| William H. Fortner |
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Wm. H. Fortner, aged 58 years was born in Franklin county, Ind., on Dec. 11, 1838. At the time
of his birth parents were living on a farm and his father, Solomon H. Fortner, an industrious
farmer, put him into school at the early age of 5 years, where he remained until he arrived at the age of 11 years, although his parents had moved to the village of Fayetteville, ind., where better schooling could be obtained. His father died March 4, 1847, leaving him practically at the head of the family at about the age of 12 years. Mrs. Fortner, his mother, died in Illinois when he was about 25 years of age. At the age of 11 Mr. Fortner went to work on a farm for his uncle and attended school working hard both mentally and physically to obtain an education and livelihood. At the age of 14, he went to Greensburg, Ind., where he secured a position as a clerk in a hotel, then the leading hostelry of the town known to the traveling public as the Moss house. This was in the year 1854 and he remained in that position until April 26, 1861, when the sound of war stirred him, and realizing that the young men of the country were the bone and sinew of the army that was then forming he enlisted his name among those to answer the first call for volunteers in Co. A 7 Reg. Ind. Vol. In the same regiment with his old schoolmates. Among them Dr. Kemper of this city. His regiment was immediately sent to the front where it was engaged in the battles of Corrick’s Ford, W. Va., Cheat River, Phillipi, and Laurel Hill. After the expiration of his service he returned to Greensburg and again took his position the counter of the Moss House, but owing to his poor health caused by exposures during his army service he left the hotel and went on a farm where he remained until Feb. 18, 1863, when he returned to Greensburg and married the girl of his choice, Miss Angolia Dillier. After his marriage Mr. Fortner engaged in the monumental business as salesman and collector. He remained in this position for 14 years and 6 months. He then took a position as foreman in the flouring mill in the same city where he remained until death claimed the owner and the mill was closed. Then Mr. Fortner came to the city of magic growth and landed here March 8, 1886. He at once embarked in the wholesale and retail fruit business in the frame buildings where Lewis’ livery barn on South Walnut street is now situated. The business was a partnership one with L. H. Harper as his partner. On July 2nd fire broke out in the block and eleven buildings went up in smoke, among them the one occupied by Mr. Fortner. After the smoke had cleared away and the ruins were surveyed Mr. Fortner found himself the loser to the extent of $1000. However, this loss did not deter him from again branching out in business. This time he opened a retail fruit house in the next door south of his old location this business he conducted until the following September when he was offered a position as yard foreman and book-keeper for JoshuaTruitt in the lumber business. He retained this place for two years, then engaged with C.Cropper in the grocery business, and remained for six months with him. Mr. Tuhey then engaged him to manage the National Hotel where he remained until Mr. Marsh the present owner, bought it. Mr. Fortner remained with Mr. Marsh until 1893, when Mr. Marsh Sr., arrived in Muncie and took the position held by Mr. Fortner. He then took the place as shipping clerk at the Muncie Iron & Steel works and remained one year. After Mr. Tuhey had been appointed postmaster of this city, he selected Mr. Fortner as his secretary. This position he filled with credit to himself and to the office. May 1st 1895 Mr. Fortner was tendered the position of Superintendent of Police and accepted the responsible place which he has since filled. His records as chief is first class and compared with that of cities of similar size shows efficient work. He can see many places where improvement could be made and if the office was one where his word could be law the the improvements would be made. However he is subject to higher orders and like a good soldier his instructions are carried out to the letter. His reports to the city council show that 22 criminals have been captured by him and his efficient force and have been sentenced to the penitentiary for various terms. His name is a terror to evil doers. Mr. Fortner has the respect and esteem of his entire force of policemen under him and also the people generally of the Magic City. He has done good and efficient work in assisting the Humane society in the prevention of cruelty to animals and children, although but few arrests have been made for these causes. He has prevented the crimes and stopped the cruelties and has made many and fast friends by so doing and many Muncie people would like to see him continued in his office because of his efficient work. Mr. Fortner is a member of the order of Odd Fellows and still holds his membership at Greensburg. He is also a member of De Ember tribe of red men of this city and belongs to the Knights of Honor and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. His family consists of but his wife and himself, no children having been born them to bless their declining years.
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November 16, 1896 |