Randolph County, Indiana
Albert C. Hinshaw
It is a good sign when so many of the residents of a county are found to have been born within her borders. It indicates that they have found right at home all the opportunities necessary for the gratification of their ambitions in a business, political and social way, and it also indicates stability. One is reminded that “A rolling stone gathers no moss." That young man is evidently the wisest who, when conditions will permit, remains in his native locality and addresses himself to the improvement of conditions he finds there and to his personal advancement along such lines as he may choose, selecting those things for which he is best fitted by nature. One such is Albert C. Hinshaw, the present able superintendent of Fountain Park cemetery, at Winchester, Randolph county.
Mr. Hinshaw was born at Lynn, Randolph county, October 28, 1873. He is a son of Rev. Simpson S. and Rachael (Peele) Hinshaw. The father was born near Lynn, this county, but the mother was a native of North Carolina, from which state she came to Randolph county, Indiana, with her parents when about three years old. The father was an earnest minister in the Friends church and served various charges in Randolph county with much satisfaction to his congregations, and was pastor of the Winchester church of this denomination for about seven years. His death occurred June 26, 1901, in Winchester, in which city his widow still resides. To these parents three daughters and two sons were born who are still living and three children died in infancy, namely: Millie A., formerly Mrs. Grant Ward, of Muncie, Indiana, married second to John Best; Albert C., of this review; Myrtle, now Mrs. Charles Albright, of Winchester; Lillie is the wife of Porter Chenoweth, of Lynn, Indiana; and Dr. H. E., of Richmond, this state.
Albert C. Hinshaw was nine years old, when he came with his parents to Winchester and here he has remained to the present time. He received a public school education. He began life for himself as clerk which occupation he followed several years. On November 21, 1893, he married Mary Weaver, who was born September 16, 1873. She is a daughter of John and Caroline (Henizer) Weaver, of Winchester, both parents still living here.
Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Merle R., Thelma C., and Ralph C., all at home with their parents.
Mr. Hinshaw learned the painter's trade, becoming quite an expert and for a period of ten years he was in the employ as painter of Knecht and Thomas, pump manufacturers, then became a house painter with the firm of Coats & Kem, of Winchester, with whom he remained for several years, giving eminent satisfaction as he, had his former employers. For awhile he was in business for himself, then, in 1912 he was elected superintendent of Fountain Park cemetery at Winchester and has since devoted his attention to this with fidelity and energy which have proven him to be a good man for the position. This cemetery is one of the most artistically platted and beautifully kept of all the cemeteries in the Middle West, and Mr. Hinshaw has a just pride in the tasty appearance of his charge.
Politically, he is a Republican, and while interested in public matters is not especially active. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are members of the Friends church and are active in church and Sunday school work.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson