Sr., and a great-grandson of Obed Kilgore, the last-named a soldier of the Continental line during the Revolutionary War and a member of Alexandria Lodge, F. & A. M., at Alexandria, Virginia. David Kilgore Sr., the paternal grandfather of Dr. Byron Kilgore, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, in 1804, and after moving to Delaware county Indiana, married Mary G. Van Meter, who was born in that county, Mount Pleasant township, in 1806, the first white child to be born in the county. David Kilgore Sr., became one of the best known men of his day and locality. He held the rank of Captain in the first militia regiment established in Indiana. A member of the Whig party, for a number of years he was elected to the state legislature, and three times was speaker of the House. Likewise, during this time, he was appointed on the committee to select a site for Indiana University, and his name is included on the bronze plate commemorating the founding of that institution. During President Buchanan's administration he was elected to Congress from the Eighth Congressional District, serving two terms, and assisted in the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency and was at that time the first National Republican Committeeman from Indiana. He served as honorary pallbearer for Lincoln while his body lay in state at Indianapolis and accompanied the body to Springfield. He likewise served as judge of the circuit court in Delaware county for about sixteen years. He died on his farm in 1878, Mrs. Kilgore surviving him until April, 1882. David Kilgore the younger, father of Doctor Kilgore, was educated in the public schools, at the academy, where he received instruction under Professor Terwilliger, and in a law office where he prepared for his profession. He spent a part of his time on the home farm, when not engaged in practice at Anderson, and died July 27, 1917. During the Civil War he held the rank of Captain, and throughout his life showed himself a man of public spirit and good citizenship. His wife, Olive Saunders, who was born in Delaware county in 1846, died in September, 1909. Doctor Byron Kilgore was born in the same house as was his father, on the home farm, and acquired his early education in the public schools of Anderson, where he was graduated from the high school. He then took up the study of his profession at the Indiana Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1905, and has since been engaged in active practice, his offices being at 601 1/2 North Illinois street, and his home at 116 West Twenty-first street. Prior to coming to Indianapolis, he spent four and one-half years in practice at Anderson. October 8, 1918, Doctor Kilgore volunteered for service in the Medical Corps, and is still a member of the Medical Reserve Corps. He belongs to the I.O.O.F., is a Patriarch Militant and holds membership in the Sydenham Society. Formerly he was a member of the Madison County Medical Society, while at present he belongs to the Marion County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. September 16, 1903, Doctor Kilgore married Miss Dorathea Striebeck of Indianapolis, and they have five sons: David, born in September, 1904, a graduate of Shortridge high school, and a sophomore at Butler College, where he is an honor student and a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity; Frederick, born in August, 1906; and Obed, born in Decemberr, 1908, students at Shortridge; Byron Jr., born in September, 1911, doing special work so that he can graduate from Shortridge in three and one half years; and Charles Tecumseh, born October 11, 1913. The mother of these boys died April 30; 1923, greatly mourned by all who knew her.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Thomas A. Kimberlin, D. D. S., one of the leading dentists of Indianapolis, was born in Noblesville, Indiana, October 3, 1870. He received his elementary education in the public schools of his home community and then matriculated at DePauw University, being graduated from that institution in 1889 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. By that time he had decided to study dentistry and accordingly entered the Indiana Dental College and was graduated therefrom in 1897 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. In the same year he took up the active practice of his profession in which he has been engaged, since then. He has risen to a place among the leaders in dentistry in this city and is recognized as one of the most able and skillful dentists in the city. He maintains offices at 704-708 Banker's Trust Building. In 1895, Doctor Kimberlin married Ida Bowen, of Indianapolis, and they have two children: Dorothy and Thomas A., Jr. Dorothy Kimberlin received her preparatory education in Tudor Hall and following her graduation from that school attended DePauw University for two years. She then entered the Teachers College