Hankins - Theodore
Source: 1913 A. W. Bowen History of Montgomery County, Indiana p 996
Among the enterprising citizens of New Ross, Montgomery
County, who have forged to the front through sheer persistency
and the application of sound business principles is Theodore
HANKINS, one of the best known undertakers of Walnut and
surrounding townships. He is a man who believes in assisting in
furthering the general interests of his vicinity while laboring
for his own advancement and, having dealt honorably with his
fellow men he has won their good will and respect. Mr. Hankins
was born in Hamilton Co, OH March 8, 1858. He is a son of John L
and Orpha HANCOCK Hankins, the former a native of Pa. and later
of Ky. John L. Hankins came to Montgomery Co Aug 16, 1865 and
settled in Ripley Twp, established a good home and there he and
his wife spent the rest of the earthly days and reared their
family of 8 Children: Angeline; Sarah Jane; Caroline; Albert;
Theodore (our subject); Alexander; Victoria and Ada Austing both
deceased.
John L. Hankins became an influential man in his township and
he filled the office of Justice of the Peace for a period of 25
years, his long retention in the same being sufficient evidence
of his high standing in the community of the universal trust
reposed in him, of his sane and fair decisions and impartiality.
He had also been a Justice of the Peace in Ohio before he came
here, and was also a constable in his native state.
His death occured Jan 9, 1899 at age 80. His widow survived
until 1905, dying at age 73.
Theodore HANKINS grew to manhood on
the home farm and there he assisted with the general work when a
boy. He received his education in the common schools of
Montgomery Co, then worked at the barber business for a period of
25 years, becoming one of the most skillful and popular tonsorial
artists in this part of the County. During 12 years of that
period he also did some business as an undertaker, and he farmed
for six years. He spent 3 years in Pittsburg (sic) and Waynetown,
and also spent some time in several other places.
He started a barber shop at New Ross, Walnut Twp in 1888 and
remained there until 1890. On Sept 1st of that year, he turned
his attention exclusively to the undertaking business in which he
is still active having thus been continuously engaged at the town
of New Ross for nearly 23 years. He is well equipped in every
respect for insuring high grade and prompt service and he
understands every phase of the undertaking business.
He has been very successful and has built up quite an
extensive and satisfactory business. Mr. Hankins married Sept 8,
1889 to Rose E. MORRISON who was born Jan 12, 1863. She is a
daughter of Thomas E. and Nancy ROUTH Morrison, the father a
native of Tenn and mother of Butler Co, OH. They were early
settlers of Montgomery County, Indiana and here Mrs. Hankins was
born, reared and educated in the common schools. She is one of a
family of 6, four sons and two daughters.
Three children have been born to our subject and wife: Harold,
died Dec 25, 1891; Hazel, born Oct 14, 1893; Everitt, born Dec 19, 1903
is at home.
Fraternally, Mr. Hankins is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows at New Ross. He is a Democrat and religiously
belongs to the Christian Disciples Church. The wife of Mr.
Hankins passed away on May 15, 1911 at the age of 48, three
months and 27 days. Thomas E. Morrison and wife mentioned above,
the following children were born: Mary E b. Aug 3, 1845; John b.
Dec 22, 1847; Marion b. March 14, 1850; Jesse A, July 9, 1853;
James E July 7, 1857; Rose E. who married Mr. Hankins was born Jan
12, 1863. Nancy Routh, mentioned above was born in Butler Co, Ohio
April 29, 1823. Thomas Morrison was born Jan 6, 1821. They were married Oct 30,
1844. The death of Mr. Morrison occurred Aug 21, 1887; his wife's
on Jan 6, 1910. Marion Morrison d. Oct 15, 1888. The Morrison
children were all born in Montgomery County. - typed by kbz