Servies - Henry D.
Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Indianapolis: AW Bowen,
1913) p 932
One of the popular officials of Montgomery County is Henry D.
SERVIES, the presentable and popular incumbent of the office of
County recorder, the duties of which he is discharging to the
eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He is widely known
throughout this section of the Wabash Country, having spent his
life here and for many years been successfully engaged in
business, principally merchandising and he has been a progressive
man of affairs in all walks of life, and has gained the undivided
respect of the people as a result of his industry, exemplary
habits and his public spirit. Mr. Servies was born near New
Market, Montgomery County, Indiana on June 3, 1856. He is a son
of William T. and Nancy C (JONES) Servies, both natives of Ky.
from which state they came with their parents to Montgomery Co.
this state when they were children and here they grew to maturity
and were married and spent the rest of their lives. The father is
now deceased, his death occurring in 1885. The mother is living
at the old home. They were honest, hard working and highly
respected people. Henry D. Servies grew to manhood in his native
County and received a fairly good education in the local schools.
Early in life he decided upon a mercantile career and upon
reaching his majority launched out in that line of endeavor, soon
giving every evidence of an unusual native ability in that
direction and he soon had a good start. He began business in the
town of Ladoga, and after enjoying an extensive patronage there
for a period of two years, sold out and opened a general
merchandise store in thetown of New Market, which he continued
to conduct with his usual gratifying results until 1879 when he
sold out. He then turned his attention to agriculture, farming on
an extensive scale during the next 10 years then accepted a
position as Sec. of the American Spoke & Wheel Co, which
responsible position he occupied in an eminently acceptable
manner for a period of two years, then returned to the
merchandise business, establishing a drug store at New Market,
and soon had built up a good trade. Being an ardent Democrat and
having long taken an active part in local affairs, Mr. Servies,
in 1908, was elected recorder of Montgomery County and he
discharged the duties of this office with such commendation that
he was reelected in 1912 and is at this writing incumbent of the
same, giving satisfaction to all concerned, irrespective of party
alignment. Fraternally, Mr. S. is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias and Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, in all of which he is prominent. Mr. S. was
married in 1875 to Belle Howard, a native of Montgomery Co, where
she grew to womandhood and received her education and here her
people have been well known sine the early days. To our subject
and wife have been born 6 children, named in order of birth as
follows: Lettie M; Charles M; Walter ; Ernest O; Cora A; Ruth C.
Religiously, Mr. Servies and his family are Methodists and stand
well in the congregation.
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Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke &
Fountain County, Indiana p 291
Although it is often said that dwellers in a large city do not
know their nearest neighbor, it is equally true that an observing
visitor will not be long in a community, however large it may be,
without becoming familiar with the names of some who have gained
prominence for various reasons. The gentleman whose life will be
briefly sketched below is one who has the honor of being classed
among the leading and successful business men of New Market, a
man interested in the best enterprises of the place, and one who
is always ready to promote any undertaking that will benefit his
fellow citizens. Our subject is the son of W. T. and Nancy C.
Jones Servies, both natives of Kentucky, who came to this county
with their parents in an early day, and were married in this
county, where they have passed their lives. Our subject's father
was one of a family of five children born to Anderson and Eliza
Pilsher Servies, who came from Kentucky to Montgomery County and
engaged in agriculture. The subject of our sketch grew to mature
years in this county. His first engagement in mercantile business
was in Ladoga, and after two years spent in this line he came to
New Market, and here opened a general merchandise store, in which
enterprise he was interested until the year 1879. His next
venture was the purchase of a farm, which he managed successfully
for 10 years after which time he accepted the position of Sec. of
the American Spoke & Wheel Company, in which capacity he
remained for two years, having full charge of their books and
employees. The marriage of Mr. H. D. Servies and Miss Bell Howard
occurred in the year 1875, and the result of this union has been
six children: Lettie M; Charles M; Walter L; Ernest O; Cora A and
Ruth C. In the year 1891 Mr. Servies became interested in the
drug business and he made a signal success of his embarkation in
this line. He is a man possessed of splendid business ability,
capable and energetic and his integrity is acknowledged by all
who have had any dealings with him. His propriety is due to his
own industry and foresightedness. He had not only been successful
in a business way, but fortune smiled on him when he obtained for
a wife her who has so faithfully stood by his side during the
years of their married life. Many men owe a great deal of their
happiness and prosperity to the life partner their choice may
fall on, and our subject has been signally blessed in the choice
he made. Both he and his wife are active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and Mrs. Servies enjoys the love and admiration
of a large circle of friends, not only for her many womanly
qualities, but for the sweetness of her disposition and the
kindness of heart which she displays toward all who come in
contact with her. Mr. Servies is a strong adherent of the
principles of the Democratic party, and is sincere in his
convictions.