of Indianapolis and when she had graduated from that college in 1922 she became a teacher in the same college. Thomas A. Kimberlin, Jr., received his public school education in the graded and the Shortridge high schools of Indianapolis being graduated from the latter school in 1923. He is now in his first year at DePauw University. Doctor Kimberlin is a member of the Indianapolis, State, and American dental associations, the Isaac Knapp Dental Coterie, the Indianapolis Athletic Club, the Board of Trade, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Sigma Chi college social fraternity. He is a Mason and holds membership in the Knights of Pythias. Doctor Kimberlin has long. been a prominent figure in the affairs of the Central Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church. For fifteen years he has served on the official board and has been the treasurer for eleven years.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Robert F. King, one of the leading commercial artists of Indianapolis, has had a broad and varied experience in his chosen field of endeavor, and has been a resident of the Hoosier capital for the past thirteen years, during twelve of which he has maintained a studio of his own. He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, February 24, 1880, and is a son of Nicholas and Louise King, natives of the Buckeye state. His father, who was engaged in the candy business for forty years, died in 1918, at the age of sixty-four years, while Mrs. King passed away many years ago, when she was thirty-eight years of age. One of a family of five children, Robert F. King received a common school education, and gave up his studies to work at photo engraving. He was quick to learn and after two years turned his attention to art work, his first three years of experience being at Cincinnati in the independent studio of Smith & Morris, who taught him the principles of drawing and paid him a salary of $2 per week. If they were too busy during the daylight hours, they would give him his instructions at night. At the close of three years Mr. King worked in the art department of a photo engraving company, but became dissatisfied after two years and opened a studio of his own, doing commercial work for one year. His next location was Hamilton, Ohio, where he was identified with the Republican Publishing company for a short time, and following this he was for short periods in succession located at Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Paul and Nashville. In 1903 he again came back to Indianapolis, but after a year went to St. Paul, then to Waterloo, Iowa, and back to St. Paul, and in 1906 was again a short visitor at Indianapolis. Short stays at Nashville and St. Paul followed, and in 1911 Mr. King returned permanently to Indianapolis to work for the Stafford Engraving company. In the following year he opened a studio of his own, at 306 North Meridian street, where he has since built up a large and prosperous business and has a loyal following. Mr. King is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Artist Club. August 26, 1905, he married Miss Jessie Woodward, of North Dakota, and to this union there have been born four children: Roberta, Grace, Peggy and Betty.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


John K. Kingsbury, M. D., one of the successful medical practitioners of Irvington, is a native son of Indianapolis, where he was born in the family residence at the corner of Twelfth and Belfontaine street, June 26, 1885 He is a son of James L. and Minnie (Kaylor) Kingsbury, the former born at Putnamville, Indiana, in 1861, and the latter at Goodrich, Canada, in 1860. When he was fifteen years old James L. Kingsbury was brought to Indianapolis by his father, an old newspaper man and publisher of the Indiana Farmer, and it was in this city that the lad grew up, attending high school and Ashby, now Butler College. Later he learned the printing trade in his father's office, and after his father's death became owner and manager of the business. For the following fourteen years he conducted the business, but then sold it, and is now otherwise interested. Active in the local Republican party, he was president of the city board of Irvington, and has been on his party's ticket for numerous offices. For two terms he represented his district in the Indiana State Assembly, and is recognized as one of Irvington's leading men and politicians. Dr. John K. Kingsbury has a brother, Layman D., who is also a resident of Irvington. Leaving high school at the close of his second year Doctor Kingsbury took up preparatory work at Butler College, and was later a student of the regular course. In 1906 he was graduated therefrom, one year in advance of his class, and was graduated from the Indiana College, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1909. A year's service as interne of St. Vincent's. Hospital followed, and when he left he was resident physician. In 1912 he did post-graduate work at Michael Reese Hospital Chicago, Illinois. Following his leaving the hospital he established himself in a general practice at Irvington, and he has won the approval of the community, and proven his capability as a physician. November 16, 1911, he was married to Florine Olcott Williams, whose parents are residents of Indianapolis. Doctor and Mrs. Kingsbury have two children: James L., who was born December 10, 1913; and John E., who was born May 19, 1917. Doctor Kingsbury is a Mason, member Phi Delta Theta and Phi Rho Sigma fraternities and he belongs to the Hoosier Athletic Club, Indianapolis Athletic Club, the Indianapolis Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Edgar F. Kiser, M. D., one of the expert diagnosticians and specialists in internal medicine, of Indianapolis, was born in Union City, Indiana, April 16, 1880. He came to Indianapolis with his parents in childhood, and secured his preparatory education in the graded and Manual Training high schools of this city, graduating from the latter in 1897. For two years thereafter he taught chemistry in the Manual Training high school, but deciding upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he matriculated at the Indiana University School of Medicine and in 1903 received his degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution. During the following year of 1903 and 1904, he served as an interne in the City Hospital, and from 1906 to 1910 he was connected with the City Dispensary as superintendent. He has also frequently taken post-graduate work in the Medical Department of Harvard University. With the outbreak of the war with Germany, Dr. Kiser offered his services to his country, and in 1918 was commissioned Captain in the Medical Corps, serving seven months until the signing of the armistice. After his discharge from the army, he returned to Indianapolis, and resumed his interrupted practice, specializing in diagnosis and internal medicine, in which he has obtained notable distinction. Dr. Kiser is a member of the staff of the City Hospital, and is secretary of the Medical advisory board of the Methodist Hospital. April 14, 1908, he was united in marriage with Cleone Hene, of Muncie, Indiana, and they have two children, Carolyn, born July 13, 1909, and Fannie, born September 10, 1912. Dr. Kiser is a member of the county, state, and American medical associations, of the Phi Chi medical fraternity and the American Congress on Internal Medicine. He maintains his offices at 226 Hume-Mansur Building, and resides at 3715 Washington Boulevard.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Louis Edward Koss, vice-president and general manager of the Capital Machine company, manufacturers of veneer machinery was born in Indianapolis in 1879, the son of William F. Koss, a stone construction contractor. For thirty-five years William F. Koss was engaged in the stone construction contracting business in Indianapolis. He it was who built the Virginia avenue viaduct and other large bridges in Indianapolis. He also built many of the large bridges on the Big Four railroad in the Cincinnati division. He was the father of eight children and is now deceased. Louis Edward Koss received his education in the public schools of Indianapolis, and at the age of fifteen years he entered the employ of the Capital Machine company which had been organized in 1887 by a cousin of Mr. Koss. He continued to work for this concern and his efforts were such that he was in time rewarded by being appointed vice-president and general manager of the company, positions which he still fills. The Capital Machine company is one of the oldest machine shops in Indianapolis. It was started in a building which stood on the present site of police headquarters, but the expansion of the business rendered removal to larger quarters necessary. A place suitable to the needs of the company at the time was found on South Pennsylvania street, but further growth necessitated another change, and the company then moved to its present location at 2801 Roosevelt avenue, where two acres of ground are occupied. Plans are now under way for another increase in the size of the plant, a fact that offers an interesting contrast to the small store in which the embryo concern found its first home. Thirty-five men are now employed, and a market for the company's output is found throughout the entire world. The firm's enviable reputation in manufacturing circles is due in large measure to the executive ability and keen business judgment of Mr. Koss. They manufacture machinery for cutting high class figured veneers for the manufacturing of furniture. The other officers of the Capital Machine company are: Louis Koss, president, and George R. Thomas, secretary. In 1900, Mr. Koss was united in marriage with Emma Hofstatter, of Indianapolis, and to this union have been born two children: Edna and Robert. Fraternally, Mr. Koss is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, he being a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Murat Temple of the Shrine.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


William G. Kries, who has advanced himself until he is one of the foremost figures in the trucking business in Indianapolis, was born in this city February 16, 1879, the son of Peter and Matilda (Roesch) Kries, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Indianapolis. Peter was born in a German town on the Rhine river, and when he was a young man of eighteen years, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Indianapolis in 1870. By vocation he was a wood turner, and he naturally turned to this work in his adopted country. He was connected with the Emerson Planing Mills, until his death, which occurred in 1906 at the age of fifty-four years, his wife still surviving, now aged sixty-five years. He was the father of four sons and one daughter: Ewald, Carl F., Harvey, William G. and Minnie, the wife of Edward Kappler. William G. Kries received his education in the public schools of Indianapolis, continuing until he reached high school, and then went to work as a pattern maker with the Waverly company. He remained with this firm for six years, and had risen to the position of head of his department before he left. In 1906 he decided to go into business for himself, and in July of that year he started the Kries Transfer company, his equipment being two old horses and wagons. Although the business was started on a small scale, Mr. Kries soon proved that he was able to make a going concern of his venture. It grew so rapidly that in 1919 he found it necessary to incorporate to handle the huge volume of business that he had built up. At that time, Mr. Kries in conjunction with a Mr. Wente took over the affairs of another firm in the same line of business which had failed to attain the success that his own had enjoyed. This new enterprise has been placed upon its feet, and from this place ten trucks are operated, and the same number are used at the original home of the company, which now operates under the firm style of the Wente & Kries company. Mr. Kries, through his long connection with the trucking business, has come to be recognized as one of the strongest and most prominent men in this line of endeavor, and he has done much to place the trucking business upon a higher commercial plane, hoping that such an enterprise will shortly be recognized as one of the high grade businesses. The firm of Wente & Kries is rated as one of the secure firms in a financial way in the city of Indianapolis, and this gratifying rating has been won almost entirely through the efforts of Mr. Kries himself. He is a member of the Optimist Club and in political questions he votes independently, preferring to exercise his franchise as he sees fit.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Walter B. Harding, prominent in business circles at Indianapolis and identified for many years with the United States Rubber company, since 1918 has been president of the G. & J. Tire company of this city. He was born in the great manufacturing city of Manchester, England, April 1, 1872, son of Thomas and Margaret (Davis) Harding, the latter of whom was a native of Wales, Great Britain. Thomas Harding was born at Manchester in 1839 and died in 1893. In business he was a cotton manufacturer, and as a man of sterling character, was influential in public matters in his city and county. Walter B. Harding was educated at Manchester and in Wellington College, after which, through proved merit, he was appointed to a civil service position, internal branch, where he continued for ten years. In 1903 he came from England directly to Indianapolis and entered the employ of the Indianapolis Rubber company which later was sold to the United States Rubber company, of which the G. & J. Tire company is a branch. Mr. Harding has honorably and efficiently filled almost all the official positions in this organization, having successively been auditor, purchasing agent, advertising manager, assistant treasurer and secretary-treasurer, and in 1918 was elected president. The offices of the company are on East Maryland street, Indianapolis. In 1897 he married Miss Ethel Ellison Tweedale, of English birth, who died in 1908, survived by one son, Jack, who is a graduate of Wabash College, and post graduate of Wisconsin State University, with M. A. degree. In 1911 Mr. Harding married Miss Gertrude Tweedale, sister of his first wife. He is a Mason. During the World War, he served as president of the Victorian Society, is vice president and a director of the Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Industry Committee, belongs to the Kiwanis Club and also to the Indianapolis Athletic Club, and the Meridian Hills Country Club.

