Parke County IN

Slave Narrative of Anderson Whitted

Anderson Whitted, an 88-year-old ex-slave from Rockville, Indiana, shares his life story during a 1937 interview. Born in Orange County, North Carolina, he recalls a relatively humane upbringing under a Quaker doctor. His family’s conditions worsened after the master’s son took over. Whitted describes the harsh realities of slavery, including witnessing sales and forced labor from a young age. After emancipation, he sought better opportunities, eventually relocating his family to Rockville, where he faced challenges but found freedom and stability.

Biography of Robert Bruce Spilman

Judge Robert Bruce Spilman, born in 1840 in Indiana, was a distinguished figure in Riley County, Kansas. A graduate of Wabash College, he served as a captain in the Civil War before embarking on a legal career in Manhattan. Spilman held various positions including county attorney, mayor, and, notably, the first judge of the Twenty-first Judicial District. His reputation for impartiality and integrity left a lasting impact on the community. Spilman was married to Hannah Russell and they had six children, instilling their values in the next generation.

Biography of J. M. Haworth

J. M. Haworth, born on April 6, 1835, in Parke County, Indiana, is a prominent community member in Forsyth, contributing as a minister, businessman, and agriculturist. His family lineage traces back to Irish ancestors, with a rich history of service and settlement in America. Haworth became a farmer and later engaged in milling and business partnerships. A Democrat, he has held various civic roles, including justice of the peace and associate judge. Married to Mary E. Howell, they are also noted for nurturing orphaned children.

Biography of Charles Albert Connelly

Charles Albert Connelly, born on August 12, 1869, in Parke County, Indiana, became a prominent figure in Independence, Kansas, through his extensive work with the Independence Tribune. A dedicated community servant, Connelly held various roles, including business manager of the Tribune and city council member. His father, Charles T. Connelly, a Civil War veteran and educator, was killed during a notorious outlaw raid. Bert Connelly, as he was known, married Olive May Stout in 1894 and raised two children, actively contributing to local enterprises and civic organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Homer J. Kline

Homer J. Kline, born January 31, 1861, in Rockville, Indiana, was the son of Fernando C. and Emily Baker Kline. He received his education in Indiana’s public schools and embarked on a career as a clerk and newspaper editor. Kline served as city editor of the St. Joseph Daily News and managing editor of Horse Review before transitioning to fair promotion and race management. He held positions with the Forest City Live Stock Fair Co., Grand Circuit, and Trotting Horse Breeders, and enjoyed harness sport in his leisure time.

Biography of William Paxton Hazen

William Paxton Hazen, a prominent Kansas banker and public figure, passed away on April 16, 1909, in Chetopa. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1858, he moved to Kansas in 1880, where he held key banking positions and served as assistant bank commissioner, overseeing 108 banks. A man of strong principles, Hazen was involved in political reform and community service. He was married to Addie Glass, a noted philanthropist, and they raised three accomplished children, each pursuing meaningful careers.

Biography of James Scott Cummings, M. D.

James Scott Cummings, M.D., born June 8, 1851, in Indiana, was a distinguished pioneer physician in Bronson, Kansas. Active in local and state affairs, he served as president of the State Board of Health and a member of the Legislature. Cummings, a skilled orator and community leader, dedicated his life to public health and various charitable causes. He trained in medicine at Cincinnati and began his practice in 1880. Married to Libbie Ray, they had one daughter, Mabel, and were noted for their involvement in the Methodist Episcopal Church and Masonic organizations.

Biography of Fred B. Woodard

Fred B. Woodard, born on October 21, 1871, in Parke County, Indiana, became a significant figure in the Washington County legal community after moving to Oklahoma in 1898. Admitted to the bar in 1902, he concentrated on his legal practice while also investing in oil lands. A devoted Republican, Woodard faced electoral challenges in a Democratic stronghold. He served as an assistant to Richard C. Adams on legal matters involving the Delaware tribe and is recognized for his analytical and strategic legal approach. Woodard married Lula L. Mitchell, and they had five children.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph F. Goar

Joseph F. Goar, born on January 8, 1832, in Parke County, Indiana, was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Coles County, Illinois. His father, a notable citizen, established the first steam mill in the area. Goar married Mary L. Buckles in 1855 and raised three children. He served in the Union army during the Civil War, participating in key battles. His public service included roles as Constable, Commissioner of Highways, and presently, County Treasurer of Coles County.

Wea Tribe

The Wea Indians, a subtribe of the Miami, are likely named from local terms meaning “eddy people.” Documented as early as 1673 in east Wisconsin, they later established a prominent village at Ouiatenon on the Wabash River, vital for French trade. Despite efforts for peaceful relations with colonists, they faced conflict, culminating in their removal from Indiana in 1820. The Wea eventually relocated to Kansas and, in 1868, to Oklahoma, where they struggled with population decline, merging with other tribes over the years.