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History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Pierce J. Landers, superintendent of the Indianapolis & Union Railroad, with headquarters at the capital, has been identified with railroad matters throughout his life, having commenced his connection therewith when still attending school. Mr. Landers was born July 17, 1870, at his parents' home on North Davidson street, and is a son of James and Anna (White) Landers. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Landers, a native of Ireland, emigrated to this country in young manhood and followed farming for some years in New York state. James Landers was born in New York, September 14, 1843, and as a lad was taken to Manistee, Michigan, whence he came to Indianapolis. He was but fifteen years of age when he left the parental roof and went to work in Michigan, later transferring his residence to Chicago, where he entered the service of the Illinois Central Railroad company. Subsequently he became a locomotive engineer on the old Bee Line, now the Big Four, Cleveland Division, and later held a like position with the Junction Railroad, now the Cincinnati, Indianapolis & Western. In 1872 he enrolled his name as an employe of the Indianapolis & Vincennes Railroad, with which he remained until his death in 1904, at the age of sixty-one years. During this time he rose to road foreman of engines and then to trainmaster, and during the later years of his life made his home at Indianapolis, where he was held in high esteem. In 1867 Mr. Landers married Miss Anna White, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, June 20, 1850, and still survives her husband as a resident of Indianapolis, to which city she had been brought as a child from Dayton, Ohio, the original residence of her parents when they arrived from Erin. Pierce J. Landers has four sisters and two brothers: Mary; Anna, Mrs. John J. Flaherty, of Indianapolis; Margaret; Frank E.; Nettie T.; and William K., of Cincinnati. Pierce J. Landers attended high school for three years and then took a course in a private school. He began railroading during his vacation periods, and when he left school became a yard clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad, later being a rod man on the Civil Engineering Corps for two years. Transferred to the superintendent's office as a clerk, he remained two years, and was then returned to the engineering department as a draftsman and assistant engineer for six years. In July, 1898, he joined the Wisconsin Central Railroad, at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in the capacity of roadmaster, and after two years was made Engineer Maintenance of Way. In October, 1902, Mr. Landers located at Indianapolis as Assistant Engineer of the Indianapolis Union Railway, was advanced to Engineer Maintenance of Way, January 1, 1907, Acting Superintendent March 1, 1916, and Superintendent August 1, 1916. He is accounted a thoroughly experienced and capable railroad man and his services have contributed greatly to the continued prosperity of the road which he represents. Mr. Landers is a director of the Fidelity Trust company of Indianapolis, Central Indiana Railroad and of the local Rotary Club, and belongs also to the Chamber of Commerce. Originally a Democrat, he is at present an independent voter, with Republican tendencies. October 13, 1914, he married Flora B., daughter of Edward A. and Manda A. Austin, of Indianapolis.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Clarence P. Laycock, D. C., Ph. C. Both as business man and a member of a learned profession Dr. Clarence P. Laycock has been successful, and today he is justly ranked among the skilled chiropractors of Indianapolis. He was born in Marion county, Indiana, September 23, 1873, and has been carefully educated. His attendance at the public schools closed with his first year in high school, but he resumed his studies later on in Central Normal College of Danville, Indiana, and still later was a student, for three years, of the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute. For five years he was engaged in teaching school in Marion county, and for three years followed the same occupation in Boone county. Leaving then the educational field, for the subsequent fifteen years he was engaged in the hardware business at Zionsville, Indiana. His attention was, in the meanwhile, attracted to chiropractic, and becoming convinced of the efficacy of treatments according to this science, he decided to enter upon its study and enrolled as a student of the Central States Chiropractic College at Indianapolis, from which he was graduated in 1922 with the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic, and in 1923 he received the degree of Philosopher of Chiropractic from the same institution, with which he still maintains connections as an instructor. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Loyal Order of Moose. His offices are located at Clifton and Thirtieth streets, and his practice is a large one whose growth is being constantly augmented. May 27, 1896 Doctor Laycock was married to Miss Emma Catterson of Henderson county, Indiana, and they have two children: C. Wyant, who was graduated from Shortridge high school, is a junior in Butler University; and James Robert, who is attending the Indianapolis grammar schools. Mrs. Laycock is, herself, an educator, having followed this important line of work for twenty-four years . She attended Central Normal College, and took three years at the Indiana State Normal School. Her experience has been a wide and varied one, and she is very popular both with her pupils and their parents.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


J. V. Lines, well known in Indianapolis and throughout the United States as the vice-president and general manager of the Hoosier Speedway, was born in Rush county, Indiana, September 23, 1882, the son of Henry and Lena (Fendrick) Lines, the former of whom was a native of Franklin county and the latter of whom was born in the same county shortly after her parents had emigrated to the United States from Germany. The father of our subject was a carpenter by trade and was well known throughout the community as a builder of large barns. He was considered the best man in his section of the country in this particular phase of carpentry. J. V. Lines received his education in the graded schools of Rush county. Having completed his education, he went to work and followed several vocations until he had accumulated sufficient funds to enable him to go into business for himself. His first enterprise in which he engaged for himself was that of the used car business. The venture was located at 332 North Delaware street, and for three and a half years Mr. Lines conducted the business. He was eminently successful in the work but he found it not to his liking. He accordingly built the Hoosier Speedway at the corner of Massachusetts avenue and Thirty-eighth street. The venture has been singularly successful and has done much to bring the name of Indianapolis before the eyes of the world. Since the time of the construction of the speedway, Mr. Lines has been the vice-president and general manager. For a time he sold H. C. S. automobiles and maintained fine show rooms at 650 North Meridian street. He developed the firm to one of the first businesses in the automobile business in Indianapolis. In fraternal circles, Mr. Lines is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he also holds membership in the Indianapolis Athletic Club.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


L. Lynn Logsdon, who is known in commercial circles as the vice-president of the People's Coal & Cement company, was born in Rockwell City, Iowa, July 2, 1890. He resided in that city until he had attained his twelfth year, and at that time he came to Indianapolis where he was graduated from the Shortridge high school. When he had completed his public school education, he attended a commercial college to round out his training for business life. He then became associated with the Indiana Fuel & Supply company, dealers in coal, and with this firm he gained an invaluable knowledge of the coal trade in all of its many phases. His success was so marked that he was sought by the People's Coal & Cement company in 1914, and accepted a position with that concern, at the present time serving as its vice-president. He has done much to place this company among the leaders in its field, and it is recognized among business men as one of the most substantial firms of its kind in Indianapolis. Fraternally, Mr. Logsdon is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Murat Temple of the Shrine. He also holds membership in the Marion Club, the Indianapolis Athletic Club, the Hoosier Motor Club, the Art Association, and the Gyro Club.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924


Albert H. Losche, the county clerk of Marion county, was born in Indianapolis, January 6, 1892, the son of Herman F. and Louise (Kruger) Losche, both natives of Alsace-Lorraine. Herman F. Losche came to the United States when he was sixteen years of age and farmed in Perry township, Marion county, Indiana, later taking up truck gardening as a means of earning a livelihood. From this work he went into the wholesale vegetable business, only to again change his occupation after a time to go into the Indianapolis Brewing company. In this business he found work that suited him for he continued in this firm until his retirement from active business life. He is still living at the age of sixty-six years and his wife is sixty-two years old. They have five children: Albert H., the subject of this review; Mrs. E. L. Jackson; Mrs. Edward Kohlmann; Mrs. Joseph Steiner; and Bertha. Albert H. Losche received his elementary education in the graded schools and the Manual Training high school of Indianapolis. He then pursued courses of study in Butler and Hanover colleges which were followed by work taken in the Indiana University Law School, so that he now holds the degrees of Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts. In 1915, he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, but with the advent of the World War, he enlisted in the service of his country as a private in the 334th Infantry, and served until December 21, 1918, when he received his discharge, with the grade of Second Lieutenant, which rank he still holds with the U. S. Reserve Corps. At that time, he resumed his chosen business of real estate and insurance. His worth and integrity were recognized by the Democratic party whose principles he had supported, and he was accordingly asked to run for the office of county clerk on that ticket. In 1922 he was elected to the office of county clerk by the largest majority of any candidate on the ticket, carrying 196 precincts out of 205 in Marion county and taking the oath of office on January 1, 1923. The opinion of his supporters has been justified, for he has ably and efficiently performed the duties of his trust. He was married on November 30, 1922, and he and his wife are happy in the possession of a wide circle of admiring friends. Fraternally, Mr. Losche is a popular member of the Masons, being a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen, the Grotto, and the Phi Delta Theta college fraternity. He also holds membership in the Athenaeum, the Y. M. C. A., and the Chamber of Commerce, and in addition he is the secretary of the Southside Turners and belongs to the Indiana Democratic Club. He and his wife are devout members of the Zion Evangelical Church in whose affairs they take an active interest.

History of Indiana From Its Exploration to 1922
With an Account of Indianapolis and Marion County Vol. IV
by Logan Esarey
Dayton Historical Publishing Co
1924